Tag Archives: Capricorn

Let’s Talk about Mars and Pluto

It’s Scorpio season, a time of darkening. The sun moved into Scorpio on October 22nd. Scorpio season is one of transformation. In the Northern Hemisphere, the leaves are changing and falling, the air (for some) is getting colder, and there’s a holiday smack in the middle of it when people dress as ghosts and focus on death.

This Scorpio season, the big astrological story is an appropriately timed opposition between Mars and Pluto. You want it darker? Mars will be at the very last degree of Cancer, and Pluto at the very last degree of Capricorn. This will be exact on November 3rd, but we’re already feeling this, and this energy will be very present during the new moon in Scorpio on November 1st.

An opposition is like a culmination point, often with difficulty surrounding it, like the agonizing climb up last terrain to scale before arriving at the apex (I mean, I assume, I’ve never rock-climbed). Mars is the planet of action and drive, and Pluto is the planet of power. Cancer is a sign that’s about nurturing and the familial but also about tribalism. Pluto’s at the last degree of Capricorn for the very last time (finally) for hundreds of years, and Capricorn is a sign that is about power and structure, especially deeply entrenched structures, like capitalism and patriarchy.

So this opposition, which occurs right before Election Day in the U.S., signifies a struggle and ultimate culmination between actions and entrenched power. And with Cancer’s significations  encompassing both family and motherhood one on hand and tribalism and nativism on the other, we’re seeing two strands of aggression and activity. For many, this time is about trying to chip away at the patriarchal structures and people that have been and are currently trying to stymie the power of women in myriad ways, the most prominent being limiting bodily autonomy; for another bloc, it’s a fight to hang on to power, what they see as preserving their ideal version of this country, based on identification with whiteness, maleness, and wealth. 

No big deal, right? 

Here’s where we need to pull the focus in. A lot of astrologers have been pretty freaked out by the Mars-Pluto opposition and rightfully so (I started writing this before the Tr**p r*lly at the Garden, but that level of darkness feels very Mars opp Pluto). When we talk about the themes, we’re talking big picture, 40,000 feet type stuff. But in your own individual life, this really just could mean that you vote, in the way you plan to, and for a few weeks, you have to deal with some frustrating, disgusting, and anxiety-evoking news in the zeitgeist. It’s probably going to feel scary at its worst and mostly infuriating. It’s a good time to remember to set screen time limits and not doom scroll even though it’s going to be really tempting, with the Sun in Scorpio, a sign that is associated with obsession and compulsion. The shadow side of Scorpio wants you to allow yourself to dive deeper into a pit of rage and disgust. The more enlightened side wants you to trust your inner knowing and recognize others for exactly who they are, with crystalline precision and with no rose-colored illusions.

After the election in 2016, I felt totally untethered, as if I was waking up to an alternate reality. I could be a fool, or maybe it’s because I’ve since started taking Zoloft (shoutout to modern medicine!), but I don’t feel that way now. Will that change after November? Unclear. But even with all the absolutely horrific things happening in the world, I am hopeful. Is it because Pluto’s going to go into Aquarius, and we’ll all be able to upload our souls to the cloud and live eternally as part of some physics of the universe that we’re not even aware of yet? TBD!

This dark, fraught energy we’re experiencing now shifts in mid November, and late November gets easier, so hang in there and try to weather the current shitstorm until then.

A Look Back on Mars-Uranus and an Opportunity Ahead

The astrology of July was mostly smooth, except for one major transit, and that one major transit has pretty much just blown everything up. I’m talking about the Mars-Uranus conjunction that was exact on Monday, July 15th.

What a doozy, huh? 

I had drafted a post that I ultimately didn’t publish, but the gist was this: Mars, the planet of action and aggression, was going to be aligned with Uranus, the planet of disruption and upheaval, and that was occurring in Taurus in alignment with a particular star (Algol) that is associated with beheaded Medusa and referred to as the “demon star.” So on the world stage, the news was likely going to be wild and tumultuous at best, violent and scary at worst. And on a personal level, some of us may feel particularly anxious, paranoid, and under threat.

I was definitely feeling the vibes of the Mars-Uranus conjunction a few days leading up to it and a few days after. The crackling energy has been palpable everywhere. As far back as last Friday, the 12th, it felt like tempers were short and people, men especially, were acting out. I mean, obviously. Besides the T***p rally, which was a very literal manifestation of the Mars-Uranus-Algol combination (he almost actually lost his head), there was also the scary, chaotic situation at the Copa America final.

