Moonsigns

Monthly Forecast: December 2009

December brings decisiveness (for fire signs), delirium (air signs), deep thinking (water signs) and debt (for earth signs). And yes, those are not “set-in-stone” projections – merely guidelines to how the planets are LARKING ABOUT with our very important lives. Tons of fire sign action in the heavens this month, and the theme of partnership continues as we learn to live with Saturn in Libra.

So here's a little story.... Did you ever give your car a nickname? Do you think of your phone/camera/web-access/mp-pod-playing-everything as a little friend? If you didn't before, you may now during the coming transits. As an example: as I was writing this piece, my cellphone finally expired. This was an older model, that opened flip-style. It had an early photo chip in it so it took blurry photos, but the scroll buttons stopped working, so you actually had to type in phone numbers, plus the speaker-phone function wasn't accessible if you had already typed in someone's extension. My relationship with this thing became grudgingly adversarial. When we finally read last rites over it at the phone store, and I was handed my new cell phone I felt a sense of relief (and dread at having to decode another set of instructions).

However, this model was from the same provider, so it actually had the same functions. The learning curve was less steep and though I generally try not to anthropomorphosize objects,  this new phone  was appealing and actually fit in my hand. (Think of how many items, from acoustic guitars, to steering wheels, to flashlights to hammers that are designed for masculine-scale hands).  It had an easy to read screen, all the scroll buttons worked, the camera was a 3KB model, the speaker-phone function was easy to use. And the case was an appealing ruby-red and brushed aluminum.

I tell you this story because it later occurred to me that unexpected alliances are a theme of Libra, and though Saturn always brings challenges, the idea of having a tool that's a partner, rather than another-irritating-malfunctioning-thing makes my life easier. So think about your life and the “partnerships” you may have with inanimate objects as well as individuals. Maybe this transit is a good  time to upgrade some tool, program, habit, appliance that has ceased to work. If you're a serious baker and don't have a mixer with a stand and a large bowl, you're never going to be able to make a double-batch of anything.

Maybe it's time to commit to a KitchenAid. If you travel long distances, but aren't really comfortable in your car, plus you're starting to make the kind of repairs that are the automotive equivalent of heart-transplant surgery, maybe it's time to upgrade your vehicle. And if you use a laptop, for visual editing purposes, but don't have the best possible screen, it's definitely time to improve your tools. My darling baby just shredded the page in the ephemeris which I use for plotting monthly forecasts so there's a big rip through crucial data. Hopefully this will NOT reflect on my interpretation (or maybe I should just get a stronger light).
Full moon on December 2 in Gemini. Again, partnerships are emphasized and “two-sidedness” is a theme. This full moon will find lots of us changing our minds at the last minute. Whoopsies as my 1st grader would say.

New moon on December 16 in Sagittarius. Long trips! Let's go somewhere, anywhere! Oh, are we going over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house AGAIN? So be it. This is a “bottoming out” kind of new moon and an accident-prone time for Pisces, Gems, Sadges and Virgos. (Accidents aren't just bruised bones, they're the misspoken comment as well).

This month, those of you born in “critical periods” (which means the forecast is extra-intense) are those born in 1944, 1952-53,   1967, 1968, 1980-81. Those who should be rejoicing are born 1950, 1962, Pisces, 1973, through Aquarius, 1974. You're having your Saturn return at “ground zero” if you were born in 1980. And if you need even more information than we have here (daily, weekly, monthly overviews, plus my blog), visit moonsigns.net because I've finally got my Llewellyn astrological calendar, plus the moon signs almanac and herbal almanac for sale! Easy to wrap for Christmas!!

Symboline is in 1-D, on the radio with Hank Stolz, WCRN 830 AM Mondays at 11. Weekly forecast improvised for your pleasure.
Symboline is in 2-D in the pages of the Phoenix.
Symboline is in 3-D at Roots Natural Foods in Leominster by appointment (978-534-7668).

