In the Pacific Time Zone, the Moon will be full at 4:33 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26. With this Full Moon, the Sun in Capricorn will be in opposition (180°) to the Moon in Cancer. To further clarify how this Full Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 4°58’ of Capricorn and 4°58’ of Cancer in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with those two houses are going to be most impacted by this Full Moon’s presence. (NOTE: Click here to learn how to find the transiting Moon in your chart.)
Due to the hecticness of the holidays, I’m going to approach this Moon Update differently. Below you will find two sections:
Some basic information about the Full Moon. (Reminder: This will impact us for the 3 days before, the day of December 26, and the 3 days after.)
Brief notes about the last week of 2023 and the first week of 2024, which is a very astrologically active time.
NOTE: On Monday, January 1, 2024, I will send out my annual astrological review of the upcoming new year.
Cancer Full Moon on December 26, 2023
This Moon is located in its home sign of Cancer, which intensifies its power. This means it could be an extra-emotional time. We may feel more sentimental than usual, but also more protective and possibly even defensive. Our “Mama energy” will be particularly strong right now, regardless of gender. For example, this will be a great time to gather together those we define as family. We may feel drawn to nurture each other (and our inner children), including doing what we can to feed the hearts, souls, and stomachs of those we care about. This is also a time when our “instincts” or feelings about a situation may prove to be more accurate than our logic.
However, this is a Full Moon, which means that the Sun in Capricorn is opposing (180°) the Moon in Cancer. Luckily, Capricorn can serve as a steadying counter-balance to the emotionality often associated with the Cancer Moon. However, we could experience Saturn’s influence in other ways, including, but not limited to, adding a serious quality to some of our holiday gatherings, finding that solutions involve tapping into past lessons or wisdom, and/or slowing down our forward progress a bit. None of this has to be negative. For example, slowing down may result in being better able to let go of our extensive “To Do List” and truly feel the love of those around us.
At the time of the Full Moon, the Sun and Moon are both in supportive aspects (i.e., trines, sextiles) to both Jupiter and Saturn. Jupiter in Taurus may help us appreciate the blessings we have, especially regarding our finances and/or security needs. It could also assist us in seeing options for how we can meet our future goals in sustainable, concrete ways. Saturn in Pisces, on the other hand, could help us explore the most responsible and mature way to provide comfort to someone in our life without violating their personal boundaries. Or if we desire to become more spiritual, we may take a serious look at what needs to change in our lives in order to achieve this goal.
Having Venus in a supportive trine (120°) to Neptune helps us feel that anything is possible, even if realism tells us otherwise. This aspect may prompt us to enjoy a relaxing evening (especially with a significant other) or dive into our favorite creative project. Some of us may feel compelled to seek out spiritual experiences. However, be aware that this aspect is more aligned with having a transcendent experience naturally (e.g., through meditation) rather than through the use of substances.
Given we have both Mercury (minds/words) and Mars (action) in the mutable sign of Sagittarius, this is a good time to remain mentally open to new ways of viewing things and to stay as flexible and patient as possible as inevitable changes in plans emerge. For those who prefer to be in control, it can be unsettling to have things be so fluid or even lack a clear direction, especially for those hosting holiday events. However, trying to force things to go a particular way when unexpected events occur may result in the opposite of the desired outcome. It’s best to “go with the flow” whenever possible.
Patience is particularly important because Mercury and Mars are both squaring (90°) Neptune in Pisces. This could mean our thoughts/communication and actions could be a little bit foggy and nebulous. This influence will be especially strong for the few days after the Full Moon (approximately December 26-28). This planetary combination could also make us unaware of any tendency to be too blunt or straightforward at times (lower expression of Sag), which could result in our relationships being a bit dicey. We really need to consciously choose to think before we speak. In fact, the spiritual, intuitive, and creative aspects of these planetary combinations may best be accessed by spending some quiet time alone meditating, praying, or walking in nature.
Astrological events during the last week of 2023 & the beginning of 2024
Although perhaps strongest around the time of the Cancer Full Moon, the latter part of 2023 is a time when the door between the earthly and spiritual worlds is more open than usual. This is a good time to be open to insights, coincidences, dreams, and all of the typical ways in which our guides, angels and deceased loved ones like to communicate with us. Wonderful connections are possible!
On the same day as the Cancer Full Moon (Tuesday, December 26), Chiron ends its annual retrograde phase and begins moving direct again. This will occur in Aries and at the same time that Mercury is in the waning days of its retrograde phase. The last few days of 2023 would be a great time to think carefully about how we can actively make self-care a priority once Mercury turns direct on January 1. (Click here to read my blog post Planets in Retrograde and How to Thrive During Mercury Retrograde.)
On Friday, December 29, Venus will move into Sagittarius, where it will remain until January 24. This could bring beneficial changes to and increased optimism regarding our relationships, finances, and creative projects. We will likely feel a lightening of our mood and laugh more often. For some, it could mean feeling ready to go on an adventure or explore different topics/cultures.
The next day (Saturday, December 30), Jupiter ends its 4-month retrograde phase and begins moving direct again in Taurus. We may find ourselves able to be more optimistic and tolerant of divergent viewpoints. Unfortunately, whenever a planet changes directions, its power is intensified. Given the planet involved is Jupiter (the planet most associated with going to excess), this could increase our tendency to overindulge, which is bad timing given its happening on the weekend when many of us will be celebrating the New Year. Although enjoyment is part and parcel of Jupiter’s modus operandi, caution is warranted regarding using substances to excess, especially if driving.
Monday, January 1, is not just New Year’s Day (according to the Gregorian Calendar). It also marks the day when Mercury begins moving direct again. This timing is marvelous. New clarity is possible as we start a new annual cycle. While moving direct in Sag, this is an excellent time to look forward toward the future and create hopeful, optimistic intentions for the upcoming new year.
Additionally, Venus will be squaring (90°) both Mercury and Saturn on the same day (Monday, January 1), which can add a level of commitment and discipline with regard to achieving any goals we set for ourselves.
However, as the first few days of 2024 unfold, there are a number of aspects with conflicting influences. Because Mercury will be moving direct, we may more clearly see solutions to recent challenges. However, we could also find that our initial optimism on January 1 is met with some challenges and leave us discouraged.
We may get some help on Thursday, January 4, when Mars will be moving into Capricorn. This could help us more clearly see what needs to happen in order to begin moving toward the goals we set on (or around) January 1. Mars will be in Cap until February 12, so we have about 6 weeks to tap into its supportive energy. During this time, “slow and steady wins the race” and long-term success will be supported by coming up with a coherent, well-thought-out approach. Another benefit of this placement is that people typically are more deliberate in their actions, including being slower to anger or react.
May this short summary of astrological influences serve you well as you celebrate the holidays. Best wishes from me and my staff for a safe and sane holiday season! See you in 2024!
