December Forecast

Can you believe that 2022 is almost over? I feel like I say that at the end of every year, but seriously, this year has been no joke (especially for your fixed signs)! Luckily, this December forecast looks a little more positive than some past months, so we can expect to end 2022 on a more reflective, somewhat grounded note. Both Mars and Uranus are still stationed retrograde, but we do have some celestial bodies stationing direct throughout the month. There won’t be any life-altering eclipses to prepare for, so the lunations may feel more stable than some of the recent ones. However, there will be a last-minute surprise before NYE!

Major Transits

Beginning on December 3, Neptune will station direct in Pisces. The nebulous, mystical planet stations direct in its domicile, there might be more fantastical energy that will begin to creep back in throughout the remainder of the month. Since Neptune retrograde is a little more upfront with signs from the spirit realm and omens from the universe, direct Neptune may feel more confusing. Direct Neptune is incredibly loving, whimsical, and compassionate. There will be a restoration of blind hope. However, direct Neptune is also elusive, unreliable, and idealistic. So, it might be more challenging to remain rooted in reality instead of escaping to la-la land. Surrendering to the unknown without a second thought will come easily, but this could also become a slippery slope if we aren’t careful. The beauty of direct Neptune could result in an uptake in spirituality and a higher evolution of creative processes. Embrace the absolution of Neptune without the dissolution. Given that Neptune will also square Mercury and Venus in Sagittarius, there might be initial challenges along with an incredibly positive outlook on commitments and conversation. Be crystal clear about your expectations, boundaries, and standards to know where you stand during these squares!

Three days later, Mercury enters Capricorn. Now that the cosmic messenger is no longer detriment, we may have an easier time working through our thoughts and communicating our POV. The cardinal aspect of Capricorn will help Mercury take the lead in the conversation. However, Capricorn is also a feminine sign, so we may feel inspired to speak up or share our internal processes only after a period of reflection. Feminine Mercury is not one to be forthright since assessing before acting will be the likely forte during this transit. Given that Mercury will be transiting through an earth sign, the conversations might be more methodical, organized, and strategic. Mercury in Capricorn won’t want to rush an idea or plan, especially if something important is on the line, such as status. With this in mind, Mercury in Capricorn will encourage a more mature, serious approach to communication. Once something is set in motion, Mercury in Capricorn will stop at nothing to bring it to fruition since the earthy aspect of this transit will want to see some sort of tangible result or success. A potential con to Mercury in Capricorn might result in feeling overly rigid, restricted, or unsure of how to approach a topic from a place of authority.

Shortly, after there will be a full moon in Gemini on December 7. The last six months will come to mind or up in conversation as the Mercury-ruled moon brings forth a lunar culmination. With Mercury influencing the lunation, this could be a particularly chatty and restless time. We may feel like our minds are spinning on a hamster wheel, especially if our internal monologues go on an inner tangent. Since the conversations will likely be more reflective during this full moon, it could be a fantastic time to touch upon events that occurred throughout 2023. Don’t expect to get much done during this mutable full moon since it might be time to walk away from whatever is no longer holding our interests or putting on the final touches before detaching from old ventures. Since this moon is occurring in the sign of the Twins, it may also mark a time when we feel more inclined to choose one path over another. It could refer to a career path, a choice in love, a goal, and more! As Robert Frost once said, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood/And sorry I could not travel both“, which may provoke a more somber feeling during an otherwise cool lunation. 

As we decide to follow one path over another, the perfect ritual for the full moon in Gemini is to mourn the road not traveled or experienced. Gemini’s mutable air energy is curious and light yet noncommittal and fickle. So, we should take this as our cosmic cue to reflect on what we have given up, abandoned, denied, or said “goodbye” to as we have chosen to go down one path over the other. Writing, singing, or speaking about these experiences are preferred. Amplify your ritual by writing a letter to the path not chosen, then burn it and cast your ashes outside. Throughout this reflective process, release any anxiety or stress associated with making your decisions.

