So it’s almost Christmas. New Year’s is around the corner. Apparently it’s the holidays yet…. it’s hectic. So much pressure. Wrapping up one year, celebrating perfectly, getting ready to make the best of 2015.
It’s often at times like these I look to the sky and explore the planets. I look for insight or a little message that might provide an idea or feeling to help navigate what can be an intense period.
Working with astrology has also helped me realise that sometimes just because the calendar ticks over to a new year doesn’t always mean much has changed. Planetary cycles set their own timetable.
While this year that’s true for heavyweights like Uranus, Neptune and Pluto – in that many of their ongoing triggers continue into early 2015 – Saturn does in fact shift during the holiday break, highlighting quite the transition between the end of December and the start of January.
On December 23, 2014 Saturn steps out of Scorpio for the first time since October 2012, and moves into Sagittarius.
Saturn in Sagittarius is firm about truth, justice and purpose. The cool, sometimes melancholy energy of Saturn is warmed up as Saturn trades a cool water sign (Scorpio) for a hot fire sign (Sagittarius). The rigidity and stability of Saturn in a fixed sign (Scorpio) is replaced by curiousity and flexibility as Saturn moves into a mutable sign (Sagittarius), which prefers movement over routine. 
Some of the deep melancholy, fear or worry that’s been a feature of the past two years should shift. Decisions based solely on survival may be replaced with a desire for truth, and a willingness to search or make a change in pursuit of what adds meaning to life.
Given the change of Saturn is a fairly significant shift, you may prefer some quiet or unscheduled down time to help you get a feel for what’s shifting in your own heart. Saturn changing signs indicates transition. Saturn’s move from one sign to another will help reshape the collective vibration, and will draw a new area of life into focus.
Since the best kinds of transition are those that are conscious try to take a few hours here and there to sit with your own thoughts and feelings. You may notice certain dreams fading away, as if they are no longer so important. In turn you may notice new inklings emerge, as if a fresh idea or new vision now wants your attention. In particular, pay attention to any visions or images that keep popping into your mind. (Fire signs are associated with the visual mode so inspiring pictures can be especially helpful with motivation in 2015.)
So tip #1, take quiet time.
Tip # 2? Speak your truth, but respect the truth of others.
Between December 24 – 25, Mercury in wise Capricorn passes over Pluto and squares off to Uranus. Words have power and can trigger change. Be honest but try not to be controlling. Allow space for differing opinions but be firm about what’s right for you.
And tip #3? Get off the clock.
The Sun will sextile Neptune while the Moon is in Pisces on December 26 – 27 creating the ideal astro climate for rest, relaxation and escape. Try not to set a schedule if you can. Give yourself empty time to follow your feelings or let your mood dictate what you do. And if that’s not much at all, then that’s ok too.
We’re planning a low key celebration this year, just us and the kids. Food wise we all decided to do without the palaver. We gave ourselves a year off from juggling the turkey, ham and pumpkin pie. Instead I have salads and low key nibbles (cheese, crackers that type of thing) in mind, accompanied by some yummy champers.
With the do-it-your-own-way Moon + Mars in Aquarius for the 24th + 25th we decided to plan a celebration that while a-typical, truly suits us.
How are your Christmas plans shaping up? Do you celebrate – either Christmas or something else? Or do you simply take the chance to have a break?