Astrological preview for December 2024

December, New Moon in Sagittarius – new perspectives for new realities
This new moon invites you to think about what drives you, what brings you joy and what you want to pursue. It also offers the opportunity to reconcile with the past, which creates space for you to grow. At the same time, the energy of Jupiter and Saturn requires you to carefully weigh up your own desires against the concrete realities of life. It’s a time of learning, growth and self-reflection – ideal for new perspectives.
The new moon is at 9’39 degrees Sagittarius. If you have your Sun, Ascendant, Moon or other planets there, you will feel this creative act more strongly. Give yourself a moment of peace, meditate, plant your seeds wisely.

4 December, Jupiter/Mercury – Sun/Saturn, lively exchange
There may be many conversations to find a common denominator. The many points of view should come together. At the same time, we can also learn not to take ourselves so seriously and to approach things with humour.

7 December, Mars retrograde until 23 February and Venus/Pluto 2025, tour de force
Mercury, the planet of commerce and communication, is not the only one in retrograde. Mars, the planet of power, is now also changing direction. It does so in fiery Leo, where it feels at home – it likes to do sport and flex its muscles. When the propulsive, agile Mars moves retrograde, it’s like driving a car backwards.
From 7 to 15 December, there could be a lot of sand in the gears.
Don’t be surprised if progress is slow or non-existent during these days. At the same time, the goddess of love is conjunct intense Pluto during these days. Desires can be overwhelming, expectations are high and the intensity increases. However, because many things are blocked, this can lead to disappointment.

8 December, Neptune is direct again. Finding new truth
The spiritual planet ends its retrograde. This helps us to see more clearly, dissolve illusions and develop new ideals. Neptune moves into the last straight line of Pisces and Saturn is already approaching Neptune. The exact conjunction takes place on 29 June 2025 in the sign of Aries. In the past, this conjunction has stirred up emotions and triggered mass movements. It went hand in hand with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of the Cold War and the birth of the Word Wide Web. Now Neptune is again direct in the realm of Pisces. The focus will increasingly be on topics relating to water, as well as major movements such as the migration of people (we are made of water!).

Self-care
Mars not only stands for will, action, drive, assertion or struggle. It also contributes significantly to the regulation of the immune system. It is quite possible that your weak points will make themselves felt more quickly; suppressed anger can lead to psychosomatic complaints such as inflammation. You may also notice a lack of motivation or dissatisfaction. Use this winter to strengthen yourself mentally and physically. However, you can also treat yourself to more time off and cut back a little from time to time.

Mars in opposition to Pluto – potential for conflict and transformation
Pluto and Mars will continue to heat each other up into the spring.
It is an intense energy where assertiveness and aggression clash with the power of transformation and power. This can be constructive or destructive. This energy will keep us busy for several months.
It is easy to become obsessed with something, to become obsessive, wilful and uncompromising. Power conflicts could escalate more quickly now, as there is an enormous need to assert yourself on both sides.  On the good side, you can use these strong impulses to recognise and transform deep-rooted fears or anger.

6 December, Mercury/Sun – important insights
Today Mercury retrograde conjoins the Sun in Sagittarius. Thoughts and consciousness combine. It’s worth taking time today to reflect on yourself and observe your thoughts. This connection gives you a bright mind – and if you want to strengthen it, you can practise positive thinking today in particular.

7 December to 3 January Venus in Aquarius/Pluto, powerful attraction
In Aquarius, Venus, the goddess of love, is rather cool and top-heavy. Love now needs more freedom. The goddess of love conjuncts powerful Pluto and Mars from 7 to 12 December. This can be intense and demanding. ‘Feminine’ and “masculine” views could diverge widely. Misunderstandings could make mutual understanding even more difficult, while at the same time everyone insists on their rights.
You may find love exhausting now, as feelings such as jealousy and fear of loss could arise more quickly. In any case, love needs intensity now.
By the full moon on 15 December at the latest, things will relax again. Love becomes more conciliatory again and tensions increasingly dissolve.

8 December, Neptune is direct again. Finding new truth
The spiritual planet ends its retrograde. This helps us to see more clearly, dissolve illusions and develop new ideals. Neptune moves into the last straight line of Pisces and Saturn is already approaching Neptune. The exact conjunction takes place on 29 June 2025 in the sign of Aries. In the past, this conjunction has stirred up emotions and triggered mass movements. It went hand in hand with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of the Cold War and the birth of the Word Wide Web. Now Neptune is again direct in the realm of Pisces. The focus will increasingly be on topics relating to water, as well as major movements such as the migration of people (we are made of water!).

15 December, Full Moon (noticeable from 13 to 16 December) – inspiring exchange
As spiritual Neptune is strong during these days, there may be some confusion. It’s important to be mindful of your thoughts and feelings. Actively seek clarity. These are not favourable days for precise work, agreements and certainly not for contracts. It is also better to make major purchases after 16 December. The energies are permeable and spiritually coloured. You can benefit from creative, inspiring activities and friendly encounters. Chatting with friends and acquaintances can be a lot of fun. You may also want to have an open and clarifying conversation.

21 December, solstice – Happy New Year!
Astrologically speaking, the new year begins with the shortest day of the year, namely the solstice. This also marks the beginning of winter. Until 6 January, the days become imperceptibly longer at first. This is why the magical twelve Raunächte fall during this dark time of year. They begin on the night of 24 December and end on 6 January. Each of the twelve nights symbolises a month of the new year. For each night, you can consciously weave your intentions for each month of the new year into the field through meditation or rituals.

24 December to June 2025, Saturn/Jupiter, growth with limits
During the Christmas period, it is important to find the centre between freedom and security, growth and limitation, perspective and feasibility. A latent tension can probably be felt. Let’s limit ourselves to small steps, but remain persistent and show the will to persevere. It is a combination that allows us to grow. We need to set realistic goals and remain optimistic – expand in a disciplined way.

30 December, New Moon – Letting go and healing
This is the first new moon of the new astrological year after the solstice. Its constellations symbolise the tasks that 2025 sets us. In keeping with the turn of the year, we can reflect in depth on the new year – if you wish, you can ritualise this with a ceremony.
The new moon in Capricorn calls for clear, structured approaches in order to achieve goals. The aspects also encourage us to actively look for solutions to conflicts and to take responsibility seriously, both for ourselves and for the community. Be prepared to break new ground and also focus on ethical considerations.
The year of change is just around the corner and it makes perfect sense to ask yourself what positive changes you want to make for yourself and for society.

I wish you confidence and inspiration for the new year so that you can continue on your path with cheerfulness even in chaotic times.

23 November 2024, Bettina Bettini