The Stars This Week: December 30, 2013 - January 5, 2014

by Vivian Owen

Complications!
No matter what transpires this week, it's sure to be a memorable time as Mars, the Sun, and Mercury connect with the Uranus-Pluto square! Firstly, Mars squares Pluto on December 30, when you'll find your plans challenged. On December 31, try to avoid arguments as Mercury conjuncts Pluto and squares Mars. And lastly, January 1 brings a fresh start in the form of a new Moon in Capricorn!

December 30: Mars squares Pluto
If you've ever dealt with control freaks, you know how difficult it can be to negotiate with them. As Mars connects with the Uranus-Pluto square, you're likely to encounter plenty of domineering people, so if you're trying to get something accomplished now, you're bound to face an uphill battle. Since you can expect to be tested, think twice about engaging dramatically with those who have no intention of playing fair. How you handle disagreements this week will indicate a great deal about your character!

December 31: Mercury conjuncts Pluto and squares Mars
This week, do your best to avoid arguments with anyone who can't let things go. There's so much difficult planetary energy occurring this week, the more you can do to avoid disagreements, the better off everyone will be. Of course, if you feel it's important to take a stand and speak up, by all means do so! Just make sure you're extremely thoughtful about what you say -- this is no time to be careless or impulsive!

January 1: New Moon in Capricorn
This ambitious new Moon -- with its conjunction to Pluto, squares to Mars and Uranus, and opposition to Jupiter -- brings a fresh start loaded with tension and unresolved conflicts. The good news, though, is that you won't have to guess about what you're confronting. Make up your mind to deal with people and situations in a way that makes you proud. Those who aren't behaving well will stand out like sore thumbs now -- this simply isn't an environment in which a person can get away with anything! Decide what you want to be responsible for ... and what you don't. Take action to make your life secure. As the Moon increases in light between its new and full phases, put your energy into something you'd like to see become stronger or more important in your life. If you do, you'll see results at the full Moon in Cancer on January 16

 

The Stars This Week: December 23-29, 2013

by Vivian Owen

Changes!

This is a week when the more adaptable you can be, the better you'll fare! Mercury enters pragmatic Capricorn on December 24, when serious conversations yield the most results. Be ready to make changes on a moment's notice, though, when Mars opposes Uranus on December 25! When the Sun conjuncts Mercury on December 28, you'll receive important information -- although it may not be what you expected to hear, since both the Sun and Mercury square unpredictable Uranus on December 29!

December 24: Mercury enters Capricorn
As the communication planet leaves outspoken Sagittarius and enters ambitious Capricorn, you're ready to stop exploring all your options and commit to a plan. Make a point to seek out those who've already accomplished what you hope to achieve. Talk to them about where you want to commit your resources and which projects you want to take on. These experienced contacts can give you valuable advice and connect you with others who may be able to help you!

December 25: Mars opposes Uranus
The action planet, Mars, connects to the Uranus-Pluto square, first via this encounter with rebellious Uranus. (Mars will square Pluto next week.) Be prepared to make changes to some of your carefully laid plans, and don't act impulsively -- and certainly don't freak out -- if at first you don't get your way! If you're able to remain calm and use your common sense, you'll be able to make any necessary adjustments with minimal fuss.

December 28: The Sun conjuncts Mercury
December 29: The Sun and Mercury square Uranus
On November 1, retrograde Mercury and the Sun formed a conjunction, offering information you were unable to put to use at that time. Now Mercury is direct and meets the Sun once again, signaling a time to reap the benefits of all your conversations and contacts over the last two months, although you'll need to keep in mind the volatile nature of both the Sun's and Mercury's contact to unpredictable Uranus. Stability is not a concept that's in the cards right now, but keep your eyes and ears open for new ideas and interesting people all the same. And if the deck keeps getting reshuffled, hold off on making any important decisions!

The Stars This Week: December 9-15, 2013

by Vivian Owen

Regroup!

Everyone seems to be going in different directions this week, but that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of all the support that's available. Firstly, expect to change your plans on December 10, when the Sun quincunxes Jupiter Then, a beneficial trine between Jupiter and Saturn occurs on December 12, when others offer you help! And as Mars quincunxes Neptune on December 13, don't even try to figure out what people are doing, as you'll probably just be wrong. Instead, use this time to collect yourself and regroup.

