December 2023 Newsletter
Dearest Friends
Kindly note that the days and times given below are in PST (Pacific Standard Time). For Rocky Mountain Time (including AZ) add 1 hr. For Central Time, add 2 hours. For Eastern Standard Time, add 3 hours. For Alaskan Time, subtract 1 hour. For Hawaii-Aleutian Time, subtract 2 hours. For Greenwich, add 8 hours. For Central European time (CET) add 9 hours, for Eastern European Time (EET), add 10 hours.
DECEMBER 2023
RUNE OF THE MONTH: Beorc “birch tree, birth”. Considered to be life giving in Scandinavia, the birch tree is sacred. Anti-microbial, anti-viral, and antiseptic, its sap is used as sugar, its oil stimulates blood circulation, its leaves are used as a healing tea, and prayers are written on its bark which are then burned in a ceremonial fire, for release. A month to give birth to new ideas, have innovative projects, or start a relationship.
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Neptune turns direct on Tuesday December 6 at 24º53’ Pisces. Its shadow period remains until March 26, 2024. This degree is associated with the following image: “The purging of the priesthood”. Even though kindness and compassion are once again available to us, it may be difficult to know whom and what to trust. Many lies are disguised as truths. Wolves are hiding in sheep’s clothes. Much of what seems real is fake.
Mercury turns retrograde on Wednesday 12/12 until January 1st, 2024 at 8º29’ Capricorn until 22º33’ Sagittarius. Its shadow period lasts until January 21, 2024. The degree Mercury turns retrograde on is symbolized by “An Angel carrying a harp.” A very good period to question our purpose, life direction, how we feel about our career, and reassess our moral and philosophical values. Traveling to a place we haven’t been to in a long time, and reconnecting with people we haven’t seen forever force us to reevaluate our life choices and reformulate our ambitions. A good time to take stock of our progress in 2023, make new year resolutions, and realign to our highest purpose.
Jupiter turns direct on Saturday December 30th at 5º35’ Taurus. Its shadow period ends on March 24, 2024. This degree is represented by the following image: “A square brightly lighted on one side”. Strengthened by our renewed honesty towards ourselves, progress and expansion are once again available to us. Travel, especially to a foreign country, is encouraged. Exploring other cultures, religions, and philosophies of life is enriching. Furthering our higher education is also favored.
Uranus remains retrograde this whole month until January 26, 2024. Its shadow period lasts until May 14, 2024. The degrees traveled in December (20º22’-19º24’ Taurus) are symbolized by: “A moving finger points to significant passages in a book” and “Wisps of clouds, like wings, are streaming across the sky”. Breaking free from a routine that has become stale opens exciting opportunities. Furthering our education with discrimination and efficiency enables us to better manifest our uniqueness. We are asked to understand what freedom means to us and in what ways it is being curbed either by ourselves or outer circumstances.
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The Moon will be Void of Course (V/O –forming no major aspect with any planet before entering the following sign-):
On Friday 12/1 between 5:07 AM and 6:31 AM: when the Moon enters Leo.
On Sunday 12/3 between 6:11 PM and 7:50 PM: when the Moon enters Virgo.
On Wednesday 12/6 between 5:50 AM and 8:35 AM: when the Moon enters Libra.
On Friday 12/8 between 5:05 PM and 7:35 PM: when the Moon enters Scorpio.
On Monday 12/11 between 12:57 AM and 3:11 AM: when the Moon enters Sagittarius.
From Tuesday 12/12 at 10:48 PM till Wednesday 12/13 at 7:31 AM: when the Moon enters Capricorn.
On Friday 12/15 between 8:04 AM and 9:56 AM: when the Moon enters Aquarius.
On Sunday 12/17 between 4:04 AM and 11:58 AM: when the Moon enters Pisces.
On Tuesday 12/19 between 1:03 PM and 2:47 PM: when the Moon enters Aries.
On Thursday 12/21 between 6:47 PM and 6:50 PM: when the Moon enters Taurus.
From Saturday 12/23 at 10:40 PM till Sunday 12/24 at 12:15 AM: when the Moon enters Gemini.
