Monday 12/01 - Venus conjuncts Jupiter (1:45 AM) a few hours after midnight. As the conjunction occurs in the Saturn ruled sign of Capricorn it won't deliver quite the exuberance one would usually expect from this combination of the two benefics. Still this will usher in a wave of holiday spirit and good feeling. People will be focusing more on the spiritual and less on the material this season.

There's a wonderful feeling of contentment and well being this morning as the Moon conjoins Jupiter (8:09 AM). Look for this lineup on Sunday just after sunset and again on Monday and you'll see how quickly the Moon moves. On Sunday it will be just below Venus and Jupiter and by Monday night it will have already passed over them.

The Moon conjuncts Venus (8:44 AM) not long after it passes Jupiter. People on the other side of the world will be able to see the exact conjunction but it won't be visible in this hemisphere. Moon/Venus is kind and generous. Capricorn is respectful of tradition and its elders. An older person or someone in a position of power may do you a great favor today. Pray to the Grandmothers. Honor your Elders.

The Moon moves into Aquarius at 11:45 PM.

Tuesday 12/02 - We're still coasting on yesterday's positive energy.

There are no major lunar aspects until later this evening when the Moon makes a sextile to the Sun in Sagittarius (10:45 PM) so the mood is harmonious and energetic (Moon sextile Mars just after midnight at 12:44 AM). Many people will be up late tonight.

Wednesday 12/03 - It's an alert, mentally active morning as the Aquarius Moon sextiles Mercury in Sag (8:21 AM). There's lots of interaction and communication. The tone is pleasant and friendly.

The day gets spacier as it goes along and the Moon approaches Neptune (7:15 PM). This brings out a spiritual, otherworldly focus and many people are lost in daydreams and fantasy or reverie this evening.

Thursday 12/04 - The Moon enters Pisces at 11:23 AM and sextiles Pluto in Capricorn (11:54 AM) so, around noon, the mood is rather subdued as people are intently focused on getting some task accomplished.

This day will require flexibility and a willingness to go with the flow, especially this evening when Mercury squares Uranus (10:52 PM). This usually indicates some kind of screaming left hand turn as unexpected events or sudden news catches us off guard. People can be abrupt and unpredictable under this influence. Watch your words, as this is an "open mouth, insert foot" influence. Hoof and mouth disease, it's catching.

Friday 12/05 - The edginess continues this afternoon as the Pisces Moon squares today's Sun/Mars conjunction (Moon square the Sun at 2:26 PM and Mars a minute later at 2:27). Pisces gets its feelings hurt by Sun/Mars' over-assertiveness and an emotional scene is likely.

The Sun conjuncts Mars in 13° of Sagittarius (3:04 PM). This is an athletic, out-going alignment, overflowing with enthusiasm and physical energy, like a big puppy bounding around and knocking things over. It's a good day for physical exercise. Get outside if you can or go for a workout at the gym.

It's a wild night. The Moon conjuncts Uranus at 11:07 PM so there's a lot going on tonight. People are out on the town in a big way, ready to party.

Saturday 12/06 - Last night may have been a little too wild and rather accident-prone. Some folks are feeling the fallout and picking up the pieces this morning. Whatever the reason, it's a rather depressing day. The holiday blues set in as we're reminded of everything that is lacking in our lives. Practicing gratitude by remembering the things we have to be grateful for and reaching out to help someone else will put things into perspective. Mercury squares gloomy Saturn (12:14 PM) and sextiles spiritual Neptune (9:38 PM) showing us where to look for solace.

The mood picks up a bit later this afternoon as the Pisces Moon sextiles Venus (5:43 PM). People are more caring and receptive now. A friend is ready to listen.

The Moon moves into Aries at 7:44 PM and squares Pluto shortly thereafter (8:22 PM) so a rather taciturn, grumpy mood sets in. Why not turn in early tonight? Hole up with a good book or movie and call it a day.

Tonight's Mercury/Neptune sextile (9:38 PM) will soothe the savage beast and bring calming, restful dreams.

Sunday 12/07 - Venus enters Aquarius at 4:37 PM, bringing out a spirit of brotherhood and idealism for the holiday season. Venus will be in the sign of brotherly love from 12/06 until 1/03.