Mercury is approaching a square to Uranus, meaning that on top of the Mars-Uranus effects, there are also communication disruptions. Cue Friday’s global technology outage. And Mercury is in fire sign Leo to boot, making our interpersonal communications more self-focused and more incendiary.

On the morning of Sunday, July 21st, there’s a full blue moon in Capricorn. A blue moon occurs when there’s a second full moon in the same sign within the month. The Capricorn full moon a few weeks ago was at 1 degree, and now we will get the second, this time at the last degree of Capricorn. In whatever story has been unfolding in your life since June 21st, the other shoe is now dropping. This full moon is conjunct Pluto, which signifies intensity and hidden things. Secrets will be illuminated, and there will likely be some high-profile denouements.

The full moon is also in a helpful relationship with Mars, so on a personal level, it’s a good time for taking actions to let go of unhealthy and unwelcome compulsions and to take a break from anything that’s been driving you crazy. If you are curious to know what topics this may touch on in your own life, look for 29 degrees of Capricorn in your birth chart and see what house it falls into and whether you have any personal planets (sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars) or sensitive angles (ascendant, MC, IC, or descendant) at or close to 29 degrees of a cardinal sign (Capricorn, Cancer, Aries, Libra).

There are more intense moments to come in a few weeks. Mars and Jupiter come together, signifying the expansion of action, on August 14th. On August 15th/16th, Mars makes a tense aspect with Saturn; then on August 19th, Jupiter follows and makes the same tense aspect with Saturn, and we have a full moon in Aquarius (which is answering to Saturn). Saturn is like a stop sign. It represents structure and order, so it looks like we can expect to see conflict between proliferations of assertiveness and heightened emotions, and structures and systems.

Between the events this week and mid-August, Mercury goes into Virgo on July 25th. We don’t get much downtime, but look at this period as a little bit of a break. While in Virgo, Mercury will station and then go retrograde overnight on August 5th/6th. It gets to 4 degrees of Virgo before it starts to go back.

Virgo is an earth sign that is associated with pragmatism, discernment, and efficiency. Mercury retrograde is treated with fear and dread in the zeitgeist, but when Mercury goes retrograde, it’s a chance to reflect, reassess, and reconsider.

Last week, I attended an excellent webinar from Kepler College on the Solar Return of the United States, and the astrologer who presented, Dorothy Oja, pointed out that Mercury’s transit through practical, critical Virgo marks an auspicious time to reflect because this transit will aspect the moon (in Gemini) and Neptune (in Pisces) in the U.S.’s solar return chart. She referred to it as an “antidote to confusion,” which I loved. And while it’s particularly useful in that context, I think it’s also useful for us on a personal level as well. Our anxiety and emotions may be clouding our perspective, but Mercury going into Virgo and then the Mercury retrograde offer us the chance to re-see things in the world, in politics, and in our own lives, with more discernment and ultimately clarity. 

There’s so much to unpack right now. We’re living through truly wild times, so we have to look for opportunities for calm reflection. More to come as we gear up for the August planetary alignments…stay tuned.

Cancer Season and the Full Moon in Capricorn

We are about to enter Cancer season. The cavalcade of planets that has been hurtling through Gemini is now, one by one (save for Jupiter), transitioning into the sign of the crab. On the way, each–first Venus, then Mercury, then the sun–makes a tense angle with Neptune (ugh, Neptune). We may experience some disillusionments. If you have had some harsh realizations in the past few days, you’re not alone. I hope they were more like aha moments than rude awakenings.

On Thursday, with the sun’s ingress into Cancer, we get the solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the longest day of the year. And then on Friday, right on the heels of the solstice, we have a full moon in Capricorn. 

The Cancer-Capricorn axis feels really different from the Gemini-Sagittarius one. Gemini-Sagittarius is about the tension between the pithy and the verbose, between thinking quick and delving deep. The Cancer-Capricorn axis is about the tension between our emotions and our responsibilities. Cancer is feelings; Capricorn says, “fuck your feelings.” Both signs carry with them the sense of obligation. Cancer, ruled by the moon, is associated with loyalty and protectiveness, and Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, with diligence and discipline. 

Cancer is connected with the Chariot card in the Tarot, which definitely gives off Capricornian vibes as well. The chariot protects the person within, as they progress to their destination. Being armored while forging a path speaks to both Cancer and Capricorn qualities. 

This Capricorn full moon invites us to examine what we are working for. Is it worth it? How does it make you feel? 

