As the week begins, we’ve got two planets changing domains. Mars bounds from Scorpio to Sagittarius. And with that, instead of being moved to dig deep, we’re motivated to soar. We look to understand our aims from a top-down perspective, looking at them from a wide angle, so that we may further glean what it is that moves us and for what we want to be a champion. And, just as Mars enters Sagittarius, Mercury leaves it for Capricorn. And with that, it may seem like the collective conversation turns more serious. Now that the messenger planet is in this efficient and productive sign, people may tend to not mince words and apply a less-is-more attitude toward communication.

This weekend features a star-studded array of astro happenings. On Saturday we have the yearly Gemini Full Moon, a lunation that invites us to translate information into insights, in which we seek to access facts to further discover what we believe to have veracity.

In my upcoming book, The Astrological Self-Care Journal (due out February 8), I feature Stellar Reflection writing prompts for each of the 24 New and Full Moons plus other astrological invitations. Here are a few from the Gemini Full Moon section:

How do I know when something is true?
What’s my go-to resource for gathering new information?
What’s the difference between wisdom and knowledge?

(Note that if you pre-order the journal, you can get free admission to a 2022 AstroSalon I am doing in January with Megan Skinner. More details here.)

The other big news this week is that Venus is set to go retrograde on Sunday. It begins a six-week period (through January 29) in which we’re called to re-evaluate what we value. During these weeks, it’s important to not just keep on keeping on when it comes to Venus realms—such as money, relationships, beauty, and pleasure. Rather, look at them from a different angle, gathering insights you may not have previously.

Do like Venus and retrace your steps—go back to the past and discover people, ideas, and ways of being that give you further access to understand what you truly value. Be aware that seeming snafus in partnerships may arise…if they do, don’t immediately throw in the towel; rather see what they are pointing out, whether they are shining a light on how you can further solidify the firmament of your alliance. This is the beauty of Venus retrograde…it gives us opportunities to identify and own things that we may have previously glossed over, those that need to be addressed so that we can further build a life that is rich on many levels.

Remember that days around the one where the planet shifts directions—in this case December 19—that planets energies/themes are really strong. As such, beauty, pleasure, art, money, partnerships, and justice may readily be in the news—whether related to news about our life or the collective world. For more on Venus Retrograde—and Venus’ current extended sojourn in Capricorn—see here.

Have a lovely week!

xxStephanie

Astrological Highlights

December 13

Mars enters Sagittarius
Mercury enters Capricorn

December 18

Gemini Full Moon

December 19

Venus Retrograde
Sun/Jupiter Sextile

All days reflect Eastern Standard Time (- 5 hours GMT)

Stellar Insights: December 13 - 19, 2021

Astrological Highlights