December 2021 Astro Magic Overview

The good news about December is that at least it’s not November, which was the most troubling month of the year.  However, December has its own challenges – a solar eclipse in Sagittarius, the final showdown between Saturn and Uranus, and Venus retrograde in Capricorn.  But December also has one ray of light that should not be ignored, as Jupiter (the Great Benefic) leaves the sign of Aquarius and moves into Pisces. So, help is on the way.

Thank the gods, just sayin’!

But first, let’s talk about Sagittarius season…

Out of the Phoenix’s ashes, the archer rises and points his arrow into the eternal heavens.  It’s a drastic shift in energies from the discomfort we faced during Scorpio season. Scorpio season is about facing our fears, phobias, and working on our dysfunctions (and yes, we all have them); whereas Sagittarius season is about looking to the future — onward and upward.

In mythology, Jupiter, the King of the gods, rules the heavens, and likewise, he is the ruler of Sagittarius. Jupiter was a benevolent deity, but he had a little zipper problem.  He couldn’t seem to keep it up! His Greek counterpart, Zeus, was always at odds with his wife Hera because of his numerous affairs and the many children from his illicit unions. Now, we can easily get caught up in the stories of a male deity constantly cheating on his wife, but stories (as repulsive as some may be), in many ways, describe archetypal energies through imagery and artistic prose. However, Zeus’ illicit affairs and conquests are not necessarily about male dominance and womanizing; they reveal this fiery god’s need to fertilize the sea of possibilities. The focus is on tomorrow’s potential and what can be created, not the real world of today, which is a feature found in all the fire signs.

Likewise, Hera (Zeus’s wife) is not merely an insecure, desperate housewife who enacts her revenge on her husband, his mistresses, and his illegitimate progeny. Instead, Hera reflects the real world of obligations, responsibilities, contracts/agreements, and the stabilizing effect of the element of earth.  After all, Sagittarius needs grounding in a real-world so it can give birth to creative visions.

During Sagittarius season, we need to leave the past behind and focus on the future.  Magically speaking, we can use this potent energy to create goals (realistic ones), juice up our inspiration, and focus on the world we can create.  It’s excellent for returning to school, studying something new, visiting faraway places, and increasing personal vitality.

Recommended Candles: Jupiter (Astro Magic), Energy and Will (Blessed Herbal), Everything and then Some (Dorothy Morrison’s Wicked Witch Mojo)

5 Ways to Make the Most of Sagittarius Season

1. Fire Magic: Do you remember when you were a child, and you blew out a birthday candle and made a wish? Guess what? You were doing fire magic, and candle magic is one of its chief tools. You can use fire magic any time of the year, but it’s exceptionally potent during Sagittarius season. Other forms of fire magic are scrying, burning incense, and charging objects by the light of the Sun. Use fire magic if you are looking for a boost of energy or a bit of gumption.

Recommended Candles: The Sun (Astro Magic), Energy and Will (Blessed Herbal Candle), Success (Affirmation)

2. Intuition Magic: Psychotherapist Carl Jung believed that intuition is linked to the fire element, which Sagittarius is a proud member. You can use intuition magic to boost your psychic abilities, practice divination, and even by scrying with a candle flame and a mirror.
   Recommended Candles: Ancestors (Blessed Herbal), Intuition (Affirmation), Clarity (Chakra Magic)
3. Good Luck Magic: Jupiter is the planetary ruler of Sagittarius, and he is known for luck and good fortune. But what is luck really? Is it something completely random, or is it stretching our perception to take advantage of presented opportunities? Good luck magic helps put the odds in your favor!
   Recommended Candles: Jupiter (AstroMagic), Black Cat (Motor City Hoodoo), Wishin’ Mojo (Dorothy Morrison’s Wicked Witch Mojo.
4. Travel Magic: Are you taking a trip and need to make sure that everything goes your way?  Sagittarius is associated with long-distance travel – the actual kind and the mental kind. So, you can use this season to plan trips and to open your mind to other viewpoints and ideas. The energy of the season helps remove any obstacles that may be in your way.  You can also use this type of magic for astral travel.
   Recommended Candles: Mercury (AstroMagic), Meditation (Affirmation), Answers (Chakra Magic)
5. Prosperity Magic: Jupiter (the ruler of Sagittarius) is the great benefic and is known for bestowing blessings in the astrology chart. So, like Venus, he is associated with prosperity and financial gain. You can use the energy of Sagittarius to open doors, increase your finances, or get abundance flowing in your life. To make this energy more potent, do prosperity magic on a Thursday.  Thursday is the day associated with the King of the Gods.
   Recommended Candles:  Jupiter (AstroMagic), Prosperity (Blessed Herbal), Road Opener (Motor City Hoodoo)

Cosmic Overview:

The month of December features three notable influences that need a breakdown.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn:

Brace yourself! We have another important retrograde that occurs this month as Venus turns around and backtracks through responsible Capricorn.

