Mars retrograde in Leo begins this week.
It's the week of December 2. Neptune ends its retrograde while Mars begins its backward journey.
Mark your calendars: This month’s Zoom meetup for paid subscribers will be on Monday, December 30, at 7 PM ET. We’ll discuss the new moon in Capricorn, Mars retrograde in Leo and Cancer, and we’ll look at any charts or Tarot cards you bring to the session!
Week of December 2
Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius trines Chiron in Aries at 1:16 AM on December 2.
We’re coming off from a new moon, and the mood could feel complicated: on the one hand, we might feel refreshed and ready for new adventures; on the other, we might feel some trepidation or confusion about what should come next. Mercury retrograde encourages us to look back before worrying too much about what’s ahead! Its harmonious trine with Chiron could inspire communication breakthroughs. We might work through hurt feelings. A reenactment might take place that reveals important information to us. Think back to November 19: similar themes could arise, and we could get new insights on topics we were engaged with back then.
Venus in Capricorn trines Uranus in Taurus at 9:42 AM on December 2.
The element of surprise could propel romantic bliss during this period. People might meet crushes in unexpected places or get a crush on someone totally unlike anyone they have met before. Couples might experiment with new fantasies and enjoy novel jollies. Even if you’re not looking for love, you might experience or create unanticipated art, music, food, or other pleasures!
Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius opposes Jupiter in Gemini at 5:15 AM on December 4.
The last time this happened was on November 18. Think back to what happened then, as it might feel relevant now. People you interacted with and conversations you had can be coming back around for another round.
People might set differences aside now to work on a common goal. Mercury is the planet of logic, and Jupiter is the planet of truth. Mercury retrograde is rethinking things, and Mercury and Jupiter are in each other’s signs, which bodes well for mutual understanding and communication. The many truths of something could be revealed and appreciated now; outdated modes and patterns could be released!
The sun in Sagittarius squares Saturn in Pisces at 11:18 AM on December 4.
This alignment is all about responsibility. Folks who love to get down to business could feel very much in their element right now. People with a tough time with boundaries could feel very sensitive during this period. Limits could be set now.
Venus in Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces at 1:51 PM on December 4.
The mood right now could be highly empathetic and compassionate. Venus in Capricorn wants to let its hair down after doing its due diligence, and Neptune in Pisces allows it to. People might be seeking comfort, escapism, and inner peace. We could find ourselves in whimsical environments. Sweet messages could be shared. This could be a gentle and loving time in our love and social lives.
Mars retrograde begins in Leo at 6:33 PM on December 6.
Mars retrograde occurs every two years. This year, it starts in Leo and ends in Cancer on February 23, 2025. Mars retrograde is an opportunity to explore what motivates, angers, and inspires passion in us. How do we express, hold, and integrate these intense feelings?
Our culture celebrates motivation and passion, but anger can be almost taboo and ignored, and repressed emotions can burst out of us in expected ways. Are there feelings of anger or frustration that you haven't looked at? Perhaps Mars retrograde is your sign to do so!
Find your zodiac sign below to learn what this Mars retrograde might mean for you!
The sun in Sagittarius meets Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius at 9:17 PM on December 6.
Thanks to an upgrade, discovery, or new approach to communication, a new beginning could be starting.
There might be a gentle quiet in the air now. Sagittarius is a teacher, mentor, and speaker, and this meeting between the sun and Mercury retrograde could feel like that quiet moment when someone you admire is clearing their throat on stage, getting ready to blow your mind with new information. Enjoy!
Venus enters Aquarius at 1:14 AM and meets Pluto in Aquarius at 9:08 AM on December 7.
Venus in Aquarius knows friendship is the basis of most happy relationships. We might focus on our intellectual connection with our friends and lovers. Venus in Aquarius also loves new experiences, making this a fun time to go on an adventure with someone you love. Venus in Aquarius also values the unique and unusual: celebrate what's unique about yourself and others!
Venus’s meeting with Pluto could mean a very passionate encounter! Or, maybe very deep feelings are explored. Deep bonds could form. Power dynamics could be explored, too, and if you’re feeling like you’re getting a little too enmeshed with someone you’re not interested in teaming up with, maybe now is when you will set an important boundary.
The sun in Sagittarius opposes Jupiter in Gemini at 3:57 PM on December 7.
If you consider yourself a scholar, seeker, or traveler, you might do deep soul-searching during this time. Our willingness to be open-minded and explore new points of view could be tested.
This could also be a very festive period! Fantastic celebrations could occur, but be careful not to overindulge or spend too much money. We might want to go all out right now, but moderation is typically for the best!
Neptune stations direct at 6:43 PM on December 7.
Neptune is sometimes called the planet of fog. Fogs are confusing, obscure our surroundings, and slow us down. But if we spin Neptune as the planet of mists, suddenly, the implications are romance; the mood is refreshing, mysterious, inspiring! Interesting spins to things could take place now.
We might move forward toward making dreams come true. Neptune symbolizes faith, art, belief, and unity, and new adventures regarding these themes could unfold. New trends and fads in art and fashion could be on the way.
Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius squares Saturn in Pisces at 8:53 PM on December 7.
While Mercury retrograde already represents a slowing down, traffic, or technical difficulties, a square to Saturn symbolizes an even more significant roadblock. Expectations might need to be readjusted. People might be in a lousy mood… or maybe there’s a feeling of relief in the air as these roadblocks push us to slow down!
Weekly Insights for Each Zodiac Sign
All times ET. Read your horoscope for your sun sign and rising sign, and, if you’re feeling fancy, for your moon sign. Remember, horoscopes and all astrological musings are for entertainment purposes only!
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