StarCrossed: New Moons Bookending December 2024
Yes, I know this post is late—especially with numerous astrological events happening during the first week of December. But Mercury retrograde still has me—and probably most of you—in its hold.
StarCrossed follows a hobby that keeps my passion for reading and research alive—astrology and astronomy. My love for the Universe goes beyond the spiritual and includes the scientific wonders of space.
Yes, I know this post is late—especially with numerous astrological events happening during the first week of December. But Mercury retrograde still has me—and probably most of you—in its hold. How has your schedule been since it started last November 25? Delays will happen, and patience is a must-have in your toolkit for survival. Mercury retrograde can bring challenges to communication.
The sign of Sagittarius—the season we’re in right now—favors a straightforward approach, but a bit of softness goes a long way when you’re trying to get your point across. For people with their Sun in Sagittarius or have it as their rising sign, the last week of November and the first week of December may be charged with introspective and reflective energies.
Of course, others may also feel this, as the new moon at the top of the month also forms a direct opposition with Jupiter retrograde—which started last October 9. It will end on February 4, 2025, and until it does, everyone will be more likely to dwell on their feelings and spend time in introspection and reassessment. It seems that the planets are also reassessing themselves. Along with Mercury and Jupiter, Mars also began its two-month retrograde in Leo on December 6. Right after that, Neptune ended its four-month retrograde in Pisces on December 7.
December 1: The New Moon in Sagittarius
December started with a new moon in Sagittarius on the 1st, allowing for an adventurous start to the month. Like most new moons, it represented new beginnings and likely urged you to plant seeds for the future—fitting into the reflective nature of the Jupiter retrograde. I hope you didn’t make any rash decisions, though! With Jupiter retrograde in Gemini and Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius, it’s important to pause and consider everything before committing to anything. May doing this be your true reason for delays during this multiple retrograde season.
For people with their Sun in Cancer or as their rising sign, this new moon might have caused them to be overflowing with emotions. No real astrological reason here, just an observation. I was overflowing with emotions, tears, words—everything—on the 1st. And I continued to feel this way until Neptune stationed direct yesterday.
Mercury Cazimi in Sagittarius
Mercury retrograde came into a cazimi with the Sun on December 5, which was probably why I felt a subtle improvement in my feelings last Thursday. As I was meditating, I realized I was reassessing my career, educational, and health pursuits this year. Hopefully, you also felt a bit of this and got a headstart on your New Year’s resolutions.
Mars Going Retrograde
A day after that, Mars started its retrograde path through Leo. The duration of this retrograde won’t be easy for hotheads like me—and it lasts until almost the end of February next year! In any case, this cosmic event is critical, as Mars goes into retrograde the least out of all the planets. Instead of focusing on how it will be detrimental, using its energy to help you through whatever difficulties you’re experiencing in life would be better. Mars is not just about anger and aggressiveness—it’s also about energy, effort, and where and how you choose to spend them. And because the retrograde is moving through Leo, there will be a focus on self-love and self-identity.
Because my rising sign is Aries, and Mars is the sign’s planetary ruler, I’m really trying to focus on the positive here—because I know how powerful this cosmic event can be if I apply it correctly to my life. I’m planning to find ways to connect with my inner child. Maybe I’ll revisit some hobbies I put on hold this year or just prioritize having fun over being productive.
Venus Conjunct Pluto in Aquarius
Venus entered Aquarius yesterday, which means it also aligned with Pluto. But that’s not all that happened! Jupiter, still retrograding, moved opposite the Sun—and Neptune ended its retrograde path.
Venus in Aquarius and Jupiter opposite the Sun perfectly set the tone for the holiday season. I’m looking forward to this week as we reap the effects of the energies of these cosmic events.
End of Mercury Retrograde
Before Mercury’s retrograde ends on the 15th, Venus moves opposite Mars’ retrograde on the 12th, which is also a significant date if you’re into “angel numbers”—12/12. I’m not really into “angel numbers,” but I want to point out that the meaning of 1212—things happening as they should—works well with the introspection we’re supposed to be focused on throughout the month.
And because Mercury retrograde is well-known for its effect on communication and decision-making, especially when related to travel or digital-based activities, I recommend waiting until the 15th to book that trip home or sending invites to holiday dinner.
December 15: The Full Moon in Gemini
As Mercury stations direct, we have the full moon in Gemini. This continues the theme of completion and “things happening as they should” from the astrological event on the 12th. Now is the perfect moment to reflect and set intentions for the future. Consider what no longer serves you and choose to leave it behind as you step into 2025.
A few days after the full moon, Neptune—now stationed direct—moves to square with the Sun on Wednesday, the 18th. This is a tense alignment, but one that can be fruitful. You may feel like rethinking the intentions you materialized during the full moon and your possible New Year’s resolutions. Be strong and trust your intuition.
Venus Trine Jupiter
The day after Neptune squares with the Sun, we have Venus in trine with Jupiter—a harmonious combination that attracts good fortune, luck, ease, and comfort. I don’t have family near where I live, but if I did, I would choose this day—the 19th—for a family holiday event.
The Sun in Capricorn
Winter officially begins during the solstice, when the Sun enters Capricorn on the 21st. If you live where it snows, prepare for snowy days by keeping boots and shovels handy by the door. Capricorn’s energy thrives on organization, making this the perfect time to tackle any last-minute holiday shopping or gift wrapping. The transition from Sagittarius season, filled with fun and adventure, to Capricorn’s practical energy, can feel abrupt. However, both energies are essential to maintaining balance.
Jupiter in Gemini and Saturn in Pisces Square
On Christmas Eve, Jupiter and Saturn form a challenging aspect, marking the second act of a three-part celestial story that began in August. Jupiter inspires growth and expansion, while Saturn reminds us of the importance of responsibility and balance. During this busy holiday season, be mindful not to overcommit yourIt’s. It’s okay to say no, set healthy boundaries, and lean on loved ones for support.
You may see a recurrence of themes in your life from August 2024—as the first act of this aspect happened last August 19. But take note of anything unique that occurs during Christmas Eve, too. The last act of this aspect happens next year in June, when themes from August and December 2024 can also resurface.
End of Chiron Retrograde in Aries
As the year ends, we see Chiron—the asteroid traditionally representing inner wounds and healing—ending its five-month retrograde path in Aries on December 29. I’m excited for this to happen and have been looking forward to it for a while because—as I’d mentioned earlier—Aries is my rising sign. I believe that my long depressive stint this year is connected to Chiron’s journey through Aries and that I will experience healing and growth starting at the end of this holiday season. Maybe I’ll finally feel like I know what prioritizing self-love and self-care feels like—and I hope you will find that peace within you, too.
December 30: The Black New Moon in Capricorn
December closes as it started—with a new moon! The second is called a black moon, when two new moons occur within the same calendar month. This rare lunar event aligns beautifully with the start of the new year, offering the perfect opportunity to set intentions for the fresh chapter. With Capricorn’s ambitious energy at its helm, it’s the ideal time to dream big and set bold goals for yourself.
I know moon rituals can be confusing, but simply put—new moons are for manifestations, and full moons are for celebrating those manifestations. Remember those intentions you prepared and meditated on during the full moon? Now is the time to release them as manifestations into the Universe.
Photo by Ryan Hutton on Unsplash
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