The full moon will form two aspects – a conjunction with Mars retrograde in Gemini and a square with Juno in Pisces. Amplified frustration, anger, and tired restlessness could arise due to the conjunction. Mars retrograde may spur the full moon to feel more reactive yet mentally defeated, bringing forth a strange mix of wanting to do something but not having the energy to do anything. It wouldn’t be surprising if the conjunction had us laying awake at night, exhausted but unable to fall asleep. Since this is a communicative yet shallow full moon, the conjunction might be somewhat reactive in conversation if we feel extra defensive of our decisions or processes from the past six months. However, this could also feel like a last-ditch effort to make the impossible possible despite running on “E” for empty! Meanwhile, the square might suggest that there is a logical yet emotional decision surrounding our partnerships. Couples might be on different pages about their relationship while singles may have to move forward with one option over the other in an effort to find “the One”.

The Rising signs can expect a cycle to come to a close in these Houses:

• Aries Rising: 3rd House of Neighborhood, Local Community, Local/Short-Distance Travel, Communication, & Siblings
• Taurus Rising: 2nd House of Personal Finances, Financial Security, Material Items, Personal Property, & Values
• Gemini Rising: 1st House of the Self, Physical Body, Appearance & Perception
• Cancer Rising: 12th House of Self-Undoing, Hidden Enemies, Hidden Weaknesses, Hidden Talents
• Leo Rising: 11th House of Greater Community, Friends, Friend Groups, Social Groups, Technology, Dreams, & Humanity
• Virgo Rising: 10th House of Career, Legacy, Recognition, & Public Status
• Libra Rising: 9th House of Long-Term Travel, Higher Education, Spirituality, Law, Ethics, Morals, & Beliefs
• Scorpio Rising: 8th House of Merging, Joint Assets/Finances, Marriages/Divorces (Intimacy), Taboo, Occult, & Psychology
• Sagittarius Rising: 7th House of Contracts, Commitments, & Partners (of all kinds)
• Capricorn Rising: 6th House of Work, Daily Grind, Routine, Healthy Habits/Practices, & Small Pets
• Aquarius Rising: 5th House of Joy, Fun, Hobbies, Past-Times, Pregnancy/Children, Dating/Romance, & Drama
• Pisces Rising: 4th House of Home, Family, Heritage, & Sacred Spaces

Then on December 9, Venus will enter Capricorn. As the love goddess enters the sign of the sea-goat, it will begin reporting to Saturn. Saturn’s vibe might feel initially restrictive, but this could produce long-term success in love, beauty, and money if we are willing to hold out for the right commitment. Since the Saturn-ruled Venus has our best interest at heart, love will be like a business arrangement. Ideally, Venus in Capricorn is negotiating to invest in the right arrangement and person to achieve the coveted power couple status. Although this isn’t notably romantic, Venus in Capricorn is perfect for handling love in a logical, rational manner. Although stoic and even dry, matters of the heart will be treated cautiously during this Venusian transit. Singles may feel more responsible and even selective with their options since Venus in Capricorn is seeking the best arrangement possible. Couples will feel more attuned to planning for the future with their partner since Venus in Capricorn will encourage the couple to be working toward long-term goals and success. The catch is not becoming overly rigid or structured since that may curtail affection.

Beauty will take on a classic if conservative style while Venus is in Capricorn. Dark colors like blacks and grays will be the perfect hues to dawn during Venus in Capricorn. Since there is a more professional aspect to style, Venus in Capricorn may encourage us to cover up more than usual. Wearing low-cut necklines or short skirts may not feel suitable during this Venusian transit. While modesty is preferred, Venus in Capricorn warns us against being prudish. There is a fine line to walk with attire during this transit. The best way to work around it is by choosing clothes that fit your body since Venus in Capricorn has an eye for structure. Accessories, make-up, decorations, and more will also take on a clean yet classy silhouette. Traditional prints, styles, cuts, metals, and more will be preferred during this transit. Similar to Venus in Cancer, Venus in Capricorn may also be a fantastic time to thrift vintage goods. In particular, thrifting wood and leather goods might be easier than usual since Venus in Capricorn would be impartial to find items made to last for years to come.

