Monday 11/30 - Things are rather confusing and communications snarled this morning as Mercury moves into a square to Uranus (12:52 PM). People are moving too fast (Moon square Mars at 9:52 AM), jumping to conclusions and going off half-cocked. Take the time to make sure you are communicating clearly and others understand what you are trying to say. There are sudden changes of plan and people are impatient and irritable. Things done in a hurry today may have to be redone later so don't push too hard.

Practicality and ideals are pulling you in two different directions when the Taurus Moon lines up to square both Jupiter (3:59 PM) and Neptune (9:04 PM). Time to relax after this morning's frantic pace. Take a deep breath and slow down. It does look like an interesting and lively evening, though (Moon sextile Uranus at 7:03 PM). The energy is building toward the upcoming Full Moon.

Tuesday 12/01 - The morning is mellow and a touch on the lazy side. It's hard to get motivated (Taurus Moon opposition Venus in Scorpio at 6:39 AM) when cuddling up under warm covers is so much more appealing.

The Moon enters Gemini at 7:23 AM.

People are lost in daydreams today, thinking about what they'd rather be doing as Mercury sextiles Neptune (7:53 AM). There's a dreamy magic about Mercury/Neptune. Our thoughts are far away in fantasyland or off in ethereal realms. This is a good time to meditate or make (or enjoy) soothing music.

This day finally begins to get organized around noon when the Moon trines Saturn in Libra (12:30 PM).

Uranus goes direct (1:27 PM) after being in its annual retrograde phase since July. Changes we're trying to make in our lives gather more momentum now that Uranus is moving forward again.

Venus enters Sag (3:04 PM) for a three-week stay in adventurous, expressive Sagittarius. Warm, fiery Sag may start feeling restless now, thinking about tropical climates and distant places.

Wednesday 12/02 - The Moon is Full in Gemini (12:30 AM) just after midnight.

It's an upbeat, active day. The Gemini Moon sextiles Leo Mars (12:58 PM) early this afternoon so people are friendly and eager to socialize. This is a good time to touch base with folks or initiate any business contacts, as people are receptive and happy to take a moment to chat.

The pleasant mood continues as a Moon/Jupiter trine (6:36 PM) gives us a second wind on this day. The natives get restless when the Moon squares Uranus (9:03 PM). This could turn into a busy evening and get rather stressful with too much to do tonight. The mood mellows out early though as a Moon/Neptune trine (11:03 PM) calms things down.

Thursday 12/03 - The Moon enters Cancer at 9:01 AM.

It's a grouchy day. The Moon triggers the difficult and oppressive Saturn/Pluto square that's been hanging around in the wings. The Moon opposes Pluto (12:46 AM) and squares Saturn (2:14 PM) turning this into a challenging day. Personal issues about limitation, oppression and depression take center stage.

Friday 12/04 - Venus sextile Saturn (4:45 AM) is dedicated and loyal. Challenging circumstances may require these qualities.

People are ready to let off some steam this evening when the Moon trines Uranus (10:08 PM). Get out for a change of pace and a little entertainment.

Saturday 12/05 - Mercury enters Capricorn (10:25 AM), where it will be going retrograde later in the month, so Mercury will be in the practical, ambitious sign of the Goat for a couple of months.

The Moon enters Leo at 10:07 AM.

This is not a play day. There's a lot to do. The holiday list of chores looms large and it's time to get busy as the Moon sextiles industrious Saturn (3:36 PM). This is a great evening to entertain or plan a special dinner as the Leo Moon trines Venus in Sag (6:43 PM) creating an inviting and festive mood.

Sunday 12/06 - The morning starts on a harmonious note as the Sun and Moon trine (10:28 AM) making it easy to agree on plans for the day.

Things do get busy this afternoon when the Leo Moon conjuncts Mars. This is a high energy aspect. Get active, you can make a lot of headway now.

After a busy day, it's a social evening (Moon opposition Jupiter at 10:22 PM). Like the energizer bunny this day just keeps on going.

