December Astrology
There are a few twists and turns this month with action planet Mars turning retrograde and communication planet Mercury turning direct. Plus, there’s the Solstice, a Jupiter-Saturn clash and a Black Moon. Here’s what’s happening:
Mars turns retrograde – December 6
Action planet Mars turns retrograde in fire sign Leo on December 6th and will remain on go slow until February 24, 2025. Mars will move back into water sign Cancer on January 6, 2025 before turning direct two months later. Mars returns to Leo on April 18, 2025.
This could be a frustrating retrograde phase, especially for Aries and Scorpio, the Mars-ruled star signs. Also, Cancer and Leo, where Mars is retrograde. The Mars retrograde phase only happens once every two years and it can feel like the brakes going on, when you can’t get ahead.
Sometimes, Mars retrograde in a fire sign can indicate burn-out and it’s an ideal time to adopt a slower pace and not rush ahead. Use this period to rework your strategy, to actively rest and recharge your batteries.
When Mars is on go slow, you may not be the one in control or in charge of your life. Whatever you’re involved in when Mars switches direction, it may take another few months before you can pick up where you left off. Patience may be required.
Mercury Turns Direct – December 15
Communication planet Mercury is back up to speed mid-month on December 15th – thank goodness. It’s been quite a chaotic Mercury retrograde phase.
Mercury turning direct is the right time to plug back in, chase up correspondence and other people and get back on track with what you’re needing to do. Mercury is back up to speed in fire sign Sagittarius, an ideal time to get those travel and study plans back on track.
Solstice – December 21
The Sun leaves fire sign Sagittarius and enters earth sign Capricorn on December 21 this year, the day of the Solstice. This heralds the change in season when the Sun ‘stands still’ in the sky, the literal meaning of sol-stice (Sun – stands still).
The Solstice is one of four markers of the zodiac, the Equinoxes and Solstices which herald a new season. The Solstice occurs when you reach the shortest day and longest night or longest day and shortest night, depending where you live. Here in the UK, the days are growing shorter and the nights longer.
One of my favourite quotes about the Solstice states, “something in us needs to know that at the end of the longest night there will be light”. This seems especially poignant at this time of year.
The Solstice heralds a new beginning. Make sure to honour the Solstice and light a fire or burn candles. This tradition is in honour of the heat and warmth of the Sun which brings us vitality, energy and life. The Sun and Moon have never failed to keep rising and setting daily, amidst all our upheavals on this planet.
Jupiter Gemini Square Saturn Pisces – December 24
Jupiter rules expansion and faith while Saturn rules contraction and fear. On December 24th, these two planets clash while Jupiter’s retrograde in Gemini and Saturn’s in Pisces. They first made a square aspect on August 19th and they will clash again on June 15, 2025 in the star signs Cancer and Aries.
This combination indicates that there may be much to negotiate or work out, wherever these two planets fall in your horoscope. You might come up against conflicting opinions or beliefs and compromise may be required.
Perhaps, you’re being tested or things won’t work out the way you want or expect them to. Yet, it’s how you respond that may determine how you move forward and whether you give up or push through and succeed. When Jupiter and Saturn square up to one another, do your best to keep the faith and hold fear at bay.
Moon’s Phases
New Moon Sagittarius – December 1
A New Moon is a symbol of new beginnings. Traditionally, a New Moon is the time to launch a project, begin something new and start over and this month there are two New Moons, the first taking place on December 1st.
This is the beginning of the waxing phase of the Moon cycle, an ideal time to set your intentions for the month ahead. Make a wish when you first catch sight of the crescent Moon, a couple of days after the New Moon date.
This month’s New Moon falls in fire sign Sagittarius linked to travel, education, learning, beliefs, principles and truth. Sagittarius likes to be on a mission and have adventures. This would be an ideal New Moon to fire some arrows high into the sky to see where they land in 2025.
Full Moon Gemini – December 15
During the Full Moon, the light of the moon is at its peak, shining a light on your current situation. Traditionally, a Full Moon is the time to trust your intuition, make important decisions and bring matters to completion or culmination. This is the start of the waning phase of the Moon cycle, an ideal time to release and let go of what’s no longer needed in your life.
This Full Moon cuts across the Gemini/Sagittarius axis of the zodiac, representing travel and education. Plus, this Full Moon is ruled by communication planet Mercury and Mercury turns direct on the same day, December 15th. Therefore, this combination could bring forth good news or revelation. It’s an ideal Full Moon for decision-making and firming up your plans.
New Moon (Black Moon) Capricorn – December 30
There’s a second New Moon taking place in December, a symbol of new beginnings. This New Moon falls in earth sign Capricorn on December 30th and it’s a rare Black Moon.
This means that it’s the second New Moon in a calendar month which is unusual. You may have heard the term Blue Moon for the second Full Moon in a calendar month but the Black Moon phase is lesser known.
Capricorn is one of two star signs linked with the colour black (the other being Scorpio). Therefore, it seems fitting to have a Black Moon in Capricorn, as the year comes to a close. Set your long-term goals for 2025 and beyond.
Your Important Dates For December 2024
New Moon [9 Sagittarius 33] – December 1 (06:21 GMT)
Mars turns retrograde [6 Leo 10] – December 6 (23:33 GMT)
Venus enters Aquarius – December 7 (06:13 GMT)
Neptune turns direct [27 Pisces 08] – December 7 (23:42 GMT)
Full Moon [23 Gemini 53] – December 15 (09:02 GMT)
Mercury turns direct [6 Sagittarius 24] – (20:57 GMT)
Sun enters Capricorn – SOLSTICE – December 21 (09:20 GMT)
Jupiter R Gemini square Saturn Pisces – December 24 (21:59 GMT)
New Moon [9 Capricorn 44] – December 30 (22:27 GMT)
Weekly Horoscopes
There’s a lot more astrology taking place during December and you can find out all about it by subscribing to my weekly horoscopes and astrology newsletter.
Written in my easy-to-understand and accessible style, this is an ideal way to harness the power of astrology and utilise the movement of the planets to maximise the potential in your life. Subscribe here: Weekly Horoscopes & Astrology Newsletter.