Luckily, this can be a nice change of pace for our finances since we may have felt like blowing all of our money while Venus was in Sagittarius. Now that there is a Saturn-ruled Venus in charge, building long-term wealth will become our main priority. Earthy Capricorn is interested in capital, such as investing in a retirement fund or buying property. So, this could be the perfect time to corral our spending since Venus in Capricorn will be looking to cut down on unnecessary expenses to reinvest into something more sustainable. Indulging in every whim or desire might not be the top of our to-do list. Instead, Venus in Capricorn will have a “work hard, play hard” mentality to build wealth and status through assets.

Expect a bit of a lull until Jupiter re-enters Aries on December 20. Given that this is the first time Jupiter has been in the sign of the ram since stationing retrograde, you may need to reflect on what happened during Jupiter retrograde from the end of July to the end of October. Since Jupiter originally moved into Aries on May 10, it might be best to think about what transpired during the end of spring before the retrograde period began. Since we’re still working our way through the post-shadow period, we will need to course-correct while Jupiter transits back through the first eight degrees of Aries. Aside from reviewing the retrograde lessons, I suggest checking out my initial thoughts on Jupiter in Aries from May to gauge what we can expect from the rest of this transit.

A day later, the sun will enter Capricorn and kick off the winter solstice. Now that the sun is reporting to Saturn, we may feel like we have entered the crone stage of the astrological year. Structure, karma, and timing will become incredibly important since Capricorn season is a time to be exceptionally responsible for whatever we choose to pursue or launch. The cardinal aspect of Capricorn will inspire us to be forthright and assertive with our desires to become accomplished, recognized, and successful. However, the feminine aspect of Capricorn will encourage us to be initially passive so that we can intuitively gauge when to act and what to act upon. As the earthy aspect of Capricorn provides us with a foundation to build upon, it can help us feel stable and sure-footed as we work on bringing forth tangible success. Capricorn season is the time to be your own boss, so embrace your inner authority!

The final lunation will occur two days later with the new moon in Capricorn. Although the new moon in Capricorn is detriment since the moon does not fare well in the sign of the sea-goat, there are still pros and cons to consider. The moon is sophisticated since the Saturnian undertone bodes a serious, no-nonsense tone. As we approach our manifestations or intentions, we may do so with a more mature mindset. Although this lunation is emotionally reserved, it might be easier to work through our intuition and feelings in a methodical, productive manner. Embracing this new lunar cycle will be done with integrity since the new moon will bring out our inner authority and self-respect. It could be the perfect start to our new year since it can help us prioritize the main long-term goals and aspirations to complete. The new moon in Capricorn may encourage us to take our responsibilities, timing, career, accomplishments, and reputations seriously during this cycle. Failure will not be option since success will be the end goal for this new moon.

Although the new moon in Capricorn might be too serious for a witchy ritual, a great way to honor the lunation while setting intentions is to create something tangible. Since this new moon could set us up for making the most of the new year too, you may find that creating a six-month or twelve-month plan is a fantastic way to set attainable goals for the year. A vision board is another fantastic ritual to perform since it’s creative yet thorough!

The new moon will create two major aspects – a square with Jupiter in Aries and a square with Ceres in Libra. There might be cardinal tension with taking action, becoming the leader, and going after personal goals. The moon-Jupiter square suggests issues with fertility, both physically and spiritually speaking. There might be a desire for selfishness that will be overridden by the need to follow one’s duty or to fulfill responsibilities before pursuing self-focused interests. Setting the intention to bring something to fruition may not be easy during the Jupiter-moon square. But like a dandelion that grows through the cracks in concrete, it is possible to beat the odds! Maintaining a realistic yet positive mindset will help with overcoming any adversaries. Given that the Ceres-moon aspect is also present, there might be some initial challenges with finding inner and outer balance. Cultivating healthier habits and nurturing commitments might not be easy, especially since the Jupiter-moon square does encourage putting ourselves first, which might offset the desire to prioritize commitments during the Ceres-moon square. Combat the tension of the squares by prioritizing your duty to yourself first before your responsibilities to anything or anyone else!