From Monday 12/25 at 11:55 PM till Tuesday 12/26 at 7:15 AM: when the Moon enters Cancer.
On Thursday 12/28 between 2:57 PM and 4:23 PM: when the Moon enters Leo.
From Saturday 12/30 at 9:18 PM till Sunday 12/31 at 3:53 AM: when the Moon enters Virgo.
Mark these periods in red in your calendar and avoid scheduling anything of importance during these times as they would amount to… NO thing!
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Scheduling our activities using the zodiacal position of the Moon
Moon in Cancer until Friday 12/1 at 7:59 AM + between Tuesday 12/26 at 7:15 AM and Thursday 12/28 at 4:22 PM: Perfect for family activities, especially those involving children. Good for spending more time at home, cooking, nurturing ourselves and those we love, inviting the people we cherish over for dinner. Excellent also for drawing, creative writing, humor, and anything requiring imagination and a touch of craziness….
Moon in Leo between Friday 12/1 at 8 AM and Sunday 12/3 at 7:49 PM + between Thursday 12/28 at 4:23 PM and Sunday 12/31 at 3:52 AM: Excellent for anything glamorous, dramatic performances, being in the public’s eye, throwing or attending an elegant party, playing with children, romance, and creativity in general…
Moon in Virgo between Sunday 12/3 at 7:50 PM and Wednesday 12/6 at 8:34 AM: Excellent for starting a new fitness program, learning, healthy nutrition, fasting, clearing our closets, cleaning our home, reorganizing our drawers…. Perfect also for detailed work, the focused use of our intelligence, and taking care of small pets….
Moon in Libra between Wednesday 12/6 at 8:35 AM and Friday 12/8 at 7:34 PM: Great for relationships, associations, diplomatic exchanges with others, anything related to beauty (a haircut, buying new clothes, a make-over…), art (especially painting and decorating…), a pleasant social event (concert, art exhibition…).
Moon in Scorpio between Friday 12/8 at 7:35 PM and Monday 12/11 at 3:10 AM: Perfect for scientific research, esoteric studies, self-transformation, shamanism, dealing with the mysteries of life, death, and sexuality, as well as insurances and issues involving personal power.
Moon in Sagittarius between Monday 12/11 at 3:11 AM and Wednesday 12/13 at 7:30 AM: Perfect for traveling, religious and/or philosophical activities or matters related to higher education and the law. Excellent for lecturing, learning, perfecting a foreign language, exploring other cultures… Perfect also for athletic training and tending to large animals (horses….).
Moon in Capricorn between Wednesday 12/13 at 7:31 AM and Friday 12/15 at 9:55 AM: Good for furthering our ambitions, asking for a promotion, enlisting the support of people in positions of authority, making a good impression, re-structuring our business, and redefining our long-term goals…
Moon in Aquarius between Friday 12/15 at 9:56 AM and Sunday 12/17 at 11:57 AM: Perfect for philanthropic activities, charitable organizations, meeting with friends, making new acquaintances. Good also for inventions, far out, progressive ideas, inter-dimensional and time travel, anything related to UFOs, computers, and technology in general….
Moon in Pisces between Sunday 12/17 at 11:58 AM and Tuesday 12/19 at 2:46 PM: Great for meditating, sitting by the ocean, anything related to the sacred, dancing, painting, swimming, dreaming, music, photography, film, sleeping, channeling, connecting with the mystical, the magic and the oneness of all that is…
Moon in Aries between Tuesday 12/19 at 2:47 PM and Thursday 12/21 at 6:49 PM: Perfect for intense physical activities, anything requiring forceful, direct action and self-assertion. Good also for leadership, spontaneity, good will, being a way shower, initiating new projects or bringing our car to the mechanic….