Yours in the cause of a more orderly universe, Symboline Dai

ARIES (March 21 or 22 to April 20 or 21).
Aries is a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. Represented by the Ram, Aries love to start (but usually not finish), make great leaders (as long as there are followers), and can be incredibly generous. Famously confident Aries include Marlon Brando, Harry Houdini, and Nikita Kruschev.
Aries, this month I'm going to have you look backwards AS WELL AS forwards! This is a helpful exercise when summing up the year, and seeing where you might have taken a different path (or not bet the house on what was, admittedly, a weak hand late in the tourney).

2009 was a year of moderate transition that started with all kinds of hopeful and joyful noises. New ideas came flying over the transom in January and February. And though there were delays in early spring, by May, when Mars moved into your sun sign, the sky was the limit. Were you injured then? Did a relationship end? Was impetuousness your downfall? Unless you're at a crucial age (see introduction), the remainder of 2009 should have been same-as, steady-on momentum with some interesting obstructions that loomed in September and mid-October. This month you have the opportunity to expand projects that were in great shape in early summer as well as toot your own horn. Some of you do the shy-eyes thing when others sing your praises but those of you with some seasoning are way past that. More on 2010 next month.
Smoother sailing: 24-26
Difficult days: 10-11

TAURUS (April 21 or 22 to May 21 or 22).
 Taurus is a fixed earth sign, practical and, for the most part, steady.  Ruled by Venus, Taureans like comfort and aesthetic beauty. Famous Taureans include: Fred Astaire, Duke Ellington and Salvador Dali. Despite this stellar line-up, they're team players, and lead only if they absolutely have to.  Represented by the bull, Taureans are slow to anger, but once riled make formidable foes.
December comes thundering along for Taurus, and if you haven't already done SOME Christmas decorating, I'll eat the red cape I love to use to tease you folks. This year has not been super-great, but probably hasn't been totally suck-city unless you have a birthday in a certain zone (see the Introduction). You probably had some monetary or emotional success in June or July, and you definitely had disappointments and reversals in late February and March. However, with Mars moving though Leo, those fire signs you love SO much are about to burn you somewhere, so be cautious in your dealings unless you are Very. Clear. About. What. Your. Responsibilities. Are. I see a fair amount of Taurus/Leo relationships (Taurus/Pisces, Taurus/Libra) also and the bull and lion can definitely get into boundary disputes (especially if the lion IS a bounder, in both definitions of that word). And with Mars in Leo through June, you'll have lots of times to get hold of the wrong end of the stick. This month, your sense of humor is your BEST defense, thanks to Mercury in Capricorn helping you to communicate in a practical way.
Smoother sailing: 27-29
Difficult days: 12, 13

GEMINI (May 21 or 22 to June 21 or 22).
Gemini is a mutable air sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Twins (or Janus, the two-faced figure), appealing Geminis with at least two well-defined personalities are Elizabeth Hurley (forgiving girlfriend/dedicated movie producer), John F. Kennedy (humanitarian/party animal), and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (gruff regal paterfamilias/sensitive environmentalist). Gemini charms everyone with nonstop talk and fanciful ideas.

Gemini is probably happy to look back at the year and say How did I ever do all THAT! How did I survive the DRAHMA!! And some well-evolved Gems will add “that drahma caused by MOI!”  This year, I suspect the widest part of the river you needed to cross was in late March and April; also in late July and August (which should have had friendships emerging and exploding simultaneously; also, possibly employment). But with Jupiter in your sun sign, your best new fresh Fresh FRESH ideas worked well all year. In December, you really need to “wrap up” more than “expand” if you can, and those of you with a lot of fire or air in your chart will have NO time for things that take a while. So consider your own patience while you debate what recipe to use for that Christmas dish. The other important factor is that Venus is opposing your sun, and putting you “on line” for social gaffes that would definitely not happen in your usual day. It seems you can't say something without someone taking offense, which is always tiresome for Gemini. So do what other twins have done and consider alternatives to your usual mode of communication. Pidgin English, perhaps, or ASL.
Smoother sailing: Full moon! When that's happening you are crazy wild, fun, fun, fun.
Difficult days: New moon! (depressing, running in circles, and like that)...
CANCER (June 22 or 23 to July 22 or 23).
Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the moon. Represented by the crab, Cancers can be home-loving, deeply domestic, fiercely loyal and self-protective and prone to stomach upsets when life doesn't go their way. Cancers feel everything very deeply, but won't necessarily tell you about this. Well, they will, but on their time. They prefer to move sideways -- frequently. Henry David Thoreau was a Cancer, and a quirky version of the breed -- he turned Walden into a home, but what a home...Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford are also Cancers. So was the Princess of Wales and the current Duchess of Cornwall. “Well-defended” is what we find in many crabbies.

