Calendar Page
Special Days and Aspects for December 2003
Welcome to December! Click on a date in the calendar to see the current aspects and events for that day.
December 1, 2003
Have a great day! ’ “ ”
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December 2, 2003
Mercury at 29 degrees Sagittarius sextile Uranus in Aquarius
Mercury sextile Uranus in his home turf of Aquarius means that today most of us can know what
it feels like to be a Mensa. Knowledge comes to you in flashes, complex problems are solved
intuitively in the blink of an eye!
Mercury enters Capricorn
Mercury leaves Sagittarius, the sign of its fall, and enters Capricorn, where it will take
on a much more serious, restrained and disciplined mode of expression. The bluntness that
characterizes Mercury in Sagittarius is now made more suave, more refined, though not any
less direct.
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December 3, 2003
Happy Birthday to Firesong!
Happy Birthday to YIVY! |
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Sun at 10 degrees Sagittarius sextile Neptune in Aquarius
Floating, drifting, dreaming. Today your physical energy ebbs out, while psychic forces
drift in. Neptune’s elusive brand of spiritual energy can frustrate the Sun, who prefers
to deal with the concrete. The trick with the sextile is to make it work for you — plan to
meditate, journal or play with a Zen garden, and let Neptune’s peaceful waves envelope you.
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December 4, 2003
Have a great day!
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December 5, 2003
Have a great day!
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December 6, 2003
Venus at 11 degrees Capricorn opposite retrograde Saturn in Cancer
Let’s be straight here — this one is nobody’s favorite aspect! And
while we’re being blunt, this particular version of Venus opposite Saturn is
made even more tense by Saturn’s retrograde motion and the way Venus always
seems to squirm a bit under his watchful eye. The good news is that nothing
downright dangerous is likely to happen under this influence. The bad news is
that you’re likely to feel torn in some way today. Desire is pitted against
duty. Best to go with duty — you know how Saturn is when he doesn’t get his
way!
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December 7, 2003
Happy Birthday to Purpleflame!
Happy Birthday to ignoramus! |
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Second Sunday of Advent: The Christian time of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ continues. Those marking the season with advent wreaths light two of the four candles on the wreath this week.
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December 8, 2003
Moon Phase
Full Moon in Gemini, 20:37 Universal Time.
Bodhi Day: Buddhist celebration of Prince Guatama’s vow to remain under the Bodhi tree until he attained enlightenment.
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Catholic devotion on the the mother of Jesus being born free from original sin, and preserved from it all her life.
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December 9, 2003
Happy Birthday to Lindy! |
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December 10, 2003
Sun at 17 degrees Sagittarius square Jupiter in Virgo
The Sun is having a blast in jolly ol’ Sagittarius, and Jupiter is always up for a good time.
Even a square aspect between these two chums is nothing to worry about, unless you’re
watching your waistline or your bank balance! Enjoy the carefree feelings of bounty
and abundance today.
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December 11, 2003
Venus at 18 degrees Capricorn trine Jupiter in Virgo
Encore! Encore! More uplifting and exuberant energy is on-hand today as Venus
trines Jupiter, typically one of the most bountiful, lucky and pleasant
planetary combinations. This is a day where anyone would be hard-pressed to
feel less than content. Even those in the most negative situations will find a
glimmer of hope and a sense of peace today.
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December 12, 2003
Sun at 19 degrees Sagittarius conjunct Pluto
One of the more intense aspects of the month, the Sun conjunct Pluto conjures
up experiences that seek to take you to a deeper level of being. With both
planets in the sign of the Archer, it is likely that any crises today will have
to do with bringing the truth to light, a favorite pastime of the Archer, and
one for which Pluto is especially well-equipped.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Celebration honoring the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531.
