The Latest Astrology News & Stories

December is Sagittarius and Capricorn season.

December is upon us again. As the year draws to a close, this is a time to reflect on the year gone by and plan for the path ahead. In fact, a wise person is believed to have once said, "I can't believe it's been a year since I didn't become a better person".

There are several astrological events scheduled for the month, notably the Winter Solstice, in the Northern Hemisphere, which is scheduled to occur around the 21^st. This marks the shortest day and longest night of the year and symbolises a shift in energy.

December is of course, holiday season and we've provided special mention for the Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's Eve period, in our section for your zodiac sign, below.

Other noteworthy, although not entirely astrologically relevant dates this month include:

1. International Anti-Corruption Day, December 9.
2. World Human Rights Day, December 10.
3. International Human Solidarity Day, December 20.

Forecast for Your Sign in December

This is a brief explanation of the astrological influences on each zodiac sign this month and a supplement to your full predictions at 'Monthly Horoscopes'.

1. Aries ♈ (March 21 - April 19): A retrograde Jupiter continues to be favourably placed in the friendly zodiac sign of Aries. During the beginning of the month, Venus aspects this sign and a combusted Mars will be favourably placed in Scorpio with the Sun. These planetary alignments will bring good fortune to most Ariens. You will be motivated to strive for success in your immediate plans, but progress will be limited due to Mars' combusted alignment. You will be in a relatively spiritual frame of mind and this includes during the holiday period. Around Christmas, Mars will be weaker in strength than earlier. Your idea of a fun holiday period will be more on the lines of a quiet, peaceful time and this seems to be how you will spend the last few days of 2023.
2. Taurus ♉ (April 20 - May 20): The Sun and Mars will aspect your sign, during the beginning of the month. Your ruling planet, Venus also occupies its own sign of Libra at this time and will be growing in strength. Taureans will be motivated and confident about their plans for the future and there will be minor gains and progress in these plans, as December progresses. A weak Venus will enter Libra around the 25^th and remain stationed here for the rest of the year. You will be inclined to have a good time, socialising and partying with friends and family. This will be an enjoyable period, as long as you avoid becoming unnecessarily boisterous or aggressive.
3. Gemini ♊ (May 21 - June 20): Mercury is no longer combusted, but is adversely placed in the sign of Sagittarius and aspects Gemini. There will be many new plans for the future. Progress and limited success in these plans will be possible with a little effort. Mercury will be in retrograde during the Christmas and New Year's period. You will think of doing something a little different this year. But your plans could potentially run aground, due to confusion resulting from a communication gap.
4. Cancer (June 21 - July 22): December will begin on a favourable note as the Moon will occupy this sign during the very beginning of the month. You will thus be in a relaxed mood as you enter December, as most of your short-term plans will proceed according to plan. This situation will however, change thereafter for a short period, till mid-December. On the 25^th, the Moon will be favourably placed, exalted in Taurus. This will be a time of fun and enjoyment that you will spend with people whose company you enjoy. On the 31^st, the Moon would have moved on to Leo and you will be confident about a positive start to the year ahead.
5. Leo ♌ (July 23 - August 22): The Sun will be favourably placed in Scorpio, but Saturn will aspect this sign. This will cause mixed fortunes, although you will remain in a positive frame of mind. You will be eager to implement new plans for the year ahead. During the period between the 25^th and 31^st, the Sun will be in Sagittarius. Your positivity will allow for a time of spirited celebration.
6. Virgo ♍ (August 23 - September 22): As the malefic 'Ketu' will be placed in Virgo and Mercury will be in Sagittarius, clashes, worries and confusion may prevail at the beginning of the month till mid-December. The period from the 25^th to the 31^st will be one more of introspection, than revelry. You will be relatively detached from the goings-on around you.
7. Libra ♎ (September 23 - October 22): The malefic influences on Libra will cease to affect this sign from December onwards. This will cause a favourable change of fortunes that will be further assisted by the presence of Venus in Libra. You should see some form of progress or success in your present plans, as a consequence of these alignments. You are also likely to be involved in relaxing leisure and recreational activities. Venus exits your sign just before the 25^th. There will be fun and celebration from then till the 31^st, but this may be more about partying with friends and less about spending time in the company of loved ones.
8. Scorpio ♏ (October 23 - November 21): The Sun will occupy your sign along with a combusted Mars, during the beginning of December. You will be full of confidence and ready to take up the challenges before you. On the flip-side, you will be inclined to act on impulse and in haste. Do not expect to change the world all at once, as the rewards of your efforts will come slower than you think. Venus joins Mars in Scorpio just before the 25^th and will remain there in the period till the 31^st. This suggests that your holiday season will be a fun time of socialising and entertainment.
9. Sagittarius ♐ (November 22 - December 21): Jupiter continues to be in-retrograde, while Mercury occupies your sign. You may receive some form of recognition this month. The will be several financial plans on your mind. You will be unclear or confused about the correct course of action, hence only limited progress will be possible. In the period from the 25^th to the 31^st, Mercury will be in-retrograde and combusted. You will intend to celebrate the holiday season, but your plans may not pan out quite as you think. This will however, not dampen your spirits and you will look forward to making a success of 2024.
10. Capricorn ♑ (December 22 - January 19): The Moon aspects this sign at the beginning of December, while Saturn is now direct and favourably placed in Capricorn. Life may be hectic in December, but there will be reasonable success in your plans for the month. The 25^th to the 31^st could be a busy time both due to work and home commitments. You will however, be upto the task, although the period may not be a whole lot of fun.
11. Aquarius ♒ (January 20 - February 18): Saturn occupies your sign and this planet is now direct and stronger than before. December will bring new opportunities and financial gains. Although you are likely to be busy, your efforts will bring future rewards. Your focus may be more on work than play during the holiday season. This is thus likely to be a busy time, but you will contend with the situation.
12. Pisces ♓ (February 19 - March 20): Jupiter is in-retrograde and the malefic 'Rahu' is placed in Pisces. December will be a generally dissatisfying month of struggles, worries and obstacles. You are likely to be ready to let your hair down and forget about your worries during the Christmas to New Year's period. Your troubles however, may also decide to join you while you party.

