December 2024 Vedic Astrology Forecast
Uplifting energy and good fortune as we enter the final month of the year!
Hi, I'm Juliana, a full-time Vedic astrologer. Subscribe for free to receive my monthly astrology forecasts and calendars. Upgrade to a paid subscription to receive all of my articles, including personalized astrology guides, my Pluto return video presentation, and more!
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Welcome to December! Personally, I am very happy to leave November behind and begin a new month. The cosmic conditions in November were very challenging, and I know that it was a difficult time for many of us. Fortunately, December should be more positive, with several transits and planetary events bringing us seasonal cheer as the year draws to a close.
Let's look at what's in store during the final month of 2024:
December 1: New Moon in Scorpio Conjunct Antares - Igniting the Heart of the Scorpion
The New Moon will occur on December 1 at 1:21 AM EST/6:21 AM UTC. This will occur on November 30 in western parts of North America.
The New Moon will occur at 15 degrees and 20 minutes of Scorpio within a degree of conjunction with the fixed star Antares. The name Antares means “the Rival of Mars.” This star acts like the warrior planet Mars. It is located in the Heart of the Scorpion which is ruled by Mars.
The New Moon occurring in conjunction with Antares can suggest the potential for political upheaval or violent events in the world. It can also indicate tremendous passion and purpose, which can be used in service to both higher and lower forces.
In its higher expression, Antares is the abode of Archangel Uriel, who is the regent of the Sun and significator of divine light and wisdom. During this New Moon, we can call upon Uriel for enlightenment, strength, compassion, harmony, and peace.
December 2 to 28: Venus in Capricorn - A Focus on Stability and Practical Details
Venus is the preeminent evening star now, shining brightly in the southwest sky after sunset. It will transit in Capricorn from December 2 to 28. Venus is in the sign of a friend (Saturn) here. This suggests a focus on stability and practical details, and a more serious tone to monetary, relationship, or professional matters. Venus in Capricorn will conjoin Pluto and oppose Mars. This means that some may experience hyperemotionality, disagreements, or financial concerns.
December 6, 2024 to February 23, 2025: Mars Retrograde - Rebooting and Regenerating the Fire Element
Mars will station retrograde at 12 degrees of Cancer on December 6, 2024, and will station direct at 23 degrees of Gemini on February 23, 2025. Please check out my previous articles about The Extended Transit of Mars in Gemini and The Extended Transit of Mars in Cancer.
Mars is retrograde for several months every few years. The last time it retrograded was from late October 2022 until mid-January 2023. The day of a Mars retrograde station (or direct station), as well as several days before and after, tends to be the most sensitive time which, in some cases, may be fraught with anxiety, tension, contention, or violence.
The energy may feel heavy, stressful, and dark in the days around the Mars retrograde station, especially as Mars is the dispositor of retrograde Mercury in Scorpio now, and both Mars and Mercury are transiting in the sarpa drekkanas (Scorpio 0-20 degrees, and Cancer 10-30 degrees). According to Vedic astrology, these areas when afflicted can have a negative toxic quality or be related to mental and physical health issues.
It’s an important time to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace during the Mars retrograde cycle, and especially in the days around the retrograde station. We should remember that we are in the driver’s seat, and that we create much of our reality through our thoughts and actions.
Though some may experience interpersonal, familial, or professional conflicts; erratic energy flow; health concerns; financial worries; or safety issues, the effect depends on how and where the transiting position of Mars falls in an individual horoscope. I wrote another article about this titled How the Mars Transit in Cancer Could Change Your Life.
On a positive level, Mars transiting retrograde offers a change of pace and an opportunity to reboot and revitalize our innate fire energy by recommitting to our best health practices and deepening our focus on spirituality and inner healing. The benefits of this will be enhanced creativity, self-worth, vitality, stamina, will power, and a sense of higher purpose.
December 7: Neptune Stations Direct - Upheaval and Some New Information Forthcoming
Neptune has been transiting retrograde since July 2. It will station direct on December 7 at around three degrees of Pisces. If you have important natal planets or chart points in aspect to this area of the zodiac, you may experience a new wave of clarity, release, or forward momentum in the first few weeks of December.
