December 2024 Newsletter
Mars is currently shining more brightly in the evening sky as He makes his closest approach to the Earth in his two-year cycle. The peak of brightness will be around January 16 at the time of the exact opposition with the Sun. If you would like to observe Mars as he comes closer, he is currently rising soon after midnight and setting [Melbourne time] by 10.20am. The best time to look is around 5am when he will be almost directly overhead.
Blessings
Christine Rothwell 🙏🏼
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
December begins with Mercury, Jupiter, Chiron, Uranus and Neptune retrograde and Mars joining them on the 7th.
Note: all dates are for Australian Eastern Daylight Time.
December 1 New Moon at 9 Sagittarius 33
The December New Moon falls on the 1st at close to 9 Sagittarius, forming a square to Saturn and a wider opposition with Jupiter. People with planets or points falling around 9 degrees of mutable signs [Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces] may find themselves triggered by this lunation.
Blessings
Christine Rothwell 🙏🏼
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
- December New Moon
- Mercury Retrograde Update
- December Full Moon
- Mars Retrograde
- 2025 Astrology Classes & Consultations
December begins with Mercury, Jupiter, Chiron, Uranus and Neptune retrograde and Mars joining them on the 7th.
Note: all dates are for Australian Eastern Daylight Time.
- December 1: New Moon in Sagittarius
- December 6: Mercury conjunct the Sun: Inferior Conjunction
- December 7: Mars retrograde
- December 7: Venus to Aquarius
- December 8: Neptune stations direct
- December 15: Full Moon in Gemini
- December 16: Mercury stations direct
- December 21: Sun to Capricorn – Summer Solstice
- December 25: Jupiter square Saturn
December 1 New Moon at 9 Sagittarius 33
The December New Moon falls on the 1st at close to 9 Sagittarius, forming a square to Saturn and a wider opposition with Jupiter. People with planets or points falling around 9 degrees of mutable signs [Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces] may find themselves triggered by this lunation.
This new Moon is putting our beliefs, faith and optimism under the spotlight. It invites - and perhaps challenges - us to expand our world view and let go limited perspectives. Given the current state of the world, this seems very relevant and is worthy of deeper reflection about how we can facilitate this.
The shadow side of Sagittarius can also be activated so beware of any tendency to excess, arrogance and inflation.
Jupiter squaring Saturn suggests a push – pull energy fluctuating between confidence and caution, impulsiveness and fear of the consequences. Jupiter opposing the Sun may incline us to be more impulsive than usual but Saturn sitting at the apex of the T-square, creates a more serious, perhaps depressive energy. Try to moderate impulsive urges, aim for cautious optimism and find ways to keep your Inner Critic in check.
Mercury Retrograde Update
Mercury stationed retrograde on November 26 and will station direct on December 16 after beginning its new cycle at the inferior conjunction of the Sun and Mercury on December 6. Mercury remains in the retrograde loop until it clears the degrees it has retrograded over by January 3.
As the new cycle begins in Sagittarius on December 6, it intensifies the challenge to re-view and re-evaluate all things connected with this archetype, especially our need for freedom, expansion and adventure. It may be a time when we feel the need to travel, study or see things from another perspective.
We may also be challenged to review:
Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs.
December 15 Full Moon 23 Gemini 53 Taurus The full Moon on November 27 falls at 23 degrees and 53 minutes of Gemini and is conjunct Jupiter and square to Neptune. The Gemini Full Moon always highlights the Gemini / Sagittarius polarity, putting the spotlight on communication, speaking our truth, sibling relationships, learning and the power of our mind. It is often a curious and sociable full moon, but it reminds us to ‘get the facts’ before we venture our opinions, especially with Jupiter conjunct the Moon and Neptune sitting at the apex of a t-square to the Sun and Moon.
The shadow side of Sagittarius can also be activated so beware of any tendency to excess, arrogance and inflation.
Jupiter squaring Saturn suggests a push – pull energy fluctuating between confidence and caution, impulsiveness and fear of the consequences. Jupiter opposing the Sun may incline us to be more impulsive than usual but Saturn sitting at the apex of the T-square, creates a more serious, perhaps depressive energy. Try to moderate impulsive urges, aim for cautious optimism and find ways to keep your Inner Critic in check.
Mercury Retrograde Update
Mercury stationed retrograde on November 26 and will station direct on December 16 after beginning its new cycle at the inferior conjunction of the Sun and Mercury on December 6. Mercury remains in the retrograde loop until it clears the degrees it has retrograded over by January 3.
As the new cycle begins in Sagittarius on December 6, it intensifies the challenge to re-view and re-evaluate all things connected with this archetype, especially our need for freedom, expansion and adventure. It may be a time when we feel the need to travel, study or see things from another perspective.
We may also be challenged to review:
- the affairs of the house where the retrograde action takes place in your horoscope [6 to 22 Sagittarius].