* 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 12/07 - Today Mercury conjuncts Pluto (2:11 AM) and squares Saturn (7:35 PM). Later in December, Mercury will go into a retrograde phase that will bring it back into close proximity to Pluto and Saturn. Mercury will be drawing attention to the Saturn/Pluto square by parking right on top of it for a while.

Mercury conjunct Pluto square Saturn brings out our hidden pathologies. This is a time to take a good look at certain irrational mindsets that control and sabotage us. Try to keep track of the emotions and mental images that come up. They can be quite revealing of emotional baggage that you may not even be aware of carrying. The tendency is to feel blocked and thwarted. Very real events may take this out of the emotional realm and into physical reality, depending on how the Mercury/Pluto/Saturn is influencing your personal astrology.

Politically this is a dangerous and treacherous time, favoring covert operations and subterfuge. There is a lot of manipulation and distortion of information going on, so don't believe everything you hear. Investigate your sources.

The Moon enters Virgo at 12:05 PM.

Tuesday 12/08 - There's some minor tension between our need for order and someone else's more free-wheeling approach (or vice versa) as the Virgo Moon squares Venus (1:53 AM) and the Sun (5:13 PM) in Sag. Relax and let others do their own thing, in their own way.

Wednesday 12/09 - The Moon moves into Libra at 3:47 PM.

This evening the Libra Moon highlights the Mercury/Pluto/Saturn lineup as it squares Pluto (8:13 PM) and conjuncts depressing Saturn (10:07 PM). You may find yourself struggling against circumstances over which you have no control, circumstances that leave you feeling powerless. A major dose of acceptance is required. Take it easy tonight. Do yourself a favor and go to bed early.

Thursday 12/10 - A Moon/Mercury square (3:46 AM) is the last part of yesterday's rather ugly alignment. This may disturb our rest with anxiety and restless dreams. The mood improves this morning as the Libra Moon sextiles charming Venus (11:29 AM). People are friendly and gracious. Someone's small kindness cheers the day.

An energetic Sun/Mars trine (6:18 PM) helps snap us out of the doldrums with it's active, can do approach. Sun/Mars jumps right in and makes things happen. Action is always the solution where the Sun and Mars are concerned. This enthusiasm may keep us up half the night as the Moon keys into this energy (Moon sextile Mars at 1:52 AM and the Sun at 2:25 AM).

Friday 12/11 - People wake up on the right side of the bed this morning as a Moon/Jupiter trine (8:01 AM) offers welcome respite from this week's grim mood. The clouds are dispersing and optimism returns. The Moon trines Neptune (10:45 AM) shortly after it contacts Jupiter, setting a leisurely, comfortable pace for the rest of the day. The two are only a few degrees apart now as Jupiter is getting ready to conjunct Neptune (12/21/09) for a third and final time right on the day of Winter Solstice.

The Moon enters Scorpio at 9:31 PM.

Saturday 12/12 - The focus is on getting the job done, whatever that might be today. Focus and mental acuity help with any writing, study or problem solving that's needed.

Sunday 12/13 - People are touchy this morning. Respect is a big issue as the Scorpio Moon squares Mars in Leo (9:24 AM). The pace is fast, lots to do and not enough time to do it in. Tempers flare.

The intensity begins to ease off around mid afternoon. Then the Moon squares Jupiter (4:07 PM) and Neptune (6:18 PM) and it's time for some serious relaxation. There's a tendency to overindulge, but what the heck, it's time for a little holiday cheer.

* All times are MST (Mountain Standard Time). For EST (Eastern Standard 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 12/14 - The week gets off to a powerful start, much more interesting and benign than last week's vile Mercury/Pluto/Saturn line up.

The Moon enters Sag at 5:25 AM.

There's change in the wind as the Sun squares unpredictable Uranus (8:28 AM). Uranus shows us the way forward, encouraging us to embrace new approaches to old problems. Systems often break down under Uranus tension. Take a hint from what's not working, this is showing us what needs to change.

