December marks the end of a challenging year giving us a clue for what to expect in 2020 with a powerful solar eclipse around Christmas time. The ending will be marked by optimism and hope, making the holiday season joyous, allowing us to put aside collective feelings of isolation and fear that have dominated this year.
Mercury Transits Scorpio from December 5 till 25
Mercury is transiting Scorpio, a place where it is not entirely comfortable, for most of December. Mars, as co-ruler of Scorpio is in the sign of Libra, until December 25, suggesting that we may be better off by applying our energy through efficient channels. Make lists, keep the channel of communication open, and stick to the plan. On December 25, Mercury will move through the gandanta zone between Scorpio and Sagittarius, joining Jupiter, Ketu, Sun and Saturn for the 2019 grand finale leading into New Year 2020.
The sign of Scorpio has seen so much action in the past five years. In November 2014, when Saturn entered Scorpio, we began a long stretch of focus on this water sign that is co-ruled by two fiery planets, Mars and Ketu. Scorpio, the eighth sign of the zodiac, is enigmatic territory and its indications correlate with those of the eighth house, which guard the domain of life associated with abrupt, deep transformations, chronic difficulties, and subconscious explorations.
For most people, some aspect of this domain of life and death is challenging or frightening, to be avoided or ignored. The theme of water and fire mixing or co-existing is strong in Scorpio: it is also the gateway to the third water-fire juncture between signs in the zodiac, leading us toward the traverse of the final four signs of the zodiac where we are pulled to bring ourselves into an integrated, mature, and spiritual orientation. It is a part of life’s journey where we take a stand; to eliminate that which has been debilitating us or sapping our resources; and then to courageously move forward into a higher evolutionary direction, exchanging fear for faith.
Saturn affected Scorpio from November 2014 – October 2017, bringing forth our attention to the facts of life, the unseen troubles that lie beneath murky waters. Between October 2017 and October 2018, Scorpio saw the regular transits of the faster moving planets and was flanked on either side by Saturn in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Libra, both occupying signs in which they are not comfortable and Scorpio was simultaneously receiving the aspect of Rahu in Scorpio, continuing to amplify the themes of vulnerability. From October 2018 to early November 2019, Jupiter’s transit was also in Scorpio, which brought about efforts to expand, cleanse and reform. These efforts were slowed and obstructed, however, as heavy and resistant Saturn had been occupying Jupiter’s territory, tainting that positivity and expansion that we expect from Jupiter.
Full Moon in Taurus in the nakshatra of Mrigshira on December 12
Around 5 am UTC on December 12, the Moon becomes full at nearly 26° Taurus in the nakshatra of Mrigshira. This is a powerful and positive nakshatra that supports creative actions, enjoyment, and fulfilment.
Taurus is ruled by Venus; whereas, Mrigshira’s controlling planet is Mars. Similar to last month’s full moon, both Venus and Mars are playing a pivotal role here. Mars is currently transiting through Venus’ sign, Libra. This is pointing to relationship themes. We can pause and enjoy the beauty around us, the relationships we foster, the foods we enjoy, and the creative methods we have for enhancing our lives. It is advisable at this time to be careful in actions and deliberate before plunging into new activities. This is especially true in relationship matters, as seen by the cold Venus/Saturn conjunction that forms at this time. After December 15, when Venus moves into Capricorn, is a much better time to take any actions connected with relationships, as the energy will shift and become more upbeat.
Sun Transits Sagittarius from December 16 till January 15
The Sun has a good relationship with his friend Jupiter and normally enjoys this transit. However, here the Sun needs to also contend with Saturn, with whom it has an inimical relationship, when they form a close conjunction, particularly around the January eclipse date.
Sagittarius is one of the four “dual” signs of the zodiac, of which Jupiter rules two and Mercury rules the other two. These dual signs are the places of change, transition, movement, direction, continuance and growth. Five planets will remain grouped in Sagittarius through January 13, when Mercury moves into Capricorn.