The Moon trines energetic Mars around midnight (11:52 PM) so it will be a late night for many people, even if it is Sunday.

What a roller coaster ride this week turned out to be!

* All times are MDT (Mountain Daylight Time). For EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) add two hours. All aspects in bold are major influences that are in effect for several days. The Moon's daily aspects are rapidly shifting influences that are in effect for only a few hours.

Monday 12/08 - It 's a low-key, lazy Monday as people make an easy entry into a new week. The Moon sextiles Neptune (10:06 AM) so people are feeling relaxed but having a hard time waking up and an early afternoon Moon/Jupiter square (1:25 PM) doesn't exactly pick up the pace.

The old synapses finally start firing when the Moon moves into a trine to mentally active Mercury (2:35 PM). The ideas we are entertaining now keep churning up more avenues of thought as the evening progresses.

The Moon enters Taurus at 11:52 PM and immediately trines Pluto (12:35 AM) so, if you're up late, thoughts take a practical turn toward how to implement ideas or budget planning.

Tuesday 12/09 - It's a quiet day. There are no major lunar aspects during the day so people are mostly on autopilot.

Wednesday 12/10 - Things start cooking today. We're heading toward a very stressful Full Moon on Friday that will definitely be stirring things up on the world scene. Politically and financially, it looks like an explosive week.

The Sun squares Uranus early on (5:03 AM) so there are startling and provocative events in the works. People make snap decisions that aren't necessarily very well thought out. Pressure builds to the breaking point emotionally and mechanically. Car sounding funny? Brakes borderline? If it's about to break down, it will do it this week. This may be the last chance to take care of it before it becomes a bigger problem. The Moon makes some good aspects today, giving us the opportunity to take care of something just in the nick of time.

The Moon sextiles mechanically inclined, intuitive Uranus (6:42 AM) so if you wake up with something on your mind, don't put it off. Try and take care of it now. The Taurus Moon trines practical Saturn (10:48 AM) helping us get down to business. The mood gets spacey just before noon (Moon square Neptune at 11:38 AM) and attention wanders. Mistakes get made and things get done wrong now, so why not take an early lunch and recharge your batteries?

This afternoon the mood picks up and so does our motivation as the Moon trines ambitious Jupiter in Cap. You can make some real progress now; maybe even avert an imminent disaster.

The Moon enters Gemini at 12:33 AM Monday morning.

Thursday 12/11 - The morning is quite lovely and a welcome relief from this week's underlying tension as the Gemini Moon trines friendly, helpful Venus in Aquarius (7:11 AM). A friend is ready with a helping hand and a willing heart.

Mars squares Uranus just before midnight (11:50 PM). The **** is ready to hit the fan, so get ready to duck. Did I mention short tempers, bad driving and a general tendency to be accident-prone?.

Friday 12/12 - Mercury enters Capricorn at 3:13 AM and our thoughts take a more practical and less ideological/philosophical turn.

This day is like a fire at fireworks factory; the repercussions just keep going on and on.

The Moon triggers the Mars/Uranus square this morning (the Moon squares Uranus at 6:10 AM and opposes Mars at 6:29 AM) so early traffic seems like bump-cars and the world news is pretty exciting too.

It's so easy to over-react and vent on family and loved ones now. Give full rein to this and you'll regret it for the rest of the holiday season.

The Moon is Full in 21° Gemini (9:37 AM). This Full Moon makes a grand square with the ongoing Saturn/Uranus opposition, which is probably the major astrological factor of the coming year, having to do with the dynamic political and economic struggles we are undergoing. Expect major events of global impact.

Mercury conjunct Pluto (11:41 AM) is introspective and profound at it's best and at it's worst, it's positively psychotic. Just the perfect touch to turn this into a truly crazy day.

Sun square Saturn (7:20 PM) presents obstacles and puts the focus on what's lacking or wrong with any given situation. Energy levels and resources are low.

Saturday 12/13 - This weekend is like the calm after the storm. A still mood has us embracing a welcome quiet. The Sun sextiles peaceful Neptune (7:06 AM), a welcome solace after a nerve-wracking week. Focus turns toward timeless spiritual values and the real meaning of the season.