This area in which Neptune is stationing lies within the tempestuous Purvabhadrapada nakshatra, where Neptune has been transiting since 2017. Here it has been activating a great deal of intense karma clearing. Neptune will finally move out of this challenging nakshatra in mid-January 2025.
The days around planetary stations are often sensitive times when the earth and its inhabitants go through some rumblings and difficulties. As Neptune turns direct, some new and important information may also come out. Since this information may be contrary to your current views or beliefs, you should get ready to learn something new in this time period.
December 7: Sun-Jupiter Opposition - Bright Blessings!
The annual opposition of the Sun and Jupiter will occur on December 7 with the Sun at 22 degrees of Scorpio and retrograde Jupiter at 22 degrees of Taurus. This aspect will be within an effective orb of influence from December 2 to 11.
Jupiter will be very bright in the eastern sky from sunset to dawn during this time. This transit is similar to the concept of a Full Moon (when the Sun and Moon are in opposition), only in this case, it’s a “Full Jupiter.” This event can activate a sense of hope, confidence, success, or good fortune.
When in its lowest expression, the Sun-Jupiter opposition can trigger envy, feeling left out, fear of missing out, negligence, health upsets, extravagant behavior, grandiose schemes, or misunderstandings in contractual matters. This is especially true as the Sun here is in Jyestha nakshatra, and Jupiter in Rohini, and the natural relationship between these two nakshatras is one of conflict over desire or authority.
December 14: Uranus Transits Back Into Aries - Bizarre and Dramatic Global Phenomena and Occurrences
Retrograde Uranus will transit back from Taurus into Aries from December 14, 2024. It will remain retrograde until January 30, 2025, and will remain in Aries until March 19, 2025. Please refer back to my previous article about this transit.
From May 2024 to May 2025, Uranus is transiting in the narrow cusp between Aries and Taurus, an area of the zodiac which comprises the sharp and fiery Krittika nakshatra. This asterism is ruled by Shiva’s son, the great warrior Kartikeya, who incarnated to save the world from evil.
The edge between Aries and Taurus also contains two intense and transformative fixed stars, Capulus and Algol. Uranus transiting here indicates bizarre and dramatic global phenomena and incidents, radical social and political changes, aviation accidents, UAP occurrences, seismic and meteorological events, militarism, major endings, and brand new beginnings.
The lower expression of this extended Uranus transit reflects a huge overall sense of agitation and instability, which can be associated with aggression, financial woes, employment problems, mental health and substance abuse crises, and relationship conflicts. Yet, there is also a higher expression of Uranus transiting here, which can manifest as increased will power, strength, stamina, and a thirst for adventure.
December 15: Full Moon in Taurus - Optimism and Joy Abound
The Full Moon will occur on December 15 at 4:02 AM EST (9:02 AM UTC). It will occur at 29 degrees and 40 minutes of Taurus in the benevolent, beautiful, and optimistic Mrigashira nakshatra. The Moon will conjoin Jupiter, as well, which is generally a lovely, helpful, and joyful combination.
In the Vedic tradition, the day before the Mrigashira Full Moon in the Margashirsha lunar month is called Margashirsha Purnima Vrat. This year, it will occur on Saturday, December 14. Mrigashira nakshatra is ruled by the Moon God who is known as Chandra or Soma. Therefore, devotees traditionally worship the Moon God at this time.
The Mrigashira Full Moon radiates an abundance of soma, the subtle rejuvenating nectar-like lunar substance known also as amrita. It is therefore advised to take a sacred Moon bath at this time. To do this, simply meditate on the Moon (sit out under it if you can), and direct the amrita that is flowing like a waterfall from the Moon, down into your third eye center (ajna chakra), and then let it cascade further down from there into your heart center. Drink deeply and fill your whole being to the brim with this heavenly lunar energy. It will bless you body, mind, and soul.
