Astrological Insights: December 2 - 8, 2024
Mars Retrograde, Neptune Direct + An Array of Other Inspirations
In this missive, in addition to sharing insights about the opportunities and challenges that this week’s astrology may yield, I want to tell you about an exciting summit—The Legacy Code—with which I’m involved as well as special offering I’m extending for all teachers and students. See below for details. Plus, catch the latest episode of the So Divine! podcast, in which my co-host Megan Skinner and I explore what the month of December may inspire.
It’s one of those weeks: the kind that features an expansive array of astrological invitations. Given that there’s a lot happening, I've included subheadings for ease of wayfinding through the spectrum of inspiration that this week offers.
Jupiter/Saturn Square + Sun/Mercury
One of the (many) key questions we’ve been grappling with over the past several months is how to balance the virtues of expansion and contraction, consumption and conservation, and extravagance and economy. This thanks to the Jupiter/Saturn Square, the first of which was exact in August, with the next one occurring later this month (and the final of the series in June). So, why refer to it now?
That’s because both the luminous Sun and messenger Mercury spark this alignment over the coming days, bringing its invitation to the forefront. Therefore, we may find ourselves accessing the value of both more and less, enthusiasm and judiciousness, freedom and limits. We can discover further understanding through seeing how sometimes we need to honor the Jupiterian liberal realm rather than the conservative Saturnian realm, or vice versa. And how, at other times, that rather than being oppositional, the encouragements of Jupiter and Saturn can actually be allied partners: for example, how there are times when saying No to the unnecessary (Saturn) is actually the catalyst that allows us to embark upon an exuberant Yes to what will truly expand our world (Jupiter).
Mars Stations Retrograde
This week also features the beginning of Mars Retrograde. The planet of action will be doing its backward slide through February 23 (it will do so in Leo through January 6 when it shifts back into Cancer for the duration).
When Mars is retrograde, we can discover new strategies that can help us meet our aims. This period—which happens every two-plus years—is one in which we are rewarded with awareness by going slow and taking pauses when necessary. In doing so, we can recognize a more optimal and sustainable pace. These ten-plus weeks offer us undiscovered insights into the arsenal of tools we have at our disposal, helping us discern which ones may better aid us in accomplishing a job well done.
That said, Mars Retrograde can yield frustrations that emerge through experiencing setbacks and delays. After all, Mars reflects an energy that likes to move forward while retrograde periods are ones in which we’re encouraged to go back and retrace already visited territory.
Watch for anger that can be stoked if gratification is deferred, you can’t propel yourself with the momentum to which you’re accustomed, and/or you don’t get or achieve what you want when you want it. See how waiting—and the postponement of getting what you desire—can actually lead to more success and progress at a later date.
Try to tamp down the affinity for impatience that may prevail as it can lead to mishaps if you’re not careful, notably with—but not exclusive to—objects associated with Mars such as fire, sharp items, and fast-moving objects. Be aware of the potential for irritation or inflammation, whether experienced in your mind or in your body.
During Mars Retrograde, the past can take a new level of precedence when it comes to discovering our aims and desires as well as the resources that can help us attain them. Look back: survey your past to understand how your path to a passionate life has unfolded as well as how who or what you knew back then may help you further your ability to get to the future destinations you envision.
Neptune Stations Direct
The day after Mars shifts retrograde, Neptune—the planet associated with the imaginal and mystical—ends its retrograde cycle and begins moving forward again.
Remember that the days around any planetary station, the volume is turned up on the archetypes associated with that celestial body. Therefore, this week we have the potent co-presence of speed, movement, desire, pursuits, and battles (Mars) and blurred boundaries, idealism, compassion, fogginess, and illusion/disillusion (Neptune).
The beauty that this combination can yield is a highly perceptive sense of the people and causes for whom we want to go to battle, those we feel will serve to move, touch, inspire, and heal others. We may also feel more catalyzed by a sense of gratitude and forgiveness. Given that when it goes retrograde, Mars is in Leo, the sign associated with self-expression and celebration, and Neptune inspires a connection to the muse as well as the imaginative state, being involved in artistic endeavors—as a creator and/or participant—can offer additional reward this week.
That said, what we need to watch for is unconsciously losing our sense of self and then merging with the needs of others, taking on battles that are not actually ours. Additionally, being in too much of a dreamy state (Neptune) can lead to errant movements (Mars), which put us at the risk of accidents and mishaps. So be aware of the subtle beauty all around you while also being mindfully grounded.
Also, on the day of Neptune stationing direct, we have a Venus/Pluto Conjunction. It’s a sultry and steamy time and one that can have us attune to secrets and suspicions. Perhaps it’s because this alignment connects to Venus in my own chart that in the December episode of So Divine!—the podcast I co-host with Megan Skinner—that I found myself waxing on about what this may inspire. For more, forward to the 15:55 mark of the podcast episode.
Tying it Together
As a way to synthesize the various inspirations that are occurring, I want to wish you a week in which you give shape to endeavors that gift you with a greater sense of possibility (Jupiter/Saturn Square) and one in which you mindfully channel your desires (Mars station) in pursuit of your deepest values (Venus/Pluto Conjunction) so that you can connect to a deeper experience of love and beauty (Neptune station).
xxStephanie
Astrological Highlights
December 2: Venus/Uranus Trine
December 4: Sun/Saturn Square; Mercury/Jupiter Opposition; Venus/Neptune Sextile
December 5: Sun/Mercury Conjunction
December 6: Mercury/Saturn Square; Mars Stations Retrograde
December 7: Venus enters Aquarius; Sun/Jupiter Opposition; Venus/Pluto Conjunction; Neptune Stations Direct
All days reflect Eastern Standard Time (- 5 hours GMT)
Photos: Valdemaras, U Lo, and Dynamic Wang, all via Unsplash
The sign of Sagittarius is associated with learning and education, an inspiration to access knowledge that gives us a wider berth with which to understand the world and our place in it. Given that the first three weeks of this month feature the Sun in Sagittarius, I wanted to extend a special offering to those involved in educational pursuits.
As such, for the whole month of December, I’m offering a special session rate—whether for astrological guidance or family constellations—for teachers and students ($160 rather than $195). And so if you teach at a school—whether in-person or online—or you’re in college, trade school, or pursuing a certificate or degree, I want to offer you this special rate. It’s valid for sessions booked in December and January, as well as for gift certificates you may want to give to others. Write me below to schedule a session or for further information.
I’m excited to take part in this upcoming Masterclass Series, which runs from December 9-15. The Legacy Code is an online summit focused on helping people identify a deeper sense of soulfulness to create a rich life and legacy.
This FREE seven-day live-streamed event features visionary leader Andrew Colombini and dozens of extraordinary teachers who will dive deep into Intuitive Business Strategy, Human Design for Business, Soul Contract Work, Astrology and more.
My talk weaves together family constellations and astrology to identify ways to clear legacy blocks so you can activate a deeper sense of purpose. It will be shared on December 10 and so sign up today to access not only my talk but the whole free summit. Plus, as a participant you’ll receive gifts from all speakers, including a copy of my e-book Stellar Kids: Using Astrology to Harness Your Child’s Potential.