- Any planets any points that fall between these degrees of mutable signs, especially those close to the Inferior Conjunction degree of around 14 Sagittarius on December 6.
Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs.
December 15 Full Moon 23 Gemini 53 Taurus The full Moon on November 27 falls at 23 degrees and 53 minutes of Gemini and is conjunct Jupiter and square to Neptune. The Gemini Full Moon always highlights the Gemini / Sagittarius polarity, putting the spotlight on communication, speaking our truth, sibling relationships, learning and the power of our mind. It is often a curious and sociable full moon, but it reminds us to ‘get the facts’ before we venture our opinions, especially with Jupiter conjunct the Moon and Neptune sitting at the apex of a t-square to the Sun and Moon.
The square to Neptune suggests it may be challenging to see what is really going on at the moment. There is plenty of potential for anxiety and [self] deception if you try to force any situation so be prepared to wait. Neptune always challenges us to surrender to feeling and listen to our intuition. If you can allow yourself not to ‘know’ the answer immediately and re-frame anxiety as part of the creative process, then the outcome can be both constructive and illuminating.
Whenever Neptune is activated, I feel called to remind you that Neptune is associated with Divine Love. Neptune activations always challenge us to view life from a heart centered perspective, with compassion for ourselves and others. Can you surrender to your heart and allow it to communicate with you during this time?
Mars Stations Retrograde on December 7
More next month when Mars reaches the key point in its retrograde cycle on January 16.
Mars stations retrograde on December 7 [AEDT] at close to 6 degrees of Leo and will remain retrograde until February 24 when He turns direct at close to 17 Cancer.
Here are the key dates and degrees for the cycle:
Whenever Neptune is activated, I feel called to remind you that Neptune is associated with Divine Love. Neptune activations always challenge us to view life from a heart centered perspective, with compassion for ourselves and others. Can you surrender to your heart and allow it to communicate with you during this time?
Mars Stations Retrograde on December 7
More next month when Mars reaches the key point in its retrograde cycle on January 16.
Mars stations retrograde on December 7 [AEDT] at close to 6 degrees of Leo and will remain retrograde until February 24 when He turns direct at close to 17 Cancer.
Here are the key dates and degrees for the cycle:
- Mars enters the retrograde loop around October 4 at close to 17 Cancer
- Mars stations retrograde on December 7 at close to 6 Leo, opposition Pluto
- Mars opposite the Sun on January 16 at close to 26 Cancer
- Mars stations direct at close to 17 Cancer on February 24, 2025.
- Mars leaves the retrograde loop when it reaches 6 Leo on May 12
e know Mars as the Roman God of War and in astrology he symbolizes the action principle and our inner warrior. Normally Mars moves fairly fast through each sign of the zodiac [around two months per sign], but when he prepares to move retrograde his movement slows, and he spends several months in one sign and often one house in the personal horoscope. This can sometimes lead to a time of frustration and delays as we are asked to review our actions, goals and way of operating.
Whenever Mars goes retrograde, we can become conscious of habitual actions, reactions and responses. We are challenged to reflect on how we go about getting what we want … especially in the house where Mars is retrograding in our personal birth-chart and in relation to any planets it may aspect at this time.
Note that the area of your chart [house or houses] where 6 Leo to 17 degrees of Cancer is located as this may be where you will personally experience the retrograde energy. Any planets located in this band of the last 13 degrees of mutable signs and the first 6 degrees of fixed signs will receive three exact challenging ‘hits’ from Mars, instead of the usual one hit.
As Mars will reach the midpoint of His cycle and come closest to the Earth on January 16 at 26 Cancer, issues regarding how we relate to this archetype, especially in the house[s] where this is occurring, suggesting it may be a time to re-evaluate:
As Mars appears to move retrograde when it is at its closest to Earth, this proximity can release repressed anger, especially at the exact opposition to the Sun, which this cycle is January 16, 2025. Please take note of this date.
The potential for power struggles is also strong as Mars will oppose Pluto 3 times during this time frame. Repressed trauma and fear may emerge along with long held grievances around these dates:
Remember, this is an opportunity to become conscious of our patterns in these areas and TO CONSCIOUSLY ACT DIFFERENTLY, not just react to circumstances.
If we find ourselves angry, we may realize that we have the choice whether to
Beware that if we repress our anger we may fall into depression, so try to find ways to stay connected to your feelings. Our feelings are always a guidance system from our soul, so any anger /depression needs attention and space to communicate its deeper roots to our conscious self.
Used productively this is a time to
…and reflect of whether there is a MORE EFFECTIVE way of doing it!
In short it is an INVITATION TO BECOME CONSCIOUS of how you are using your energy as well as your assertive & aggressive impulses in a specific area of your life and to decide if you want to continue this pattern. The possibility exists for CHANGE and the BREAKING OF HABITUAL PATTERNS OF ACTION AND REACTION.