We can think of the Sun as the king, as the government, as a symbol for leaders of any kind. The planetary arch enemy of the Sun is Saturn, who symbolises the subjects, the vulnerable, the weak, or the common man. These two planets create a challenge for each being surrounding the concept of “self” that we also call the ego. This plays out on an individual basis as we journey through life on a quest for a healthy ego that allows us to define our unique individual imprint while averting us from the disaster of an overblown sense of self-importance or, on the other end of the spectrum, self-debasement.
This year, the annual meeting, close conjunction, of Saturn and Sun occurs exactly as the Sun exits Sagittarius on January 14. The path of destruction that was wrought by the Saturn-Ketu conjunction through the summer months has become the trench in which we will see this year’s meeting of Saturn and Sun. The weakness, corruption and decay revealed throughout the summer is waiting to be dismantled, cleansed, and transmuted. If this has not already taken place after possible painful breakups, disappointments, or other means of creating separation, be ready for things to move, ready or not.
We are coming to a time where the desires of the individual will need to be balanced and integrated with the needs of the collective. Some will gain and some will lose, but a new point of balance is in the works. Where the Sun travels, light comes into dark corners and the pests that hide in the cracks will be forced out of their comfort zones.
Venus Transits Capricorn from December 15 till January 9
Venus is passing through the cluster of planets occupying Sagittarius and moving onto Saturn’s earth sign, Capricorn on December 15 for a quick transit. Here, Venus has broken the Kaal Sarp yoga in effect for several months.
This position of Venus implies a short season for evaluation when it comes to Venus-related matters such as creativity, business, contracts, partnerships, or relationships. The Saturn-ruled environment expresses the need for diligence, patience, and attention to detail.
Mars Transits Libra from December 25 till February 7, 2020
As Mercury moves out of Scorpio on December 25, Mars moves into his own sign. Now, we have the grouping of planets in Sagittarius with Venus and Mars flanking either side.
Mars in Scorpio is acting as a backup energy for the planets gathered under the spotlight in Sagittarius, just as Venus in Capricorn is creating a supportive energy on the other side. The pressure cooker environment caused by the combination of planets therein at the moment is being managed by Mars on one side and Venus on the other; both are well placed and could be the saving grace for the current times.
Even after the critical moment passes, Mars will remain in his own sign of Scorpio through the first week of February. This may suggest a period of focused effort, reorganization or accounting of resources while bravely facing problems that require us to dig deep and stand strong.
Solar Eclipse/New Moon in Sagittarius in the nakshatra of Mula on December 26
The path of eclipse visibility runs through Saudi Arabia, South India and Indonesia, but eclipses tend to impact regions that may not be witnessing the eclipse. In this case we are having a solar eclipse, which happens during a new Moon, when the Moon passes in front of the Sun from the Earth’s perspective, temporarily obscuring the sunlight.
The Sun and Moon meet at exactly 10º Sagittarius this month, at around 5 am UTC on December 26 in the last quarter (pada) of the nakshatra Mula. Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter, who is also a current occupant of Mula, at 12º Sagittarius. These three planets make up the group of the light-giving, positive, sattwic planets. They are also sitting in the nakshatra Mula, with the controlling planet Ketu. The ruling deity is the goddess of destruction, Nirriti, whose contemporary manifestation is Kaali, symbolising destruction, and the cutting away process as personified by Mula.
Being that it is taking place in the fierce nakshatra of Mula, with two benefics Jupiter and Mercury present there, we can only assume that the cutting away energy that it brings will serve a higher purpose. So whatever is eliminated from your life will not only be for your good but you will also feel a relief. With the harmonious Jupiter energy and Venus finally moving into Capricorn and thereby breaking the Kaal Sarp yog we have had for a long time also suggests that you will immediately get a hint of new beginnings, especially concerning relationships.
Out of the five eclipses we have had this year, this is probably the more positive eclipse. Because the Sun and Moon closely align with Jupiter, the planet of growth, abundance and good luck. There is also a positive and harmonious aspect with Uranus, the outer planet. So look out for pleasant surprises that make you smile during the holiday season. You may experience unexpected good luck and happy coincidences when you least expect it.
Wishing you all a happy new year, 2020!
