Astrological Insights: December 21 – 27, 2009

Monday, December 21

There’s an aura of stillness that envelops the day. It’s not as if things won’t happen or progress, but just that we may be more readily able to connect to a deep sense of peaceful quietude.

Today the Sun moves into the sign of slow-but-steady Capricorn. It is also the Winter Solstice, a day which often emanates a sense of stillness. The word solstice itself reflects this energetic as it is derived from the Latin sol—meaning Sun—and sistere, meaning to stand still. This is because for a 3-day period as the Sun travels across the Tropic of Capricorn (in Winter Solstice) or Tropic of Cancer (in Summer Solstice), its pattern of movement makes it appear to be at rest.

Some of the stillness may also come from today’s Jupiter/Neptune conjunction. Since Jupiter expands every thing it touches and Neptune inspires a connection with compassion, we may be more readily able to tap into a halcyon space swimming with peaceful equanimity. For more on the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction–including wellness recommendations–see this post.

Happy Solstice

Tuesday, December 22

As you ascend through the tasks of today, bring your imagination into the mix. If you’re looking to solve a problem that’s keeping you from the progress you are seeking, take a moment to step back from the situation and think about it from more right-brained perspective. Don’t judge your thoughts, just let them take sail; a train-of-consciousness brainstorm may very well provide insights that a left-brained rational approach alone may not.

Wednesday, December 23

We often expect ourselves to be consistent and reliable in our feelings. Yet, as we grow and evolve so does the way we emotionally respond to situations with which we are presented. We are reminded of this today.

Therefore, give yourself the space to feel whatever it is that you are feeling. Don’t prejudge what comes up for you as an emotional flight of fancy, or not the “right way” to respond to a situation. Just let yourself be. Reflecting on your feelings later can provide great insight into needs that you may not have even realized you had.

Thursday, December 24

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse……” begins the treasured poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. While it’s a classic one to be recited during the holidays, just know that this year’s “night (and day) before Christmas” may not necessarily be as serene as depicted in this poem’s opening lines. In fact, there may be a lot of stirring going on given today’s powerful alignment of the Sun, Moon, Pluto, and Saturn.

The Moon in active self-expressive Aries creates a whirlwind of energy. This desire for movement and action, though, may be met with resistance from a part of us that just wants to maintain a steady pace and even keel. Try to give honor to all aspects of these needs to stem the potential for any impatience and/or irritability that may ensue.

Some of the stirring and restlessness of the day may evolve from the Sun being conjunct Pluto. When transformative Pluto is prominent in the sky or in our personal astrology charts, there’s a tendency to agitate the status quo to try to uncover hidden desires and motivations. While this proverbial stirring the pot can oftentimes be productive, it can also cause unnecessary turmoil. It just depends upon how conscious we are of our actions and intentions.

All this doesn’t mean that today cannot be a gracious and celebratory day. It definitely can be that, and much more. In fact, it can provide a great opportunity for us to forge new attitudes and visions that will allow us to approach our lives in a manner that better serves the essence of who we are.

Friday, December 25

Merry Christmas to all that celebrate this day. Happy holidays and Namaste to all who celebrate another holy day.

Venus moves into Capricorn today, joining the Sun and Mercury in this resourceful and resource-conscious sign. Add in the Sun squaring Saturn— Capricorn’s planetary ruler—and a significant theme of the day is likely to be focusing on “what really matters” with a concurrent impatience for things that seem to waste time, energy, or emotions.

If you’re spending time with family or friends today, be aware of the potential for conflicts between different generations: the source of the strife may be a misunderstanding of intentions and/or a reflection of heightened sensitivity around the holidays. For example, advice given from one family member to another may seen as critical and rebukeful even though the giver intended it to be constructive and empowering. Instead of automatically discounting counsel from others, consider whether there is any nugget of wisdom and value that you can extract from it.

If you are not 100% certain as to the content and context of what someone is sharing, ask for clarification. This is, of course, always important, but is especially so as Mercury is about to go retrograde.

Saturday, December 26

Compared to the past two likely-to-have-been-intense days, today should be more pacific (albeit the potential for communication snafus now that Mercury has gone retrograde). The Moon moves from ready-set-go Aries into take-your-time Taurus in the afternoon. And throughout the whole day the Moon connects gracefully with many other planets—it sextiles Neptune and Jupiter and trines Venus, Pluto, and the Sun.

While the last few days may have involved celebrations, today is a good day to focus on celebrating yourself. A great way to do so is by treating yourself to an activity that incites your senses and helps you connect to your body (which may be crying out for some TLC attention if you indulged in a lot of holiday fare). A walk in the park, a hot bath infused with essential oils, or an at-home facial can be great activities that help you slow down and turn the attention—and intention—to yourself and taking care of your body and soul.

Sunday, December 27

With Venus conjunct Pluto and the Moon square Mars, today passions may escalate and relationships may feel more intense. Ardor abounds, with desire—whether it be sexual or a deep yearning to be truly known by another—the name of the game. At the same time, though, it may seem that what feels nurturing is at odds with what we desire; probing below the surface of that which our heart truly values may help to yield a solution that honors all facets of who we are.