News Updates for December 2023

A round-up of breaking news and the most interesting stories from the world of astrology and esotericism.

Famous Birthdays this Month

Some famous personalities with birthdays in December are:

• Pablo Escobar, December 1, 1949
• Britney Spears, December 2, 1981
• Marisa Tomei, December 4, 1964
• Jim Morrison, December 8, 1943
• Kim Basinger, December 8, 1953
• Emmanuelle Chriqui, December 10, 1975
• Frank Sinatra, December 12, 1915
• Jennifer Connelly, December 12, 1970
• Taylor Swift, December 13, 1989
• Jane Austen, December 16, 1775
• Steven Spielberg, December 18, 1946
• Brad Pitt, December 18, 1963
• Kylian Mbappé, December 20, 1998
• Nostradamus, December 21, 1503
• Alison Brie, December 29, 1982
• Ellie Goulding, December 30, 1986
• Val Kilmer, December 31, 1959

Important Dates

These are the most favourable and unfavourable dates this month, according to the prevailing celestial alignments. The good dates are the best of those mentioned for our 'Monthly Lucky Dates' section. This selection is suitable for commencing or undertaking any type of important task, be this of a personal or professional nature. Doing so will multiply your returns and increases the chances of success. The opposite is true of the inauspicious dates.

The Most Auspicious Dates in December

• December 9 : From 07:02 to 10:43 IST or 20:32 (December 8) to 00:13 (9) EDT*. This is a 'Dwipushkar Yog' that occurs on the 12^th day of the waning moon, during the 'Nakshatra' of 'Chitra'. The 'Chitra Nakshatra', or constellation is considered to be auspicious.
• December 23 to 24: From 21:19 to 06:25 IST or 10:49 (December 23) to 19:55 (23) EDT*. A 'Tripushkar Yog' will start on the 23^rd, at the time mentioned and continue till the 24^th. This occurs on the 12^th day of the waxing moon, during the 'Nakshatra' of 'Bharani'. The 'Bharani Nakshatra', or constellation is however not considered to be auspicious.

The Most Inauspicious Dates in December

• December 3 to 4: From December 3, 19:27 to 06:58 (4) IST or 08:57 (December 3) to 20:28 (3) EDT*. Two unfavourable periods, 'Gand Mool' and 'Bhadra' run consecutively from the 3^rd to the 4^th, on the 6^th and 7^th days of the waning moon.
• December 30: On December 30 from, 07:13 to 09:43 IST or 20:43 (December 29) to 23:13 (29) EDT*. Two unfavourable periods, 'Gand Mool' and 'Bhadra' run consecutively on the 3^rd day of the waning moon.

* The times shown are in IST (Indian Standard Time). You may use an online time converter to get your local time.

Lunar Phases for December

The moon will follow the following alignments this month:

Planetary Trends for December

The horoscope charts will progress as follows during the course of the month. For an explanation of some of the terminology used, see our 'Astrology Glossary'.

1. At the beginning of December, a retrograde Jupiter will be the ascendant's lord.
2. Saturn will be the ascendant's lord by the end of the month.
3. By the end of December, Venus, Mars and Saturn will all occupy their own zodiac signs.

