The last eclipse in a series, Venus moving backwards, the final showdown between Saturn and Uranus, Jupiter moving into Pisces. Grab your birth chart now (available free online: astro.com; astro-charts.com), and let’s explore December. The biggest event this month is the final confrontation between Saturn and Uranus on December 23rd. The planet of the establishment, Saturn, will rumble with the planet of revolution, Uranus. We experienced this energy on February 17th and June 14th, so remember back to get an idea of what’s heading your way. This is a time in our personal experiences when we strain against limits imposed from outside. We want to march to our own beat, but our practical side is fighting against taking those mold-shattering actions. Your natal chart will give hints about which energy will win. On a global scale, this configuration can bring upheaval between groups who want systemic change and those who cling to the existing system. This energy will follow us into 2022, but the big bang is this month. Another huge happening is the total solar eclipse on December 3rd. I know I told you last month that we’re entering a new eclipse season, with eclipses (i.e., life changes) in the signs of Taurus and Scorpio. That’s true, except for this final blackout in the signs of Gemini and Sagittarius. This period will be one of tying up the loose ends of the transformations that began in June 2020. Does that period ring any bells? Revisit the issues you’ve been working on since then and consider what might still need to be done. We have a last opportunity to incorporate these karmic lessons before fully plunging into the next phase of our cosmic journey. This final eclipse in the series may seem like a big deal (and it is) but it’s got nothing on the Venus retrograde which begins on December 19th, when the planet of love, money, beauty, and pleasure will appear to stand still in the sky before beginning backward movement in Capricorn. Venus will continue to move back and forth in Capricorn until March 2022. The sign of the goat stands for structure, formality, hard work, and boundaries. While Venus is retrograde in this sign, we will be asked to reexamine her issues to see if their structures are solid and if boundaries are set appropriately. How’s that relationship working out? What do you think about your investment portfolio? Have you been considering some kind of beautification project? Before we get too excited, this is not the time to jump into a new project. It’s fine to make tentative plans, but not a good period for launching them. As Venus moves backward, you might not see things perfectly. The plans we make now may still need a final revision when she turns and covers that same territory in her next forward movement. So, during retrograde phases revise things that have already been in the works and make tentative plans for new projects. But wait until Venus moves forward to act on anything new. Also, don’t be surprised if a past love reemerges. ‘Tis the season. The good news? Venus moves direct through all of February, still in the sign of Capricorn who loves making things official. Do I hear wedding bells ringing on Valentine’s day? Another biggie in December is Jupiter, the planet of luck, expansion, and fortune, entering his home sign of Pisces on December 28th. At home in his castle, Jupiter is comfortable and powerful, the king sitting on his throne. What a way to bring in the new year! In this placement, Jupiter not only brings opportunity to whatever house Pisces occupies in the natal chart, the combined Jupiter/Pisces energy will bring inspiration, intuition, and the ability to dream big and make those dreams come true. Finally, for those who celebrate Christmas, beware that family gathering! Retrograde Venus will be directly on top of Pluto on December 25th. Expect to dig deep and have issues come to the surface. This is territory you’ve covered before, but Pluto will help transform it this time around. Ho, Ho, Ho! Hang on tight to the sleigh. It’s going to be an eventful holiday season.