Moon in Taurus between Thursday 12/21 at 6:50 PM and Sunday 12/24 at 12:14 AM: Perfect for any financial matter: paying our bills/debts, asking for the money that is owed to us, opening a bank account, investing in real estate, buying, and selling. Perfect also for a stroll in the park, going to the countryside, connecting with our Mother the Earth… Good also for gardening, pottery, sculpting, as well as bodywork…
Moon in Gemini between Sunday 12/24 at 12:15 AM and Tuesday 12/26 at 7:14 AM: Excellent for multi-tasking, curiosity, any form of communication, exchanging information, sending e-mails, calling friends and acquaintances. Great also for social activities, attending conferences, reading a book, watching a documentary, gathering data on various topics, connecting with new people….
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This month’s intentional meditation started on November 27 when we took out as many blank sheets of paper as we had intentions and place them near a window, on a balcony or in a garden so that they basked in the light of the Full Moon in Gemini at exactly 1:16 AM. Once that moment passed, we gathered our Full Moon charged blank sheets and placed them in a folder.
On Tuesday 12/12, take out your blank full moon charged papers and write on each a concise, positive intention. Place them on a balcony, in a garden or near a window so that they are out by exactly 3:32 PM for the New Moon in Sagittarius. Once that moment has passed, staple them together and put them away in a folder expecting the manifestation of all your dreams….
Next month’s intentional meditation starts on Tuesday 12/26 at 4:33 PM with the Full Moon in Cancer.
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Friday 12/1: Mercury enters Capricorn (6:31 AM till 12/22)
During the next 3 weeks, we are mentally serious, focused, and disciplined. Not afraid of hard work or studying long hours, we are practical and ambitious. A great time to get clear on our objectives and make solid plans for the future.
Saturday 12/2: Mercury Sextile Saturn (7:27 AM)
Today, attentive to details and particularly focused on efficiency, we devise intelligent plans. We are drawn to older people or people who thanks to their hard work have gained authority and reached personal success.
Sunday 12/3: Venus Square Pluto (5:29 AM)
For the sake of peace, a day to compromise and adapt to the needs of others. We could be exposed to manipulative or coercive people. Trying to force a relationship will only backfire. Best to lie low and wait for a more auspicious time.
Monday 12/4: Venus enters Scorpio (10:51 AM till 12/29)
The next 3 weeks awaken our need for romance and passion. We want to throw ourselves body, mind and soul into a relationship, a work we love, or an activity we are excited about. Financial investments yield substantial revenues.
Tuesday 12/5: Venus Trine Saturn (2:51 PM)
A day to reassess our relationships. Those that are good are strengthened, while those that have been shaky for a while, could come to an end. A great day to move in together, commit to another or get married. Money matters are consolidated. Financial planning is encouraged. Our esthetic tastes are more conservative.
Wednesday 12/6: Neptune turns direct (5:20 AM)
Kindly refer to the opening paragraph.
Thursday 12/7: Mercury trine Jupiter (8:09 PM)
We are particularly positive today. Our self-confidence, faith in life, and optimistic disposition ensure that things turn to our advantage. We express ourselves with kindness, generosity, and enthusiasm. A great day to learn a foreign language, enroll in a university-level class, or travel to a distant country. Any study related to philosophy, religion or the law is favored.
Saturday 12/9: Venus Opposition Jupiter (7:35 PM)
Falling prey to excesses in food, spending, and pleasures is not advised. The more gracious, hospitable, and tolerant we are, the more our social life expands in enriching ways. Even if its amount feels a little disappointing, expressing gratitude for a gift or a bonus we receive today leads to greater opportunities.
Monday 12/11: Mercury Sextile Venus (11:17 AM)
A great day for casual, pleasant, and light conversations, getting together with friends, and seeking peace and harmony. A visit to an art gallery, or shopping for fashionable clothes is favored. A small trip to the countryside is fun and soothing.
Tuesday 12/12: Mercury turns retrograde (11:09 PM)
Kindly refer to the opening paragraph.
Saturday 12/16: Sun Square Neptune (7:43 PM)
We may feel a little woolly-headed today, indecisive, and impractical. Prone to daydreaming, we are likely to overlook details, and be vulnerable to scammers. People seem elusive. Their actions are likely to be confusing and somewhat deceitful. Artistic creation, quietly reading or watching an inspiring movie is encouraged.
