December 2021 By Bob Mulligan (a personal note is at the end of the newsletter) December Highlights Venus turns Retrograde December 19th and Direct again January 29th. This 40 day Retrograde period happens every two years, providing us with a cosmically-timed opportunity to review and recalibrate our emotional life. One unusual feature of this Retrograde period is that Venus makes three Conjunctions to Pluto (lord of the underworld). Pluto rules viruses and between December and March we will see the Covid virus surge and international cooperation lag. It is all a learning curve for us collectively as the human race. Venus Conjuncts Pluto December 11th, December 25th and the final one March 3rd. December will be a moment for reflection; if we are strong enough to overcome our fears, we may cement some longstanding relationships from the past. We interact with people over our commonly shared survival instincts; in the process we may touch the essence of the humanity in each of us. Necessity becomes the gateway to a deeper understanding. The North Node of the Moon is in the process of moving from Gemini to Taurus, which will be completed next month. This shows a shift away from arguing with people over information and being more focused on tangible results of our actions. Neptune turns Direct on the 1st showing that we are all releasing a creative and imaginative side of our personality in a more conscious and direct manner. On the 13th Mars goes into Sagittarius and Mercury goes into Capricorn. Coming a little more than a week after the Eclipse on December 4th, we should see a striking change in attitude and direction of the people around us. On the 28th Jupiter crosses into Pisces where he will be until May 10th. Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus have been on again off again Square each other all year. They become exact on December 24th and the conflict between our fearful and conservative impulses and our freedom-loving impetuous selves reach a climax. Of course, it would be best if our higher consciousness can assert itself through the turbulence. It isn’t going to happen collectively, at least at first. But we can each accomplish this in our personal lives, which will have its affect and will grow. The New Moon The New Moon Solar Eclipse happens December 4th at 2:42 AM EST on the 12th degree of Sagittarius. Venus is Conjunct Pluto in Capricorn, showing the intensification of our feelings. The Quincunx of Uranus to the Eclipse shows a continual growth in values over the next few years. Mars in Scorpio is strong in his own sign; his Sextile to the Venus Pluto Conjunction shows his drive to respond constructively to other people’s practical concerns. Mars is also Square Jupiter and Trine Neptune. The big danger here is overreach. Our energy is great but not unlimited. With Mercury (messenger of the gods) Conjunct this Sagittarius Eclipse, we get a glimpse into the unwritten future and a chance to project our wishes onto the big picture. We will see the manifestation of our collective vision, for better or worse, manifesting in all its glory in April. This will be the time of the Jupiter Neptune Conjunction at 23 degrees of Pisces, which is highlighted in this New Moon. The Full Moon The Full Moon on the 18th is at 11:37 PM EST on the 27th degree of Sagittarius/Gemini. With Jupiter (king of the gods) Sextile the Sun and Trine the Moon, we have high hopes which we can materialize if we act with haste. We need to release thoughts, feelings, and materials from the past. Venus is Stationary turning Retrograde, preparing to make her second Conjunction to Pluto. Are we willing to take the next step of our journey alone, or do we need assurance? Mars Conjunct the South Node of the Moon shows we have tremendous strength and even endurance, but where to put it? Making the correct valuations and asking for the right things from life is critical. The Square between Saturn (our past) and Uranus (our present moment) has never been more acute. The Sun enters Capricorn The Sun enters Capricorn on the 21st at 11:00 AM EST. This is the Winter Solstice in northern hemispheres. This is the predictive map for the next three months. With the Moon Opposite the Venus Pluto Conjunction, we will see people generally hardening their positions on a vast array of personal and social issues. This promises that we will see a further polarization of attitudes. With Mercury in Capricorn Trine Uranus in Taurus, there is possible agreement when we find common ground and new ideas on substantive issues. Even though Uranus and Saturn are Square, productive conversation is still possible. This requires us to be attentive to those who view the world differently. Good outcomes emerge through renewed efforts. The Weeks From the 1st to the 5th big ideas keep popping up and can’t easily be laid to rest. This is good because we are at a moment when envisioning possible outcomes for our actions allow us to move forward with greater assurance. Confidence in ourselves and in life can keep us searching for new opportunities. This is the time to plan for next year and see what needs to be done to complete the one we are in. From the 6th to the 12th it’s all about relationships. If we are tolerant, patient, and kind there will be an exponential jump in the caliber of interactions. All of our conversations can seem more substantive and more fun. This is not a lighthearted time, but we can enjoy each other’s company. From the 13th to the 19th we may have to slow down a bit in order to complete our given tasks. Reason and energy don’t always agree; channeling our enthusiasm along strictly practical lines is most beneficial. Too much new information can leave our thoughts undigested. We are happiest when we aim for what is most practical and most inclusive. From the 20th to the 26th snatching great ideas from the flow of normal events only requires tuning in and paying attention. Stubbornness gets us nowhere. However determination, when we are truly trying to uncover hidden facts, can give us further illumination. Others are there to help us even when they seem to be a barrier in our way. Just remember, the enemy of my enemy may indeed be a bad person, but we are all in this together. From the 27th to the 31st the emotional atmosphere goes from red hot to icy cold. We close out the old year under an old moon with international and local circumstances having moderated considerably. Both head and heart can have a change of heart; and this makes all the difference in the world. The Days 1st – Wednesday – Neptune turns Direct, Sun Semi-square Pluto, Mercury Quincunx Uranus – On the surface, all is relatively quiet. Behind the scenes there are many negotiations. Our intended goals seem within reach, yet they are illusive. Our time can be spent pleasurably in the company of likeminded friends. 