Cancer should have had a successful year, despite setbacks in January and May. In September, when Mars moves into your sun sign, you may have felt like giving up on certain relationships, or found yourself HIGHLY impatient in a way that made you doubt your own abilities. A nervous crab is a crab that needs to hide away for a while, and useful months for being out of the spotlight were March and April. December has a lot of activity with fire and air signs, so those folks in your life could be extra-exasperating unless you get with their flow. December also has Mercury opposing your sun so you may need to say things more loudly, more frequently and in a more simple way for people to “get” your message.
Smoother sailing: December 3-5
Difficult days: December 16-18

LEO (July 23 or 24 to August 23 or 24).

Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the sun. Represented by the lion, Leos are happy being the center of attention and don't feel fully alive without an admiring audience to applaud their activities. The ready smile (but not laugh) is theirs -- this is the sign of kings, or those who would be. Famous Leos who enjoy their command include Bill Clinton, Princess Margaret, and Napoleon.

Leo had to work harder than anticipated this year, thanks to Jupiter (good luck, getting the benefit of the doubt) opposing your sun sign.

The good news: that's done. The better news, Mars is in your sun sign through June (knowing astrologers are raising an eyebrow now). For weeks I've been telling Leo friends: you're a lightning rod for controversy, sexual interest, jealousy, and all kinds of trouble.

Divide and conquer as much as you can. As you reflect on 2009, the most difficult months probably were June, but that's probably because momentum may have been stalled. Months where you were cruising right along were May and also October forward.

Smoother sailing: 6, 7

Difficult days: 19-21

VIRGO (August 24 or 25 to September 23 or 24).
Virgo is a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Virgin, many Virgos are classic compulsive perfectionists whose eye for detail may delight an actuary, but annoy the rest of us. Famous Virgos include D.H. Lawrence, Cardinal Richelieu and Goethe.

Responsibilities for fire signs could be your themesong this month. With the new moon in Sagittarius, some of your firey (and airy) friends will need guidance. So you ask yourself – how is THIS my responsibility? Virgo is so mindful of How Things Should Be Done that you sometimes overlook timeliness issues. And as you look back over the last year – aren't you glad you're past certain events? If there were big disappointments, particularly in March or late July and August, the good news is that those circumstances should not reoccur. Saturn is off bothering Libra, and all you need to worry about is the end-result of over-indulgence (Venus making a difficult angle to your sun). Fortunately, Mercury is helping you be a clear communicator, and once Christmas comes and goes, you'll have a better sense of who your friends are (versus who your “functional acquaintainces and likeminded allies” are).  so saying the wrong thing (or the right thing at the wrong time) will come easily.

LIBRA (September 24 or 25 to October 23 or 24).
Libra is a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus and represented by the Scales. Famously  disagreeable Libras include Eminem, Johnny Ramone, Rona Barrett, Simon Cowell and John Lennon. Famously agreeable Libras include Sarah Bernhardt, Sigourney Weaver. Libras love harmony, partnership, and are frequently indecisive. But oh, how charming they can be about it. At least that's what they tell us.

This year was your “year of waiting,” as Saturn concluded its journey in Virgo. Since Saturn moved into your sun sign in late October, you may feel the beginnings of new responsibilities looming, and the better-adjusted among you should be able to “carpe diem” (seize the day, although the day is more like 2.5 years, to be accurate). 2009 had some trials, and January, May and September and part of October should have been the most difficult months. December offers plenty of good times, however, thanks to lots of action in fire signs. Libra is very good at gauging the flow the “go with the flow” but you may find you make a LOT of quick reversals you aren't expecting this month. Don't burn your fingers by trying to light too many candles on one match, and if you have the money for the electric bill, why are you bothered with matches? (In other words, use the best technology you can – don't suffer with something out of date, out of code, or past the sell-by date if you don't have to. Upgrade everything!)

