Moonsigns

Monthly Forecast: December 2008

December – how did this happen? Well, at least it's ending on a note of hopefulness. New administration, Jupiter in an air sign next year, and more bottoming out of the market will at least seem part of the pattern rather than a brutal and unexpected collapse. I always find it amusing that Western culture has transformed this particular season into a time of family, what with the Nativity celebration and all that. Yet, for the Romans this was Saturnalia, a holiday which makes spring break look like a tea party held by five year olds.

Speaking of holidays, your correspondent is in the opposite of a holiday season in that I'm hustling to finish a book early next year. Plus, I have piles of calendars and almanacs (herbal and moon) from Llewellyn to move along to all you wonderful folks. Am happy to autograph these if you would like for gift-giving. Calendars are $16; almanacs are $9 each, and you can send check to POBox 77, Westminster, MA 01473, or visit moonsigns.net, though Chuck still hasn't uploaded the picture of the 2009 calendar. Yet ONE MORE DETAIL that will drive me nuts in a Virgo year.

Speaking of my book – if you would like to fill out a brief and entertaining questionnaire which I would love to use for research (yes, you can have a pseudonym), email me atsally@moonsigns.net. I'll be collecting these through the holidays.

Yours in the cause of a more orderly universe, Symboline Dai

ARIES (March 21 or 22 to April 19 or 20).
Aries is a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. Represented by the Ram, Aries love to start (but usually not finish), make great leaders (as long as there are followers), and can be incredibly generous. Famously confident Aries include Marlon Brando, Harry Houdini, and Nikita Kruschev.
Difficult days come on 19-21
Smoother sailing comes on 6-8
The big picture in a nutshell . . .
Lots of encouragement from the universe to make new friends, get your finances in gear and make plans for travel or further education. Which, sometimes Aries likes to interpret as “edutainment.” Midmonth, when Mercury moves into Capricorn, you may be tempted to exaggerate – which is to say, to say things are worse than they are. Very un-Aries, I know, but with Capricorn synching up with Jupiter (it's an exact conjunction the last two days of the month) some of you (April 16 and after) are not seeing the world clearly and are not being viewed entirely accurately. Fortunately, the over-the-river-and-through-the-woods momentum of the month will prevail. If you've been in a “job transition” mode all year (bored with what you're doing, not sure where to jump), explore unlikely possibilities this month. For example – getting an assessment of your skills and trying an entirely different variety of occupation.

TAURUS (April 20 or 21 to May 20 or 21).
 Taurus is a fixed earth sign, practical and, for the most part, steady.  Ruled by Venus, Taureans like comfort and aesthetic beauty. Famous Taureans include: Tony Blair, Fred Astaire, Duke Ellington and Salvador Dali. Despite this stellar line-up, they're team players, and lead only if they absolutely have to.  Represented by the bull, Taureans are slow to anger, but once riled make formidable foes.
Difficult days come on 21-23
Smoother sailing comes on 9, 10

The big picture in a nutshell . . . I've never met a Taurus who didn't feel overwhelmed at Christmas, even though the bull is often insightful and generous when it comes to gift-giving. This month, Venus in Aquarius is giving you all kinds of mixed signals when it comes to your antenna about friendships. The people who like and admire you? You don't see or hear them. The people who are NOT thinking of you --- those are the focus of obsession. Now, Taurus does obsession as well as any other sign – but you have to ask yourself. What do I have the time and energy for and what do I expect ME to do. Not -- “what should I do” or “what do I have to do because those OTHER PEOPLE won't do it?!”

My advice: Find some crazy holiday recipe or craft, and get thoroughly into it. If this means you spend your evenings soaking pine cones in a cinnamon broth to make aromatic wreaths – so be it. If this means you start your cards right now – I mean, after you click off the computer – excellent plan. When Mars moves into Capricorn just before the new year, you'll be in a mood to look at longer-term projects, and you'll also be more patient. But right now? Twitchy, twitchy, twitchy.

