The Week Ahead: December 16-22, 2024
Wednesday, December 18, 22:30 UTC - Disseminating Moon, 12°30’ Leo
The key phrases for the Disseminating lunar phase are “teach, share, communicate;” and “ease up on efforts with our intentions.” We’re sharing in creative ways, maybe a little overly dramatic. Very performative vibes. Women remain pissed off.
Sunday, December 22, 22:18 UTC - Last Quarter Moon, 1°34’ Libra
The key phrases for the Last Quarter lunar phase are “turn away,” and “tear down old structures that no longer serve us well.” Some of those old structures may be the way we celebrate the holidays. There’s temptation to “gloss over” things we oughtn’t, for the sake of family harmony.
Tuesday, December 17, 18:33 UTC (Cancer) - 23:39 UTC (Leo)
Friday, December 20, 05:19 UTC (Leo) - 07:37 UTC (Virgo)
Sunday, December 22, 13:27 UTC (Virgo) - 19:08 UTC (Libra)
Pre-retrograde shadow: Juno/Scorpio (starting Sunday the 22nd)
Retrograde: Mars/Leo, Jupiter/Gemini, Chiron/Aries, Uranus/Taurus, Eris/Aries
Post-retrograde shadow: Mercury/Sagittarius, Saturn/Pisces
Transiting Mercury exits its Storm on Saturday, December 21, now moving faster than 40’ or arc per day. Until then, forward progress is minimal - it feels like we’re still struggling, even though we know we’re moving on.
Transiting Juno enters her pre-retrograde shadow on Sunday, December 22, 14:45 UTC, at 16°15’ Scorpio. Well, we’re in for it now - it’s about time - a lot of toxicity in/of/with relationships to sort through and purge.
Saturday, December 21, 09:21 UTC - transiting Sun enters Capricorn
Aka the Capricorn Solstice - Merry Yule up here, Merry Litha down there! I think we have a general feeling that we’ve wept and howled long enough - it’s time to begin to plan for the future, not only the immediate reality but where we wish it to go.
There are three Opportunity Periods this week:
Sunday, December 15, 19:21 UTC - Tuesday, December 17, 23:39 UTC. “With Mercury just turning direct, this is a good time for setting lofty goals and inspiration.”
Thursday, December 19, 20:04 UTC - Friday, December 20, 05:19 UTC. “Good for creativity and also healthy connections and relationships, aided by the Venus-Jupiter trine.”
Sunday, December 22, 22:18 UTC - Tuesday, December 24, 10:44 UTC. “This great OP ends with the Moon enclosed between benefics (Venus and Jupiter), forming a grand trine, which is awesome for everything joyous, just in time for the holidays.”
A different feel, as Mercury is direct but sluggish - and it’s now a waning Moon. We have the dreaded “Holidays” ahead of us, too; it’s finals time in schools and colleges. The “most wonderful time of the year,” my eye. There are rewards for hanging in there, though.
While the Moon is in Cancer (Sunday the 15th - Tuesday the 17th), use that Opportunity Period to come to terms with your feelings. How do you feel about “the holidays” this year, and what can/will you do about celebrating them or not?
While the Moon is in Leo (Tuesday the 17th to Friday the 20th), it’s a little bit of a respite with some partying, abetted by a trine between Venus/Aquarius and Jupiter Rx/Gemini. Great for socializing.
While the Moon is in Virgo (Friday the 20th to Sunday the 22nd), it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Probably lots of distractions - take a tip from a sexagenarian and write everything down as it occurs to you. Having plans B, C, and D, as well as Plan A, will be useful.
While the Moon is in Libra (Sunday the 22nd - Wednesday the 25th), we have another chiefly social time. It ends with a very long void Moon, from 09:44 UTC the 24th, to 08:06 UTC the 25th. Try to get everything done before this, so you can relax and chill out on Christmas Eve.