Smoother sailing: 10, 11
Difficult days: 24-26

SCORPIO (October 24 or 25 to November 22 or 23).
Scorpio is a fixed water sign formerly ruled by Mars, now by Pluto, which astrologers still consider a planet, thank-you-very-much, represented by the Scorpion. Famous Scorpios include Prince Charles, Picasso, and Robert Kennedy. Scorps mystify more people than any other sign, mostly because the themes of sex, death and other people's money rule the 8th house, Scorpio's natural home. Charming but not overly sociable, your typical Scorps are charismatic, occasionally devious with an ethical compass all their own.

Scorpio had a strange 2009 – you have to be improvising constantly, which isn't always a Scorpio thing. You'd rather plot and reveal when necessary but all year, particularly  in February, March, June and early July and then starting in October, you were at the mercy of Forces Outside of Yourself. What's a desert-dwelling beastie to do? Regroup, retrench, and expand in a different direction. No self-respecting arthropod of your species has a den without at least  a backdoor, and if you need to withdraw to fight another day, you've made a wise choice.  December has a lot of activity in fire signs, so you may feel “rushed” into action, particularly those born on or around November 9-13. Those born November 13 and after may find it difficult to get others to focus on what's important. Get in touch with your maverick side, and do what you need to do, because others in your moon capsule may decide to go for a spacewalk and take all the tools you need. Those born November 12, by the way, need to allow extra time for a number of tasks, mostly due to your own lack of satisfaction with “how things are unfolding.”
Smoother sailing: 12, 13
Difficult days: 27, 28

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 or 24 to December 21 or 22).
Sagittarius (November 23-December 22). Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter. Represented by the centaur (half-man, half-beast), Sadge loves justice, and is keenly interested in philosophizing. Finding them at home is difficult -- they're happiest on a long trip, or 'trip.' Well-traveled Sadges include: Frank Sinatra, William Buckley Jr., Winston Churchill and Joe DiMaggio.

2009 wasn't a great year for Sagittarius. But stuff that could have been absolutely AWFUL turned out to be mostly survivable, I bet. If your life turned topsy turvy in the spring or in late July or August, you're absolutely in tune with the universe. And if you're nursing an injury that is the result of over-exuberance (athletic or one of those weird endocrinal imbalances that seem to be the opposite of what your body SHOULD be doing), December is actually a fine time to get a solid diagnosis, thanks to positive angles from a TON of planets in your chart (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and friendship/love interests should be at a high point also. Best times for love, affection, and acceptance are December 10-12, 15-16, 24-26. Trickier times come at the two full moons (December 1-2, January 1).

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 or 24 to December 21 or 22).
Sagittarius (November 23-December 22). Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter. Represented by the centaur (half-man, half-beast), Sadge loves justice, and is keenly interested in philosophizing. Finding them at home is difficult -- they're happiest on a long trip, or 'trip.' Well-traveled Sadges include: Frank Sinatra, William Buckley Jr., Winston Churchill and Joe DiMaggio.

2010 came fast, didn't it Sadge? Can we really characterize the “oughties” already? You're one of the signs who moves incredibly fast through the universe, but January may slow you down, thanks to Mars and Mercury retrograding this month. Those of you born between December 1 and 10 have an opportunity to “rethink” a deeply-held conviction, or to delay an action taken in December. If you were precipitate and feeling some regrets, don't chide yourself too vigorously – an opportunity to “do a better job” comes often this month, particularly after the first quarter moon. Those of you who work with finance are best-favored in the first half of the month, while those who specialize in communications will feel an uptick in prospects and success in the latter half of the month. This year is divided into two slices: before June (slowish, weird reversals) and after June (can you keep up? Can you do it all? Can you actually finish something). Put me on your speed-dial in June (because things may SEEM like they stink at first); also in December, because that's when you really cash in on investments.
Smoother sailing: 14-16
Difficult days: 1, 2, 29-30

