Astro4Business Intersections

Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for December, 2010.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

• We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
• Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
• We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
• And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily lives.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn (see category at right), where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to many of the structures we have come to rely upon:  government, religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

This is formidable energy, and your best strategy is to tune in and work with it.  Find an area in your business life in need of renewal and begin the process before Pluto reaches planets in your chart and forces the issue.

Everyone with planets within the first three to nine degrees of any sign is actively dealing with this energy.  You’ve probably noticed a deeper and deeper probing and cleansing all year long, related to the issues mentioned above.  Try to open a large space within yourself for a whole new perspective; be willing to become new and to irrevocably let go of something that has become outmoded.  Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is done they are the most rewarding because we are permanently freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue.

Neptune in Aquarius

With Neptune in Aquarius (see category at right) from 1998 to 2011, we’ve seen a growing global consensus regarding the equal value of all beings, shared responsibility for our planet, the distribution of technology to all corners of the world, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

The best way to work with this energy is to allow yourself to open to waves of inspiration from the collective whole, from your local community to the global community.  Expect to be inspired by your neighbors and friends, both near and far.

If you have planets between 26 and 29 degrees of any sign expect to experience a subtle but powerful dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life and a yearning for a more meaningful connection to others.  Pay attention to non-intellectual sources of knowledge such as dreams and art.  Feel what is happening, listen for underlying currents rather than what is apparent on the surface.  This disconcerting influence can dissolve the forms in our life which have no real content for us anymore.  This can be disorienting and confusing while it is happening but once deeper connections are made, the benefits are rewarding and long-lasting.

Uranus in Pisces

Uranus is the final planet to regain direct motion this year.  After it comes to stillness and begins moving forward again on December 5 we will see a turnaround in all business matters influenced by the planet:  industry structures; innovation; new technology; invention; community impact; creative destruction; and rapid response, to name a few.

When the planet entered Aries last May, we began getting to know a new face of Uranus. Aries is the spark of entrepreneurial spirit, the initiating drive toward independence and individuality.  You may have noticed new ideas incubating and a spirit of bold entrepreneurship in and around your business.  But then Uranus moved into retrograde motion and there was probably a disruption in this full-speed-ahead current.  You may have felt ambivalent or dissatisfied with your new ideas and initiatives.

When Uranus moved back into Pisces in August there was another major shift. Yes, this was familiar territory; Uranus was in Pisces for most of the last seven years, since March 2003.  But it may have felt like stepping back in time.  From our new entrepreneurial spirit we re-entered the realm of collective ideas.  From forays into a new style of leadership, we fell back into flattened hierarchies and committee decision-making.  From enhanced independence we returned to collaboration and alliances.

Uranus continues through the last degrees of Pisces for the next few months.  With the resumption of direct motion you may experience a rush of pent-up desire for change.  And yet, until it passes into Aries again in March, we are finishing up old business in an old style.

If you have planets between 26 and 1 degree of the next sign it’s time to let yourself be excited by something new; branch out, experiment, try new things.  Support a cause you believe in and invest your time in societal change.  This will positively channel the excess nervous and intellectual energy Uranus can bring.

Saturn in Libra

In July, Saturn entered Libra where it will stay until October 2012.  Saturn is exalted in Libra which means it has a special affinity to the sign and if you’re willing to do the work, there is a promised payoff.  See the category to the right on this important transit, but in a nutshell:  what is the work of Saturn in Libra?  To develop patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships.  What is the payoff?  Cooperation and mutual support.

Last August, Saturn formed a difficult aspect to Pluto in Capricorn (see above.)  The stress of this aspect revealed the decay beneath structures in our businesses (and our world.)  Now the Saturn energy is building the Libra values of equity, parity, diplomacy, collaboration, and cooperation on the ashes of the past.  Saturn brings a serious and responsible attitude to this time, especially in the areas of partnership and business relationships.

Jupiter in Pisces

Let’s review where we’ve been with Jupiter, so we can tell where we stand now.  In June, Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, entered Aries.  Aries is an initiatory sign and Jupiter thinks big.  Your former goals may have felt too limiting and you may have experienced a passion for growth, expansion, competition, and claiming new territories

Then Jupiter began retrograde motion in July.  You may have found your enthusiasm flagging for your new products and plans.  The forward momentum you’d been enjoying may have reversed, and you felt more restrained.  This has been an important phase for realistically assessing how much we can get done, to curtail overdoing and over-committing, and to take the time to slowly grow a project to completion.

In November Jupiter resumed direct motion.  You’ve probably felt enthusiasm and forward momentum returning to your workplace.  You can begin to think big again and the energy of Jupiter direct will support your efforts.  Take the promotion, take the risk, buy that lottery ticket!