Monday 12/18: Mercury Trine Jupiter (6:28 AM)
Kindly refer to Thursday 12/7.
Wednesday 12/20: Venus Opposition Uranus (11:04 PM)
Social events are exciting and stimulating. We are drawn to unusual, eccentric, even, in some cases, provocative characters who bring a sense of newness and freedom but may prove unreliable and unlikely to stay long in our lives. Erratic and unstable behavior can have devastating consequences.
Thursday 12/21: Mercury Sextile Saturn (4:33 AM), the Sun enters Capricorn (7:27 PM till January 20, 2024)
Regarding Mercury Sextile Saturn, kindly refer to Saturday 12/2. During the coming month, our ambitions are highlighted. We are hard-working, disciplined, focused, and serious. Drawn to leadership positions, we want to succeed, and are apt to demonstrate more maturity and wisdom.
Friday 12/22: Sun Conjunct Mercury (10:54 AM), Mercury enters Sagittarius (10:19 PM till January 13, 2024)
A good day for communications, making phone calls, writing e-mails, and any public relation activity. We could try something we have never done before and meet someone new. The next 3 weeks are marked by the ability to focus on the silver lining of every dark cloud, being positive, self-confident, and looking at the future with optimism. We are more religiously and philosophically inclined than normal. Legal and political matters are favored.
Sunday 12/24: Sun Sextile Saturn (9:28 AM)
Patience, stability, self-discipline, and strength of character mark this day. We have the capacity to shoulder great responsibilities and be particularly self-reliant and efficient. Our seriousness and respect of duties and obligations help us get our work done in a timely manner.
Monday 12/25: Venus Trine Neptune (9:15 AM)
A romantically enchanted day. Our increased sensitivity and compassion are appreciated by those less favored than ourselves. We are drawn to music and the arts. Actors, composers, painters, and poets are particularly inspired. Our esthetic senses are refined. We seek beauty, peace, and harmony.
Tuesday 12/26: Mercury Square Neptune (11:43 PM)
A mentally confusing day. We are vulnerable to illusions, deceit, and lies. Not a good day for signing any legally binding document as we could miss the fine print and get entangled in a scam. A day best spent in isolation, quiet meditation, and artistic creation.
Wednesday 12/27: Sun Trine Jupiter (7:28 AM), Mercury Conjunct Mars (4:31 PM)
A positive, dynamic day that pushes us to act on our ideals with courage and integrity. Great for outdoor activities and competitive sports, we are direct and impulsive. Eager to defend our philosophical, religious, and political beliefs, practicing moderation and tolerance ensures a general enrichment of consciousness.
Thursday 12/28: Mars Square Neptune (2:16 PM), Venus Sextile Pluto (10:01 PM)
We could feel all at once a certain restlessness and anxiety while demonstrating more passion in our relationships. A male figure could be elusive, act in a confusing manner, and even lie. Emotions are intense, complex, and possibly laden with strange problems. All is not as it seems. We could shy away from heavy work and prove weak and evasive in the face of situations requiring direct action and courage.
Friday 12/29: Venus enters Sagittarius (12:24 PM till January 23, 2024)
During the next 3 weeks, we express our feelings in a more adventurous way. We are drawn to other cultures and may joyously fall in love with a foreigner or someone who travels. A romance may develop while on a journey. We enjoy being seen in in-places, yet are more excited by a camping trip or outdoor activities than a formally elegant date. Our attitude towards love is full of faith, positivity, and enthusiasm. We may spend money rather recklessly, yet somehow, trusting our lucky star, we end up having what we need.
Saturday 12/30: Jupiter turns direct (6:40 PM)
Kindly refer to the opening paragraph.
Wishing you a happy end of year!
In Loving Light.
Michelle Karén, M.A., D.F.Astrol.S.
Astrologer, Shaman, International Conference Speaker
Author of Astrology for Enlightenment (Atria Books, Simon & Schuster)
Founder of the Online Llankay, Munay, Yachay School of Shamanic Studies
www.facebook.com/ michelleKaren8867
www.youtube.com/c/MichelleKarenAstrologerShaman
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