Now before you have that ‘oh sh-t’ moment, try to remember that every retrograde (Mercury, Venus, and Mars are the most important) has a purpose, and it’s our job to use these energies proactively.  In astrology, Venus rules love, attraction, and money, so you can get a whiff of what the next six weeks (40 days) will be about.

So, what does it mean when Venus is in Capricorn?

Capricorn is an earth sign ruled by Saturn. It likes stability, structure, tradition, and running the show. The sign of the goat likes to make rules, and sometimes realistic boundaries are necessary when creating rules. When Venus moves through the sign of Capricorn, she is still interested in love, but she needs enduring relationships with goals and structure, and most importantly, she requires reliability. So, while Venus is in Capricorn, we must examine whether our relationships give us the structure we need to feel safe and secure.

On to the retrograde business…

There are two keywords that I believe are important for every retrograde planet – review and redo. While Venus is retrograde, it is time for us to review our relationships and determine whether our needs are being met.  Do we need to set boundaries? Do we need relationships to be more balanced?  Since Capricorn has to do with reality, we also need to look at whether our expectations in relationships are realistic or are we living in a fantasy world?  Also, during Venus retrograde, ‘old relationships’ may seek to re-enter, but before you decide to reconcile, make sure you look at the reasons why you broke up and whether your needs were being met.  In most cases, ex-partners belong in the past.  Despite our yearnings and desires, we must put ourselves first, because you can be sure they will.

Finally, Venus rules our finances. Although you may not be going through financial issues, Venus Retrograde tells us to retake a look at them. It’s a great time to balance checkbooks, renegotiate credit card rates, and become clear about where we stand financially. The one thing to avoid during Venus retrograde is making investments.

Venus remains retrograde until January 29, 2022.

Recommended Candles: Venus (Astro Magic), Needed Change/Banishing (Blessed Herbal), Love (Chakra Magic)

Saturn squares Uranus AGAIN!

The good news is that we do not have another problematic aspect between Saturn and Uranus until June of 2032, but first, we must get through the last of three squares that began in February.

I have written so much about Saturn square Uranus this year, so much this year that even I am sick of it. But here we go – one last time.

This month Saturn squares Uranus on December 24.  So, these two gods are at war again, and usually, this aspect brings about changes with the establishment and status quo.  However, although the spirit of change is upon us, it will take several years to fully realize the result of our choices and decisions. Even in the cosmos, there is NO instant gratification.

On the personal level, Saturn square Uranus signifies the need to change structures that may be too rigid or that you are hanging onto because they are comfortable. But, of course, any time we face the need to make changes, frustrations and anxieties often arise, so Saturn square Uranus can be extremely troubling, especially if there is little room for progress in your life.

The key to this aspect is to find ways to make changes without blowing up your life.  Take a deep and honest look at the areas of your life that feel stagnant, and begin to find ways to change them up. For example, if you feel stuck in a dead-end job, now would be the time to look at new opportunities and discover a career path that brings you meaning and purpose.  Likewise, if your relationship feels stagnant and you are losing that loving feeling, you may need to add a bit of spice to your relationships and/or change your day-to-day relationship patterns.  In some cases, you may need to make tough decisions about your relationships and whether your needs are met.  However, it would help if you made the changes; otherwise, changes will occur on their own, and usually not pleasantly.

Recommended Candles: Saturn (AstroMagic), Needed Change/Banishing (Blessed Herbal), Transitions (Blessing Kit)

Jupiter in Pisces

Jupiter is how we develop meaning in life. He is optimistic, benevolent, and expansive. He uplifts anything in the chart he touches, and is the Santa Claus figure of the heavens. Since Jupiter rules Pisces, the sign he moves into on December 28, he has an added boost of planetary power and can help troubling matters. Essentially, Jupiter is our “Lucky Star.”

Jupiter in Pisces renews our faith through our belief in other human beings. I know this is hard to comprehend with so much division and strife in our world, especially since Jupiter’s benevolence has been diminished, being in the same sign as Saturn for two years.  However, once Jupiter enters Pisces, he is free from Saturn’s influence, and our love and empathy for others should return. Since Pisces is a malleable sign, we may begin to see people more receptive to the plight of others, and we may anticipate selfishness being put aside for the greater good.  Most importantly, we will all be a little more compassionate in our dealings with others.