GEMINI (May 21 or 22 to June 21 or 22).
Gemini is a mutable air sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Twins (or Janus, the two-faced figure), appealing Geminis with at least two well-defined personalities are Elizabeth Hurley (forgiving girlfriend/dedicated movie producer), John F. Kennedy (humanitarian/party animal), and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (gruff regal paterfamilias/sensitive environmentalist). Gemini charms everyone with nonstop talk and fanciful ideas.
Difficult days come on 24-26
Smoother sailing comes on 13, 14
The big picture in a nutshell . . . Huge, huge turning point for you which began around Thanksgiving. Mars in Sagittarius is opposing your sun, thus making you feel less-capable than you are, and also obscures other people's vision of you. Be patient with yourself this month, especially if the ADD stuff is in full gear, and there's no project you start that you can finish. Work with the deficits that are supplied astrologically and take advantage of the pluses. These include: Venus in Aquarius which makes you a good friend who's the object of interest for all genders. This also makes you generous and helpful as well. Your earth sign friends are your support system right now --- also, the fire sign folks who lighten you up and make you see the humor in things. Fire signs can be the “children” of the zodiac – the ones with wild-eyed optimism for no particular reason. You need to lighten up, and you'll need others to help you do it.

CANCER (June 22 or 23 to July 22 or 23).
Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the moon. Represented by the crab, Cancers can be home-loving, deeply domestic, fiercely loyal and self-protective and prone to stomach upsets when life doesn't go their way. Cancers feel everything very deeply, but won't necessarily tell you about this. Well, they will, but on their time. They prefer to move sideways -- frequently. Henry David Thoreau was a Cancer, and a quirky version of the breed -- he turned Walden into a home, but what a home...Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford are also Cancers. So was the Princess of Wales and the current Duchess of Cornwall. “Well-defended” is what we find in many crabbies.

Difficult days come on 1, 26-28
Smoother sailing comes on 15, 16
The big picture in a nutshell . . . If you've been low on energy, or feeling like you'd just as soon wait for low tide, crawl into a rock pile and molt, you're in tune with the universe. So much fire and earth sign energy in the universe can set the crabbie on edge – or more on edge than usual. That feeling of go-go-go is one you're able to resist, and – unless you're in a profession that requires more-than-the-usual activity during the end of the year – you may as well kick back. Let the earth sign people do the work. Let the fire sign people do the talking. Your need for escape – and your homebody instinct urges you to power down. Plus, from December 13 through the end of the year, Mercury in Capricorn prompts misstatements, exaggerations and getting misunderstood. Do you really need the hassle? Explain everything to your most trusted friend, family member or therapist. The rest of the world you can keep guessing.
 

LEO (July 23/24-August 23).
Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the sun. Represented by the lion, Leos are happy being the center of attention and don't feel fully alive without an admiring audience to applaud their activities. The ready smile (but not laugh) is theirs -- this is the sign of kings, or those who would be. Famous Leos who enjoy their command include Deval Patrick, Barack Obama. Famous Leos who wielded a lot of power quietly include the late Queen Mum and Princess Margaret.
Difficult days come on 2-4, 29, 30
Smoother sailing comes on 15, 16
The big picture in a nutshell . . . Some diverse impulses are the story for you this month. Venus in Aquarius may prompt feelings of distance or detachment from your friends. Very un-Leo, I know, as your sign really thrives in a pride (or running the pride). Does this mean you need to work on your own more? Yes. Does this mean you need to get someone's opinion before trying the quirky new hair cut? Definitely. But Mars in Sagittarius is amplifying your desire to escape, and your taste for new friends. Perhaps folks who are risk takers, or who don't care much about their public image. Earth sign folks are also exerting a magnetism, so if you're feeling a little unloved, thanks to that Venus opposition in Aquarius, turn to your Taurus, Virgo and especially Capricorn friends. They'll corroborate your high sense of self-worth.