The best time for Full Moon rituals will be during the night of the December 14 leading into the early morning of December 15. Traditionally the Purnima tithi (December 14 this year) is also a fasting day, as well as a day for taking holy baths in sacred waters. Some devotees will perform a special worship of Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, or Lord Dattatreya.
We have a very rare condition that began with the Full Moon in November 2024 and will continue until the April 2025 Full Moon. During this time, each of these Full Moons will occur at the 29th degree in their respective signs.
The 29th degree is a critical degree of fate and expiation. It is called anaretic, which means something that destroys form, suggesting crisis, turbulence, and transformation.
The placement of all these Full Moons recurring in the 29th degree suggests intense changes afoot, with many old aspects of life coming to a close in order for new developments to arise and take hold.
December 15, 2024 to January 13, 2025: The Sun in Sagittarius - Grace and Wisdom Abound
On December 15 at 11:41 AM EST (4:41 PM UTC), the Sun will begin its month-long transit in Sagittarius.
From December 14 to 16, the Sun will transit through the gandanta, the one-degree rashi sandhi (sign cusp) on either side of Scorpio and Sagittarius. This is one of the most intense, emotionally sensitive, and transformational areas of the whole zodiac, where the element of water merges into the element of fire. As the Sun transits here, we need to be especially mindful of our surroundings, our thoughts, our intentions, and our actions.
Generally, we may start to experience more inner peace and positivity once the Sun moves past the gandanta and into Sagittarius, which is ruled by the Sun's great friend Jupiter. Jupiter is the expansive planet of grace, wisdom, abundance, and generosity. The Sun comes into Jupiter's sign just in time for a joyful holiday celebration.
At the same time, all of nature is spiraling inward now as we move toward the winter solstice. This is the darkest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, which will occur on December 21. Once we pass the still-point period that spans three days after the solstice, the light will be reborn, and the days will slowly begin to grow longer.
Until then, we may feel more tired than usual. This means that it’s extra-important to get enough rest in these darkening days, and focus on releasing the old to make room for the new energies coming in with the rebirth of the Light.
December 15: Mercury Stations Direct - The Divine Messenger Moves Forward
Mercury stationed retrograde at 29 degrees of Scorpio on November 25. It will station direct at twelve degrees of Scorpio on December 15. A few days on either side of the direct station may feel a bit unstable.
The post-retrograde shadow of Mercury retrograde will occur from December 15, 2024 to January 2, 2025. This is typically a period of adjustment to any events, revelations, and changes that may have occurred in our lives since early November, and especially during the Mercury retrograde period.
December 17 to 22: The Sun Transits the Galactic Center - Time to Recharge
From December 17 to 22, the Sun will transit in conjunction with the Galactic Center of the Milky Way Galaxy, which occupies an area extending from about two to seven longitudinal degrees of Sagittarius.
The Galactic Center is the rotational center of the Milky Way Galaxy. Known in the Vedic tradition as Vishnunabhi, the Navel of Lord Vishnu, it is the source of cosmic light and creative power for the whole Milky Way Galaxy including the solar system in which we live. Our Sun, the light of our world, is recharged and rejuvenated through an “energetic upgrade” when it transits here, just in time for the New Year ahead.
During the Sun’s transit in the Galactic Center, it will be a good time to research topics of interest, to release and let go of anything that has lost its value in your life, or to begin a new health and healing regime, start a new exercise program, do contemplative practices, self-hypnosis, guided healing meditation, or past-life regression.
We have the potential to be rejuvenated during this time if we are tuning in to the potent vibrations emanating from the Galactic Center. The way to do this is to immerse yourself in deep meditation. Being in nature is also very helpful now, as it helps us to connect with and ground into the earth energy through the root chakra.
December 21: The Solstice - Seasonal Blessings!
In the northern hemisphere, the Winter Solstice will occur on December 21 at 4:21 AM EST (9:21 AM UTC). In the southern hemisphere, this will be the Summer Solstice.
