The monolith from Stanley Kubrick's 1968 sci-fi breakthrough, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

I keep telling myself that the universe was born out of chaos.

This has been my mantra for the past two weeks, which have been nothing if not chaotic. The week ahead is going to be even more so, with Uranus turning direct this Saturday less than eight hours before a lunar eclipse in Gemini. If any one planet spells chaos, it’s Uranus, bringer of upsets, surprises, and general mayhem. Gemini, meanwhile, is ruled by Mercury, a lower octave of Uranus.

Mercury also happens to be retrograde for another week – he turns direct on the 13th – and what a performance he has given us so far! Maybe if we nominate him for an Oscar now, he won’t feel obliged to keep up appearances for our sake. I’ve been “entertained” quite enough, thank you very much. Some of the things I’ve done have been shocking – and embarrassing. Can I tell my instructor that I lost a vital piece of equipment because Mercury was retrograde?

Eclipses can be chaotic events in and of themselves. Typically, we experience some kind of rapid change around the time of eclipses, sometimes within a matter of days, but sometimes not for another 30 or 60 days – another one or two lunar cycles. Sometimes, we even experience our “eclipse event” before the actual eclipse. However, this time around, I suspect the change will arrive within a week or two after the Full Moon, and it will correspond in some way to the solar eclipse on November 25. Check your chart (or your StarGuide December forecast) to see where the eclipse occurred. Then look at the opposite house and check what you’ve got going on there. Your “news” could come in an area governed by either house. You’ll be affected most if the eclipses are in an angular house – the first, tenth, seventh and fourth.

For example, if the solar eclipse fell in your tenth house and the lunar eclipse is in your fourth, you might hear about a new job, and it could require you to move or to spend a lot of time away from your family. However, with Mercury still in “reverse,” your actual start date might be delayed until after the first of the year. Indeed, let’s hope it is, because you really wouldn’t want to sign an employment contract or any other kind of contract while Mercury is retrograde. Also, if your eclipse event is an ending of some kind that makes you sad – for example, breaking up with a partner – you may need to let it go for good. Events that happen near eclipses seem to have a sense of purpose and permanence.

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In general, synchronicities continue to pop out all over. Every day, I hear a new tale or two about amazing “coincidences” with nearly impossible odds of happening. This is how you “see” invisible planetary energies. They manifest as events, people, and situations. You just need to learn to recognize the patterns. I liken it to the visual puzzles that used to appear in the comics section of the newspaper. Figures were hidden within drawings, and you had to turn the image around every which way to be able to find them. What was so amazing about the illusion was that some people could see it instantly, and others couldn’t see it, even with someone pointing it out to them. That pretty much sums up my take on the invisible energies coursing through our universe. Before we can learn to use them to our advantage, we have to learn to see them.

Speaking of which, here is this week’s outlook:

On Monday, Venus in Capricorn trines Mars in Virgo – two earth signs known for diligence and practicality. It doesn’t sound very romantic, does it? Then, there’s something to be said for doing it over and over again until you get it right. On the same day, the Moon in bold Aries opposes Saturn in Libra. Don’t even ask who gets to be on top (hint: Capricorn is sometimes symbolized by a mountain goat).

Saturday is the big day, with Uranus, the Awakener, waking up in the dynamic sign of Aries and ready to make up for lost time during all those months when he was retrograde. If you’ve needed a shakeup in your life, this could be your moment. Shakeups usually aren’t comfortable, but there’s no faster way to get where you want to be.

The eclipse occurs at 9:36 a.m. on the East Coast of the United States, 6:36 a.m. on the West Coast. We might get to see a bit of it here, if the clouds part long enough.

The weekend and the beginning of next week may be slow, but once Mercury returns direct on December 13, prepare to move forward at warp speed! Until then, keep your nerve … and keep your eye on the prize.

Wishing you all much love and courage,
Pat

If you feel like you are about to go into orbit, it could be due to a very energetic Full Moon at 10° 15′ Gemini on December 1 (December 2 in the Eastern Hemisphere). The majority of planets are in fire and air signs for a change, but it would behoove us to remember there is a darker undertow beneath that shiny surface.

Gemini’s ruler, Mercury, is in direct, outspoken Sagittarius closely sextile to Jupiter, Sagittarius’s ruling planet. Depending on your perspective, this aspect is either extremely creative and stimulating or full of hot air. That call I will be happy to leave up to everyone’s personal judgment. However, I do recommend taking time to check facts before taking action, because it is very easy for us to get ahead of ourselves under this very Jupitarian influence.

Since Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius are also exactly sextile to Mercury, we may have a realization slip into our conscious minds from below about an old source of pain and resentment, presenting an opportunity for healing. Another possible expression is seeing slights where none were intended and responding with harsh, wounding words, effectively alienating others.

Mars in fiery, outgoing Leo is further bumping up the desire to make a big splash one way or another. It forms a supportive trine to the Sun in Sagittarius and is sextile the Gemini Moon, encouraging fire and air signs in particular to get out and take advantage of various holiday gatherings. If you are out shopping for gifts, be aware it will be easy to spend too much, especially for glitz and glittery items. Otherwise this is a great aspect for throwing a grand party and having a great time.