VIRGO (August 24-September 22/23).
Virgo is a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Virgin, many Virgos are classic compulsive perfectionists whose eye for detail may delight an actuary, but annoy the rest of us. Famous Virgos include D.H. Lawrence, Cardinal Richelieu and Goethe.
Difficult days come on 4-6, 31
Smoother sailing comes on 17-18
The big picture in a nutshell . . . Virgo's perfectionist streak gets tweaked this month as Mars in Sagittarius could make you mistrustful of your own impulses (and then crank up your general impulsiveness). That off-center sense of humor you have could be front and center – not the best strategy if you need to court approval from the authorities. Those of you born September 12-15 are having Saturn literally squatting on your sun sign. This could have a couple of effects: people tell you no, after telling you yes. You talk yourself into an activity that requires way more endurance than you think you have. Someone sets limits you're not expecting. You make things harder on yourself than you need to. No, you are not limited to just ONE of these!

LIBRA (September 23/24-October 23/24).
Libra (September 24-October 23) is a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus and represented by the Scales. Famous Libras include John Lennon, Franz Liszt and Sarah Bernhardt. Libras love harmony, partnership, and are frequently indecisive. But oh, how charming they can be about it. At least that's what they tell us.
Difficult days come on  6-8
Smoother sailing comes on 19-21
The big picture in a nutshell . . . Excellent month for socializing with faraway friends (or crackpot eccentrics – or both), super for communicating what you need in relationships, particularly what you hope for in the future, and a little bit awkward when it  comes to that Libra democracy. Those born October 15 and after could be at the end of things as far as an unsatisfying job or relationship is concerned. Generally, Libra doesn't like to make waves, but if there has been an injustice brewing over the past year or so, this is the month that breaks for 10/15 and after scales.

SCORPIO (October 24-November 22).
Scorpio is a fixed water sign formerly ruled by Mars, now by Pluto, which astrologers still consider a planet, thank-you-very-much, represented by the Scorpion. Famous Scorpios include Prince Charles, Picasso, and Robert Kennedy. Scorps mystify more people than any other sign, mostly because the themes of sex, death and other people's money rule the 8th house, Scorpio's natural home. Charming but not overly sociable, your typical Scorps are charismatic, occasionally devious with an ethical compass all their own.
Difficult days come on 9, 10
Smoother sailing comes on 21-23
The big picture in a nutshell . . .

You've earned a rest after the challenges and opportunities and goshdarn distractions of the fall. December brings a lot of activity in fire and air signs – so much so that some Scorpios would be happiest crawling under a rock, rather than risk being exposed to wider view. But this is an excellent month to reassess friendships and alliances. If you have some interaction that's been problematic, the tire comes off the wheel this month and there's NO WAY you can keep that relationship going. This is doubly true if you're on the not-quite-outs with a fire or air sign person. Those of you with a lot of earth, or who are in  the financial industry could find news to encourage you (“hey, we're not going to lose as much as I thought!”). Those of you between 28 and 30, and mid-30s (also, born in 1949 or 1950) could and should be thinking about a big transition. For the older folks, it could be a “downsizing” maneuver. Scorpio is as prone to clutter as any water sign, but at least you're capable of periodically (and brutally) discarding what's not needed.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 22 or 23).
Sagittarius (November 23-December 22). Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter. Represented by the centaur (half-man, half-beast), Sadge loves justice, and is keenly interested in philosophizing. Finding them at home is difficult -- they're happiest on a long trip, or 'trip.' Well-traveled Sadges include: Frank Sinatra, William Buckley Jr., Winston Churchill and Joe DiMaggio.
Difficult days come on 11, 12
Smoother sailing comes on 24-26
It's here! Mars in your sun sign! Take action, make decisions, be aware that your accident-prone side is in VERY high gear. Set the limits, go for the job, buy the travel tickets, romance the air sign, buy it if you want it, go faster if you need to, apologize later if you have to but don't ask, and figure that your charming side will win out in the end. Mars returns are really great  and for your sign, which has been in a weird malaise since Sept. 2007, you may find you're going 0 to 90 in no-time flat. At least that's been the story since Thanksgiving. Be aware that you're more likely to be hot-tempered rather than temperate. And you're more likely to leap to conclusions that assess the risks. As fun-dampening as earth signs can be for you, they know best this month. Listen closely.
 

