As we enter the holiday season for many, and the last month of the year for us all, I thought it would be interesting to see where the energy will take us and how we can prepare for the beginning of a new year. I do this by looking at transits.
When I talk about transits in astrology I am referring to planetary movement and how it will affect us depending on the signs the planets are occupying and what those planets are connecting with in terms of other planets and the houses. It is a method of prediction that gives a heads-up on events and energy that will occur.
On a personal level, transits are necessary in order to give meaning to a birth chart. Without transits, life would be static. There would be no growth or evolution in a person’s life. Transits offer the opportunity to live out your life’s purpose.
We all experience the same transits but in different ways depending on where the transiting planet is traveling through our birth charts and the other planets that it is making connections to. According to esteemed astrologer, Joanne Wickenburg, “the transiting planet is in some way shaping the influence of the natal planet it is aspecting…. The transiting planet is directing the energy of the natal planet.” In other words, wherever that transiting planet crosses over a natal or birth planet is where we will see how that birth planet acts during that time period and the area of life where the natal planet lives. The house or area of life will show the outcome of the transit in your life and where either an issue or opportunity was initiated. When a transiting planet enters a new house, it encourages you to utilize its energy within the borders of the experiences of that house.
Not one of us will experience a transit in the same way nor respond in the same way to what is happening. And, not all transits will cause a noticeable effect on us either. A transit may come and go without us even noticing a difference except for maybe just a different sense or feeling during the day. For instance, the Moon travels so fast, moving through each sign every 2 ½ days and passing through the entire zodiac every 27 ½ days, that we barely have time to register what we are feeling before it moves again. We have become accustomed to the Moon’s orbit. The major feelings we would experience would occur more around the moon phases and eclipses in my opinion.
Make no mistake when I say that none of these transits can predict exactly what will happen in our lives. What they do is provide awareness of future problems or opportunities that may happen in our lives and then allow us to figure out a way to best work with the energies. We are not controlled by the planets. We have free will and can make our own independent choices. According to Wickenburg, “the planets show what they are and help you become all that you can be.”
To give you an idea of the speed of the planets and what their gifts are I am listing each planet with their speed through the zodiac and their functions. It is important to understand that each planet deserves its time in the spotlight and we need whatever it is that planet is offering. However, it is up to us as individuals to discern how to best use that energy.
Sun: Orbit is 365 days. Spends about one month in each sign and house. The Sun is the giver of life and represents our true self. It brings enlightenment and encourages you to live a conscious life, and draws attention and focus to different areas of life.
Moon: Orbit is 27 ½ days, spending 2 ½ days in each sign. The Moon is all about emotions, needs, moods and habits. The Moon rules all that is hidden within us. It wants to keep you safe, and to be able to adapt to changes in mood and emotions.
Mercury: Orbit about one year. Spends about 1 month in each sign. This is the communication part of you. The part that gathers information and brings mental focus. It offers the ability to learn new things, offering new stimulation and ideas. However, the information that Mercury gathers is useless until the Sun processes it and discerns what is important for our growth.
Venus: Orbit one year. Also spends about 1 month in each sign. Venus rules the part of our world that includes love in all its forms, beauty, pleasures and desires. This is the planet that attracts to you the things you want and lets you know how to get it.
Mars: Orbit two years. Spending approximately 2 months in each sign. Mars is action oriented, assertive, and spontaneous. This is the planet that goes out and gets what your Venus wants. It provides courage and passion and energy.
Jupiter: Orbit twelve years. Remains in each sign for one year. Jupiter is all about expansion in your outlook and participation in the outside world. It brings to you positivity and optimism and encourages abundance and good fortune. Wherever it is moving through your chart is where you will experience these positive traits.
Saturn: Orbit 28 years. Remains in each sign for approximately 2 ½ years. Saturn is the great teacher, the wise elder. This is the planet that sets boundaries and limitations. It provides structure and wants you to build on your maturity and take responsibility for your actions. This energy will force you to grow up and play by the rules wherever it is in your chart.
Uranus: Orbit 84 years. Remains in each sign about 7 years. This is the part of you that wants to rebel, to have freedom, to experiment with future possibilities. It represents sudden changes in your life. Where Saturn is all about rules, Uranus has the attitude that rules are made to broken. Uranus in your chart shows where you dare to be different.
Neptune: Orbit 165 years. Spending 13-14 years in each sign. This planet wants you to dream, to be inspired, to have visions. It encourages spirituality and creativity. However, this is also the planet that can create fogginess and confusion when we don't look at the whole picture.
Pluto: Orbit 248 years. Can remain in each sign anywhere from 11-16 years depending. Pluto was the God of the Underworld. This planet represents rebirth and transformation. This is the part of you that wants to transform and evolve, and the part of you that may sometimes struggle over power and control. This is another powerful teacher. Wherever it transits in your chart is where you can expect a complete transformation.
Now that you have a basic understanding of transits, the following are some major transits and what can be expected through the month of December and into the new year.
DECEMBER 2022 IMPORTANT TRANSIT DATES
December 3, 2022 – Neptune Stations Direct in Pisces. With Neptune coming out of retrograde, expect to feel some confusion and uncertainty as it is transitioning. When Neptune was in retrograde for the past few months, we actually had more clarity about our lives, our relationships, and inner selves. As it moves back into a direct motion, we start to question ourselves again. However, on the plus side, our creativity increases, as well as our imagination and intuitiveness. During this time, even if you don’t understand where you are going and what is happening, try to operate from a place of faith that all is unfolding just as it should be. Neptune’s intent is to dissolve boundaries and limitations so that you are able to receive inspiration.