2nd – Thursday – Inner work and things done in secret, or at least private, will catch our attention and probably our participation. Music, art, and all cultural pursuits seem attractive as do journaling and meditating. 3rd – Friday – Sun Quincunx Uranus – Although new options may spark our interest, we are really in a period of reflection. How do we become finer people? If we believe one thing while our actions are not in concordance, it is time for another round of self honesty. If, on the other hand, we are really walking our talk, are we emotionally prepared to take the next step? 4th – Saturday – The New Moon Eclipse is at 2:44 AM EST on the 12th degree of Sagittarius, Mercury Parallel Venus – We are more potent than we think. To put aside selfish considerations and really advocate for the universal goodness is a pleasant thought; now offering our service to humanity at large is an admirable affirmation. Whatever we wish for now will have incredible strength. 5th – Sunday – Mars Parallel Saturn – Once again we prod the circumstances attempting to gain a little more ground. At the same time, events have a not so subtle way of molding our behavior, thus altering our perceptions. Hope and reason push us to make sense of our current circumstances. 6th – Monday – Mars Sextile Pluto – Success in our efforts is promised by the situation, with one caveat; our target has to be in alignment with our life path, and we need to ‘right size’ our aim. We can ride a wave of the tremendous energy being released. 7th – Tuesday – Mercury Square Neptune – It’s time for a reality check. We may think we are helping a situation when in fact, we are at best insignificant, and at worst, adding to the troubles. Actually, tangible results can reveal what is going on. Sometimes minimal changes don’t matter. If we are standing on unstable ground, a change of residence won’t help. 8th – Wednesday – Mars Square Jupiter, Sun Parallel Pluto- When we have our head screwed on straight there is unbelievable help to move forward. We all need to make sacrifices for the good of the society, the world, and creation itself. Of course, this is easy when we have turned the corner emotionally. 9th – Thursday – We are willing to try something new. Self- confidence is strong. Some of our innovations will bear fruit. If it were not for the help we receive, our efforts would fall flat. When we recognize how we have been helped, we may be inspired to return the favor. 10th – Friday – Mercury Semi-square Saturn, Sun Parallel Venus, Mercury Semi-sextile Venus, Mercury Semi-sextile Pluto – Even though we move without carefully checking our facts, we make progress. Matters of the heart dominate rational thought. Even ill-spoken words can have a positive effect when our motives are pure. 11th – Saturday – Venus Parallel Pluto, Mercury Sesquiquadrate Uranus, Venus Conjunct Pluto – Some emotional adventures are in the making. Keeping the needs of others in mind can stop us from making a mistake. What we start now may well take several more months to complete. We are happiest when we do our best then relax. 12th – Sunday – Sun Square Neptune – Our urge to create is most useful when it is channeled into self-observation. We can’t always understand why we are inspired to go in one direction, but today we can dive deep into our own motivations. 13th – Monday – Mars enters Sagittarius, Mercury enters Capricorn, Mercury Semi-sextile Mars – Taking a new approach allows us to put real power behind our current projects. Our vision clears. It is easy to see what must be done. Now we just have to do it. 14th – Tuesday – It’s a day of focusing on business. Recognizing our mistakes allows us to become more practical. This is not an end in itself because all the progress in the material world will not bring peace of mind. We need to figure out what is really important. 15th – Wednesday – We may feel sluggish and have difficulty completing simple tasks. Reasoning everything from start to finish helps if we analyze the steps, and the necessity of each part of the sequence. 16th – Thursday – Sun Semi-square Saturn, Sun Semi-sextile Venus – We can get some understanding of our own compulsions if we really want to change. What we worry about now is really nothing of consequence. When the world seems like a difficult place, we can always find relief by understanding the purpose of limitations. 17th – Friday – Sun Semi-sextile Pluto – Collective problems bring us back to the starting point. We plan a trip; new restrictions prevent us from going. There are some problems that will continue to alter our daily lives until they are finally accepted and dealt with. 18th – Saturday – The Full Moon is at 11:37 PM EST on the 27th degree of Sagittarius/Gemini – A flurry of activity can give us the opportunity to weave many ingredients in our environment into usable vehicles for improvement. It’s time to let go of our preconceptions and go with the events. Meditate, say prayers, release. 19th – Sunday – Venus turns Retrograde, Venus Parallel Mars, Sun Sextile Jupiter – If we have done our homework, we excel. It’s time to celebrate. Intimacy and far away plans spark the joy of life. We remember what brings us all together. It’s a time for expressing gratitude. 