What’s our beautiful reward for all the time and the care we give, whether it’s to our jobs, our careers, to others, to our bodies, to our minds? 

The juxtaposition of the solstice with the full moon makes it a time for both releasing and beginning a new cycle. Cancer and Capricorn are both cardinal signs, meaning they each begin a season and usher in something new. This represents a time to consider what plans you want to execute over the next year and what you need to shed in order to achieve your desired ends. Whatever our goals are, it’s important they nurture us and fulfill us emotionally.

Because Neptune (again–ugh, Neptune) is forming a t-square to the moon and the sun, thinking about what we want to achieve isn’t necessarily going to be easy. You may have a hard time putting your finger on exactly what it is you want, and you may feel especially tired and depleted. The end of this week could be a time when you feel pulled between your personal feelings and your public ambitions or your devotion to your family and other more practical commitments, and Neptune irritatingly throws a shroud of confusion over it all.  

Hang in there, because as the planets continue to move through Cancer, they’ll break free of the Neptunian influence, the fog will lift, and more clarity will become available regarding Cancerian topics: home (both physical and the sense of home), family (both blood and chosen), and care. And we get a rare second full moon in Capricorn later this month, which represents another chance at harnessing the full moon energy under different (albeit still complex…we’ll get there later) astrological circumstances.

Does that make sense? Or does it all sound like gobbledygook? If so, blame Neptune. Happy Solstice! 

New Moon in Capricorn

On the morning of January 11th, at 6:57 am EST, there is a new moon at 20 degrees of Capricorn. This is the first new moon of 2024. When a moon is “new,” it’s aligned with the sun, and this represents the beginning of a new cycle. 

Given that this is the first lunation of 2024 and it’s in cardinal earth sign Capricorn, which is about practical initiation, this is an excellent opportunity for setting intentions or making your New Year’s resolutions. And because of its positioning in relation to the nodes, currently in Aries and Libra, these intentions may not be just for the year ahead, but more aligned with your soul’s purpose or ultimate destiny. Dream big.

Not only is the new moon in a sign that’s about taking charge and setting plans in motion AND in relationship with the nodes, but there are other aspects at play that make it auspicious for laying the groundwork for what we hope to achieve.

First, both the sun and moon trine Uranus, the planet of disruption, revolution, and change. This means the moon, sun, and Uranus are all lending one another big time support. The intentions you set now could lead to major changes ahead. Or you may get some surprises around this new moon that contribute to your self-reflection and the goals you want to set. All of these guys are in earth signs, which grounds the big shifts and disruptions that come from Uranus. And with Uranus in Taurus, all topics financial would be especially relevant for this new moon.

Concurrent to the new moon, Mars, the planet of action and drive, is also in Capricorn, a sign it loves. And it’s in a supportive trine with Jupiter, the planet of expansion and growth, which is also in Taurus. This is helpful for taking practical action on big plans. And with both in friendly aspects to Saturn, the planet of structure and longevity, concrete plans made now have a good chance of sticking. 

I was going to write up horoscopes for this new moon, but then I thought best not to lead you to focus on one particular area of your life and chart where the new moon occurs over others. This new moon is a good time for setting your intentions to align with your big-picture plans and soul’s desires, so why limit it to one area of your life? 

The astro forecast gets more tumultuous from here on out, especially in the months to come (ahem, April), so this marks a good time for getting your ducks in a row and ensuring your structures are solid for any bumpy weather to come. 

The Solstice and Capricorn Season

It’s the solstice! Fire up the yule log, light the candles, pour the wine, eat the pudding, and listen to the solstice carols. Gods Rest Ye Merry Pagan Folk! In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the longest night of the year, and from tomorrow onward, we get a little more light each day. 

The sun moves into Capricorn on December 21st at 10:27 pm EST, and Capricorn season begins.

The chart for this is lovely. Let’s hope this is indicative of the year ahead. The sun is conjunct Mercury, which is still retrograde and encouraging us to reexamine, reflect, and revise. Both the sun and Mercury form positive aspects to Saturn at 2 degrees of Pisces, which lends some help if we need to concentrate or structure our communication, which may be feeling scattered with the retrograde. Also at the time the sun moves into Capricorn, the moon is at 0 degrees of Taurus, forming a trine to the sun. A trine is an unfettered, supportive connection, so on this day, we have support in aligning our purposes with our emotional and especially our physical (Taurus) needs.

