Hi, friends.

In a few short weeks we’ll be ending 2024 and beginning the second half of the decade. No matter what country or continent you read this from, I bet you’d agree that 2024 brought lots of surprise and cliffhanger energy. December is no different and will leave us wondering what 2025 could possibly look like.
 
Yet this looming uncertainty about where we’re headed is perfectly in sync with the cosmic calendar. As the July 2024 Newsletter said: “The Jupiter-Uranus conjunction of 2024 signaled a year in which sudden life changes would happen. … We’ve each entered some new reality, though what that means is a bit in the air.” So don’t go thinking we’re in the wrong place or that you (in your own life) should be more certain about something than you are. 
 
While preparing this message, I was drawn to review prior forecasts and was amazed how our predictions perfectly fit the zeitgeist – the mood and spirit – of the year in retrospect. I encourage you to go back and review those in your inbox or on my blog. Our forecasts have not only been poignant but due to planetary retrogrades, themes we’ve discussed previously will repeat in December. 

Jupiter square Saturn: Round 2

This month Jupiter moves into another 90° alignment with Saturn, repeating dynamics we encountered back in August. Important dilemmas, decisions or projects from summer may begin to resurface as the planets form the second of three repeating alignments (August 2024, December 2024, June 2025). 

The protracted / repeating nature of what’s happening indicates a long process of working out our best way forward. If this year demanded anything of me, it was learning how to live with questions as long as it takes for the answer to appear. Now in December, Mercury aligns with the Jupiter-Saturn square stirring the proverbial pot. You may feel an increased urge to figure things out or take action despite the uncertainty. You may want or be asked to clarify where you stand, but here’s the trouble…

Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn are all in mutable Zodiac signs. Mutable signs are slippery and changeable. Ever try holding a fish? Pretty damn difficult! Remember that this month. With our thoughts, facts, and circumstances in flux like a flopping fish, forming an opinion and making commitments feels hard. Some scenario may be too complex, confusing, or changing to get a grip on this month. And that’s okay.

Peak dates for this theme span December 3-7 & December 21-28. My advice: tread lightly committing yourself or drawing conclusions even if you think you’ve made your mind up. Two principles we’ve previously discussed to also watch out for – 

Principle Number 1: Jupiter square Saturn highlights clashes between competing interests, values, priorities, and worldviews. This is obvious with the current political landscape, but consider whether it’s happening in your life too. Are you wanting two things that don’t easily fit together? Does some decision require you to weigh priorities against one another? Are you vacillating between the urge to move forward and the need to pull back? Are you caught in a liminal space between past and future? I can attest you’re not alone. 

Keep in mind that as of December, we’re halfway through this Jupiter square Saturn period. While the final solution is only half-baked, December offers valuable insight to your process. Be on the lookout for nuggets of important information to use later.

Principle Number 2: Existing structures (Saturn) are being forced to square themselves with changing beliefs, a changing consensus, and new visions of the future (Jupiter).

Things conceptualized in the past become outdated when Jupiter squares Saturn. This can necessitate drastic change in the status quo. Organizations and institutions we’ve taken for granted will be tested and questioned. I cannot count the number of clients whose companies have already undergone layoffs, departmental restructuring, or the integration of new operating systems since this process started. That is all predictable Jupiter-Saturn stuff. Since what was once a forecast has now become a pervasive reality, I want to repeat what I said in August:

It would be normal to encounter some future-facing fears now. Perhaps most common is the perception that what’s happening will take us back, overwhelm progress or undermine our future. That’s really not true. This is not a time to personalize institutional issues nor take them on your shoulders. Allow the stress tests to happen. Weaknesses in structures / systems need to be exposed or nothing will change. (August Newsletter)

It’s understandable if you question how things could come back together again. I’m longing for cohesion and clarity in my own life, but I do know the unknowing is temporary. The promise of time, the promise of astrology, is movement past any conundrum we face.  🙂

Mars Retrograde: December 6 – February 24 

Mars turning retrograde this month is a big deal, too. Mars retrogrades less than any other planet so when it happens, it is palpable. 

A common experience with Mars retrograde is a shift in physical energy. Some folks have boosted motivation while others feel they’re moving through mud, unable to get things accomplished. Regardless, disrupted momentum is a good thing. It permits us to contemplate and execute a change in direction. 

Mars not only signifies one’s physical energy but the deeper purpose of it, which is two-fold (1) maintaining one’s being and (2) pursuing one’s aims. With Mars retrograde, expect to explore the following topics:

• Your IDENTITY and sense of self – who do you want to BE?
• Your DESIRES – what do you want for yourself (separate and apart from external influences)?
• Your DIRECTION – do developments in your identity and desires require adjustment of your arrow?

Mars retrograde turns the volume up on these questions. Particular people, places, habits or commitments may need to go as you realign your inner compass. I encourage you to try new forms of self-assertion during this time. How can you honor yourself better, while leaving loving space for others to exist in your world?

Key dates for Mars Retrograde this month are: December 3-8 (energy and productivity slow), December 6-12 (interpersonal tension), December 30-January 5 (increased emotional intensity, anger and power struggles).

Mid-Month Blessings & Thoughts on the Holidays

As you navigate this meaningful inflection point on your journey, I trust you will find feel-good pockets of time scattered throughout December. A challenging few days is most always followed by a sudden lightening, a kind gesture, or new reason to feel grateful.

Mid-December in particular has some very sweet spots including a beautiful alignment from Venus to Jupiter that peaks December 19. I wish you lots of favor from the universe around that time. 

For those observing Christmas, Hanukah or any other holiday, be willing to do things differently this year. Keep plans spaced out and expectations grounded. Despite tension in the days surrounding December 24, the support is there for a memorable holiday season if we’re willing to be flexible and avoid overwhelming ourselves.

Oracle Message

The oracle card drawn for this newsletter from the White Light Oracle by Alana Fairchild states:

Recalibration to a higher order of divine purpose is in progress. It is not always a smooth ride, but it is safe to be fearless as you gently hold space for new ways of thinking, living and seeing to emerge. You are encouraged to let go of opinions and belief systems that cannot support you in higher frequency states. You shall soon recognize a truth that cuts through confusion and frees you to proceed with love, peace and higher understanding.

All the best in December…

xo,
Jules