I’ve taken a seasonal job working at a huge Christmas catalog firm; they’ve got customers all over the world.  In the weeks just after Thanksgiving, people were cheery, even inclined to order a gift for themselves (especially when enticed with a discount).  But as the days have advanced toward the Christmas deadline, callers have grown grimmer and more efficient.  Their voices have lost that warmth, filled instead with a thick, unspoken edginess.  They are buying gifts, but less and less it seems they are in a happy season. 

I’m reminded of this when I look at December’s New Moon chart, with its wide, fitful conjunction of Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Pluto, Chiron, and South Node.  When a Node is involved, we have a new moon eclipse.  This means the momentum of thoughtlessness and sudden surprise can be strong – we might quickly and unconsciously deplete our resources.  I think of a cartoon moment, when a drain suddenly appears, and everything, couch, cats, traffic lights, houses, whole streets, swirl down into its holes.  Our busy thoughts (Mercury), our cravings (Venus), our need to transform (Pluto), our appreciation for the wounded beauty of the world (Chiron) -- all of this might suddenly swirl and exhaust us now.  (Visit April's website for more information about eclipses and April's exclusive eclipse report.)

North of the equator, this is earth’s time to retreat and rest.  It seems the heavens have caught on to us northerners at least, offering instead this busy winter picture.  They’ve also imaged a helping hand, that can perhaps reach down into whatever south node hole we’re in and draw us back.  This is the opportunity suggested by Uranus in sextile.  Of all the new moon aspects, this one has the tightest orb (or strongest connection) to the Sun and Moon.  Uranus urges “wake up!”  It asks that we go counter to whatever momentum wants to drag us down.  It reminds us that eclipses also bring necessary, positive changes.

Sextiles are opportunities that won’t happen unless we have the nerve to take advantage of them.  Uranus asks that you stand alone if you can, outside the tide of events, and listen for your inner genius.  Hang strings of electric lights in odd places all over your house, so that you might be suddenly cheered and brought back to your senses.  You need more light now.  You want inspiration.  This is a Sagittarius new moon after all.

Sagittarius likes to climb mountains just to see how the world sparkles from that uppermost view.  However busy this cycle becomes, I hope you'll take advantage of whatever sudden helping hand appears, inviting you to take in a bright and inspiring mountain view.  I know I speak for Pythia, April, Karri, and Lynn, as I offer many holiday blessings to you and yours.  Thanks for being a warm part of our growing moon circle. 
 

NOTE TO READER: These dates are based upon electional techniques. All of the dates apply to all of the signs. I select certain dates for each sign but these dates apply to all of the signs. Do not simply read your own sign -- read all of the signs for significant dates!  The best dates for initiating in December are: December 1, 9, 16, 18-19, 24, afternoon December 28.  Please use these dates as January does not have much at all! 

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19): You might feel a bit disconnected this month. Your "Practical Application" philosophies will not really work in December. Humanitarian, inspirational and expansive views prevail and you need to learn from this. Feel your feelings, get in touch with those tender places and do not fear vulnerability, especially after and on the 16th.

AQUARIUS (January 20-February 17): This is a good month to team up with the Aries and Sagittarius folk to work on a visionary project. Excellent dates for initiating and accomplishing occur on December 9, the afternoon of the 17th, 18-19 and the 24th. The holiday spirit is stronger now than ever before so it is a good time to act on these good vibrations.

PISCES (February 18-March 19): You may find others just a bit too impulsive and energized for your sensitive feelings. Tune out and dedicate your own energies to something inspirational and humanitarian, that benefits all, including yourself in a spiritual way. December 16 is an excellent time to join forces with a stronger, more powerful person to accomplish your goals. 

ARIES (March 20-April 19): Great days are afoot in December that seem to be a good fit for your personality. The morning of December 1 is excellent for technical changes and progressive cognitions. December 5 is a time when anger and confrontation will lead to a closure with someone who is definitely not cooperative. 

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): While you may like a leisurely physical pace, you do appreciate computer-like thinking. The Moon in compatible signs occurs on December 16 when you can join forces with an important person or group. The morning of December 31 favors generosity, nurturing and a supportive sense of fellowship with others. 

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): With so much going on energetically in December, this will register as a good month in your diary. The morning of December 1 favors technical discussions that support change. December 9 is excellent for working cooperatively with others. December 18-19 favor non-traditional approaches that reinforce all transitions. But, watch what you say on December 27-28 because the problems will prove difficult to extricate yourself!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Especially after December 9, the Signs support your nurturing capacity. Don't let others to dump on you on December 2-3. You will feel used and trapped by these commitments. The lunar eclipse of December 29-30 will make you aware of complications. Initiate on the morning of December 31 and the generosity will be returned to you.

LEO (July 23-August 22): The Solar Eclipse on December 13-14 can produce complications in any negotiations. Mental intensity will be created through one at a disadvantage in the situation. Be mentally flexible from the morning of December 17 through 19 as the energies are great for innovative approaches and a sudden but beneficial turn of events.

VIRGO (August 23-September 22): Watch your criticisms on December 6-7 as these will cause a serious disagreement with another; do not sign important papers. Do not allow others to take advantage of your helpfulness on December 21 as your efforts will be blocked and so frustrated that you will have to drop the matter all together. Irresponsibility in others will cause annoyance on December 27-28.

LIBRA (September 23-October 22): This is a great social month for you when you should bridge differences and coordinate effects with others. December 9 is a great time for major holiday purchases. The evening of December 23 and the 24th are great for socializing but you may find others less inclined to do what you want to do. It is great for last-minute shopping!

SCORPIO ( October 23-November 21): The feeling-sensing Water element is strong after December 9 and you will feel more connected with others starting on this day. The December 13-14 Eclipse brings complications that maybe you can be the only one who can sort it out. Go with gut reactions rather than the facts, facts that may be off the mark. The Lunar Eclipse on December 28-29 will bring illumination.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21): "Eureka" ideas for making a progressive transition can manifest on December 18-19. The morning of December 23 through the 24th is a highly expansive time favoring inspired writing and business or financial transactions. Others will prove both generous and supportive of the action you take.