DECEMBER 2022 FORECAST

We finish 2022 with a shift of energies and a changing worldview. In many ways, the intensity and frustration of 2022 set the stage for a much more eventful 2023. All the Jupiter/Neptune in Pisces energy, plus Mars Retrograde from October 30-January 13, 2023 make it difficult to evaluate 2022 and take action without the benefit of additional hindsight.

This need for review gets amplified by ending the year with Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn. Time to dot your i’s and cross your t’s. Mercury remains Retrograde until January 18, 2023 when Mercury stations Direct on the same day that the Sun conjuncts Pluto. We can expect something deep and profound to arise from our retrospection, but this year ends with a backwards look and suspended animation.

For now, tend to the things you can control and influence. In some cases that might “just” mean prayer and meditation. Actions come later, and that’s OK. Everything’s happening at the proper time and pace, no matter how much the collective cries, “Are we there yet?!” No, we’re not. We will be, but not yet.

December 3 Neptune stations Direct in Pisces. After months of internal confusion and delusion, we’ll get more clarity once Neptune resumes forward motion in his home sign. As Within, So Without: we clean up the world’s illusions by cleaning up our own projections. A good time to focus on meditation, poetry, and creating a more beautiful world. If you have addictive tendencies exercise caution so you don’t go overboard. Outer planetary energies are strongest when they station.

December 6 Mercury enters Capricorn. Analysis and realism come to the fore. After the optimism of Sagittarius, Mercury in Capricorn takes a sober look at where and how things stand. Practical solutions need exploration before implementation.

December 7 Full Moon in Gemini, 11:08 p.m. Eastern US time. This “Long Nights Moon” almost exactly conjuncts Mars in the 16th degree of Gemini. Rounding up to 17 Gemini, the Sabian Symbol for this conjunction is: THE HEAD OF A ROBUST YOUTH CHANGES INTO THAT OF A MATURE THINKER. Dane Rudhyar calls this “a process of MENTAL METAMORPHOSIS.” This Full Moon/Mars conjunction happens right between the US natal Descendant and the US natal Mars, meaning questions about relationships, war, and known enemies are “up” for the United States. With double Mars involvement, answers to these questions will demand decisive action.

December 9 Venus enters Capricorn. Venus in Sagittarius needs freedom to roam. When she moves into Capricorn, Venus wants commitment. Our values turn more traditional, and we assess what works or doesn’t work for us in relationships. Are they one way only, or mutually beneficial? Does form follow function? Can something practical also look and feel beautiful? Now through January 2 marks a great time to focus on skincare and putting your best face forward.

December 14 Sun in Sagittarius square Neptune in Pisces. While a yearning for truth soars, the bigger picture stays murky. Grand illusions could shatter as light shines on deception, but discernment will be in short supply. The fog of war is thick right now. When in doubt, turn off the spin cycle. Today offers great energy for creative pursuits. Focus your energy there instead of trying to make sense of nonsense. Real clarity comes on the 17th, not today.

December 17 Mercury in Capricorn trine Uranus in Taurus. Unusual information, bizarre solutions and psychic downloads characterize this time. With both Mercury and higher octave Uranus in Earth signs, the information and understanding will have practical value and applications. Bring a notebook with you, and pay attention to sudden flashes of insight.

December 20 Jupiter re-enters Aries. Jupiter crosses the world axis and begins a new 12-year cycle. 29 Pisces is the last degree of the last sign of the zodiac, and 0 Aries is the first. In the sign of individual will and adventure, the planet of optimism, higher learning and broad horizons reminds us to expand our thinking. Jupiter remains in Aries until May 16, 2023.

December 21 Sun enters Capricorn. Yule/Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, and Litha/Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. While Sagittarius longs for Truth, Capricorn implements practical steps, rules and regulations. Bold optimism gets a reality check. Big ideas take on physical form through sober assessment and solid methods. Sagittarius is more fun, but Capricorn ensures it all gets done with proper protocol.

December 23 New Moon in Capricorn, 5:16 a.m. Eastern US time. This New Moon occurs less than an hour after Chiron stations Direct in Aries. We’ve got a stellium with Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Pluto all in Capricorn. All that Capricorn energy brings sombre realizations and a desire for stability. The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon point is: THREE ROSE WINDOWS IN A GOTHIC CHURCH, ONE DAMAGED BY WAR. The damaged cathedral still stands, but Chiron Direct seeks healing after violence and destruction.

December 29 Mercury stations Retrograde until January 18. Third exact hit of the First US Pluto Return. Anytime the year finishes in Mercury Retrograde, we won’t have a clear assessment of that year until Mercury stations Direct. We’re encouraged to go inward, review, revamp, retool, and reexamine. Most people do this anyway at the end of the year. The difference with Merc Rx is that the flip to January 1 won’t feel quite so new. Not just yet. We’re still in the midst of a massive process, including a death and rebirth cycle for the United States, which continues to throw the rest of the world into chaos, too. This is the third “gong” of the First US Pluto Return, and perhaps the third time will be the charm–invoking more regenerative and resilient energies.

December 31 Venus conjunct Pluto. Passionate desires, total intimacy and obsessions rise to the surface. Warning: this New Year’s Eve could break all sorts of taboos. Minimize drugs and alcohol if you want to maintain any semblance of control. This conjunction supports creative projects powered by dreams and the subconscious. Your deepest soul longings become impossible to ignore. New Year’s Resolutions for 2023 will feel more intense than usual.

Those who pan back far enough can see we live during incredible times with massive potential. When you review your year, give yourself the credit you deserve for making it this far. 2022 wasn’t easy, but it was an important year. We’ll discover more reasons why in 2023 and beyond.