According to Vedic astrology, nothing of material import should be initiated during the three days before and three days after a solstice. This would include things like starting a new business, getting engaged or married, or moving to a new home. The days around the solstice are a very mystical time when we should take time out to spend time in nature, to enjoy spiritual contemplation, and for celebration with our loved ones.
Please stay tuned as I will be offering another article about the solstice later on in December!
December 26: Saturn, Mercury, and Jupiter T-Square in Fixed Signs - Take Care to Stay Calm and Relaxed, and Avoid Tense Situations
On December 26, a T-square aspect will be formed by Jupiter transiting at 19 degrees of Taurus, Mercury transiting at 19 degrees of Scorpio, and Saturn transiting at 19 degrees of Aquarius. This aspect will be within an effective orb of influence for several days before and after the exact aspect.
A T-Square is formed when two planets are in opposition (Mercury and Jupiter in this case). Each one of these planets will also form a ninety-degree square aspect with the third planet, in this case Saturn, which is at the apex of the T-square. This particular T-square can indicate communication challenges, personal frustration, rigid and negative thinking, ideological battles, power struggles, errors in judgment, destructive behavior, and enormous tension that may build to a breaking point.
December 26 to 30: Balsamic Moon - Time to Pause, Reflect, Let Go, Heal, and Rest
The Balsamic Moon phase will begin on December 26 when the Moon begins transiting within 45 degrees behind the Sun. The term "balsamic" refers to the healing energy generated in this lunar period. This is the time of the month when we are meant to pause, reflect, let go, and heal. It is an opportune time to clear our energy systems and our physical environments (including clearing clutter).
The Balsamic Moon phase is also quite conducive to meditation. The inner Light is highly accessible now and has the innate power to bring us back to harmony in body, mind, and spirit. This will prepare us for new beginnings that will come around the New Moon on December 30.
December 27: Pluto and Mars in Opposition - A Sense of Instability
Using an effective two-degree orb, transiting Mars and Pluto will be in opposition from December 27, 2024 to January 7, 2025. This is especially significant because transiting Pluto is also in conjunction with natal Pluto in the United States birth chart (read further on about the latter).
Mars and Pluto were also in opposition from October 28 to November 9, but at that time, Mars was not retrograde as it is now (retrograde is stronger and more troublesome for Mars). This means that certain conditions or situations that occurred previously in late October and the first few weeks of November may be repeating in some way.
This combination of Mars in Cancer opposite Pluto in Capricorn can have a violent, warlike, ruthless, or brutal expression. It can also represent upheaval and revolt. This sign axis of Cancer and Capricorn has to do with long-term safety, stability, and security. This axis is being disrupted at its roots by the Pluto transit in Capricorn, in place from 2020-2040.
December 28: Shani Trayodashi - Jai Shani Dev and Om Namah Shivaya!
Shani Trayodashi is a Vedic holy day that occurs when the Trayodashi tithi (the thirteenth day of the lunar month) falls on a Saturday (Saturn’s Day). This is a special day in the Vedic calendar for worshiping Lord Shani (Saturn) through pujas, fasting, mantra practices, ritual offerings, and other such observances. It is said to be a day of peace and prosperity when devotees will be protected from negativity.
Special offerings and prayers are also made to Lord Shiva this day, as Shani is his devotee. The auspicious three-hour period one-and-a-half hours before and after the sunset is the most optimum time for worship of Lord Shiva and Shani on this date.
December 28, 2024 to January 27, 2025: Venus in Aquarius - A Constructive Time
From December 28, 2024 to January 27, 2025, Venus will transit in Aquarius, which is jointly ruled by Venus’ friends Saturn and Rahu. Venus will trine Uranus at its Aquarius ingress, which in some cases can indicate a nice surprise or joyful event.
In its higher expression, Venus in Aquarius is hopeful, futuristic, goal-oriented, innovative, and especially successful when it comes to group endeavors. Venus transiting here can also be constructive in matters related to finances, the arts, love and relationships, inner peace, beauty, and vitality.