CAPRICORN (Dec. 23-Jan. 20). Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn represented by the goat. Caps are dogged, responsible, occasionally blunt, reliable, long-lived and prone to gloom, although admirably steady. Famous Capricorns include Benjamin Franklin, Joan of Arc, and Richard Nixon. Capricorn is having a wonderful Jupiter transit this year, which could help your mood enormously.
Such lovely astrology for you little goats! Mercury in Capricorn, and on Boxing day, Venus moves into Capricorn, igniting a three-week period of being irresistible to others. And when you reflect on this year, if things went well, you were able to build on projects that emerged in 2008, particularly during late March and April, June and early July. Big stalls probably happened in late August, but particularly in September, when you may have had personal relationships take a downturn. December offers opportunities to heal. Those of you involved with (or wanting to be involved with) Leos may find they're hard to endure this month – or at least difficult to read. Sometimes Capricorn needs things spelled out very clearly, and that's not going to happen this month.All of you, but especially those born on or around December 24-26 may have a difficult decision to make on the job this month. If you have been the “most responsible one” part of your body is going to rebel, which could mean a case of the sniffles, or full-on Victorian escape-to-Bedfordshire therapy.
Smoother sailing: 17, 18
Difficult days: 3-5, 31

AQUARIUS (January 21 or 22 to February 18 or 19).
Aquarius is a fixed air sign ruled by Uranus. Represented by the water carrier, Aquarians are dreamy, methodical, and humanitarian to an extreme. Ruled by the planet Uranus, Aquarians surprise us all with the unexpected move, but they're usually ahead of the curve. Need investment advice? Call an Aquarian, and find out where the money goes (usually not to them, but that's ok -- air signs can swing with that). Famous Aquarians include: Lewis Carroll, Norman Rockwell and Franklin Roosevelt.

As I told you last month, much of December  will be confusing and maddening. Mars in Leo opposes your sun, so you'll need more time to do simple things and find you get distracted WAY too easily. The good news is that Jupiter is making its final lunge through Aquarius so those of you born on or around February 9-15 are having a 12-year-cycle high. That means good luck WANTS to find you. So pick up your phone when it rings, read all unfamiliar emails and listen carefully to plans. Aquarius can sometimes be too credulous, and you can occasionally buy into a program/philosophy or way of life without sufficient skepticism and critical thinking. Jupiter transits are gifts from the gods and new people should be trickling (or flooding) your life right now. Pursue unlikely opportunities and be as generous as you can be without getting taken advantage of. Nevertheless, those born on or around February 5-9 will have surprising (humorous, hilarious, tear-inducing) roadblocks all month. But hey, it's December. Nothing is supposed to happen but the big X holiday. And as you look back on this year, you may find you changed or altered your partner, interests, habits, location, vocation, or educational status. That's as it should be.

Smoother sailing: 19-21
Difficult days: 6. 7

PISCES (February 19 or 20 to March 20 or 21).
 Pisces is a mutable water sign ruled by Neptune. Represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions, some Pisces, like some Libras thrive in indecision, especially of the emotional-quandary kind. Well-adapted Pisces realize they need plenty of art/music/poetry in their life to stave off the blues. Frequent company helps too. Pisces rules the 12th house (secrets, institutions), and though they'll take the spotlight if you ask them, they're perfectly happy behind the scenes. And if they are in the spotlight, they'll be inimitable and memorable, and slightly strange (Karen Carpenter and Lou Reed are both Pisces).

What a VERY interesting month December is. Venus in Sagittarius is saying, eat! Eat! And Mars in Leo is making everyone fizzy and fierce. Fishies like you, who enjoy peace and going with the flow could find yourself swept along by currents coming from mysterious places. This month won't be as dramatic as late March and April may have been (did your life change then?) but there will be some adventures and plenty of opportunities for self-indulgence. I am very much looking forward to writing your January forecast because you are on the verge of a 12-year peak once Jupiter slides into your sun sign. Until then, be as artistic as you can and bear in mind that procrastination, your biggest impediment, looms large.

Smoother sailing: 22,23
Difficult days: 8, 9

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