How often do we learn our early education was erroneous yet we continue to think from that perspective?  Even large groups will make agreements to go forward in error for convenience sake. Right now the reorganization of the heavenly hierarchy by the International Astronomers Union has opened the door to a greater understanding of our internal archetypes as illustrated in the heavens above. 

 We read so much about the power to transform offered by Pluto and Jupiter as they come together at 28° of Sagittarius on December the 11^th. I believe to understand the process we are encountering we must reorganize our thoughts to include Charon, Pluto’s fraternal twin and life long traveling companion. This is exactly what is occurring; there are two energies being activated by the expansive optimism Jupiter generates. 

Pluto helps us to release our old ways and Charon starts us on our journey of becoming our new self. This is a process, a journey, not an instant happening. Jupiter, ancient king of the Gods, hosts this event from the loftiest peak in his archers perch. 

Reminder: Winter Solstice December 22^nd 12:08 a.m. CST.  The Sun closes his final square to the Aries point and a time of reset and review is called to order. Jupiter is holding the door to grant the Sun an easy passage as they reach 0° of Capricorn within celestial moments of one another.  Joining them in their Capricorn stellium are Vulcan, Mercury, Pluto and Charon, still viewing the magnetic pull of the Galactic core, and falling behind.  What a lineup!  This occurs while the Mars retrograde approaches, (in opposition to 0 Capricorn at 3° Cancer) while simultaneously working in a first quarter square to the Aries point.  What does mean?  This is helping us with a security review.  Mars is checking the furthest perimeters while taking inventory of us and our world, including our children, communications, travels, finances and work.  World leaders are under scrutiny as everyone travels thru Capricorn reviewing Mars in Cancer.  Using this energy to help us to make our home more secure can be as simple as putting on storm windows, having the hot water heater checked, wrapping your pipes, or adding up the wattage on your light sockets, to avoid overloads.
 

• The Gemini Meteor Shower mid-month has its best viewing scheduled after moon-set on the 13^th.  I feel so lucky when I see shooting stars; they are worth losing a little sleep as I view it as a different kind of meditation.

• Venus is still playing the role of morning star.  If you want to catch sight of her you will have to be outside before the Sun rises.

• If you have a clear shot of the Eastern horizon on the night of the 23^rd bring your camera out and catch the Moon and Mars as they rise together.  Look at the sunset, as this is the full moon, and the lights will appear opposite one another on the horizon.

• Mars’ apparent retrograde through Cancer places him opposite the Sun.  Look for him high over head midnight on the 24^th and yes, he really is red.

On the 1^st of December Mercury starts the month briefly in the sign of Scorpio before he enters the sign of Sagittarius.  He will race to catch up with everyone else in the land of optimism and arrive mid month so look for lively conversations at that time.  Before you know it Mercury will have skipped past all the festivities to move into the land of Capricorn on the 20^th just in time to take any last minute responsibilities seriously and get those errands caught up. 

Venus enters Scorpio on the 5^th of December if you have been looking to find your passion or stimulate your creativity now is the time. Venus in Scorpio stirs our hidden assets to exert themselves. This opportunity is in effect until the 30^th of December when Venus steps out in Sag.  This happens just in time for the New Year, her kind of time. 

On the 18^th of December Jupiter is entering Capricorn.  The Sun, Mercury, Pluto and Charon are taking a moment to enjoy the end of the luxury and grand visions provided by Jupiter’s hospitality before tidying up and following their host into the domain of the Sea-Goat.  This Great Creature has his head in the highest of mountains and his tail in the deepest of seas.  This gives him tremendous insight into the powers and responsibilities of command.  It also fills him with grand ideas, when you add Jupiter’s inspiration who knows what you may dream up. 

The Sun enters Capricorn on the 22^nd of December, this is the Winter Solstice.  This chart gives us an opportunity to review and set our boundaries.  This is probably a good thing to go over as we get ready to settle in for the winter.  This chart also offers many possibilities for us to move forward in our life by aligning ourselves more closely with our life purpose.  Please make time to meditate and center your self on this day.  We have one last push of this celestial year to begin bringing the cycle to a close.  This day has 9 hours and 54 minutes of daylight and is when our ancestors took special time to invite the light back into their lives.  We know the Sun will not abandon us but it is still an important time to open to increasing the light we invite into our lives.
 

On December 19^th Saturn appears to retrograde at 8° of Virgo.  He will resume direct motion at 1° of Virgo on the 3^rd of May.  Saturn in meticulous Virgo is telling us to slow down and get our affairs in order.  Take advantage of the Mars retrograde and check that your foundations, underpinnings personal network or support systems are secure.  If you are experiencing the “Big Dreams” inspired by Jupiter in Capricorn these energies will encourage thorough thought at your start-up and still leave lots of room  to re-structure.

The Full Moon is December 23rd 7:16 PM CST 1° 49" of Cancer

What a difference a couple of weeks can make!  The Sun conjuncts Jupiter, the Moon Conjuncts Mars and every one is tight in their opposition.  You talk about some creative tension to get things finished up.  With Saturn, Vulcan and Ceres making a wonderful trine in the earth signs we have that extra boost to the willpower many of us are looking for as we come face to face with holiday dining.  Remember to take your purse out and ask for a “fill-her-up”.  This is the 13^th moon of the year bringing a doorway of opportunity.  As it is the Sun in Capricorn you can expect it to come tied up in work.  Just be aware that Jupiter is exaggerating the energies of the Sun at this time and there may be more ego flying around then there is room to accommodate it.  Be careful not to be contributing to this over-indulgence.

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!