So, about Capricorn. Capricorn is a Saturn-ruled sign. Saturn is the disciplinarian and the authority figure of the zodiac, a slayer of nonsense and excuses. (Saturn = Dorothy Zbornak.) Capricorn is a cardinal sign, meaning it’s a sign of initiation, and it’s an earth sign, signifying practicality and pragmatism.

Capricorn is symbolized as the sea-goat, a mythical creature. Its tarot card is the Devil.

Both of these speak to the complexity of Capricorns. A stereotype of Caps is that they are all business, but that’s not true. Caps can be some of the most hedonistic people out there. It’s the work hard, play hard ethos. 

Characteristics commonly assigned to Caps are that they are hard-working, responsible, driven, motivated. But motivated by what? For less evolved Capricorns, it can be power and status. For more evolved Capricorns, it’s a motivation to honor oneself. 

Astrologer Steven Forrest, in his seminal book The Inner Sky, discusses Capricorns’ truthful state as being purely themselves everywhere, in both private and public. There are no hidden motivations. With evolved Capricorns, what you see is what you get. People with Capricorn placements are comfortable being alone, and solitude is productive for them because the best thing they can achieve is to truly get to know themselves. Katie from VPR and Kyle from RHOBH are both Capricorns. Katie has finally shed that weight that was Tom Schwartz and is living her life, single and with her stellar haircut. Kyle, on this most recent season of RHOBH, talks about how she’s done trying to please others and is going to be fully herself. That is Capricorn evolution! 

Because of the solitary nature of Cap placements, it can make it hard for others to get to really know them. Their embrace of solitude can be confounding. Partners of those with Cap placements may always wonder what’s really happening inside the head and the heart of the Capricorn person. But Capricorns know themselves, deep down, and the evolved Caps lay it all out there with no pretenses, no masks, no need for questioning. Needy people may find and attach themselves to Capricorns because they want someone to tell them what to do (ahem, Tom Schwartz) and Caps take charge, but Capricorns are at their best if they partner with people who aren’t so needy and give them their space to be themselves and do what they want.  

It’s also often said about Caps that they age in reverse. Cue the Dylan. Someone with a Cap sun or Cap ascendant may have a chip on their shoulder when they are young because no one else can do anything right and they are surrounded by idiots. But as they get older, maturity and life experiences help to mellow them out and become more accepting, both of themselves and of others. Can you imagine what Saturnian Dorothy was like as a youth? Probably way more rigid and judgmental, but in her golden years, she’s chilling with her mom and two other weirdos in Miami.

Capricorn season always encompasses the holidays, which is interesting because it starts off with that truly weird and hazy period between Christmas and New Year’s (a ripe time for Capricorns’ hedonistic pursuits). Having the New Year in Capricorn season makes a lot of sense. Making resolutions and taking action to launch new projects are very Capricornian. 

This Cap season, we have a full moon at 4 degrees of Cancer on December 26th. Cancer is an emotional water sign, and this full moon occurs while Mars and Mercury are aligned, so it’s probably going to be very emo. The fact that it’s the day after Christmas, when a lot of us will be spending time with our loved ones, is maybe not ideal, but it could represent a catharsis. It’s a time to release any tension, anger, and stress that came to a head in the days leading up to the holiday, but that’s best done in a productive way (scream therapy or a nice long bathtub cry). You may want to be cognizant to not pop off on your family, partners, co-workers, and friends and tear them to shreds, because with Mercury retrograde, you may really regret what you say and have to go back and apologize later. 

The new moon in Capricorn on January 11th is a little more auspicious, and this lunation is kind of like the real new year, at least when it comes to planting the seeds for what you’d like to achieve in 2024. Mercury will be direct once again and our thinking should be clearer. Horoscopes for that new moon to come in a bit. 

But for now, solstice greetings and glad tidings! Get some rest before the heady work of Cap season ramps up.

The Solar Eclipse in Libra & the Astrology of Late

This Saturday, October 14th, there’s an annular solar eclipse in Libra. Annular solar eclipses are the ones where the moon is at its farthest point from earth and it doesn’t fully block the sun, so instead of total darkness you can see the glow of the sun around the perimeter of the moon, making it look like a ring of fire. 

People generally seem to get a little nutty when the eclipses approach, even though they occur several times a year. But as human beings, we likely have some genetic instinct to freak out a little around eclipses. Can you imagine living in a time before there was an understanding of astronomy, and every so often, the sun just disappeared? It would have been terrifying! Eclipses are loaded with meaning and inspire both anxiety and wonder. 