December 29: Chiron Stations Direct - Bringing A Sense of Relief to Some
Chiron will station direct at 25 degrees of Pisces on December 29, at 10 AM EST (3 PM UTC), after having been retrograde since July 26. Chiron is classified as a minor planet and a comet. It is located between Saturn and Uranus. Wherever it transits in a natal or mundane astrological chart, Chiron reveals unresolved core wounds and issues that we need to face and transform.
During its retrograde cycle, Chiron certainly brought forth some tough lessons and events, especially for those of us with important natal planets and chart points in the last five degrees of Pisces. Some of these individuals have likely been going through both personal or interpersonal challenges, which may slowly begin to resolve as Chiron moves forward.
Generally, with the transit of Chiron in Pisces, the core wounds to be addressed revolve around the loss of innocence, trust, faith, and security; ideological struggles; economic concerns; chronic disease, mental illness, and substance abuse; and a significant reality check.
In the United States birth chart, Chiron occupies 29 degrees of Pisces and is conjunct the IC (fourth house bhava chart cusp), which represents the underpinnings of the nation and its citizens. For the United States, Chiron Return is in place now until 2026. This cycle symbolizes an intense period of crisis but also offers hope for healing.
December 30, 2024 to April 7, 2025: Mars Out of Bounds - Passion and Innovation
From December 30, 2024 until April 7, 2025, Mars will be traveling in what is known as “out of bounds,” commonly abbreviated OOB. This occurs when a planet transits beyond 23 degrees and 26 minutes either north or south of the celestial equator, which is a measurement known as declination. In the current period, Mars will be traveling OOB in its northern declination, beyond the highest degree position of the Sun at the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere.
Mars OOB adds even more intensity to the Mars retrograde cycle, as the qualities of an OOB planet are highly exaggerated, or we could say, stretched to the limit. Some astrologers have described OOB planets as being “on steroids.” An OOB Mars can manifest with extraordinary passion, originality, independence, energy, and courage. However, in its less positive manifestation, it may manifest in devastating fires, extreme anger, warlike events, accidents, terrorist attacks, criminality, or social unrest.
December 30: United States Pluto Return Activation- Giving Rise to a Social and Economic Revolution
On December 30, Pluto will return to its natal position in the Second House of the United States birth chart. This is the third and final activation of this transit which will continue to reverberate at least through the first quarter of 2025, and possibly beyond. I have discussed this topic at length in a previous article and in a video you can view here.
December 30: New Moon in Sagittarius - Time to Reach for the Stars!
The second New Moon of December will occur on December 30, at 5:27 PM EST (10:27 PM UTC), at 16 degrees of Sagittarius. Because this is the second New Moon of the month, it is called a Black Moon. Having such a Moon suggests that December is a very big month of change!
The New Moon conjoins the “Invincible Star” known as Purva Ashadha nakshatra, which is opportune for contemplative and healing practices and rituals to recharge our life force.
The deepest message of the Sagittarius New Moon is to reach for the stars by bringing our personal will into alignment with the will of the Divine. By attuning our hearts and minds with the truth of our higher nature which exists beyond the illusions of this world, we can attain liberation, and then, "Anything is possible!"
December is a holy month. Maybe it is the dark silky silence that descends so early, that speaks to me of reverence. Maybe it is the promise that December holds–that no matter how dark, how cold, how empty it can get, the light is coming back. Something always shifts in me when December arrives–I embrace the darkness and am eager for the coming solstice when the whole world is still and holds its breath, waiting to be reborn again. December whispers to me of midnight mass, of ancient choirs, of stained glass windows turned into gems by candle light. (Meg Casey)
Thank you for reading my final monthly forecast of 2024! Writing these posts brings me so much joy, and I appreciate all of you who read and support my work. I wish everyone happiness as the year draws to a close, and I hope that the spiritual energy of this month will help you feel renewed and uplifted.
Busy month here! Thank you for this. I am going to revisit this and write down all the transits on my calendar so I can track how they show up - I've learned a ton by doing that. It also helps a lot to be aware of these things -- ideally to avoid the common snags. Thanks again for your work!