The Sagittarius Sun's sextileto Jupiter (5:17 PM) is expansive, optimistic and outgoing. The Sun is highlighting Jupiter and Neptune as they make their last conjunction (12/21/09) so the idealism of Aquarius is combined with the crusading spirit of Sagittarius. People are eager to embrace a meaningful personal vision and they are ready to make the necessary changes to get there.

Tuesday 12/15 - The Moon and Venus make a fiery conjunction in Sagittarius this afternoon (3:17 PM). People are fervent about their likes and dislikes now and eager to talk about their reasons for both. So much intense conviction may raise the temperature several degrees.

Today's Sun/Neptune sextile (5:17 PM) is an aspect of dreamy optimism and spiritual idealism. This is a quiet evening, perfect for meditation and contemplation. It's the dark of the Moon, the time just before the Moon is New, when the seeds for the new month are planted. Coming as it does, just before the Winter Solstice, this is a good time to consider our plans for the New Year and review our progress through the year that's ending.

Wednesday 12/16 - The Moon is New in 24 degrees of Sagittarius at 5:02 AM. The New Moon keys into the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction, highlighting the idealistic, humanitarian and spiritual energy of this combo. Aquarius understands that we're all in this together, folks, like it or not.

The Moon enters Capricorn at 3:32 PM and conjuncts Pluto later this evening (9 PM). Don't expect much from people tonight. Moon/Pluto in Cap tends to be controlling and power hungry. If you're dealing with powerbrokers, better mind your manners and watch your step. Since Pluto and Saturn are a team these days, the Pluto conjunction is followed by a Moon/Saturn square (11:24 PM) so the mood doesn't improve. An encounter with someone's hard-hearted coldness is discouraging to say the least. Call it a night and get to bed early.

Thursday 12/17 - Venus trine Mars (5:39 AM) indicates harmony between the sexes and stimulates romance. This is a good time to shop for the perfect present because it's a good bet people will love what you buy for them now.

It's a busy evening, one of those when it's hard to get to bed before midnight. The Moon conjuncts Mercury (12:52 AM) so brains are buzzing and people are busy with holiday preparations and projects.

Friday 12/18 - It's an upbeat day, lively, interesting and maybe even a little surprising. The Moon sextiles Uranus (1:07 PM) so schedule something fun, a lunch date or take the afternoon off to get a jump-start on the weekend.

Saturday 12/19 - The Moon enters Aquarius at 3:39 AM.

The first part of the day is focused on taking care of business and working on that to-do list. Then, this evening a Venus/Uranus square (6:52 PM) kicks in and things get interesting in a fun and exciting way. This is a great night for a party. Interesting characters show up unexpectedly.

Sunday 12/20 - Mars goes into a retrograde (6:27 AM) phase that will prolong its stay in Leo until early June. Mars in Leo is associated with the military so someone is beating the drums of war. On a more positive note, Leo Mars can be a very creative and expressive energy. Dig into a creative project and let the world know what you're up to. People go into overdrive as the sun sets and the Moon moves into a temperamental opposition to Mars (7:44 PM). There's just too much to do and not enough time to do it in. Try to relax and go with the flow.

Venus makes a lovely pair of sextiles to Jupiter (9:53 PM) and Neptune (10:25 PM). This lineup is in effect for about three days so it's been sweetening up the weekend and leads us into tomorrow's Solstice (10:47 AM Monday). Tomorrow is also the third and final Jupiter/Neptune conjunction, happening right on the Solstice. This is a very auspicious energy, making this a wonderful year to do something special to mark the Solstice.

Venus sextile Jupiter and Neptune is romantic, charming, mystical and kind-hearted, reminding us that it's not so much what you give people in a material sense that counts. It's the love and kindness that you have to give that really matters. Christmas Spirit abounds.

* All times are MST (Mountain Standard Time). For EST (Eastern Standard 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 12/21 - Happy Solstice. What a marvelous day. Jupiter makes it third and final conjunction to Neptune (1:53 AM). This magical alignment has been a saving grace this past year. I have three articles about Jupiter and Neptune on my website. The following is from "Jupiter and Neptune, the Psychic Connection":

At their best, Jupiter and Neptune offer renewed hope, a deep faith, and a purity and innocence of spirit that is echoed in the imagery of the Tarot card, the Fool. The 0 card of the Major Arcana, the Fool is the Soul on its journey through life, a pilgrim's progress of experience and learning. The Fool is pictured merrily stepping off a cliff. He keeps on going, reaching the other side without noticing the surrounding danger. The Fool expects a miracle and, thus, receives one. His trusting and innocent nature brings out the best in potential enemies and disarms dangerous situations.