20th – Monday – Mercury Trine Uranus – Practical insights come packaged in new clothing. Stress is created by feelings of overwhelm. We can only do one thing at a time and can only handle our professional responsibilities by releasing some pent up emotional injuries. The past is gone and we must move on. 21st – Tuesday – The Winter Solstice occurs as the Sun crosses into Capricorn at 11:00 AM EST – We can wipe the slate clean and start over. A new beginning allows us to let our better selves power our thoughts and our behavior. The door is open; we just have to cross through it. Even though there is much good in our past, we have to relinquish all of our history in order to develop our awareness of that which is worth doing. 22nd – Wednesday – It may be preferable to keep our heads down and just do what is in front of us. However, it is possible to look beneath the surface of events and see the ongoing struggle between the old world dying and the new world being born. Do you want better gas mileage or do you want an electric car? 23rd – Thursday – If we are happy, then we are on the right track; if not, the difficulty is lodged in our intransigence. Open up to new experiences; invite people into your world. Share and listen and you will find out that you care about others more than you knew. 24th – Friday – Saturn Square Uranus – We may be tempted to resurrect habits that have served us in the past. It is better to experiment; try something new. Digging through the details of our current task reveals some larger truths. Even though the society that we wish for seems far away, we can see it coming clear as day now. 25th – Saturday – Venus Conjunct Pluto – We have a situation; do we go deeper into our emotional commitments or do we pull back? Love and duty are two different things. Following our heart is important but comes slowly; we don’t need to be in a hurry to capture what is real. 26th – Sunday – Mercury Sextile Neptune – Slight corrections to existing projects can be most helpful. Higher inspiration is there for the asking, we just have to pay attention. The intentions of the cosmos and the direction of the culture are obvious. We can align with our higher self in everyone we meet. 27th – Monday – Venus Semi-square Mars – Year end details need addressing. Planning for next year is not effective until we get this year cleared. If we strengthen existing relationships now we must be sure that they really promote everyone’s best interest. A shakeup in patterns of interaction happens now. The ways we communicate are up for a big change. 28th – Tuesday – Mars Semi-square Pluto, Mars Quincunx Uranus, Jupiter enters Pisces – Frustrations with the ongoing limitations can boil over into bursts of anger. Violence is not the answer. Most of us most of the time unconsciously fall into victim mode. We don’t see any personal involvement for the global difficulties that we must all endure. Further, it is hard to see real opportunities. It is time for self-improvement. 29th – Wednesday – Mercury Conjunct Venus, Sun Parallel Mercury, Mars Sextile Saturn – Hard truths faced honestly will alter circumstances most favorably. Surfing is easy when we are on a wave and have the wind at our back. Adjustment to new situations happens fastest and smoothest when we guide along with the inevitable. 30th – Thursday – Mercury Conjunct Pluto, Mercury Parallel Pluto – Research is good and most healthy when we are diving into our own lives and immediate concerns. Being sidetracked by other people, or other people’s business, can be counterproductive. We make most progress by going slow and being thorough. 31st – Friday – Mercury Parallel Mars, Mercury Semi-square Mars – We have lots of energy, but where does it go? Knowing our limits and thinking ahead doesn’t have to slow us down. We just need to be sure of our target before we take aim and fire. Cross words can offend people we need and love. It’s ok to be alone, and it is certainly better than being in a crowd of strangers. Bob Mulligan is available for personal appointments, astrology classes, and astrological material. Call him at 239-261-2840 or by e-mail at bobmulliga@aol.com. Visit our website, www.theastrologycompany.com. My Personal Note My book is done. I’ve been writing and editing the manuscript since 2004. A few volunteers have agreed to read it and get back to me with suggestions in mid-December; I’m making final changes during the last week of the month. Omicron variant is one of the many indicators that the pandemic is still with us. It will be for a few more years, but not forever. The pandemic and climate change are the two external reminders that we are all connected and solutions will either be everyone or no one. This may be a tough lesson for a culture built on self-interest and self-initiative. We will all get there eventually. Here’s the link to the November Zoom talk: Astrology and Enlightenment: https://youtu.be/rN1xerH4T-Q The Next Question and Answer talk will be on January 9th at 12:00 PM EST. This is an hour earlier than we have been having it. I couldn’t make the time available to have a talk in December. Submit question early and we will have a discussion. Doubtless we will have some discussion on all of 2022. I listen to a wide variety of news outlets, but only so I can keep up with events in the world for the Newsletter and my clients. When I’m listening to news and I find the commentator invoking anger, I change the channel. The world has enough hatred and strife and I don’t want to add any more to the negativity. Just getting to the facts of any issue can be a struggle. There are many videos about social media. Katie sent me this one and it really impacted me. It is well worth the time to view. Quit social media | Dr. Cal Newport | TEDxTysons – YouTube Bob Mulligan is available for personal appointments, astrology classes, and astrological material. Call him at 239-261-2840 or by e-mail at bobmulliga@aol.com. Visit our website, www.theastrologycompany.com. | 