Mars in Sagittarius/Capricorn

On December 7, Mars, the planet that represents our drive, energy, and will enter Capricorn.  Capricorn is a fantastic position for Mars.  Mars in Capricorn is focused, patient, and unrelenting in the pursuit of goals, especially business and career goals.  Mechanics and engineering are supported when Mars is in this sign as Capricorn gives entrepreneurial Mars the patience to devise and revise until a product is perfected.

Since Mars in business represents your second tier of leadership, expect your managers to step up and willingly take on more responsibility over the next few weeks.  In fact, they may demand it!  If you’re planning promotions, wait until after the 7^th and then move ahead.

Venus in Scorpio

Venus re-entered Scorpio on November 29.  Venus represents pleasure and in Scorpio, happiness is found in emotional and material security.  You may worry more than usual about the balance in your cash accounts and focus your energy on stabilizing your finances.  However, you could go overboard if you are too passionate in your pursuit of security.

Be careful with this one:  permanent alliances can be formed when Venus is in this sign but irrevocable separations can be just as likely.  Long-lasting contractual or financial agreements can be gained at this time but may contain an element of intrigue and the possibility of betrayal.  Review everything carefully and if there are unspoken emotional undertones, make sure you get them out on the table before you commit.

Mercury in Capricorn/Sagittarius

Mercury entered Capricorn on November 30.  Mercury in Capricorn is ideal for planning and strategy, so if you still have your 2011 business plan in front of you, set time aside to work on it between now and December 18^th.  From the free-wheeling Sagittarius energy we’ve entered a much more serious frame of mind.  You’ll see a heightened ability to concentrate and deliver on promises.  Watch out for a tendency to lose your sense of humor just when you need it most!

Mercury spends from December 10 to December 30 in retrograde motion.  In Astro4Business we understand the value of retrograde motion and welcome this time of review.  In fact this is a great time to look back over the year and analyze what worked and what can be improved.  See the links below for good information on how to handle retrograde Mercury.

Due to retrograde motion, Mercury will slip back into Sagittarius on December 18 which will be great for the holidays (as long as you can smile through travel snafus) but not as good for serious planning.  When Mercury is back in Sagittarius we may miss the details of the present because our minds are captivated by the future.  Try to count to three before making any snap decisions.

Sun in Sagittarius/Capricorn

The Sun begins the month in Sagittarius.  This is a friendly, outgoing, optimistic time, the beginning of the holiday season.  In fact, we may tend toward over-exuberance as we know we are sliding into the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere.  Increased sales are favored under Sagittarius and a generosity of spirit with employees and coworkers is a great use of this energy.

When the Sun enters Capricorn we begin the season of renewal as we celebrate major seasonal change.  The Equinox marks the beginning of Summer in the Southern Hemisphere and the beginning of Winter for us Northerners.  It is a time of resolutions and annual planning, supported by the Capricorn qualities of patience, persistence, efficiency and practicality.

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Sagittarius on December 5, waxing to full in Gemini on December 20-21 (depending on your time zone).  The Full Moon is also a total Lunar Eclipse, one of the two lunar eclipses each year.  If you look at the graphic to the right, you’ll see how the Sun’s energy is blocked at the moment of the Full Moon. This can curtail the normal cyclic fulfillment of projects and goals this month, a wrench in the works.  If it directly contacts a point on your chart its influence can be felt for about six months.  This month’s Lunar Eclipse is at 29 degrees Gemini.

Monthly Recap

A lot of Capricorn energy this month, with Mercury, Mars, the Sun, and Pluto all spending time in this serious, practical, and ambitious sign.  Business will be on our minds and we’ll have the energy to take our plans forward.  We’ll be supported by three planets in superb placement:  Saturn in Libra will give us responsibility in partnership; Jupiter in Pisces fosters a spirit if interdependence and cooperation; and Mars in Capricorn gives focus and direction to our drive.  And don’t forget to check your chart to see if 29 degrees is highlighted; if so, the Lunar Eclipse will be prominent for you.

In case you are wondering how to get the most out of this monthly forecast, check out this link.  Some time ago a reader asked about it and you’ll see my instructions when you follow the link.

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

December 5                Uranus resumes direct motion; New Moon in Sagittarius

December 7                Mars enters Capricorn

December 10              Mercury resumes retrograde motion

December 18              Mercury re-enters Sagittarius

December 20-21         Full Moon in Gemini; total Lunar Eclipse

December 21              Sun enters Capricorn

December 30              Mercury resumes direct motion

Do you have a question for Ellen? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.

For tips on how to use Mercury Retrograde to your advantage, see

10 Best Practices for Mercury Retrograde

Mercury Retrograde – 10 Ways to Engage