Overview
Mercury Retrograde – A Time of Reflection
Beginning on December 13, Mercury enters a retrograde phase in sidereal Sagittarius, continuing until December 28. Following this, it retrogrades into Scorpio, maintaining this backward motion until January 2. Retrograde Mercury typically brings a phase of heightened anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, and general frustrations. These include missed deadlines, unforeseen obstacles, and a sense of disappointment in daily tasks. Further details on this astrological event will be explored later in the article.
Planetary Movements in Sagittarius and Scorpio
Significant celestial events unfold as the Sun and Mars make their entrance into sidereal Sagittarius on December 15 and 27, respectively. In a parallel development, Venus transitions into sidereal Scorpio on December 24. These movements are particularly noteworthy, as the Sun and Mars prepare to form trines with Jupiter, a planet deeply associated with spirituality. Concurrently, Venus in Scorpio forms a trine with Neptune in Pisces. Although brief, this period stands out for its extraordinary spiritual significance. The latter part of December and the early days of January could offer profound insights for those seeking answers beyond the realm of the logical mind. Furthermore, with Jupiter turning direct by year-end, its influence is poised to accelerate our journey towards realizing our spiritual potential.
Neptune Direct in Pisces
Neptune, a planet deeply intertwined with spiritual matters and known for its heart-centered approach, resumes direct motion on December 6 in sidereal Pisces. Having been retrograde and seemingly stagnant for the last 4 to 5 months, Neptune’s direct motion signifies a quickening in events and themes associated with this planet. For example, the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict is likely to see increased activity.
Currently, Neptune resides in its favored sign, Pisces, pointing to a period rich in spiritual insights. However, the presence of Rahu in Pisces for the next 18 months poses significant challenges, potentially diluting Neptune’s positive influences. This celestial interaction may lead to a temporary shift in focus from our collective spiritual advancement, as emerging challenges from Rahu’s transit demand attention. Possible manifestations include a rise in superficial spiritual practices, increased authoritarian power plays, escalations in violence and societal tensions, and a surge in both natural and man-made disasters.
Earth’s Orbital Velocity – A Period of Activity and Growth
In an intriguing astronomical development, the Earth will experience an increase in its orbital velocity around the Sun, peaking around January 3 or 4. This acceleration typically is a time of heightened global activity and growth. While this period will undoubtedly present its challenges, it also brings opportunities for finding solutions and progressing forward in various aspects of our collective life.
Mercury Retrograde (Dec. 13 – Jan.2): Navigating Challenges
Starting December 13, Mercury embarks on its retrograde journey in sidereal Sagittarius, persisting in this motion until December 28. Subsequently, it continues its retrograde path into Scorpio, where it remains until it resumes direct motion on January 2.
This retrograde phase of Mercury often heralds a time of increased anxieties, communication challenges, unexpected delays, and general frustrations. Such periods are notorious for missed deadlines, unforeseen hurdles, and disappointments in routine tasks. The impact of Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius is particularly pronounced for leaders and individuals in positions of influence. This includes religious leaders, explorers, philosophers, and academics, who may find this period especially trying.
As Mercury retrogrades into Scorpio, the focus shifts. This phase tends to be more challenging for those involved in military, political, and athletic fields, as well as individuals engaged in secretive or covert operations. The energy of this transit calls for caution in starting new projects or ventures. Instead, it is a favorable time for introspection, reviewing past actions, and completing tasks that have been delayed or overlooked.
For individuals with a dominant Mercury in their birth chart, or those currently experiencing a strong Mercury influence in their progressive chart, the effects of this retrograde period may be more pronounced. These effects will be particularly evident in areas of life signified by the house Mercury is transiting through in the progressive chart. Understanding and acknowledging these influences can be key to navigating this period more effectively.
Is Ukraine-Russia war gaining speed?
The Ukraine-Russia war will certainly become more active going forward. The intensity of Russian-Ukraine war has been steady at a remarkable speed with both sides incurring severe human tolls and destruction of wealth. Going forward, due to Rahu’s transit in Pisces, the Russian president Putin, although for a short term, is likely to become successful in expanding his control in dealing with the uprising in Russia as well as the ongoing war.
Neptune’s Direct Motion in Pisces
Neptune’s transition from its retrograde to direct motion, after a period of 4 to 5 months, marks a significant acceleration in the aspects governed by this planet. In the sign of Pisces – a water sign known for its mutable nature and ruled by Jupiter – a profound synergy is set to unfold. Pisces is characterized by its divine, fruitful, emotional, and spiritual nature, among other attributes like honesty, compassion, and introspection. These traits resonate harmoniously with Neptune’s qualities, which include spirituality, intuition, inspiration, and a deep connection to the mystical.
This alignment heralds a period of subtle yet profound shifts in our collective moral and spiritual perceptions, initiating an era of transformation and spiritual enlightenment that will span the next 13 years. This era will be marked by significant changes in how we engage with religious beliefs and spiritual practices, moving away from traditional norms towards a framework deeply rooted in personal and collective spiritual experiences.