The Moon conjuncted Neptune (5:07 AM) and Jupiter (5:09) early this morning, making their effect all the stronger. This should have brought us a deep and soothing sleep and possibly some powerful dream images and information. A Moon/Venus sextile shortly thereafter (5:54 AM) amplifies the intrinsic sweetness in the current line up.

The Sun enters Capricorn at 10:47 AM. This is the Solstice point, the true beginning of the New Year.

The Moon enters Pisces at 4:42 PM. The harmonious energy continues in a subdued fashion this evening as the Pisces Moon sextiles the Sun (5:16 PM) and Pluto (10:41 PM).

Tuesday 12/22 - There are no major lunar aspects today so it's a relatively quiet day.

Wednesday 12/23 - Holiday season bustle kicks back into gear today. Things are calm but busy this morning as the Moon sextiles Mercury (11:06 AM). Communications are favored. This is a good time to firm up plans and coordinate schedules for the coming celebration. But after lunch it's a different story. Did someone ring a bell telling everyone to suddenly start acting like a lunatic? The last minute frenzy begins as the Moon conjuncts Uranus (2:43 PM). I suggest that you wait this one out.

Thursday 12/24 - The Moon moves into Aries at 4:39 AM.

It's a difficult morning. People are scratching their heads wondering where all that Christmas Spirit we had at the beginning of the week disappeared to. The Sun triggers the Saturn/Pluto square over the next couple of days. Today it conjuncts Pluto (10:30 AM). Many pocket books are empty and this is not bringing out the best in folks. We have to keep reminding ourselves what this season is all about, and its not money. It's an ugly morning (Moon square Pluto at 10:35 AM and opposition Saturn at 1:01 PM).

Things start to improve a bit around mid afternoon. Please remember to be kind, especially to the little ones.

Friday 12/25 - Merry Christmas!

Venus enters Capricorn (11:17 AM).

The Sun squares Saturn (4:58 PM) creating a serious, rather depressing mood. This really is a good time to think about how you can help those less fortunate than yourself. Volunteer, donate, give a secret Santa gift of love. Include someone who might be spending the day alone in your celebrations.

Saturday 12/26 - Sometime overnight the mood shifted. Today feels a lot more like we would have wanted yesterday to be.

The Moon enters Taurus at 1:26 PM, helping to calm those fiery tempers. A Moon/Venus trine (4:12 PM) brings out a kinder, more caring and appreciative mood, which continues into the evening (Moon trine Pluto at 7:07 PM and the Sun at 11:40 PM).

Mercury in Capricorn goes retrograde (7:38 AM) until Jan.15th. Here is an excerpt from the Mercury Retrograde article posted elsewhere on this site:

This winter Mercury goes retrograde on Dec. 26th, pausing right on top of the North Node . . .

Mercury with the North Node in the sign of Capricorn indicates some type of intellectual achievement or recognition, the triumph of certain ideas or policies. Capricorn is a political animal so this will surely pertain to the world of politics. Individually, its effect depends on how this alignment is placed in your own birth chart. Clear-headed, practical thinking is favored, as well as strategizing and charting a productive course for the New Year.

As Mercury continues its backward motion, it moves just within range of the planet Pluto, which is now in the early part of Capricorn. Mercury comes to a stop as it changes direction and begins to move forward again on Jan. 15th. At this time it will be triggering one of the more important astrological alignments of the coming year, the square between Saturn and Pluto. Expect to bump up against some stubborn, deeply ingrained attitudes that can be a real road-block to progress. At its worst, this can bring an encounter with some very cold and calculating characters.