Magically speaking, Jupiter is a celestial powerhouse, especially when he is in his sign.  Jupiter is associated with expansion and growth.  In mythology, he is a fertility god and can be used for fertility magic, prosperity spells, and increased vitality. Jupiterian magic is also valuable for reputation repair, general impressions, and career advancement.  Amethyst and quartz are his stones to keep on hand when harnessing the power of the King of the Gods.  So, when you need a bit of extra ‘oomph’ added to your magic, Jupiter is your go-to guy over the next year. It would be best if you supped with him frequently.

Recommended Candles: Jupiter (Astro Magic), Everything and Then Some (Dorothy Morrison’s Wicked Witch Mojo), Inner Balance (Blessed Herbal)

Lunar Magic

Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius

On December 4, we have our final eclipse of eclipse season with the New Moon (solar eclipse) in Sagittarius. The sign of Sagittarius is about the potentials and possibilities of a better future. Have you been pursuing your dreams, or have your ideals been overly influenced by others, and therefore, you have diminished your light?  Have you not pursued your goals because of fear – either of failure or rejection? Now it’s time to break free and start living life on your terms. But be careful, solar eclipses are potent, and you should proceed slowly and methodically.  The good news is that the result is living your best life!

During an eclipse, I do not recommend aggressive magic.  Instead, do cleansing and protection rituals.

Recommended Candles: Sun (Astro Magic), Spiritual Cleansing (Motor City Hoodoo), Protection (Blessed Herbal)

Full Moon in Gemini:

On December 18, the Full Moon lands in mercurial Gemini.  Expect your mind to be in overdrive mode over the next few days. Since this Full Moon is in trine to expansive Jupiter, it’s necessary to focus on developing a broader understanding of the world around you, rather than only looking inside your box. Seek wisdom, not judgment!

Recommended Candles: Full Moon (Astro Magic), Jupiter (Astro Magic), Truth and Justice (Blessed Herbal).

Weekly Breakdown

November 29, 2021 – December 5, 2021

We start December with two worlds that want to exist simultaneously – the world of escapism and reality, and it is our job to give meaning to both.

On Monday and Tuesday, we have four contradictory aspects: Mercury trine Neptune, Mercury sextile Saturn, Venus sextile Neptune, and Sun sextile Saturn. The Saturnian aspects ask us to be methodical and diligent, while the Neptune aspects seek to escape the world of responsibilities and duties for more creative and imaginative outlets. The best way to manage these energies is to do what you need to do and do it well, but take some time to meditate, work on creative projects, be romantic, or even Netflix and chill.

During the middle of the week, the Moon moves through transformative Scorpio, and your feelings may intensify. This is an excellent time to do “inner work” and sort through your feelings. On Thursday, you may find people annoying and agitating.  So, you may need to step away and spend some needed time alone.

This weekend, the Solar Eclipse occurs in fiery Sagittarius (see above), but the Moon makes a few interesting aspects to note.  First, on Friday, the Moon sextiles Saturn and provides a stabilizing effect on your mood. This is an auspicious time to complete projects and wrap up loose ends. Second, on Saturday, a confusing fog may roll in, leaving you feeling emotionally insecure. Saturday is not the best time to have meaningful conversations or take decisive action, because your ‘feels’ may get in the way. Finally, on Sunday, the Moon moves into earthy Capricorn.  It’s an excellent day to tend to your responsibilities and duties.

Recommended Candles: Mercury (AstroMagic), Emotional Balance (Blessed Herbal), and Stability (Blessed Herbal).

December 6, 2021 – December 12, 2021

It’s a massively busy week in the cosmos with six (gasp) planetary aspects – Mars sextile Pluto, Mercury square Neptune, Mars square Jupiter, Mercury sextile Jupiter, and the Sun square Neptune.

OMG!

Choose your words wisely on Tuesday, because people may confuse what you say, misinterpret your meaning and intentions, or may not pay close attention. Likewise, it’s equally easy for you to become confused in your conversations with others. This is not the best time to make critical decisions, because your faculties will not be razor sharp.

On Wednesday, Mars squares Jupiter.  Try to avoid acting impulsively while this aspect is active, because often, we leap before thinking things out. Stick to the facts and be proactive. Despite your best intentions, avoid taking on more than you can handle, because it may lead to burnout.  Taking risks is not advised at this time.