There is one gentle sane note in this chart and that is Venus, newly arrived in Sagittarius, stabilized by a sextile to Saturn in equitable Libra. Saturn will help Venus maintain some decorum amidst all the hype and drama being generated now.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the party poopers: Mercury in Sagittarius square Uranus in Pisces and the ongoing Saturn in Libra square to Pluto in Capricorn.

Uranus turns direct at 22° 42′ Pisces a few hours before the Full Moon and forms a jarring square with Mercury in Sagittarius. Taking in consideration the already volatile sextile Mercury makes with Jupiter, the square from Uranus further increases the potential for jumping to unwarranted conclusions. Yes, it is always possible to use these potent energies in a conscious, helpful manner, but it will take focus and discipline. In other words, take extra care to express yourself in a thoughtful manner. Shooting from the hip could come back and bite you big time.

I am beginning to see the Saturn-Pluto square taking its toll in people’s lives and relationships. It is becoming clear our relationships are being tuned up, and where one person or the other has indulged in irresponsible behaviors, there is a very good chance that those relationships will come to an end. Pluto in Capricorn makes a very good executioner, too.

Clearly the Sabian symbol for the Full Moon of 11 Gemini, “Newly opened lands offer the pioneer new opportunities for experience,” reflects the exuberant sextile between Mercury in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Aquarius. We are drawn to seek new experiences and the excitement of going off the beaten track.

For the Sun in Sagittarius, the symbol is 11 Sagittarius, “In the left section of an archaic temple, a lamp burns in a container shaped like a human body.” This is a gentle reminder to take care of our bodies and treat them as “temples” that house our spirits.

With my Libra Moon conjoined Neptune in the eleventh house, I have learned to pay attention to my intuitive sense telling me what is out of balance in the collective as a whole. Libra is the sign of the scales, and many of us with a strong Libra signature in our charts automatically do what is necessary to restore equilibrium to any given situation. With the arrival of Saturn in Libra, there is a feeling of greater urgency about this mission.

When I am writing these posts on the lunations, I follow my intuition as to what to emphasize and seek to offer a balanced perspective. Writing about this Full Moon, it would have been easy to stick to a bright and cheerful message, but my inner voice was saying, “Don’t stop there. Remind people of the dark undercurrent out there we need to stay aware of.”

It is more important now than ever to interact with others in a kind and respectful manner. Doing otherwise holds the potential to backfire on us . . . badly. Spread thoughtfulness and love, not hate and dissension.

posted by Neith . . .

The key is to be aware that this is all potential energy, not actual, because we are dealing with a stable structure in the grand cross. Unlike a T-square, where the planet at the apex acts as the focal point and shows us the path of least resistance, a grand cross offers no clear outlet but forces consideration of all the avenues on each point. So if you feel like pressure is building and nothing seems to be happening, this is why. Having Mars conjunct the Sun in Sagittarius really does not help, because Sagittarius just naturally loves to be moving and Mars-Sun conjunctions are power generators plus.

However, the Moon in Gemini is always happy to discuss options, Saturn in Virgo is great for making sure all the bases are covered, and Uranus in Pisces is wonderful for thinking outside the box. Overall, this Full Moon offers an opportunity to put together a really great plan, or plans, as the case may be. Another factor to keep in mind is that Saturn is at a virtual standstill for most of December, preparing to station direct on December 31, and this is also putting a damper on initiating action despite the fact no planets are retrograde now. Yes, we may all be extremely frustrated for awhile, so use extra care not to take this out on your nearest and dearest.

As an indicator of things to come, Pluto conjoins Mercury in Capricorn in this chart, supporting all forms of research and digging deeply within to ferret out underlying issues in our lives. This conjunction is excellent for coming up with practical solutions and is also great for keeping us all grounded in reality, something we need help with right now. The waning trine of Jupiter in Capricorn to Saturn in Virgo can offer a modicum of support, but this effect is definitely fading.

There is a waxing conjunction between Venus in humanitarian Aquarius and the North Node in Aquarius that will be exact on December 17. While Venus is rather detached and cool in Aquarius, she still brings kindness and compassion to the table, making this a good time to promote good will to all and an awareness that we are truly citizens of the world and very much interconnected. This is a reminder to offer what support we can to our favorite charities and humanitarian causes, preferably in the form of time.

The Sabian symbol for the Full Moon at 22 Gemini is, dancing couples in a harvest festival, with a keyword GREGARIOUSNESS. This is a lovely symbol illustrating the need to take time for simple pleasures and recognition of our accomplishments as well as renewing our attunement with nature’s cycles and seasons. With the winter solstice almost upon us, this is a perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we wish to travel next.

For the Sun at 22 Sagittarius, the Sabian symbol is, a Chinese laundry, with the keyword SELF-CONTAINMENT. Sagittarius is the sign that most enjoys embracing the richness of diversity while respecting cultural differences. It is important to realize we can draw on those cultural differences as a means of support with no loss of appreciation for the surrounding groups.

As we all struggle with our personal frustrations and the demands of the holiday season, please remember to exercise the gift of Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius, a sense of humor. This is always a great time of year to cultivate one’s appreciation of the absurdity of life on this planet and laugh rather than cry. Remember to practice kindness, because it’s always preferable to avoid doing something in the first place that we’ll need to ask forgiveness for later!

**Please do read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, December 8, too. With the dynamics in the sky right now, additional perspective can only help.

posted by Neith . . .