A LOOK AT DECEMBER FROM THE SKY AND MERCURY RETROGRADE

DECEMBER HAS ARRIVED, WELCOME!

As we bid farewell to 2023 with all its joys and sorrows, the last month of the year, December, brings significant planetary movements and transitions, offering plenty of celestial news. Astrologically, such a high level of planetary interaction will also increase activity in related areas of our lives.

✓ December 1 – Mercury, the planet of written and spoken communication, enters Capricorn.✓ December 4 – Venus, the planet representing relationships, partnerships, mediators, and diplomacy, enters Scorpio.✓ December 6 – Neptune, which symbolizes universal love, sacrifice, forgiveness, artists, spirituality, and psychics, ends its retrograde motion and moves direct.✓ December 13 – A New Moon occurs in Sagittarius, along with Mercury Retrograde.✓ December 22 – The Sun moves into Capricorn, marking the official start of winter, while Mercury becomes "Cazimi," meaning it is at the heart of the Sun.✓ December 23 – Mercury retrogrades back into Sagittarius.✓ December 27 – A Full Moon in Cancer.✓ December 29 – Venus moves into Sagittarius.✓ December 31 – Jupiter, the benefic planet of abundance, prosperity, healing, and beliefs, ends its retrograde and moves direct.

MERCURY IN CAPRICORN: A TIME FOR REALISTIC COMMUNICATION

December begins with Mercury transitioning into Capricorn on December 1. Mercury governs written and verbal communication, networking, speech, writing, logical thinking, data collection, and analysis. The renowned scholar Al-Biruni described Mercury as "intelligence, thought, language, and the residence of existence."

With Mercury in Capricorn, communication throughout December will be realistic and grounded. Capricorn, an earth sign, has a dry and cold nature that aligns well with Mercury’s essence, reflecting in our speech and thoughts. Since Mercury is in Saturn’s domain, their relationship becomes crucial. The supportive and positive aspects between them this month will encourage us to take practical and concrete steps in our communication and ideas. We will rely more on logic and analysis. Those willing to take responsibility, work in an organized and disciplined manner, will succeed.

Mercury’s supportive aspects from its ruler Saturn and the great benefic Jupiter will enhance our intellectual, academic, and philosophical pursuits. We can use this period until December 13 for expanding our knowledge, engaging in mental and spiritual education, making academic applications, and learning new philosophies. It’s an excellent time for writing articles, planning meetings, and scheduling travels.

VENUS IN SCORPIO: INTENSE EMOTIONS IN RELATIONSHIPS

On December 4, Venus, the planet of relationships, peace, and harmony, moves into Scorpio, where it will remain until December 29. In classical astrology, Venus is not very comfortable in Scorpio, but due to their shared feminine and cold nature, a certain harmony is achieved. Scorpio, a silent sign, fosters deeper emotions in relationships, leaving no room for superficiality. This placement signifies possessiveness and passionate attachment.

December will be a transformative month for relationships. The positive aspect Venus will receive from Saturn in the first week of December will help us emerge stronger from crises and support long-term relationships and partnerships despite challenges. However, the opposition between Venus and Jupiter, peaking on December 10, warns against arrogance in relationships. Fortunately, Mercury’s supportive aspect suggests that communication can resolve issues. During this period, let’s avoid remaining silent and leverage the power of communication.

NEPTUNE DIRECT: SPIRITUAL AWAKENING

On December 6, Neptune, which has been retrograde for a long time, resumes its direct motion. Neptune symbolizes the infinite nature of truth, transcendence, illusions, mysteries, spiritual existence, and the psyche. As it moves direct, these areas will gain momentum and strengthen.

DECEMBER 13: SAGITTARIUS NEW MOON & MERCURY RETROGRADE

On December 13, we will experience a New Moon in Sagittarius, squared by Neptune. Themes related to foreign affairs, international matters, religious and spiritual topics, and higher education will come to the forefront, allowing us to plant new seeds in these areas.

On the same day, Mercury begins its final retrograde motion of the year. Retrograde motion occurs when planets appear to move backward from Earth’s perspective. This retrograde, lasting from December 13 to January 2, will start in Capricorn and move back into Sagittarius. During this period, we can revisit unfinished projects, conduct additional research, gather information, and brainstorm ideas.

DECEMBER 22: THE LONGEST NIGHT & WINTER BEGINS

On December 22, as the Sun reaches its highest southern declination and enters Capricorn at 0 degrees on the ecliptic, we will experience the longest night of the year, marking the official start of winter. With shorter days and longer nights, nature will enter a state of rest. It’s time to use resources wisely and practically. Capricorn season begins—happy birthday, Capricorns!

Capricorn’s strength lies in disciplined work during dark days. Career matters, discipline, responsibilities, and practical application of knowledge will be central themes of the month. As we approach the new year, we will focus on career goals and future aspirations.

DECEMBER 21-25: RELATIONSHIP ALERT!

The week of December 21 requires extra caution in relationships. On December 21, the opposition between Venus and Uranus becomes exact, potentially leading to breakups, tensions, and unexpected challenges in relationships. However, around December 25, the power of forgiveness will come into play. Neptune’s trine aspect will bridge this stressful configuration, bringing themes of compassion and reconciliation into relationships. During this time, Reiki, yoga, and meditation can help heal emotional wounds and enhance inner peace. Let’s lighten our hearts through forgiveness!

DECEMBER 22: MERCURY "CAZIMI" – A MAGICAL WINDOW

On December 22, between 19:04 and 00:53, Mercury will be “Cazimi,” meaning it will be at the heart of the Sun. This rare alignment provides a powerful moment for clarity, insight, and manifestation. Mercury-related topics will be under special protection, benefiting from the Sun’s strength.

This is an ideal time for important meetings, reviving unfinished projects, writing, visualizing, prayer, and reflecting on destiny-related matters. Take note of this date and time—it’s a golden opportunity to manifest your desires.

DECEMBER 27: CANCER FULL MOON – FAMILY, PROTECTION, AND EMOTIONS

On December 27, we will experience the last Full Moon of the year in Cancer. Full Moons bring projects to fruition and heighten emotions and intuition. This particular Full Moon will highlight themes of family, protection, and nurturing. It’s a wonderful time to gather with loved ones and strengthen family bonds. Important career decisions may also arise. The harmonious trine between the Sun and Jupiter, exact at 18:28, will bring luck and opportunities.

However, Mercury retrograde squares Neptune in the last week of December, urging caution in technology, contracts, and communications. Double-check emails and messages before sending them to avoid misunderstandings. If possible, postpone major contracts and purchases of technological devices until after January 14, when Mercury regains strength.

DECEMBER 29-31: VENUS IN SAGITTARIUS & JUPITER DIRECT

On December 29, Venus moves into optimistic Sagittarius, while Jupiter, its ruler, ends its months-long retrograde motion on December 31. Diplomatic relations and international agreements will gain momentum.

As Jupiter, the planet of abundance and wisdom, moves direct on December 31, we will experience accelerated growth in areas of faith, prosperity, and philosophy.

Wishing you a prosperous and healing new year. Stay in love and light!

Betül Mastar Çalık

Sources:

*Ptolemaıos Tetrabiblos,

*Astroloji Dersleri, Öner Döşer

*Temel Kavramlar, Öner Döşer

*Neptün, Maurice Fernandez