December 6, 2022 – Mercury enters Capricorn. This is a great placement for Mercury. This planet really likes being in the sign of Capricorn. It brings logic and realism to our thought processes and ideas. We are able to communicate with clarity and in a more productive way. Use this time to think about your goals for the new year and create a plan of action to get you off on the right foot.
December 7, 2022 – Full Moon in Gemini. This is the final Full Moon of the year and is known as the “Cold Moon.” For the next couple of weeks, speak your truth, but also be authentic and sincere with others. Gemini is a very fickle sign, so it is important to realize that your emotions and thought processes may be all over the place. Align with the highest vision of yourself and watch out for idle chatter and gossip. Reign in your desire to want to know everything about everything and find balance by concentrating on things that are useful to you and that can bring clarity both emotionally and intellectually.
At the same time, this Full Moon is in an exact conjunction with Mars which is in retrograde. This blending of the Full Moon and Mars may tend to make you more impulsive, bold and daring. Make sure you examine what is motivating you at this time. Just like the Full Moon wants you to slow down and take time to learn something useful that will help you on your path, Mars in retrograde wants you to slow down as well. This is not the time to start anything new. Learn to get in touch with your inner power. Try meditating on your desires and writing down your intentions for what you would like to manifest before plunging ahead.
December 9, 2022 – Venus enters Capricorn. Venus is not only about love but represents that part of you that wants all the things that will make you happy. Venus is your personal magnet that attracts all the things that are based on your self-worth and how you value yourself. When Venus is in Capricorn it brings in a more serious and conservative vibe. In regard to love relationships, you may find during this transit that you feel more reserved and shyer about showing your love and being vulnerable to another. This is not necessarily a bad thing because you will be approaching relationships in a more mature and stable way. In regard to career, this could bring up issues of whether you feel you are being validated by your employer for the work you do or deciding the type of worth you are bringing to your profession.
December 16, 2022 – Last Quarter Moon in Virgo. The Moon is again at her half-way point between the Full and New Moon phase, presenting herself half in light and half in shadow. At this point, we have already realized what is important. We find ourselves looking back AND looking ahead. Take care of the things you have been putting off and work on wrapping things up. With this phase in the sign of Virgo, this is the perfect time to clean out the clutter in your life, finish that paperwork you have been putting off, catch up on daily chores. It is a period to review all that has taken place up to this point and see what you find valuable and useful for the future. Discard all the things that are no longer of benefit to you. You will want to prepare for a new cycle as the New Moon approaches on December 23rd.
December 20, 2022 – Jupiter enters Aries. Jupiter is all about abundance and expansion. It is about getting the most you can out of life. As it transits into Aries this gives you the confidence and high octane energy to go out and not just chase your dreams, but actually achieve them. This is a powerful transit. Be the initiator, inspire others, be bold and passionate with the vision you have for yourself. Jupiter’s time in Aries ends mid-May of 2023, so take advantage of this energy while you can.
December 21, 2022 – Sun enters Capricorn. It is Capricorn season when the Sun transits through this sign until January 19th. With it comes a more practical and realistic mentality. But this does not have to mean boring and unexciting. In fact, this is the perfect time to let Capricorn’s energy lead us into a new year. It not only brings the qualities of dedication, discipline, and structure to focus on what we want for the coming year, but it also can include how we want to use this energy in a creative and fun way. Use your imagination on how you can best put in the work to achieve exactly what you want and turn your dreams into reality.
December 23, 2022 – New Moon in Capricorn. New Moons are all about new beginnings and a great time to set our intentions for the year ahead. In keeping with the energy of Capricorn season, these next couple of weeks are a great time to really think about what you want to achieve going into 2023. Be explicit with your goals and intentions. This is all about preparing for the future and focusing on ways to develop self-discipline and understand commitments and responsibilities. Free yourself from whatever limiting beliefs you have about yourself and focus on what truly matters.
December 29, 2022 – Mercury retrograde in Capricorn. Mercury will be retrograde until January 18th, 2023. As I have mentioned before, Mercury in Capricorn is usually a really good placement, but with Mercury turning retrograde, it brings in a bit of a cloud. Be mindful that it can create a situation where you question your thoughts, intentions and goals. You may start to question your path in life. The key to moving through this retrograde is awareness. It may slow you down but try to keep the thought that this is only temporary. It actually also gives you a chance to re-think, re-examine and re-consider the choices you are considering. So, as you are moving into the new year this gives you the opportunity to take your time and make more informed decisions.
December 31, 2022 – Venus conjunct Pluto. It’s New Year’s Eve and you’re wondering who you will kiss at midnight. The Goddess of Love wants to integrate her energy with the Lord of Hades. Although this is not the first time that Venus has connected with Pluto this year, it bears recognizing as we embark on the new year. Venus passes quickly, but during this short time be prepared to feel powerful attractions and a great need for love and affection. You may be looking to escape through intense physical experiences. You may be motivated by a powerful subconscious that in fact has nothing to do with realism in a relationship. Venus is all about what we want in terms of earthly pleasures and when it teams up with Pluto the intensity is off the charts. This could be a great opportunity to attract, manifest or transform what you want.