Monthly moon insights by Candace Looft, of Beyond the Veil Tarot / Original art for J. Southern Studio by Spirited Animals
Welcome to your December 2020 Celestial Insights overview!
The year is winding down and with a bang! Astrologically we are now in the midst of Eclipse season once again. In early December, we are just coming off the November 30 Lunar Eclipse in Gemini. There is a two week period in between eclipses before the second eclipse, which is a Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius on December 14. The time between eclipses is a funky one where just about anything can happen. I always tell my readers it is a cosmic portal in time where doors open and doors close. This eclipse particularly piques my interest with the handful of planets conjunct the karmic south node point in Sagittarius. Both the Sun and Moon move together to create the New Moon Solar eclipse, highlighting the need to start new. New Moon Solar Eclipses are New Moons on steroids. This is a beautiful time to set intentions for the year ahead. In the sign of Sagittarius, it emphasizes the need to expand one’s horizons, both intellectually, spiritually, and in terms of exploration. The South node near Mercury suggests a release of information. The headlines will range from major legal news/ highlights, along with social justice movements, and headlines about travel or airplanes. Sagittarius rules over all of these topics and then some. Mercury conjunct the South Node with squares to Neptune suggests not all information released will be grounded in reality. In fact, it may spark a series of false news statements and misleading information. The South Node reminds us this is what we are moving away from. For those of you who are chronic over-thinkers, worriers, or suffer from anxiety, this can be a time to set intentions to release these habits. I imagine as a result of this eclipse, in the weeks and months ahead, travel restrictions begin to lift, and those of you jet setters may start to travel the globe again. However, don’t expect this until at least closer to February 2021.
The mutable squares throughout this month will be a doozy. Mutable signs represent flexibility and the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. The signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces remind us of the importance of active communication and listening skills. It’s important actually to listen, not just wait to speak. Communication will be challenged several times over this month, but more importantly, it’s going to be about respecting and hearing others’ views; knowing when to politely tune out and say "no, thank you", or "that’s not my truth". The Sun in Sagittarius will make several squares to both the Nodes of fate and squares to Neptune. This formation we call a grand mutable cross and is a damn hard thing to navigate if you have it fatally. But in my opinion, squares produce situations that encourage us to grow. More importantly, it gives us all a little more grit. The gifts that come from going through these squares are essential turning points in our karmic evolution. Look for this around mid-December, where life-changing events are likely to come into play. Thankfully the recent Mercury and Mars retrograde periods are OVER. Towards the end of the month, we see the finale of the final Mars-Pluto squares. This is most active from the 23rd of the month through New Year’s Eve. One last power struggle or push to forge ahead bravely and overcome all the obstacles is expected. So when you tell yourself, you “just gotta make it until the New Year”- you’re right on the money. Then come January, we come out of the shadow of the Mars retrograde, REJOICE! The one downside I expect is the possibility of more border shutdowns, travel limitations, and the government ruling with an iron fist. Saturn in Capricorn is wrapping up after a grueling two and a half year run in it’s home sign. Cardinal signs can breathe a sigh of relief as 2020 will be a thing of the past. When Saturn hits 29 degrees of Capricorn, we see some of the most extreme take over situations. But fear not, it won’t last for long.
The biggest news, and let me tell you it’s worth celebrating, is both Saturn and Jupiter will move into the fixed air sign of Aquarius. This happens between the 17th and the 20th of December. I find it so special that this takes place along with the Winter Solstice, which is traditionally ruled by Saturn, but the Capricorn archetype. In some weird esoteric way, this moves from the dogmatic Saturn to the evolved all-encompassing Aquarius energy. When I think of this conjunction, I can’t help but feel like this is the beginning of the Age of Aquarius. In the months ahead, we will see the world changed for the better and hopefully shine a light on equality. Aquarius rules over politics and unconventional change. Aquarius reminds us that we are all created equal, regardless of gender, social status, or race. I expect a quirky stream of events that bring about controlled chaos and going your own way. Regardless, everyone will be showered with luck one way or another. As these signs move together for ALL of 2021, they will pressure Uranus in Taurus and other fixed sign placements. This will produce unpredictable and sudden events that projectile launch us into our destiny. Saturn will spend nearly the next three years in the sign, while Jupiter will stay for a year. Air signs will benefit the most from this transit, as they experience conjunctions or trines from these planets. At the same time, fire signs will enjoy the sweet sextile enhancements and more precise communication. Fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius will experience this energy is a sweet and salty aspect. Simultaneously, Jupiter squares exaggerate and push for new possibilities, Saturn will produce stages of delays and extra needed hard work to integrate the new energies. Those of you entering your Saturn return will have an extra blessed and exciting time. To my Aquarians who are about to undergo a significant shift this year- fly your freak flag. Be hopelessly and unapologetically yourself. You will be rewarded for doing so. If there’s one thing I know, if you thought 2020 was wild, 2021 is going to absolutely blow your mind. We are undergoing a revolution, and I encourage you to take risks and live your life to the fullest. Gather with like-minded people in the New Year and be a part of the change you’d like to see in the world.
I wish you all a blessed, happy, and healthy holiday season. Here’s to 2021!
Notable dates and transits
Read more below about the full and new moons for the month ahead and refer back as needed! As well, embrace and overcome the final few hurdles December has in store by entering into an era of progress with a little help from the following:
Air Candle – Herald in the Aquarian Age and its ideals with our Air Candle as Jupiter and Saturn move into Aquarius in the third week of December.
