DECEMBER OVERVIEW: There’s a sense of déjà vu as we begin the twelfth month of 2024.

Mercury is one of the culprits, due to being retrograde for the first half of December. During this time, we are called to review old beliefs, judgments, and mindsets to discover whether they are still valid within our current life experience. The mind could be especially prone to worry during the first week of the month, as Mercury opposes ethical Jupiter, the Sun squares realistic Saturn and conjoins Mercury, and Mercury squares Saturn. 
    
Mars plays a major role in our experience of December, as it is within orb of being opposite Pluto throughout the month. The Mars-Pluto opposition can manifest as a strong competitive urge, a need to dominate or control, an obsession with a certain course of action, and a tendency to go to extremes. Combativeness may be especially strong around December 6, when Mars stations retrograde in dramatic Leo. Events around that date may have ripple effects for several months.

Otherworldly Neptune is a strong influence throughout the first half of December, due to stationing direct on December 7. Given the planet’s often subtle energies, we may not notice a strong difference between its retrograde and direct phases; but for at least a week before and after Neptune’s station date, we could feel disassociated from physical reality. We may also be more emotionally and psychically sensitive.

We seek clarity and insight at the time of the Gemini Full Moon on December 15; however, with the lunation in square aspect to Neptune, our minds may be foggy. Since this is the same day that Mercury stations direct in Sagittarius, if we go within to seek our answers, the awareness we gain should serve us well going forward.

It will be hard to know whether to be hopeful or pessimistic around the holidays, with a Jupiter-Saturn square perfecting on December 24 and Mercury exactly opposite Jupiter and square Saturn on December 26. Travel plans during this time could be problematic, and conversations tend to be stressful, especially if we attempt to discuss political or religious topics. (This Jupiter-Saturn square is the second of three, with the first having occurred on August 19 and the last set to prefect on June 15, 2025.)

We are drawn inward during the last week of 2024 with Wounded Healer Chiron stationing direct on December 29, and a cautious Capricorn New Moon on December 30. Still, with regenerative Pluto sextile the courageous Aries North Node on that same day, the inner work we do at year’s end — especially the purging and cleansing of old patterns — should help us step confidently into the New Year.

MARS RETROGRADE: Mars stations retrograde in Leo on December 6 and will appear to be moving backward through the sky through February 23, 2025. This 80-day retrograde phase, which occurs once every two years, has extra impact this time around since it reinforces the tensions and challenges of the Mars-Pluto opposition. Because of Mars going retrograde, the opposition will perfect three times: on November 3, 2024, and again on January 2 and April 26, 2025. 

Adding more complexity to its retrograde phase, Mars will return to protective Cancer on January 6. As the Red Planet revisits the sign of the Crab, it draws our attention back to some of the emotional issues we dealt with in October and early November. We have the opportunity to reflect on the feelings of vulnerability we were navigating then, as well as any ways in which we allowed a fight-flight-freeze instinct to determine our actions and reactions. Mars retrograde in Cancer asks us to acknowledge any fears or angers we may still be holding onto from the past; this time of reflection can help us process and release those feelings, allowing us to make new decisions about how to best channel our emotional energies. 

Throughout Mars' retrograde phase, we are advised to avoid acting impulsively, and to fully consider the consequences of any actions we might take. This time is best suited for going back and reworking projects we started previously, rather than initiating new endeavors. We also may not have as much physical energy while Mars is retrograde, so be sure to allow yourself plenty of rest time, and pay attention to the messages from your body. 

Mars will re-enter Leo on April 17, just in time for its third opposition to Pluto on April 26. Events around that time should relate to concerns we were navigating in early November and will address again in early January. While the final Mars-Pluto opposition is likely to reactivate some of the conflicts that dominated during the two previous aspects, it also represents the completion of a process of transformation — an opportunity for rebirth as the Phoenix bursts into flames and then rises from the ashes. 

ASPECTS THIS WEEK: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects, day by day: 

Monday

Venus square Eris and trine Uranus: "To Thine Own Self Be True" is the motto today. The need for independence can create conflict in some relationships, but can open the door for some much-needed fresh air.

Tuesday

No major aspects are exact today.

Wednesday

Mercury opposite Jupiter: People may be very talkative today, or especially verbal about their opinions and beliefs.

Sun square Saturn: Ethical or legal conflicts can cause frustrations and delays.

Venus sextile Neptune: It is easier to be understanding and compassionate with friends and loved ones today.

Thursday-Friday

Retrograde Mercury semisquare Pluto, conjunct the Sun, semisquare Venus, square Saturn: Words may be used to control or manipulate. Communications and our ability to tolerate differing opinions are tested. There may be distance in relationships if people are inflexible or impatient.

Friday

Mars stations retrograde: Mars will be at 06°10' Leo as it comes to a standstill at 3:32 p.m. PST today. 

Venus enters Aquarius: Venus will journey through Aquarius from December 6 to January 2. During this four-week transit, we enjoy friendships but are less eager to be tied to a commitment. There is a strong need to be true to self and an enjoyment of group activities.

Saturday 

Venus conjunct Pluto: Interactions with loved ones may be more intense now, and the need for personal space is strong. Intimacy is enhanced by an honest sharing of the authentic self.

Sun opposite Jupiter: A restlessness encourages us to embrace new adventures today.

Neptune stations direct: Mystical Neptune comes to a standstill at 27°07' Pisces today. Although we may be feeling ungrounded, the intuition and the creative imagination are enhanced, and meditations may be especially expansive.

Sunday

Pluto conjunct Ceres: This alignment of two dwarf planet, which were named for immortals who were adversaries in ancient myth, provides an opportunity for us to transform familial and social relationships. A new foundation of mutual acceptance and support is possible.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: It is important to pause and reflect this year, before taking action. At times, your inspired ideas will encourage you to take risks you hadn't previously considered possible, while at other times, you may feel restricted by circumstances. Taking the time to make a realistic assessment of your options, while staying optimistic about future potentials, will help you take the best advantage of the energies with which you are working. Slow-but-steady progress will also help you build self-discipline and self-confidence, both of which will serve you well in the long term. (Solar Return Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury, semisquare Venus, opposite Jupiter, square Saturn, semisquare Pluto, trine Chiron)

In peace, love, and gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• MONDAY: Venus square Eris, Venus trine Uranus
• TUESDAY: No major aspects are exact today
• WEDNESDAY: Mercury opposite Jupiter, Sun square Saturn, Venus sextile Neptune
• THURSDAY: Mercury semisquare Pluto, Venus semisquare Saturn, Sun conjunct Mercury
• FRIDAY: Mercury semisquare Venus, Mars stations retrograde (06°10' Leo), Sun semisquare Pluto, Mercury square Saturn, Venus enters Aquarius
• SATURDAY: Venus conjunct Pluto, Sun opposite Jupiter, Neptune stations direct (27°07' Pisces) 
• SUNDAY: Pluto conjunct Ceres

DAILY ASTROLOGY: For daily astrological insights, including lunar aspects not covered in this weekly Journal, please follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/ 

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes the NorthPoint Astrology Journal based on planetary influences and insights received. Her hope is to bring astrology "down to earth" in a way that will help readers navigate current energies, while also utilizing these energies for spiritual and personal growth.
Feel free to share this NorthPoint Journal with others who may enjoy it! Please forward it in its entirety, including all contact and copyright information.
To learn more about Pam's work, please visit www.northpointastrology.com. 

NorthPoint Journal copyright 2024 Pam Younghans. All Rights Reserved.

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