December 10: The Sun quincunxes Jupiter
The Sun in Sagittarius is restless and ready to try something new. Jupiter in Cancer is protective, emotional, and security-conscious. Sagittarius dwells in dreams of distant lands; Cancer is a homebody. With this aspect, you may feel as if you're inhabiting two completely different universes, out of sync with your environment and other people. This is a time that calls for adjustments. Nobody will get everything they want now, so do your best to accommodate those with significantly different views.

December 12: Jupiter trines Saturn
Jupiter and Saturn rule social trends, and when they're in harmony with one another, you can often find people who'll support your projects, plans, and ideas. Take advantage of this time by utilizing any assistance offered and opputunities presented. Since both of these planets are in Water signs (Jupiter in Cancer; Saturn in Scorpio), allow your emotions and passions to help you connect with others. Just keep in mind that this trine takes place against the backdrop of difficult planetary patterns, so don't expect everything to be rosy! You'll need to act smartly and strategically to make the best use of this trine's benefits.

December 13: Mars quincunxes Neptune
Not everything is as it seems as action planet Mars encounters nebulous Neptune. Slow down and get your bearings so you can make wise decisions about your next move. Mars in Libra is focused on relationships, while Neptune in Pisces is impersonal and mysterious. Sometimes, the more some people talk, the more confusing they become, for as soon as you think you've got someone or something handled, they may just slip through your fingers! This aspect demonstrates how baffling certain circumstances and people can be, so do yourself a favor and don't try to figure them out now.

News: from...Astrology.com The Stars This Week: Dec 1-7, 2013 by

Vivian Owen

A Fresh Start!
New beginnings fill this week! Firstly, a new Moon in Sagittarius on December 2 brings optimism and energy as you pursue your goals. Mercury's entrance into Sagittarius on December 4 helps you speak up about the things that matter most to you. Just watch out for Mercury's square to Neptune on December 6, when you shouldn't expect everyone to tell the truth! Finally, invest in your relationships once Mars enters Libra on December 7!

December 2: New Moon in Sagittarius
The symbol for Sagittarius is the half-man / half-horse centaur, who shoots his arrow toward the stars and, once it hits its target, retrieves it to take aim once again. Like this archer, if you can be adaptable as you pursue your goals, you'll do well during a lunar cycle that begins with this new Moon, culminates with a full Moon on December 17, and comes full circle just before the next new Moon arrives in Capricorn on January 1, 2014. Throughout December, make sure you revise your beliefs and worldview to accurately reflect the person you are today -- this is an excellent time to leave your past in the rear view mirror!

December 4: Mercury enters Sagittarius
December 6: Mercury squares Neptune
As the communication planet, Mercury, enters outspoken and enthusiastic Sagittarius, you're ready to tell everyone just what's on your mind! However, be sure to think before you speak during this transit -- this is a time that's infamous for people making statements that are immediately followed by retractions. Also, keep in mind that conversations can become muddy once Mercury encounters imaginative Neptune, when trying to uncover the truth could be like hunting for a needle in a haystack! People have secrets, and you may have a few of your own. Have the conversation you want to have, but just realize that not everything will be revealed quite yet.

December 7: Mars enters Libra
You're about to embark on a relationship journey that will have many twists and turns along the way. Mars will spend an unusually long time in Libra due to its upcoming retrograde period, set to last March 1 - May 20, 2014. Pace yourself and, most importantly, take time to assess your relationships (romantic and otherwise). What's working? What could improve? Try to leave as much room for others as you'd like others to leave for you, for by the time next summer arrives, everyone's nerves will be frayed. In the meantime, can you cut loose destructive relationships and invest in healthier ones? Are you able to listen as well as you speak? If so, it's likely you won't get too pushy about your own agenda. And if you can take a stand when necessary, you'll discover exactly what you're made of. Hopefully you'll pass through this period -- even if you emerge a bit weary on the other side -- knowing you've made good choices that will help you in the long run