CAPRICORN (December 22 or 23 to January 20 or 21).
Capricorn (Dec. 23-Jan. 20). Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn represented by the goat. Caps are dogged, responsible, occasionally blunt, reliable, long-lived and prone to gloom, although admirably steady. Famous Capricorns include Benjamin Franklin, Joan of Arc, and Richard Nixon. Capricorn is having a wonderful Jupiter transit this year, which could help your mood enormously.
Difficult days come on 13, 14
Smoother sailing comes on 1, 26-28
The big picture in a nutshell . . . It's your time of year, and those born after January 12 could be amazed at how many goodies are coming your way. Do you take them? Absolutely. Not a time for cheese-paring, but this is a time for being decisive  and setting the stage for big decisions that you can make in January, when Mars moves into your sun sign. Mercury moves into Capricorn on December 13, which could facilitate persuasion and other communication. Generally, Caps are so self-sufficient you figure it's BENEATH you to cultivate others, but this month, even your crusty gruff side is charming to all. Go figure. Sometimes the world is a little nuts, you know?

AQUARIUS (January 20 or 21-February 19 or 20).
Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) is a fixed air sign ruled by Uranus. Represented by the water carrier, Aquarians are dreamy, methodical, and humanitarian to an extreme. Ruled by the planet Uranus, Aquarians surprise us all with the unexpected move, but they're usually ahead of the curve. Need investment advice? Call an Aquarian, and find out where the money goes (usually not to them, but that's ok -- air signs can swing with that). Famous Aquarians include: Lewis Carroll, Norman Rockwell and Franklin Roosevelt.

Difficult days come on 15-16
Smoother sailing comes on 2-4, 29-31
The big picture in a nutshell . . . Venus has gotten ahead of the sun again, so this month, the planet of love, beauty, friendship and new cosmetics spends most of the month in your sun sign. It's a great time for job interviews, or for showing off to a new audience. It's also an excellent time to explore relations with fire and air sign folks. If you're in the not-quite-30 zone, you've been feeling financial pinch (and ambition pinch) for most of the year, but let me tell you know, starting January 6, everything changes when Jupiter moves into Aquarius. The best of you understand your own desires better than the world ever does – knows how much freedom and independence you need. If you've been in a box for a while, all of 2009 provides ample opportunity for you to change the game plan and your playing field, as Jupiter is all about giving you rewards (THAT YOU HAVE WORKED FOR, AHEM!). And this month, is the warm-up. What nibbles and tugs do you feel on the hook? Can you pursue in January?

PISCES (February 19 or 20 to March 20 or 21).
Pisces (February 20-March 21). Pisces is a mutable water sign ruled by Neptune. Represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions, some Pisces, like some Libras thrive in indecision, especially of the emotional-quandary kind. Well-adapted Pisces realize they need plenty of art/music/poetry in their life to stave off the blues. Frequent company helps too. Pisces rules the 12th house (secrets, institutions), and though they'll take the spotlight if you ask them, they're perfectly happy behind the scenes. And if they are in the spotlight, they'll be inimitable and memorable, and slightly strange (Karen Carpenter and Lou Reed are both Pisces).

Difficult days come on 16-18
Smoother sailing comes on 4-6, 31
The big picture in a nutshell . . .   Some emotions are riding high this month, as Mars in Sagittarius is increasing your ambition-level, without providing a lot of insight on what the heckareyagonna do with it? Stick to air sign friends, particularly before full moon (Dec. 12) and after, and don't tune out the earth sign folks ALL the time. Capricorn and Taurus people are able to make the complicated stuff seem simple. And the Virgo people are in their own private heck, what with Saturn telling them to set some limits (with people! So hard! Just like you!) as well as to take risks (uncalculated! Then again, that's something you can do. Nothing like a fishie in freefall). Weird or unpleasant news as relates to your public personna (or health?) could be a theme this month, but by the New Year, a different chapter begins. One in which Those Who Encourage you are loud and clear.

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