This weekend, you may easily fall into your emotions as Venus conjoins Pluto. You may want more out of your relationships than your partner can provide, leaving you deeply insecure about the future. Avoid manipulative or controlling behavior because it will backfire!

Recommended Candles: Mercury (AstroMagic), Truth and Justice (Blessed Herbal), Adam and Eve (Motor City Hoodoo).

December 13, 2021 – December 19, 2021

The second full week of December, the cosmic energies slow down – just a little bit.  However, be on guard this weekend because Venus turns retrograde (see above). Otherwise, we have two sign changes, a Full Moon in Gemini, and a beautiful Sun sextile Jupiter aspect this weekend.

Mars in Sagittarius urges you to look at the areas of your life where you feel hindered or encumbered, and asks you to break free so that life can again inspire you. This is an excellent time to do all you can to live your best life.  Focus on what you can do to create a better tomorrow and leave the past behind.

A few hours later, Mercury moves into Capricorn.  Mercury in Capricorn needs to see results. So, Mercury moving into Capricorn is an excellent to help you make the right decisions. Mercury in Capricorn urges you to take the lessons from the past and use this knowledge to make better decisions about the future. The only requirement is to proceed slowly and think things out.

During the middle of the week, the Moon moves through earthy Taurus. So, it’s time to take a couple of days and enjoy the pleasures of life. Do something just for you that will help you rest and relax. Also, it’s the time of the month to indulge a little, so enjoy something spectacularly decadent.

This weekend, we have a Full Moon in Gemini (see above) and Venus turning retrograde in Capricorn (see above), but a lovely aspect (sextile) between the Sun and Jupiter may steal the show. Sunday is one of the most positive days of the year, and you should take advantage of it.  It’s time to put the follies of the past year in the rear view mirror and think positively about the future. Also, it’s an excellent day to plan out your New Year’s goals and intentions.

Recommend Candles: Mars (AstroMagic), Venus (AstroMagic), and Full Moon (AstroMagic)

December 20, 2021 – December 26, 2021

This week, the cosmos revs up again with four major aspects and the beginning of Capricorn season. The week’s headliner is Saturn square Uranus (see above), which occurs on Christmas Eve.

The week begins with an exciting Mercury – Uranus aspect (sextile), which will deck the halls with bells of holly.  Mercury sextile Uranus stimulates the mind, and you will find yourself excited by new experiences. So, it’s an excellent day to break away from your usual routines and do something new. On Tuesday, the Sun moves out of Sagittarius and into Capricorn. It’s time to take charge of your life, and an excellent way to do so is plan out how you will make next year a better one. Capricorn season is about creating realistic plans, taking charge of your destiny, and working to build structures in your life.

During the middle of the week, the Moon moves through playful Leo.  It’s a wonderful time to let your inner child free just in time for the holidays. A little caution though – on Wednesday afternoon, the Moon squares Uranus.  Expect the unexpected.

This weekend, besides Saturn square Uranus (see above), Venus retrograde conjoins Pluto for the second time this month on Christmas Day.  Tensions may be high over the holiday, especially in relationships that are struggling. It’s an auspicious time to look at what needs to change in your relationships, so that everyone gets their needs met. Holding onto relationships for security reasons could lead to harsh consequences.

Recommended Candles: Sun (Astro Magic), Dreams Come True (Blessing Kit), Adam and Eve (Motor City Hoodoo)

December 27, 2021 – January 2, 2021

The last week of December possibly brings us our holiday miracle, with Jupiter moving into Pisces (see above) on Tuesday, and he moves out of the reach of Saturn’s influence. Jupiter moving into his sign could be the beginning of the end of the struggles of the last two years. So, it’s time to press in and press on!

At the beginning of the week, the Moon moves through fair and balanced Libra. You could find that you are dealing with the relationship problems of the last week, because the Moon reactivates Venus conjunct Pluto.  Try to reach compromises with others, if possible.

Midweek, Mars forms a beneficial aspect to Saturn. It’s an excellent day for planning and strategizing for the New Year.  The more you allow situations to simmer and work patiently towards your goals, your results will ultimately be better.  However, be careful on Tuesday when Mercury conjoins Pluto because power struggles with others are possible. Keep your secrets to yourself.

New Years’ weekend brings some exciting energy as the Sun trines Uranus.  Traditionally, New Year’s resolutions are set on the first, but you may want to set your intentions on Sunday this year, since we have a lovely new Moon in Capricorn.

Recommended Candles: Jupiter (Astro Magic), Truth and Justice (Blessed Herbal), Everything and then Some (Wicked Witch Mojo), New Moon (Astro Magic).