Monthly Vedic Astrology Forecast

Jupiter-Venus-Moon Conjunction December 1

The sight of the crescent Moon in proximity to Venus and Jupiter after sunset on Monday, December 1 should be breathtaking to behold in the western sky. This auspicious combination occurs in the late degrees of Sagittarius and acts as a lovely send off for both Venus and Jupiter as they move into Capricorn. The waxing moon carries the energy from its new cycle begun on November 27. Enjoy this combination which promotes growth, relationship and spiritual expansion.

Venus Transits Capricorn December 3 - December 28

Venus exits Sagittarius and enters Saturn's earth sign, Capricorn, on December 3. As a friend of Saturn, Venus should function well during this time. As the planetary representative of love, beauty, and our capacity to relate to and connect with others, Venus will find herself solidly grounded as she passes through Capricorn. Venus makes an exact conjunction with Rahu, the moon's north node, on December 17. This period may be marked by significant events having to do with relationships or creative work. Capricorn is a realm of work done with deliberation and determination, and carries a sense of seriousness due to Saturn's influence. Venus here will be not be affected by negative aspects from Mars or Saturn, and only feels the outward, worldly pull of Rahu. This could mark a time for the establishment of a new relationship, or for a new level of work within relationship. Planetary conjunction with the nodal axis sometimes gives rather “karmic” results. What's meant to happen or not to happen within the creative process or within relationship may become evident as Venus moves through Capricorn.

Mercury Transits Sagittarius December 8 - December 27

Mercury enters Jupiter's fire sign, Sagittarius, the day before Jupiter himself moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn. Mercury while in Sagittarius, like Venus in Capricorn, also remains relatively unaspected by other negative influences, which will promote Mercury's capacity for communication and personal exchange. This would be a good time for exploring new avenues regarding learning, teaching, writing or spiritual paths.

Jupiter Enters Capricorn December 10

Jupiter travels through each sign of the zodiac for about one year at a time. Jupiter in his own sign of Sagittarius will end on December 10 as he moves into Saturn's earth sign, Capricorn, where he will be until December 2009. The main feature of Jupiter's stay in Capricorn will be that Rahu, the north node of the moon, will also be stationed in Capricorn during Jupiter's entire transit. Jupiter, as the most auspicious of planets, generally gives good results due to his location or aspect. This may be somewhat neutralized by Rahu's influence during the next year. This could signal some challenges in the realm of positive growth for the next year. We could feel somewhat pulled by forces that are seemingly beyond our control, and much of our focus may be on the state of the world and on how the state of the greater world community affects our personal expansion. The good news is that Saturn will not add his aspect to the Jupiter-Rahu combination. In the birth chart of Barack Obama, we find Saturn and Jupiter conjunct in Capricorn, giving the indication that he will most likely play a large role in world events in the year to come, as he runs through his fourth Jupiter return.

Full Moon in Taurus December 12

December's full Moon occurs on Friday, December 12 in Venus' earth sign, Taurus. This marks the pinnacle of the lunar cycle begun on November 27 in Scorpio. The full Moon falls in the lunar mansion called Mrigashira, which spans the latter part of Taurus and the beginning part of Gemini, so we have the combined influences of Venus, Mercury and Mars, who rules Mrigashira, on this full Moon. In addition, Mars and the Sun are closely joined in Scorpio at this time, bringing Mars' force even more strongly into the picture. The god associated with this lunar mansion is Soma, the god of the Moon, who bestows bliss and the urge for enlightenment. This could be a day of seeking or feeling the desire for heaven on earth; to combine our material pursuits with the act of transcendence would be a worthy pursuit for this time. Mrigashira additionally supports the pursuit of truth and the creative act of manifestation of ideas. Music, poetry and artistic activities will be supported.

Mars Enters Sagittarius December 19

The first part of December sees powerful Mars well-seated in his own water sign of Scorpio, channeling his energy into pursuits that require depth, research and use of resources. On Friday, December 19, Mars moves into Jupiter's fire sign, Sagittarius, for a six week tour before moving into his sign of exaltation, Capricorn, at the end of January. We see Mars gaining strength as he moves forward, and we can reflect this in our own lives by monitoring our own use personal power and resource and directing it through our work and self-expression. The Sun also occupies Sagittarius from mid-December to mid-January, adding to Mars' firepower. We must be aware of how we wield our power and express our will during this time, as both the Mars and Sun have the tendency for selfishness and disregard for others. On the other hand, it would be a great month to heal situations in which one may have been in a state of over-giving or disregard for one's own pursuits, especially in the realm of personal expansion, which could include higher education or spiritual disciplines. This could create an interesting environment for our holiday season, which traditionally focuses so much on joining with others. It may be wise to create “me” time to avoid conflict with the agendas of others, while at the same time fulfilling personal needs.

New Moon in Sagittarius December 27

The Moon begins a new cycle as she joins the Sun and Mars in the early degrees of Sagittarius, which marks the lunar mansion called Mula, which means "root." Mula marks the direction of the galactic center, through which we receive the cosmic vibrations of spiritualization. We see in Mula sometimes harsh activities that force the transition from materialism to spiritualism; the deity associated with Mula is Nirriti, the goddess of destruction, who has the power to break things apart such that a new level of consciousness can be pursued. This would be a good time to consciously destroy or ruin aspects of our lives that no longer serve to further our expansion and spiritual development. Mars in close proximity to this new Moon gives us the detachment and drive to complete acts that require boldness and power. Do not be surprised at the loss of wealth, fame or resources during this time; rather welcome it as a means toward moving forward in a positive way. When doors close, others open. When things are lost, room is created for the new. This new Moon occurs between the winter solstice and our western calendar's New Year. See this last week of the year as a time to let go of the old and to make room for the new. Open up to new horizons as you turn away from situations, projects, things or relationships that no longer serve you on your path. Letting go deliberately can generally be much less painful and far more liberating than clinging and cloying to forms that inhibit growth.