Mercury first triggered this Saturn/Pluto square back on Dec. 7th, so events in mid January will be related to what you were experiencing at that time. For many people old, unhealthy mindsets will kick into gear under this influence. Self-sabotaging behavior and attitudes that keep you stuck in the past become more obvious now, making it easier to get some perspective on oppressive and limiting patterns that usually operate below the surface, unconsciously.

Mercury will join up with the North Node again in early February so, hopefully, progress will be made as practicality wins out over self-destructive behavior and a hard won perspective helps heal old wounds.

Sunday 12/27 - Our holiday high comes crashing down as Venus triggers the Saturn/Pluto square. Venus conjuncts Pluto (11:47 PM) today and squares Saturn tomorrow. We already got a taste of this from the Sun's passage over this same spot a few days ago. A line-up like this can bring considerable loss and heartbreak but this only happens if the alignment is doing something critical in your own chart. Highway accidents, assaults, domestic violence or the potential loss of a loved one or valued possession all come to mind. No late night driving under the influence, please. No lurking in dark alleys downtown, etc.

A simultaneous Moon/Mars square (11:50 PM) acts as the trigger. Why not be home in bed?

* All times are MST (Mountain Standard Time). For EST (Eastern Standard 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 12/28 - There's an alert and active energy that wakes us up before dawn as the Moon sextiles Uranus (6:15 AM). But after that first cuppa and a bit of rustling around people are ready to go back to bed again and extend the vacation for one more day as the Taurus Moon squares Neptune (8:49 AM) and Jupiter (10:54 AM). You may have to put in an appearance at the office but don't expect to get much done. It's a lazy, laid back day.

The Moon enters Gemini at 6:13 PM.

Tonight's Venus square Saturn (11:55 PM) is part of an alignment that has tinged the holiday with a bittersweet, bluesy undercurrent of emotion. Its effect is still evident tomorrow.

Tuesday 12/29 -

There's not much going on today astrologically speaking. It's a quiet day.

Wednesday 12/30 - Things are hectic this morning as the day gets underway with a Moon/Uranus square (8:30 AM). People are running around in circles trying to find where they left their brains. Well, at least it gets the blood circulating.

The lively Gemini Moon makes a series of soothing trines to Neptune (10:56 AM) and Jupiter (1:29 PM). The mood is relaxed and friendly. People are focused on the positive, feeling generous and agreeable. This is a great day for a lunch date with a friend.

The Moon moves into Cancer at 7:45 PM.

There are some difficult energies in play late tonight (Wed night/Thurs AM) as the Moon opposes Pluto (1:03 AM) and squares Saturn (2:59 AM). Sleeping through this is optimal, though dreams may reflect feelings of sadness and loss.

Thursday 12/31 - It's New Years Eve and the Moon is Full in 10 degrees of Cancer (12:13 PM). The Full Moon adds to this holiday's already hyper tendencies. Full Moon in Cancer is, by nature, very emotional.

The lineup is Pluto, Venus, Sun, Mercury and North Node in Capricorn opposition the Moon and t-square to Saturn in Libra. This is highlighting the difficult emotional themes of the holiday and, if you've been sitting on your feelings, they'll probably come welling up today. The crux of it all is the Saturn/Pluto square and the restrictions and oppressive conditions it imposes.

Friday 01/01 - Happy New Year.

It's a sci-fi movie and we're living in the future. . . it's 2010!

Celebrations must have been rather subdued last night as people are actually awake and functioning as the Cancer Moon sextiles Uranus (8:43 AM). Looks like there's something interesting to do this morning lending an added incentive to get up and get going.

The Moon enters Leo at 7:41 PM.

Saturday 01/02 - Another quiet day, with little going on with the planets. Then there's a late night burst of energy as the Moon conjuncts Mars in Leo (1:07 AM). Nothing all day and suddenly a party at midnight?

Sunday 01/03 - It's a relaxing day. The Leo Moon opposes Neptune (11:13 AM) and Jupiter (2:55 PM) so the mood is playful and cheery. Time for some recreation. Go out and play!

* All times are MST (Mountain Standard Time). For EST (Eastern Standard 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.