Whenever Mars goes retrograde, we can become conscious of habitual actions, reactions and responses. We are challenged to reflect on how we go about getting what we want … especially in the house where Mars is retrograding in our personal birth-chart and in relation to any planets it may aspect at this time.
Note that the area of your chart [house or houses] where 6 Leo to 17 degrees of Cancer is located as this may be where you will personally experience the retrograde energy. Any planets located in this band of the last 13 degrees of mutable signs and the first 6 degrees of fixed signs will receive three exact challenging ‘hits’ from Mars, instead of the usual one hit.
As Mars will reach the midpoint of His cycle and come closest to the Earth on January 16 at 26 Cancer, issues regarding how we relate to this archetype, especially in the house[s] where this is occurring, suggesting it may be a time to re-evaluate:
- Family [dynamics] – Do I need clearer boundaries?
- Belonging and Emotional security - how can I find ways to feel more secure?
- Letting go – who or what am I reluctant to let go?
As Mars appears to move retrograde when it is at its closest to Earth, this proximity can release repressed anger, especially at the exact opposition to the Sun, which this cycle is January 16, 2025. Please take note of this date.
The potential for power struggles is also strong as Mars will oppose Pluto 3 times during this time frame. Repressed trauma and fear may emerge along with long held grievances around these dates:
- November 3
- January 3 [retrograde]
- April 27
Remember, this is an opportunity to become conscious of our patterns in these areas and TO CONSCIOUSLY ACT DIFFERENTLY, not just react to circumstances.
If we find ourselves angry, we may realize that we have the choice whether to
- Blame others, hold onto our anger and resist self-reflection …or
- Look within to see what our Higher Self is trying to bring to awareness and gain clarity, perspective and objectivity that can lead to lasting change.
Beware that if we repress our anger we may fall into depression, so try to find ways to stay connected to your feelings. Our feelings are always a guidance system from our soul, so any anger /depression needs attention and space to communicate its deeper roots to our conscious self.
Used productively this is a time to
- slow down and back off
- rethink strategies [especially if there are obstacles]
- reflect on WHAT you are doing
- reflect on WHY you are doing it
- reflect on HOW you are doing it
…and reflect of whether there is a MORE EFFECTIVE way of doing it!
In short it is an INVITATION TO BECOME CONSCIOUS of how you are using your energy as well as your assertive & aggressive impulses in a specific area of your life and to decide if you want to continue this pattern. The possibility exists for CHANGE and the BREAKING OF HABITUAL PATTERNS OF ACTION AND REACTION.
May the Goddess & God Bless You All
Christine
🙏🏼
www.christine-rothwell.com
[email protected]
2025 Astrology Classes
Beginners through to Advanced Classes
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. Her classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
All classes are now available by Distance Education: you can start anytime and work at your own pace.
First Year/ Beginners’
First year focuses on learning how to read / delineate a horoscope and covers the elements, signs, planets, houses, aspects etc.
Second Year / Intermediate
7pm Thursdays beginning February 15
Classes as usual …focuses on additional points and themes in the horoscope [ lunation cycle, asteroids, Eris, Medical Astrology, Career] and Dynamic [predictive] Techniques: Transits & Progressions.
Advanced Group
Thursday evenings, beginning in February 2025
The Advanced Classes give you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives, plus the opportunity to develop your delineation skills.
Please email for a brochure.
[email protected]
Or visit
www.christinerothwell.com
For more information
Consultations
are now on Zoom and are recorded so the sound file link can be sent to you via email.
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION
explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced to realize this potential.
Also available as an…
In-depth Consultation Two hours to explore both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead. Includes 2 or 4 supplementary e-booklets.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead
Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child: A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials, and challenges.
Christine
🙏🏼
www.christine-rothwell.com
[email protected]
2025 Astrology Classes
Beginners through to Advanced Classes
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. Her classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
All classes are now available by Distance Education: you can start anytime and work at your own pace.
First Year/ Beginners’
First year focuses on learning how to read / delineate a horoscope and covers the elements, signs, planets, houses, aspects etc.
Second Year / Intermediate
7pm Thursdays beginning February 15
Classes as usual …focuses on additional points and themes in the horoscope [ lunation cycle, asteroids, Eris, Medical Astrology, Career] and Dynamic [predictive] Techniques: Transits & Progressions.
Advanced Group
Thursday evenings, beginning in February 2025
The Advanced Classes give you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives, plus the opportunity to develop your delineation skills.
Please email for a brochure.
[email protected]
Or visit
www.christinerothwell.com
For more information
Consultations
are now on Zoom and are recorded so the sound file link can be sent to you via email.
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION
explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced to realize this potential.
Also available as an…
In-depth Consultation Two hours to explore both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead. Includes 2 or 4 supplementary e-booklets.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead
Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child: A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials, and challenges.