The eclipses, astrologically, mark a time when major events unfold. However, as I’ve written before, even though we may experience some major life changes around eclipse time, much of that depends on our specific birth charts. Some eclipses will be felt more deeply by you than others. Most people don’t experience jolting, life-altering events between 4 and 7 times a year, every year of their lives. Generally, personally, we tend to see themes play out in our lives over the entirety of an eclipse cycle (the 1-2 year period when the eclipses take place in a set of opposite signs). There are milestones and changes but they are a little more fluid and gradual.

During this Aries-Libra eclipse cycle, which began in April, the same themes I wrote about during the Aries full moon are the same ones that will play out in a more protracted way between last April and March 2025. To see if this particular eclipse may strongly affect you, check your birth chart to see if you have any personal planets (sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars) or angles (ascendant aka your rising, descendant, midheaven, or IC) on or around 21 degrees of Libra, Aries, Cancer, or Capricorn.

In the world at large, though, eclipses are usually accompanied by some big news. And this time seems to be no exception. This week has been tumultuous and scary on a geopolitical level. However, there’s been a lot going on astrologically beyond just the coming eclipse on Saturday (and there’s a lunar eclipse in Taurus on October 29th), so I did want to call out that the intensity of this moment is not solely related to the upcoming eclipse. 

Last Sunday, Mars, the planet that represents action, drive, and aggression, formed a 90-degree angle with Pluto, the planet of life and death and transformation. The aspect the two planets were making (called a square) can be a tough one, marked by some conflict and usually a turning point. Definitely some parallels between these significations and global events.

Pluto, which had been retrograde since May, also stationed on Tuesday, at 27 degrees of Capricorn, which is exactly the same degree of Pluto in the US’s chart, and is now direct again. It’s the last gasp of the US’s Pluto return. Mars gained strength on October 12th, when it moved into Scorpio, a fixed water sign and its home base, where it can utilize its resources. Mars in Scorpio is about precision, intensity, and stealth.

On the 13th, Mars makes a helpful aspect to Saturn in Pisces. When Saturn, the planet of structure, discipline, and responsibility, is boosted by Mars and both are in water signs, this could be a time for building emotional support structures, both for ourselves personally and for the the community. This is especially important with everything that’s going on. 

Between the Mars and Pluto activity and the two eclipses, October is a wild month astrologically, and as they often are, the skies are a reflection what’s happening here on planet Earth. It makes for interesting days ahead. Hang in there.

Full Moon in Capricorn

There is a full moon in Capricorn on July 3rd at 7:38 am EDT. Full moons in Capricorn are about balancing our pragmatism and our feelings. They occur in the midst of emo Cancer reason, and the moon is the ruler of Cancer. Capricorn, a cardinal earth sign, is all about getting shit done, so there’s a push and pull between the Saturnian urge to get down to brass tacks and forge ahead and the moon’s desire to honor our deepest feelings. Full moons are always about culmination and release, and this full moon encourages us to release the pessimism we may have been harboring about our goals and to use our wise minds (the intersection of our reasonable and our emotional minds).

Mercury, which is currently in Cancer and close to the sun, will influence this full moon, so communication is important, even if it’s just journaling or making lists for yourself. The day before the moon is full, Venus in Leo forms a square with Uranus in Taurus, so there could be twists, turns, and surprises in Venus-ruled areas (finances, relationships, resources) of your life. This full moon brings some grounding energy, though, because of its Saturnian earthiness. Also, the sun and moon are forming nice aspects with both Jupiter in Taurus and Saturn in Pisces, which lends a particularly helpful practicality. 

The full moon is taking place at 11 degrees of Capricorn, so you’ll feel it more intensely if you’re a Capricorn or Cancer rising or if you have an personal planets (the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, or Mars) and/or sensitive angles (your ascendant, descendent, midheaven, or IC) between 7 and 15 degrees of Capricorn, Cancer, Aries, or Libra. 

I was going to write horoscopes for each sign, but I’m doing this late (sorry!) and if you’re feeling this moon, you already know how it’s unfolding for you, because its energy is already very present. For all signs, though, it’s a good time for making a concerted effort to balance emotions with rationality and proceeding accordingly.

The Wolf Moon

Mercury went retrograde on December 29th, so 2023 starts off in the midst of both Mercury and Mars retrogrades. These transits imbue the beginning of the new year with a reflective quality. Start slow.