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December 13, 2003
Happy Birthday to Chris29! |
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Mercury at 11 degrees Capricorn opposite retrograde Saturn in Cancer
Mercury faces up to Saturn and some stern thinking ensues,
bringing a sober ending to the giddy energy of mid-week. Feelings of isolation
and loneliness are common under this influence. “Who Am I?” tends to be the
question posed by Mercury here, and Saturn isn’t one to pull punches. It can be
rough going, making these sorts of internal inventories, but it’s a good day to
engage in this dialogue. Be prepared to revisit these thoughts later this month
when again Mercury makes this aspect Saturn but in retrograde motion.
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December 14, 2003
Third Sunday of Advent: The Christian time of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ continues. Those marking the season with advent wreaths light the third, rose-colored, candle on the wreath this week in addition to the two purple ones they have lit in previous weeks.
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December 15, 2003
Have a great day!
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December 16, 2003
Happy Birthday to Galidriel! |
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Moon Phase
Last-quarter Moon in Virgo, 17:42 Universal Time.
Mars enters Aries
Hold on to your hats, folks, Mars is BACK! After months of being
dragged through the watery realm of Pisces, Mars finally gets a chance to
remind us of what he is really all about. His fires rekindled, Mars in Aries is
proud, courageous, impulsive and full of vibrant energy. Fueled by a primal
creative force, Mars here is all about initiating action. Tapping into this
energy unleashes strong sexual desires and a burning need to get things done. Tapping
too deeply, however, can get you tangled into conflicts, with confidence
quickly turning to arrogance and quiet strength morphing into aggression.
Los Posadas: A traditional Latino celebration re-enacting the search by Joseph for a room at an inn for Mary to give birth to Jesus.
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December 17, 2003
Mercury goes retrograde at 12 degrees Capricorn
Batten down the proverbial hatches … and then double- and triple-check
that you’ve done it right! When Mercury, the planet that rules the exchange of ideas,
goes retrograde, all types of communication go haywire. Important documents are often
lost in the mail, internet services slow and even shut down, computers crash
unexpectedly, and many minor and petty arguments and misunderstandings arise from
people’s sudden inability to remember important facts or express themselves with
any real clarity. Mercury retrogrades can be stressful times to the uninitiated,
but their effects are usually short-lived, and most of its snarls can be unraveled
easily once Mercury begins its forward motion again on January 6.
Wright Brothers Day: The first humans to fly in a heavier-than-air machine they controlled made their first flight this day in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903.
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December 18, 2003
Have a great day!
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December 19, 2003
Have a great day!
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December 20, 2003
Hanukkah (Chanukah): The Jewish Festival of Lights commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, after it was desecrated by foreign forces. The holiday begins December 20 and continues through December 27.
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December 21, 2003
Venus enters Aquarius
The quiet practicality of Venus in Capricorn is exchanged today
for the novel and unconventional way that love is expressed through Venus in
Aquarius. People in long-term relationships might find a new twist to liven up
a romance in hiatus. Creatively, expect a time of original ideas and an
opportunity to express them in new and inventive ways.
Sun at 29 degrees Sagittarius sextile Uranus in Aquarius
This is the last major aspect to Uranus before he takes a seven-year
trip into Pisces, and it’s a good one! The last-degree Sagittarian Sun was
looking for some last-minute fun before moving into staid Capricorn. Uranus
grants his wish with bolts of inspired lightning. Conversation at any Christmas
parties today is likely to be quirky and offbeat. Intuition runs high;
inhibitions are at an all-time low.
Fourth Sunday of Advent: The Christian time of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ continues. Those marking the season with advent wreaths light all four candles on the wreath this week.
Yule: At root, an ancient Norse celebration of the rebirth of the Sun at the winter solstice, today Yule continues both as an observance along those lines and as a Christian celebration of the dawning of the light of Christ.
Hanukkah continues: The Jewish Festival of Lights began December 20 and continues through December 27.
