As I write, I’m listening to Celia Cruz (Larga Vida de La Reina) - nothing says “holiday party” like La Reina. But due to the preparations for the holidays I’ll keep it short by giving you some quick, information on the following:
Information about the Full Moon. (Reminder: This will impact us for the 3 days before, the day of 26 December, and the 3 days after.)
Brief notes about the last week of 2023 and the first week of 2024, which is a very astrologically active time.
Cancer Full Moon on December 26, 2023
This Moon is located in its home sign of Cancer, which intensifies its power. This means it could be an extra-emotional time. We may feel more sentimental than usual, but also more protective and possibly even defensive. Our “Mother energy” will be particularly strong right now, regardless of gender. For example, this will be a great time to gather together those we define as family. We may feel drawn to nurture each other - our inner children - including doing what we can to feed the hearts, souls, and stomachs of those we care about. This is also a time when our “instincts” or feelings about a situation may prove to be more accurate than our logic.
The Full Moon - which is opposite the sign of Capricorn, and Capricorn can serve as a steadying counter-balance to any emotionality that is often associated with the Cancer Moon. But Saturn has an influence too and we could experience Saturn’s influence in other ways - including, but not limited - adding a serious quality to some of our holiday gatherings, finding that solutions involve tapping into past lessons or wisdom, and/or slowing down our forward progress a bit. None of this has to be negative. For example, slowing down may result in being better able to let go of our extensive “To Do List” and truly feel the love of those around us.
Jupiter and Saturn
Jupiter in Taurus may help us appreciate the blessings we have, especially regarding our finances and/or security needs. It might also assist us in seeing options for how we can meet our future goals in sustainable, concrete ways; although Saturn in Pisces could help us explore the most responsible and mature way to provide comfort/piece of mind to someone in our life without violating their personal boundaries. Or if we desire to become more spiritual, we may take a serious look at what needs to change in our lives in order to achieve this goal.
Venus in trine to Neptune may help us feel that anything is possible, even if realism tells us otherwise. This aspect may prompt us to enjoy a relaxing evening (especially with a significant other) or dive into our favorite creative project. Some of us may feel compelled to seek out spiritual experiences. However, be aware that this aspect is more aligned with having a transcendent experience naturally (e.g., through meditation) rather than through the use of substances.
With both Mercury (minds/words) and Mars (action) in the mutable sign of Sagittarius, this is a good time to remain mentally open to new ways of viewing things and to stay as flexible and patient as possible as inevitable changes in plans emerge. For those who prefer to be in control, it can be unsettling to have things be so fluid or even lack a clear direction, especially for those hosting holiday events. However, trying to force things to go a particular way when unexpected events occur may result in the opposite of the desired outcome. It’s best to “go with the flow” whenever possible.
Patience is particularly important because Mercury and Mars are both squaring Neptune in Pisces. This could mean our thoughts/communication and actions could be a little bit foggy and nebulous. This influence will be especially strong for the few days after the Full Moon (approximately 26 - 28 December). This planetary combination might also make us unaware of any tendency to be too blunt or straightforward at times (lower expression of Sagittarius), which could result in our relationships being a bit dicey. There really should be a need to consciously choose to think before we speak. In fact, the spiritual, intuitive, and creative aspects of these planetary combinations might best be accessed by spending some quiet time alone meditating, praying, or walking in nature - ESPECIALLY because we all know that the holidays can sometimes bring out that “uncle-that-drinks-too-much” or the “never-have-anything-nice-to-say” relative. Everybody has at least ONE in their family.
Astrological events during the last week of 2023 & the beginning of 2024
Although perhaps strongest around the time of the Cancer Full Moon, the latter part of 2023 is a time when the door between the earthly and spiritual worlds is more open than usual. This is a good time to be open to insights, coincidences, dreams, and all of the typical ways in which our guides, angels and deceased loved ones like to communicate with us. Wonderful connections are possible!
The same day as the Cancer Full Moon (Tuesday, 26 December), Chiron ends its annual retrograde phase and begins moving direct again. This will occur in Aries and at the same time while Mercury is in the waning days of its retrograde phase. The last few days of 2023 would be a great time to think carefully about how we can actively make self-care a priority once Mercury turns direct on 1 Janaury.
Friday, 29 December, Venus will move into Sagittarius, where it will remain until January 24. This could bring beneficial changes to and increased optimism regarding our relationships, finances, and creative projects. We might likely feel a lightening of our mood and laugh more often. For some, it could mean feeling ready to go on an adventure or explore different topics/cultures.
Saturday, 30 December, Jupiter ends its 4-month retrograde phase and begins moving direct again in Taurus. We could find ourselves being more optimistic and tolerant of divergent viewpoints. Unfortunately, whenever a planet changes directions, its power is intensified. Since the planet involved is Jupiter (the planet most associated with going to excess), this might increase our tendency to overindulge, which is bad timing given its happening on the weekend when many of us will be celebrating the New Year. Although merriment is part and parcel of Jupiter’s modus operandi, caution is warranted regarding using substances to excess, especially if driving.
Monday, 1 January, is not just New Year’s Day (according to the Gregorian Calendar). It also marks the day when Mercury begins moving direct again. This timing is marvelous. New clarity is possible as we start a new annual cycle. While moving direct in Sagittarius, this is an excellent time to look forward toward the future and create hopeful, optimistic intentions for the upcoming new year.
And too Venus will be squaring both Mercury and Saturn on the same day (Monday, 1 January), which can add a level of commitment and discipline with regard to achieving any goals we set for ourselves.
However, as the first few days of 2024 unfold, there are a number of aspects with conflicting influences. Because Mercury will be moving direct (1 January), we may more clearly see solutions to recent challenges. However, we could also find that our initial optimism is met with some challenges and leave us discouraged as it takes a few weeks for Mercury to get up to speed.
Thursday, 4 January - we may get a little bit of assistance when Mars will be moving into Capricorn. This may help us see more clearly what needs to happen in order to begin moving toward the goals we set on or/around 1 January. Mars will be in Capricorn until 12 February, so we have about 6 weeks to tap into its supportive energy. During this time, “slow and steady wins the race” and long-term success will be supported by coming up with a coherent, well-thought-out approach. Another benefit of this placement is that people typically are more deliberate in their actions, including being slower to anger or react.
I hope this short summary of astrological influences serves you well as you celebrate the holidays.
To my Friends and Colleagues all around the world, I send you my best wishes for 2024. I will see you on the other side.
Until then…Be Good to Yourselves!
Tara, xo
And you, Lindy Lou!!
Thank you Tara, wishing you a Heathly,happy & peaceful 2024 💜