This is further emphasized by the full Moon, the Wolf Moon, which takes place on Friday, January 6th, at 6:08pm EST, at 16 degrees of Cancer, opposite the Sun in Capricorn. Full Moons are a time for reflecting on our pasts, looking inward, and releasing what we are longer served by. The Moon is also opposite (within 1 degree) the retrograde Mercury, making it even more ripe for thinking about what we want to discard.

And with the Moon in Cancer, its domicile, the air is extra charged. Cancer is a cardinal water sign. It’s strongly emotional, fiercely protective, and highly perceptive. This Moon is also in a sextile with Uranus, meaning that it is in communication with the planet of disruption. All of this indicates that Friday and the couple days leading up to it may feel very tense and volatile, with some long-held and perhaps even repressed, untapped emotions rushing to the forefront of our consciousness.

This is how it may play out for you depending on your rising and Sun signs.

Cancer & Cancer Rising: The ultra-emotional effects of the full Moon may be felt extra acutely for those with it occurring in the first house. If you are harboring thoughts of self-loathing or if there are self-destructive habits that are holding you back from being the person you want to be, this is the time to let them go. 

Leo & Leo Rising: You may be feeling compelled to retreat from everything. If that’s the case, don’t force yourself to be social. It’s ok to spend the weekend in splendid isolation, as Warren Zevon would say. “Putting tin foil up on the windows, lying down in the dark to dream” may be the most productive way to process for the time being.

Virgo & Virgo Rising: Sometimes we give more than we get when it comes to our social circle, and for Virgos, who are predisposed to planning and caretaking, this can be especially true. Take a few breaths before you blow up at your friends for being thoughtless. Let them make the dinner reservations.

Libra & Libra Rising: Is your imposter syndrome preventing you from making a career shift or putting yourself out there in the world? Consider your strengths. You’re a magnetic Libra, so people are naturally drawn to you. Release your insecurities, put yourself out there, and try not to feel weighed down by any old baggage.

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: You may be feeling very restless right now, either full of wanderlust or in desperate need to escape from your current circumstances. Journaling is a healthy exercise, as is dreaming about long-distance travel so you have something to look forward to. If you do book anything, just double check all the details, and do so again once Mercury goes direct on January 18th.

Sagittarius & Sag Rising:  Feelings of obligation or indebtedness may overwhelm you. If you owe something, it’s a productive time for paying down that debt as best you can. If the debts are imagined or due to old unwritten emotional contracts, think about how you can rewrite those to better serve yourself.

Capricorn & Cap Rising: You may feel extra tender or extra combustible in your one-on-one relationships. Focus on letting go of small irritations and/or productively working through old wounds when it comes to the deeper issues. You may want to save the discussions with your partner until later, though.

Aquarius & Aqua Rising: Work may be more fraught in the days leading up to and on the day of the full Moon, and you may experience challenges keeping your cool with your colleagues. Step away and take time to collect yourself before popping off on an unsuspecting co-worker. They don’t know they are being annoying!

Pisces & Pisces Rising: Sometimes life seems unfair not because of any grave injustice (of which there are multitudes) but because everyone else seems to be doing whatever they want and we feel we cannot. It may be helpful at this time to remember that most people have their own burdens even if you’re not aware of them, and you are also allowed to do what you want. This weekend, shirk your responsibilities to have fun, whatever that means for you (Netflix).

Aries & Aries Rising: Your past, especially the wounds stemming from early life and the parenting you received or lack thereof, may be unusually present for you at this time. If you are reading this, I’m assuming you are an adult. Thinking about how your adult self can now heal your younger self can bring catharsis. The concept of “reparenting” oneself gets discussed a lot in the woo zeitgeist, but this would be a good time for considering doing so.

Taurus & Taurus Rising: This Moon may bring feelings of frustration with not being listened to or not being able to get your point across. You may feel like you’re just banging your head against a proverbial wall. This is a good time for reassessing how you communicate. It might be you, not them. And it also might be them, and if that’s the case, better to take a beat, be adaptable, and try again later.

Gemini & Gemini Rising: The astrology of the start of the year and this full Moon encourage you to take stock of where you are putting your money, time, and energy. Are your investments aligned with what you actually care about? You may be tempted to shop and spend money carelessly to chase emotional fulfillment, but this is a good time for thinking about what it is you actually want and really need to feel satisfied.

Hang in there! Once Mercury goes direct on January 18th, we should all be thinking with a little more clarity that will help us to look forward. And remember, astrology is open to interpretation and does not predict the future. Rather, whatever is going on here on Earth can be thought of as a reflection of what’s happening in the universe and vice versa and should be taken with a grain of salt.