During this transformative period, those affiliated with Pisces, such as poets, musicians, religious and spiritual leaders, caregivers, and others, will experience substantial shifts in their fields. These transformations will lead to new standards in morality and ethics, enhanced psychic abilities, and a deeper understanding of mystical experiences. Creativity, especially in music, is expected to flourish, complementing this spiritual journey.
In the realms of science and technology, this era will bring about revolutionary changes and the emergence of new concepts, many of which will be influenced by mystical insights. For the first time, scientific research is anticipated to bridge the gap between empirical knowledge and moral considerations. Areas such as spiritual healing, renewable energy sources, and holistic practices like Ayurveda are likely to see significant advancements. This period could also witness the democratization of healthcare, with the wider availability of affordable generic medication.
However, the transit of Rahu in Pisces may introduce challenges, potentially slowing down or complicating this spiritual progress. Risks include the rise of cult-like activities, religious scandals, and the misuse of spirituality for deceptive purposes. The medical and pharmaceutical sectors may face continued scrutiny over unethical practices. Additionally, societal issues such as the increase in substance abuse and mental health disorders could be exacerbated under this influence, challenging our collective sense of reality.
On an individual level, those with water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces) as their ascendant in the natal ninefold chart will enter a significant 13-year cycle of transformation. This period will be particularly impactful for those with a dominant Neptune in their birth charts. Individuals may experience subtle changes in their spiritual inclinations, psychic perceptions, and overall worldview, leading to a renewed understanding of life and existence.
Israel-Hamas war
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, while showing signs of decreasing momentum through December, is unlikely to be fully resolved. This longstanding conflict is a perpetual conflict that will never end unless the path to a sustainable resolution is found. This may require a profound shift in the region, one that transcends traditional religion-based conflict dynamics. A potential key to lasting peace lies in a broader spiritual awakening, fostering mutual understanding and respect that goes beyond the existing framework of the conflict. Such a transformation could pave the way for a new era of cooperation and peace, addressing the deeper underlying issues that fuel this enduring conflict.
Global Insights…
The important challenging possibilities for December include:
Nov 9 – Dec 2: Outbreak of violence and terrorist activities in Russia, Ukraine and Middle East is likely, especially in Syria, Iraq, Israel, and Palestine region. Also, the occurrences of natural as well as man-made calamities are likely. Some of the east-European countries, Russia, and China may experience political as well as social turmoil.
Dec 3-14: Rise in covert activities among the leading nations. Possibilities of natural as well as man-made calamities. Places like Russia and China are likely to experience political and social turmoil. Non-democratic countries are likely to see shift of power from one faction (or dictator) to another. Religious activities around the world will likely appear more secretive than open.
Dec 11-16: Increase in barbaric activities all around the world. Terrorists are likely to be successful in creating confusion and chaos. Social turmoil in Europe and Russia is likely. Religious activities could get stalled for no apparent reason.
Dec 17-28: Significant changes occurring in religious and academic and to some extent in social fields. This is an important event for people who deal with religion, religious and academic institutes. A unique stalemate in the field of religion eventual transformation for religion and academics fields to a new level or setting with a new set of norms.
Dec 20-22: Natural and man-made calamities, especially in the United States of America.
Dec 6 – Jan 7: A unique change in the way the current US administration deals with other nations with respect to its war against democracies and also with its domestic matters. There will be a transformation of political strategy that might become responsible of a change in the current political agenda, and foreign policy matters of this administration. Expect some serious issues that the current administration could get tangled with.
The important auspicious possibilities for December include:
Nov 27 – Dec 9: Spiritual, religious, academic, and social fields likely to experience positive changes.
Dec 13-23: An expansion of religious activities all around the world with new vigor and energy. Conservatives will have upper hand over the liberals, and China and Russia are likely to see positive developments occurring in the social and economic fields.
Dec 13-27: A good period for European and Russian economy. This period is also good for progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation.
The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are: Ukraine, Russia, China, Europe, Israeli and Palestine regions and the United States.
Planetary Energies for Individuals
Saturn-Rahu (and Ketu) ninefold square(s) (Dec 11-16)
Saturn-Rahu and Saturn-Ketu ninefold square are going to be devastating for those who have such squares in their natal charts. Anything that you attempt will likely fail or will result in an agonizing and frustrating experience. This is not the time to take any risk. If you have such squares in your birth chart and if any one of these planets is presently active in your Gochar (transit) chart then you need to be extra careful. The best thing to do is not make any new commitment, and totally avoid taking any business or monetary risk.
Pluto-Saturn ninefold sextile (Dec 13-27)
If in your Gochar (transit) chart either Pluto or Saturn is active and if Pluto is favorably positioned with respect to Saturn in your natal chart expect a very favorable time during this period. Positive events will be related to the affairs signified by the houses these planets occupy or aspects. For example, if the seventh house is involved, expect a new and positive development in a relationship, or business partnership, or success in capturing the audience if you deal with masses. If eleventh house is involved, it may financially prove to be a very rewarding period.
Jagdish Maheshri
Professional Vedic Astrologer
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