Sunday 12/14 - There's a slow, steady pace this morning as the Cancer Moon sextiles Saturn (9:40 AM). A cozy day at home seems like the best idea for this Sunday. This afternoon the focus is on family as the Moon opposes Jupiter in Cap (3:27 PM). Time to make some holiday preparations and tend to those time-honored traditions.

* All times are MDT (Mountain Daylight Time). For EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) add two hours. All aspects in bold are major influences that are in effect for several days. The Moon's daily aspects are rapidly shifting influences that are in effect for only a few hours.

Monday 12/15 - The pace is relaxed and friendly today. People are welcoming and ready to take the time to visit. (Leo Moon opposition Venus in Aquarius 2:21 PM).

Today's Mars square to Saturn (3:47 PM) emphasizes the monetary constraints we are operating under these days. Mars/Saturn is about restriction, discipline, and hard work, to the point of exhaustion. People need to be careful not to over-do and ration their resources, both physical and financial.

Tuesday 12/16 - Mars sextile Neptune (7:17 AM) is a finely-tuned spiritual alignment. Music, art and beauty affect us more deeply now. Material limitations sensitize us toward more lasting values like the value of community and the brotherhood of man.

The otherworldly focus is highlighted as the Moon opposes Neptune (11:55 AM). It's hard to get going today and, if you don't have to, why bother?

The energy level does pick up just after noon. (Moon trine Mars at 12:09 PM). Still, many will chose to stay home and tend to their holiday to-do list rather than venturing out into the world.

The day ends on a harmonious note as the Leo Moon makes a trine to the Sun in Sag (5:45 PM). This has been a lovely and meaningful day.

Wednesday 12/17 - The Moon enters Virgo at 1:36 AM.

The Virgo Moon keys into the recent Mercury/Pluto conjunction so the tone is quiet, introspective, contemplative. People aren't particularly chatty now. Respect their space and wait for another day. If conversation does start later this afternoon when the Moon trines Mercury (4:49 PM) it will either be focused on the practical nuts and bolts of a situation or on deeply personal and private concerns.

Thursday 12/18 - It's a frustrating day and people's fuses are short. Things don't go smoothly as we tap into last week's Mars/Uranus square (Moon opposition Uranus at 11:06 AM, conjunct Saturn at 3:58 PM and square Mars at 8:08 PM). Machines and systems breakdown, plans go awry and that accident-prone tendency is back. Being stuck is better than going out and having a collision so don't force it.

Friday 12/19 - Yesterday's bad mood shifts during the night (Moon trine Jupiter at 12:05 AM) though things are still rather edgy today.

The Moon moves into Libra at 7:23 AM.

People may feel somewhat coerced and manipulated this morning as the Moon squares Pluto (8:52 AM). Maybe there's an office party or some other official function we would rather not attend. The pressure is on to make nice but, if it's not something involving the boss, be ready with a polite but firm no.

Saturday 12/20 - The morning starts early with phone calls and other communications we need to attend to, like finally getting those last cards and packages into the mail (Moon square Mercury at 7:22 AM).

The mood calms down and sweetens up nicely later this morning when the Libra Moon trines Venus in Aquarius (11:02 AM). This is a great time for a holiday get-together with friends or finding the perfect present for someone you care for.

Sunday 12/21 - The Winter Solstice point is this morning at 5:04 AM. This is the moment that the Sun enters Capricorn, the moment when the old year ends and the growing light of the new year begins. Traditionally peoples around the world kindled sacred fires at this time, so light a candle, say a prayer and give thanks for the blessings the old year brought.

It's a high-energy day. There are so many events, parties and concerts to attend you'll have to prioritize because there's no way to do it all. The Moon sextiles Mars at 8:21 AM so it's off to a busy and productive start.

By 10 AM we're in high gear (Moon square Jupiter at 9:57 AM). This is when the over commitment sets in. It's all fun but, come on, a person can only do so much. Slow down, relax and enjoy what you are doing, instead of stressing about what you're not going to be able to get to.

The Moon moves into Scorpio at 4:46 PM.

The focus is more intimate this evening (Scorpio Moon sextile the Sun at 5:39 PM and sextile Pluto at 6:21 PM). How about a romantic dinner, a quiet gathering with a few close friends or just a peaceful evening at home?.