Capricorn Season, Winter Solstice, and a New Moon

This week is packed and auspicious. I’ve actually been eyeing this week for quite some time because there are a couple sign changes, a New Moon, and it’s the solstice! Lots of possibilities for new beginnings here. 

On December 20th, Jupiter, the planet of expansiveness and growth, often associated with luck and success, is changing signs and moving back into go-for-it, headstrong, bold, fiery Aries from dreamy, artsy, moody Pisces, and will be transiting through Aries until mid-May. Whereas Jupiter may have been bolstering your creative and contemplative side since late October, Jupiter being in Aries will likely coincide with more action and can-do energy for the next few months. 

On December 21st, the Sun moves into Capricorn. Capricorn, like Aries, is another sign of action, but it’s an earth sign, so it’s more grounded. It says, “Let’s get our act together and do this, according to plan.” This is the season of taking things seriously.

With the Sun moving into Capricorn, December 21st also marks the Winter Solstice and thus is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The days only get longer after this, and we get more sunlight from this point forward until the Summer Solstice in June. Huzzah! I have been really into pagan carols lately. If you are so inclined, on the Solstice, I recommend giving a listen to Leigh Ann Hussey and the Black Oak Coven’s The Homebrewed Book of Pagan Carols, Vol. 1: Winter. Fun stuff, lots of wassailing. 

Then, on Friday, December 23rd, at 5:17 am EST, there is a New Moon in Capricorn. New Moons are typically a time for planting the seeds of what we want to make happen, and given that this New Moon is in the sign of Capricorn, a sign of doing, and making a 90-degree angle to Jupiter in Aries, another sign of doing, and happening so close to the Solstice, this makes it especially potent.

Now let’s dig in to see what this may portend for each sun and rising sign.

Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: New Moon, new you (I say this every time, but any time the New Moon falls in your sign, that’s the case.) The New Moon occurs in your 1st house of self and identity. This is a good time for self-examination and reflection. If there are actions you have wanted to take with regard to your inner or outer self (e.g., improving your health habits, coloring your hair, piercing your nose), you may feel more compelled to do so now. This is a good time to get a jump start on any New Year’s resolutions you would want to make. With Jupiter moving into your 4th house of your roots, home, and family, between now and May, you may see family members getting good news or succeeding at their efforts, or you may experience positive changes in your home environment. 

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: The New Moon is taking place in your 12th house, so this could be a good time for meditating on our deepest thoughts and what you keep hidden within yourself. If there is inner turmoil, the Solstice and New Moon mark a time to delve further inward and do whatever is most cathartic for you, whether it’s journaling, meditating, or channeling your feelings through an intentional crying session. From now until May, Jupiter will be moving through the 3rd house for you, which lends an expansiveness to your communications and localized, neighborhood-based interactions. You may also see an increase in the short-distance, domestic trips you take over the next few months, and if you have siblings, increased positive communication with them. They may receive some good news or see projects come to fruition. 

Pisces & Pisces Rising: This New Moon could coincide with the seeds of new friendships being planted. If there are any community groups or book clubs or knitting circles that you have been thinking about getting involved with, you will want to take those steps now. Joining new groups or making new friends at this time could ultimately lead to a sense of fulfillment or reward down the road. And Jupiter will be entering your 2nd house of money, values, and resources, so you may also see a more literal payoff over the next few months, especially if you were born during the day. It’s a good time for laying the groundwork for a new job or a raise and selling yourself. 

Aries & Aries Rising: With the New Moon taking place in your 10th house of career and legacy, it could coincide with changes in this area. If you’ve been wanting to get a new job, this would be a good time to put yourself out there, send out your CV, and network. Jupiter will be moving into your 1st house, which could really boost the vibes and energy you need to succeed. One word of warning for Jupiter in your first house, though, is that Jupiter means growth, so with Jupiter in this area of your chart, it could literally manifest through growth of the body, so if you are not hoping for an expanded physical form, it would be wise to pay attention to being fit and stick with an exercise routine. 

Taurus & Taurus Rising: The 9th house, which is associated with spirituality, teaching and learning, long-distance travel, and publishing, is where this New Moon is occuring for you. It’s an auspicious time to start endeavors in these areas. If you have been wanting to learn more about any area of philosophy or religion, it’s a great time to dive into books on those topics or sign up for classes. It’s actually a great time to sign up for classes of any kind, given the educational aspect of this part of your chart. Also, if you have been itching to travel, book the trip. With Jupiter moving into your 12th house, you may be experiencing a psychological awakening or growth in the spiritual plane over the next few months. If you have been wanting to go to Esalen or do an Eat Pray Love-type thing, now’s the time to set those wheels in motion. 