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December 22, 2003
Winter Solstice, 7:04 Universal Time
Retrograde Mercury at 10 degrees Capricorn opposite retrograde Saturn in Cancer
I warned you about this one, didn’t I? A mind already hung-over by
yesterday’s strong shocks of Uranian lightning is suddenly forced to re-visit
broody feelings of depression and despair as Mercury, now retrograde, repeats
this aspect to Saturn. Don’t expect to find any answers to your existential
questioning either, as Mercury is in a bit of a dither himself at the moment. Try
not to take any strongly negative feelings too seriously. This aspect will
occur once more in January, and you’ll find it easier then.
Sun enters Capricorn
The restless need to achieve something of value, strength of will,
honesty and focus are what characterize the Sun’s time in Capricorn. This
earthy and pragmatic sign, ruled by Saturn, is often given a bad rap for being
stern and unyielding. Use the energy of the Sun in Capricorn wisely and you’ll
have a productive month filled with accomplishments you are proud of, along
with the determination to keep all your New Year’s resolutions. Achieve to your
highest ability, stay focused and strong on your own path, and then you tell me
— is Capricorn really so stern and unyielding, or are his high expectations the
gifts bestowed by his ruling planet, and useful traits for all of us to
embrace?
Hanukkah continues: The Jewish Festival of Lights began December 20 and continues through December 27.
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December 23, 2003
Moon Phase
New Moon in Capricorn, 9:43 Universal Time.
Hanukkah continues: The Jewish Festival of Lights began December 20 and continues through December 27.
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December 24, 2003
Christmas Eve: A Christian evening of vigil, awaiting the coming of the Lord commemorated at Christmas. Many churches hold services at midnight.
Hanukkah continues: The Jewish Festival of Lights began December 20 and continues through December 27.
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December 25, 2003
Happy Birthday to Triple Cardinal!
Happy Birthday to lightwave!
Happy Birthday to Tish! |
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Venus at 5 degrees Aquarius sextile Mars in Aries
This is a lovely aspect for Christmas. The need to relate to others is balanced with
self-assertion in a transit that creates a fun-loving energy of attraction and lends
warmth and ease to love relationships and friendships.
Christmas: The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the most joyously celebrated holiday in Christianity, is traditionally a day when churches are packed, gifts are exchanged and families gather for merry festivities.
Hanukkah continues: The Jewish Festival of Lights began December 20 and continues through December 27.
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December 26, 2003
Retrograde Mercury at 5 degrees Capricorn square Mars in Aries
Irritable, touchy and defensive energies are apt to color communications under this transit,
but with the Venus sextile to Mars, exact on December 25, still lending its glow, it will be
possible to laugh off or ignore the friction caused by retrograde Mercury squaring Mars.
Kwanzaa: An African-American holiday in honor of seven virtues and also celebrating family, community and culture. Kwanzaa was invented in 1965 by Maulana Karenga, a professor who currently chairs the Department of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach. The seven virtues are Umoja (Unity), Kuji-chagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Kwanzaa continues until January 1.
Death of Prophet Zarathustra: Zoroastrian commemoration.
St. Stephen Day: The Feast of Stephen, made famous in the Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas, honors a first-century Christian martyr.
Hanukkah continues: The Jewish Festival of Lights began December 20 and continues through December 27.
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December 27, 2003
Sun at 4 degrees Capricorn conjunct retrograde Mercury
The spotlight of the Sun now triggers the interesting mix of energy that is affecting Mercury, the planet of
thought and communication. Communication could be lively, and the astute will use this transit to watch,
listen and learn, while taking care not to blab indiscriminately and set off, in a highlighted way, some of
the touchier facets of Mercury’s rather besieged position.
Hanukkah ends: The Jewish Festival of Lights began December 20 and ends tonight.
Kwanzaa continues: The African-American cultural celebration began December 26 and continues until January 1.
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December 28, 2003
Happy Birthday to lilicfairy! |
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Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: Celebration of family love, celebrated the Sunday after Christmas.