1. The Sun ⊙:
   • At the beginning of December, the Sun will be neutral, at 15°, in the sign of Scorpio. ⊙ ♏
   • By around mid-December it will reach 28°, placed in the sign of Scorpio. ⊙ ♏
   • By the end of the month, the Sun will be at about 14° and strengthening in the friendly sign of Sagittarius. ⊙ ♐
2. The Moon ☽:
   • At the beginning of December, the Moon will occupy its own sign of Cancer, but weak at 00:55°. ☽ ♋
   • By around mid-December it will be in its fall and weak at about 28°, in the sign of Sagittarius. ☽ ♐
   • By the end of the month, the Moon will be favourably aligned in the zodiac of Leo, at 3°. ☽ ♌
3. Jupiter ♃:
   • Jupiter is presently in-retrograde. At the beginning of December, Jupiter will be at over 12° and favourably placed in the friendly zodiac sign of Aries. ♃ ♈
   • By around mid-December it will continue to occupy Aries, at just over 11°. ♃ ♈
   • Jupiter will continue to be in-retrograde, in Aries at 11:47°, by the end of December. ♃ ♈
4. Rahu ☊:
   • At the beginning of December, the malefic Rahu will be weak at about 29° and debilitated in the sign of Pisces. ☊ ♓
   • By around mid-December it will continue to be weak at about 28°, in Pisces. ☊ ♓
   • Rahu will remain in Pisces and weak at 26°, by the end of December. ☊ ♓
5. Mercury ☿:
   • At the beginning of December, Mercury will be weak at 5° in the sign of Sagittarius. ☿ ♐
   • By around mid-December it will be stronger at about 13° in the sign of Sagittarius, but will now be in-retrograde. ☿ ♐
   • By the end of the month, Mercury will be placed in an enemy zodiac of, Scorpio, at 28°. ☿ ♏
6. Venus ♀:
   • At the beginning of December, Venus will be weak at just over 1°, but will occupy its own zodiac sign of Libra. ♀ ♎
   • By around mid-December this planet will be strong at about 18°, with a favourable influence in Libra. ♀ ♎
   • By the end of the month, Venus will be neutral in the sign of Scorpio, at 7°. ♀ ♏
7. Ketu ☋:
   • At the beginning of December, the malefic Ketu will be weak at 29° in the friendly zodiac sign of Virgo. ☋ ♍
   • By around mid-December it would have strengthened to 28°, in Virgo. ☋ ♍
   • Ketu will remain in Virgo by the end of the month and will have increased in strength to 26°. ☋ ♍
8. Mars ♂:
   • At the beginning of December, Mars will be at over 10° and combusted, but favourably placed in its own sign of Scorpio. ♂ ♏
   • By around mid-December it will still be combusted in Scorpio, but greater in strength at 20°. ♂ ♏
   • By the end of December, Mars will no longer be combusted and will now be neutral in Sagittarius, at around 2°. ♂ ♐
9. Saturn ♄:
   • Saturn is presently in-retrograde and therefore ineffective. At the beginning of December, Saturn will occupy its own zodiac sign of Aquarius, at 6° and strengthening. ♄ ♒
   • It will continue to occupy Aquarius, as Saturn is a slow moving planet and will increase to about 7°. ♄ ♒
   • Saturn will be at around 8° by the end of December and still in Aquarius. ♄ ♒

Stars Watch

Two back-to-back meteor showers are due to occur this month. The main celestial events for December are:

1. The Geminid meteor shower from December 4 to 17, peaking on the 14^th. This will be visible in both hemispheres, towards the constellation of Gemini.
2. The Ursid meteor shower from December 17 to 26, peaking on the 23^rd. This will be visible in the Northern Hemispheres, towards the constellation of Ursa Minor.
3. The Winter/December solstice will occur from December 21, at 22:28 EST, or December 22, at 08:58 IST
4. The conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter in the zodiac sign of Aries on, December 22, at 09:20 EST. This is an auspicious alignment known as, a 'Gajkesri Yog'. This signifies a harmonious blend of the Moon's emotional sensitivity and Jupiter's progressive, benevolent and philosophical attributes.
5. On Christmas day:
   1. Pisces will be the ascendant and the malefic Rahu will occupy the ascendant's house.
   2. The Moon sign will be Leo.
   3. The Sun sign will be Sagittarius.
   4. A retrograde Jupiter will be the ruling planet of the ascendant and Sun sign.
6. On New Year's Eve:
   1. Pisces will be the ascendant and the malefic Rahu will occupy the ascendant's house.
   2. The Moon sign will be Taurus.
   3. The Sun sign will be Sagittarius.
   4. A strong and favourable Sun will be the ruling planet of the Moon sign and this occupies the house of actions.

The horoscope charts for Christmas day and New Year's Eve are shown below:

What's Coming Up in January?

Some important events that occur during the first month of 2024 are:

• The Sun entering Capricorn, which is considered to be a highly auspicious time of the year.
• Jupiter will turn direct after a period of retrograde motion.
• January will be Capricorn and Aquarius seasons. We'll be looking at what this means for these two Saturn ruled signs.