Gemini & Gemini Rising: With the New Moon in your 8th house, you may want to reassess your finances and especially your debts, loans, bills, repayment plans and also what is owed to you by others. You can review the arrangements and if there are beneficial changes you can make, it’s a good time to do that. Jupiter moves into the area of your chart concerned with friendships, community, networks, and hopes and dreams, and brings some growth, progress, and/or luck to this area until May. You may find yourself expanding your friends circle or connecting with a new group of people that share your interests. You could find yourself on a path toward fulfilling some of your loftiest goals through new relationships and friendships initiated in the next few months.   

Cancer & Cancer Rising: The New Moon in Capricorn occurs in your 7th house of partnerships. There is potential to take a serious look at the partnerships you’re in and what you want out of these, and to begin working toward those ideals. If you are not in a relationship with a significant other, this could mean the partnerships you’re in with clients, or with your best friend. Jupiter goes into the part of your chart that focuses on career and the imprint you leave in life. This makes for a pretty big moment over the next few months. You’ve been laying groundwork for bigger things in this area and this is when you likely start to see the fruits of your labor ripen. You may step into a leadership role during this time. 

Leo & Leo Rising: The 6th house, associated with daily work, routines, and health, is the area of your chart where this New Moon occurs for you. This makes for a nice, practical New Moon, and it’s a great time for making a to-do list. What do you want to get done and cross off your list between now and next month? It’s also a good time for reflecting on your routines in general. How can you work smarter and not harder? (Capricorn loves both!) With Jupiter traveling through the part of your chart associated with long-distance travel and learning, this is a great time for taking trips, especially those that expand your perspectives and teach you something. It’s great for spiritual journeys as well. 

Virgo & Virgo Rising: Capricorn is a fellow earth sign, so with the New Moon there, it appeals to your own practical nature, but it gives you an extra spark to get you moving. It’s occurring in your 5th house, the house of creativity, joy, and fun. Reflect on the things that bring you joy and truly make you happy. Virgos love lists, so write one and make a point to integrate these activities into your life more than you already do. Jupiter will be in your 8th house of the stuff (money, trauma, sex) we get from and give to other people. Jupiter’s thought to be a benefic planet, so if you have been having some hardships in this realm, those may ease up now, and you may even see some unexpected and nice news related to this. If you’re in a relationship, your partner may have some financial luck.

Libra & Libra Rising: This New Moon may bring the start of something new with regard to your family and/or home. You may move, or start looking for new places, or a family member may experience a new beginning. This is a time of starting and starting over, and if you have some strained family relations, you can take steps to heal or strengthen those (if that’s something you’re hoping to do). With Jupiter in your 7th house for the next few months, you’ll have positive feelings with regard to your partnerships. If you’re in a relationship, you could see a renewed bond and happiness, and if you are not in a relationship, you may meet someone in the next few months. 

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: With the New Moon in Capricorn, it’s speaking to your Scorpio placements in a helpful way, and represents a time to think about your own conversations, the ones you have regularly, with colleagues, neighbors, friends, and siblings. How can you communicate in a way that’s clearer, more grounded, and more straightforward? Jupiter moving into Aries means it will be going through the part of your chart dealing with work, routines, and health. It’s a great time for trying a new and more robust fitness regimen. Work also may get easier over the next few months, and changes you make to your routine now will likely have a sustained positive impact.

Sagittarius & Sag Rising: The New Moon will be in your 2nd house of money and resources, so this can mark a time of new beginnings for your finances. If you want to manifest more money, whether through a new job, a raise, or through some other channel, this is a good time to do that. There is a great affirmation/mantra that I recall the truly excellent astrologer Jessica Lanyadoo recounting once on her Ghost of a Podcast (highly recommended listening), something like, “Money is attracted to me, it wants to be with me. I like money, but money LOVES me.” I say that now and again. It’s fun. You may want to say that too, especially on the 23rd. With Jupiter moving into your 5th house, the next few months may also get easier for you, especially if you were born during the day. It’s the house of pleasure and joy, a great place to have Jupiter traveling through. However, if you don’t want to have a child, be extra careful between now and May, because this house also encompasses children. 

Happy Solstice and New Moon, everyone!