The Rising signs will experience a new fated cycle unfolding in these Houses:

• Aries Rising: 10th House of Career, Legacy, Recognition, Public Status
• Taurus Rising: 9th House of Long-Term Travel, Higher Education, Spirituality, Law, Ethics, Morals, Beliefs
• Gemini Rising: 8th House of Merging, Joint Assets/Finances, Marriages/Divorces, Taboo, Occult, Psychology, Sexual Bonds
• Cancer Rising: 7th House of Contracts, Commitments, Partners (of all kinds)
• Leo Rising: 6th House of Work, Daily Grind, Routine, Healthy Habits/Practices, Pets
• Virgo Rising: 5th House of Joy, Fun, Hobbies, Past-Times, Pregnancy/Children, Dating/Romance, Drama
• Libra Rising: 4th House of Home, Family, Heritage, Mother/Mother-Figure
• Scorpio Rising: 3rd House of Neighborhood, Local Community, Local/Short-Distance Travel, Communication, & Siblings
• Sagittarius Rising: 2nd House of Personal Finances, Financial Security, Material Items, Personal Property, Values
• Capricorn Rising: 1st House of the Self & Perception
• Aquarius Rising: 12th House of Self-Undoing, Hidden Enemies, Hidden Weaknesses, Hidden Talents
• Pisces Rising: 11th House of Greater Community, Friends, Friend Groups, Social Groups, Technology, Dreams, Humanity

Chiron will also station direct in Aries during the new moon. From July 19 to December 23, Chiron retrograde encouraged us to explore our underlying wounds related to Aries energy and wherever Aries is in our birth charts. Our relationship with aggression, frustration, selfishness, leadership, taking the initiative, anger, and sex may have come up throughout Chiron retrograde. Since this was an introspective period, we may have felt more attuned to our triggers and pains. Now that the Wounded Warrior is direct, some of the aches and pains may not feel as sharp as they once were. As the healing process begins, our emotional and psychological wounds will begin to scab over. But like a physical scab, we must be mindful when picking at our Chironic wounds. If we truly want to heal our Aries-related wounds, then we will need to watch our emotional reactivity while Chiron is direct.

Finally, Mercury stations retrograde in Capricorn at the end of the month and year. We almost ended the year on a neutral note! Mercury retrograde is a time to rethink, review, and revise whatever is already in motion in our lives. There might be initial issues in communication, technology, and travel, which will cause us to be more cautious as we move forward with our plans or commitments. With this in mind, we should prioritize reframing whatever is already in place as opposed to taking on new arrangements since Mercury retrograde can be a great transit for revision, not so much implementation. Since Mercury retrograde is reporting to Capricorn’s planetary ruler, Saturn, we may notice that there will be communicative issues related to time, karma, restriction, structure, hierarchy, status, authority, duty, and responsibility. Mercury retrograde in Capricorn may throw us off our game, especially if we are trying to maneuver long-term aspirations with ongoing obligations. Issues with power players may arise, such as tiffs with a boss or feeling a communicative clash with an authority figure in your life as you try to embrace your inner authority. Miscommunication about who is in charge of what will come up, so there might be some issues with tackling your responsibilities or expecting others to pitch in. Although the structure of your life may seem weaker than usual, Mercury retrograde can help you take a look at the blindspots to improve your overall quality of life.

The Dates

Follow @the__crone for additional astrology updates. Check out my astrological content on Astrology.com, StyleCaster, and POPSUGAR.

• December 3 – Neptune stations direct in Pisces
• December 6 – Mercury enters Capricorn
• December 7 – Full Moon in Gemini
• December 9 – Venus enters Capricorn
• December 20 – Jupiter enters Aries
• December 21 – Sun enters Capricorn
• December 23 – New Moon in Capricorn & Chiron stations direct in Aries
• December 29 – Mercury stations retrograde in Capricorn