Kwanzaa continues: The African-American cultural celebration began December 26 and continues until January 1.
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December 29, 2003
Kwanzaa continues: The African-American cultural celebration began December 26 and continues until January 1.
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December 30, 2003
Moon Phase
First-quarter Moon in Aries, 10:03 Universal Time.
Sun at 8 degrees Capricorn square Mars in Aries
A powerhouse of planetary energy is unleashed today, beginning
with this, the strongest of today’s five aspects. Formidable forces are
unleashed when the Sun and Mars collide. Watch out for conflicts with authority
figures today. You may feel unduly aggressive, and whether your position is
right or not, you are likely to attract the same sort of aggressive energy that
you are putting out. This is a great transit to work through on a physical
level; hard work and demanding exercise release the aggressive tensions that
can build up today in a positive fashion.
Uranus enters Pisces
Revolutionary, bohemian, intuitive Uranus begins a new seven-year
cycle today in sensitive, spiritual, sympathetic Pisces. This combination of
energy was last felt roughly 84 years ago, in the 1920’s, and heralded many
innovations in terms of film, fashion and dance. We did, however, get a small
foretaste of it earlier this year, March 10-September 14, when Uranus dipped a toe in the Piscean waters
and then retreated to his home base of Aquarius. Now he’s diving in for the
long haul. What can we expect from this new cycle unfolding? Cliché as it may
be, with Uranus the only thing we can expect is the unexpected.
Venus at 11 degrees Aquarius conjunct Neptune
Sandwiched in and among some difficult and confusing aspects is
this lovely conjunction of Venus and Neptune. A chance to avoid the egotistical
melodrama of the Sun and Mars square, this transit promotes feelings of
selfless devotion and compassionate, spiritual love. One possible side effect
is the tendency to sink into deceptive daydreams, and at worst, to envision
something that won’t hold up to the test of time. Disappointment in love is a
common result of this transit, so enjoy the good feelings today, but avoid
making any long-term commitments under this influence.
Retrograde Mercury at 0 degrees Capricorn sextile Uranus in Pisces
The month winds down with the same transit that started it, but
with one key difference. This sextile of Mercury and Uranus occurs in the earth
and water matrix. Intuition runs high, curiosity abounds and interesting people
and events are likely to come into your life in some fashion today.
Retrograde Mercury re-enters Sagittarius
Appearing to move backwards though the signs, retrograde Mercury
re-enters Sagittarius for a brief visit. Inquisitive Mercury always has a blast
when he hangs out with the philosophical Archer and at first glance this
appears to be an excellent exchange of energy. But there’s a reason why Mercury
is actually in its fall here, as he can exacerbate Sagittarius’ famed bluntness
and turn Jupiter’s normally high-minded influence into nothing short of endless
dogmatic tirades.
Kwanzaa continues: The African-American cultural celebration began December 26 and continues until January 1.
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December 31, 2003
Happy Birthday to Silk_route! |
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Sun at 9 degrees Capricorn opposite retrograde Saturn in Cancer
Another low point in a month of aspects that have had us on more
roller coaster rides than a visit to Six-Flags! Feelings of alienation and
loneliness are common during this transit as Saturn dampens both your physical
and emotional energy almost to the point of depression. Although it may be the
last thing you feel like doing, making the effort to be with close friends and
loved ones today may be the panacea you’re looking for. The company of people
who truly know you will remind you of who you really are, and give you answers
to Saturn’s probing queries.
New Year’s Eve: Ring out the old and bring on the new. Best wishes for a great 2004!
Kwanzaa continues: The African-American cultural celebration began December 26 and continues until January 1.
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Astrology by Terri Smallwood
Holidays compiled by Maria Barron, Anindita Basu and Sucheta Shetty
Birthday graphics by Maria Barron for Metamorphosis
For an astrological look at the month as a whole,
please see December Star Watch in this issue. | 
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