* All times are MDT (Mountain Daylight Time). For EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) add two hours. All aspects in bold are major influences that are in effect for several days. The Moon's daily aspects are rapidly shifting influences that are in effect for only a few hours.

Monday 12/22 - This is the first day of Hanukkah.

There are no major lunar aspects today.

The Sun conjuncted Pluto in Capricorn (2:21 AM) early this morning. This aspect is about power and the people who wield it. There are some heavy-weights in action today. This is a good time to think about how much personal power we each have and how we use or misuse it.

Tuesday 12/23 - The morning gets off to a dynamic start as the Scorpio Moon trines Uranus (6:13 AM). People are up early and full of energy. Before noon the pace has slowed to a more steady rhythm as the Moon sextiles careful Saturn (11:35 AM).

Attention wavers during the lunch hour and people really don't get back on track the rest of the day. The Moon squares dreamy Neptune at 12:34 PM and everyone is thinking about their holiday plans or the weather and not much gets done in the way of work for the rest of the day.

The evening is full of fun and holiday celebrations as the Moon trines jovial Jupiter (10:29 PM). It will be a late night for many.

Wednesday 12/24 - The Moon enters Sagittarius at 4:13 AM.

Usually days with no major lunar aspects are relatively quiet but today's Mercury sextile Uranus (9:33 AM) certainly livens things up. There's a current of excitement and anticipation rippling through this day. A pleasant surprise is in the works.

Thursday 12/25 - Merry Christmas!

Christmas Day looks rather quiet until the evening when things start cooking. The Moon squares Uranus around dinnertime (6:46 PM) and people get restless and maybe a little raucous. It's time to get out of the house and go visiting. There will be lots going on tonight. The mood sweetens as the evening progresses and the Sag Moon moves into a lovely trine to Venus in Aquarius (10:22 PM). Good times and good friends abound.

Things come to an abrupt end as a Moon/Saturn square pulls the plug on the energy level just after midnight (12:10 AM) and its time for bed.

Friday 12/26 - There's a rather sober and serious mood this morning as Mercury in Capricorn trines Saturn (4:38 AM) and people's thoughts turn toward the year ahead. The morning is rather subdued but things heat up this afternoon as the Moon moves into a conjunction with energetic Mars in Sagittarius, the sign of the sportsman. It's time to go outdoors and play. Stretch it out and get some exercise, otherwise it can turn into a rather cranky little evening.

The mood does shift this evening as the Moon conjuncts Pluto (7:07 PM). People crave a little solitude and quiet time to themselves after all the excitement of the last few days. Time to recharge your batteries before the next round of holiday excitement begins.

Saturday 12/27 - Mars enters Capricorn at 12:31 AM. Mars in Capricorn (12/27 - 2/04/09) is noted for its business acumen and good sense of timing. Capricorn Mars certainly knows how to get the most out of it efforts and resources.

The Moon is New in 6° Capricorn this morning at 5:22 AM. It's a quiet and contemplative day. There's a quiet power here and a strong sense of spirituality, brotherhood and compassion for the human condition as Venus conjuncts Neptune in Aquarius (5:29 AM). Venus' approach to Neptune has colored the last few days, bringing with it a true Christmas spirit and making this a very special holiday. Venus/Neptune opens peoples' hearts and eyes to the beauty and wonder that surround us everyday but we are often just too busy to notice.

Sunday 12/28 - There's an early start as the Moon sextiles Uranus at 7:46 AM and people are up and at 'em.

It's a power day. Mars conjuncts Pluto (12:59 AM), an alignment that happens about once every two years and is associated with subjects as diverse as nuclear energy and cosmic consciousness, the kundalini blast that opens the small self to the vast power of the universe. What these have in common is the intense energy associated with this aspect. It all depends on how it's focused.

A Moon/Saturn trine (1:04 PM) helps steady the energy, keeping us grounded and focused, with a healthy awareness of our personal limitations and responsibilities.

People start feeling more outgoing this evening as the Moon conjuncts Mercury in Capricorn (8:53 PM). This is not exactly an outrageous party mood, more like a few phone calls or quiet conversation with an old friend or family member.

* All times are MDT (Mountain Daylight Time). For EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) add two hours. All aspects in bold are major influences that are in effect for several days. The Moon's daily aspects are rapidly shifting influences that are in effect for only a few hours.