Focus & Awareness Kit - With the New Moon in Sagittarius and Mercury in the south node, news and information will be plentiful and potentially deceiving. Make sense of it all with our Focus & Awareness Kit to filter out untruths.
Winter Solstice & Yule Deluxe Ritual Kit – Use this year’s noteworthy Winter Solstice to create a ritual of letting go of unwanted habits and welcoming in new gratifying one’s with our Yule Kit!
Planetary Aspects
Themes: Global events and headlines, flights, travel, airports, collective unrest, breaking through barriers, limitations, shutdowns, magnified situations, stretching the truth.
Symbolism: Archer, Arrow, Centaur, Jupiter, Temperance
As mentioned above, this Moon is exceptionally potent for letting go of outdated beliefs or ideas. With Mercury closely tied to this eclipse, be extra mindful of mental stress, anxiety, and false prophets. The point of this eclipse is to let go of self-righteous behavior and open ourselves up to a more fact-driven perspective. I expect the potential Supreme Court trials and legal matters to make national headlines. I also expect to hear some important news about airplanes and transportation. There is likely to be a significant crackdown in travel and borders right before things open up again in Spring of 2021. Mercury rules over autos, contracts, and also technology. It’s going to set the stage for six months of major leaps in technological advancement. Many people will be looking to upgrade to the latest tech and gadgets for the holiday season. Many others may experience issues with outdated software and models. Those of you in college or higher education may experience sudden changes in how or where you are getting your education. Some colleges may decide to open in the New Year, while others may opt to go back to distance learning. I expect teachers to be of extra importance in the months ahead. With this Moon you want to let the fog clear and give it a few days before making any big decisions. The Eclipse effects Neptune is setting the stage for miscommunications or misunderstandings. Be careful with who’s advice you buy; not everyone will have the answers. Eclipses take up to six months to fully unfold, so it seems as if most of the effects of this Moon won’t make sense fully until Mid 2021. For those looking to make major educational decisions, apply to programs, or publish something, this is a fantastic moon for you. Intentions set around expanding your horizons will be extra blessed. This is a New Moon to break through long-standing barriers and overcome obstacles. Road opening magic and work with Mercury and Jupiter can be extra beneficial. Orange candles, Ganesh, Hekate, or keys could all be incorporated into altar spaces.
Ways to Ritualize this Moon
Crystals: Amethyst, Sodalite, Labradorite, Topaz
Herbs: Sage, Lemon Balm, Lavender, Calendula
Colors: Red and crimson
Pro Tip! Use our Winter Solstice & Yule Ritual Kit or New & Waning Mini Moon Kit in your new moon ritual this month to empower a ceremonial letting go of your unwanted habits!
Ritualistic Inspirations:
Planetary Aspects
Themes: Family events, returning home, tradition, new experiences, curiosity, enthusiasm, karmic financial or romantic situations, coming to terms with reality.
Symbolism: The Crab, The Moon, The Mother, home, family, roots
This is a truly magical and sentimental Full Moon in Cancer. Just in time for New Years’! This Moon features positive aspects to Uranus in Taurus. A shift and change in values are likely connected to this Moon. Many families will be introducing new traditions and friends during the holiday season. For the Moon to be in such positive aspects during a Cancer ruled Moon is extra emotional. The highlight of this Moon is the Saturn and Jupiter conjunction in Aquarius. Unique and unconventional happenings will abound and set the stage for exceptional socializing, within social distance guidelines, of course. Thank Saturn for that. This marks the dawn of a new era for humanity and our environment! Now more than ever, we want to set long term goals for innovation. Venus in Sagittarius will be conjunct the South Node with squares to Neptune. This allows us to blend traditions and perhaps even find love at a distance. Quality over quantity is the way to handle gifts this year. Not everyone will be thrilled with what is being given, and may just miss the mark. Opt to share music, art, and film with one another. Venus here is likely to bring about karmic romantic situations. Soul mates may come in and out of the picture suddenly. Some couples may suddenly tie the knot around New Years’ or get engaged in unconventional ways. The Nodes of fate still square Neptune, producing emotional and dreamy feelings clear into the New Year. Full Moons always represent some aspect of completions or conclusions. When dealing with home and family matters, tread lightly. Family members may be more sensitive than usual, especially female figures. Those of you who have wanted to make changes in residence may be excited to find home changes may come with ease. Take time to purify and decorate your home, filling it with warm and loving memories.
Ways to Ritualize this Moon
Crystals: Pearl, Abalone, Diopside crystal, Aventurine
Herbs: Verbena, water Lilly, aloe vera, burdock root
Colors: White and silver
Pro Tip! Use our Full Moon Candle to illuminate this month's energies our our Winter Solstice and Yule Ritual Kit to create a new tradition of ritualizing the first full moon of winter.
Ritualistic Inspirations:
Find more of what you need for your practice below!
Candace Marie of Beyond the Veil Tarot has her degree in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Theology, and studied at the School of Evolutionary Astrology. She is also a graduate of Sacred Crossings Death Midwifery School, and a root worker and herbalist. Read her bio here, and catch more of her work on Beyond the Veil Tarot.
Read more on astrology, horoscopes, occultism, magick & ritual on our blog, Esoteric Insights!
