DECEMBER 23-24: CAUTIOUSLY GOOD PISCES MOON

MOON ENTERS PISCES at 9:42am EST after a VOID OF COURSE early morning on Saturday, December 23. Moon remains in Pisces until Sunday, December 24 at 9:48pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Sextile Pluto in Capricorn. We're supported now in allowing our compassionate souls to show themselves at this heightened time of the year so that we are available to our families and the world-at-large. While all we may want to do is retreat, 'tis the season to open our hearts and be generous with our Pluto resources. Perhaps we'll have an excellent fish dinner for Christmas Eve with the bounties offered up from the Piscean sea! Our dream-life is likely to be remarkable, so keep a journal close by. With Mercury still stabilizing itself in direct motion, we want to check and double check our communications and travel details, including vehicle preparations. Actions initiated now will tend to have Cautiously Good results. Be respectful of others' boundaries while we spending close time with family. All is One and One is All for Neptune, Pisces ruler, so it knows no limits. The cinema, temple of illusion, is the place of choice for this Moon period...or the sea in good weather.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq45c8eGVoA

PISCES SCENE FOR THE DAY: All is Lost, 2013; Director: J.C. Chandor. Solo actor Redford is master and commander of his vessels small and smaller, in Chandor's (Margin Call) risky survival piece. Using few lines of dialogue, these two artists tell a story which is purely visual... a cineast's dream. Attempting some alone-time on his sailboat Redford's no-name character finds himself in immediate danger when a storm kicks up unexpectedly. I found the never-say-die Sundance founder/actor/director compelling to witness at almost every turn. Redford considers every resource at hand and we are totally with him at every precise action he takes. In this scene he is finally forced to put his packaged lifeboat out to sea. Redford does all his own stunt work which is saying a lot about the physical condition of someone in his late seventies. It takes stamina just watching this movie, but it's worth it!
 

DECEMBER 20-23: TRICKY AQUARIUS MOON

After a VOID OF COURSE DAY, the MOON ENTERS AQUARIUS at 9:29pm EST on Wednesday, December 20. It remains here until Saturday, December 23 at 5:13am. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Sextile Venus in Sagittarius.  Don't expect much to be accomplished during the VOID OF COURSE DAY on Wednesday.  Let yourself off the hook. It's a Great time to imagine your next course of action. Follow your inspiration. This Aquarian Moon would normally be a great time to initiate action but given that MERCURY TURNS DIRECT on Friday the 22nd...and we're in the 3-day cautionary period before the turning...well, it just isn't. Projects are likely to be delayed or communications and agreements won't hold up. Bummer. Unless, of course, you're doing something over - then this could be a perfect time to begin.  Ruled by Uranus, Aquarius reflects the unusual, radical change, community-oriented and higher consciousness, equality and digital technology. It also rules Astrology. While the Moon naturally prefers emotional connections and Aquarius is scientifically objective and detached, we may feel invisible or ignored by someone now. Really try to let any dis-empowering feelings go and create your own grounding. With the Sextile to Venus, the optimum expression of this time might be a very unusual second encounter with love .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXvryt6UCC0

AQUARIUS SCENE FOR THE DAY: Meet Joe Black, 1998; Director: Martin Brest. One of the most radical love encounters in cinema must be Dr. Susan Parrish's (Claire Forlani) desire for Brad Pitt's rendition of Death. Donning a man's body on the occasion of his earthly departure, Death - who is introduced as Joe - takes a holiday to learn about human life. He chooses Susan's father, media mogul William Parrish (Anthony Hopkins) to be his guide through this new world. Susan meets him initially as a beautiful young man sitting in a coffee shop and is magnetically drawn. She unexpectedly re-connects with him when she runs in late for dinner one night and finds him sitting at her father's dining room table. In this scene she can't wait any longer for him to make the first move. When she finally kisses her dream man she is met with a most unusual response.

DECEMBER 18-20: CHALLENGING CAPRICORN MOON

MOON ENTERS CAPRICORN at 8:33am EST after being VOID OF COURSE since 8:10am. It remains in Capricorn until Wednesday, December 20 at 10:37am. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Uranus in Aries. This Cardinal Earth sign has ambition-to-succeed as its hyphenated middle name. While it usually does, the Last Aspect square to Uranus suggests encounters with major unexpected upsets. Traditional structures are at risk of suddenly imploding. This is also what one of the indicators for Revolution would look like. Your hard work may not pay off now, especially with RETROGRADE Mercury entering the 3-day cautionary Station period before it turns DIRECT on the 22nd. With Capricorn's ruler SATURN also ENTERING CAPRICORN on Wednesday the 19th for two and a half years, this archetype of traditional forms, manifesting intentions in the material world and feeling constrained by barriers (particularly conventional ones) will be with us in spades for quite awhile. The feeling of the patriarch digging in its heels for its last hurrah is likely to become stronger. Actions, especially involving business or government (Capricorn), initiated during this Moon period tend to have CHALLENGING resolutions. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD-MuEKbOAM

 CAPRICORN SCENE FOR THE DAY: Made in Dagenham, 2010; Director: Nigel Cole. Sally Hawkins (Maudie) discovers herself to be a revolutionary for women's rights in this based-on-a-true-story narrative about the sewing machinists strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant in East London in the late 60's. Refusing to take the conventional attitude of mental, sexual and financial abuse anymore, she rallies women in all walks of life around these issues. While the ultimate resolution in this colorful and endearing film is quite successful, there are scenes you'll see in this trailer where the unexpected Uranian barriers are the reality of the moment. Also featuring Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson and Rosamund Pike.

🌙 DECEMBER 15-18: SAGITTARIUS NEW MOON

The MOON REMAINS VOID OF COURSE on Friday, December 15 until 8:07pm EST. This is likely to feel like a day when not much practical work is accomplished. Instead of feeling critical for the lack of productivity, take advantage of this time for activating your imagination. Dream into what might be possible for your future. The space between Scorpio and Sagittarius might suggest musing on what resources we can create for our future next adventure. Notice images that arise of Sag's bigger picture of your life. Of the collective life. Make art about your inner visions. Follow the images. And make sure you can return Void of Course/Retrograde Christmas purchases if you need to later! MOON ENTERS SAGITTARIUS at 8:07pm on Friday and remains here until Monday, December 18 at 8:10am. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon conjunct Saturn in Sag. NEW MOON IS EXACT on Monday, December 18 at 1:30am EST. While we now enter the NEW MOON period we are cautioned about beginning a new project during this Sag Moon and Mercury Retrograde period. It's a better time to re-do, start something over with better ideas and information than we had before rather than begin something for the first time. As this Moon is ruled by the grand Jupiter we tend to be drawn to the more philosophical and spiritual contexts of our lives now. We will need our Freedom now so let others know what you require and allow others their independence. This Mutable Fire sign may inspire us towards an centaurian adventure, but Saturn's presence suggests this vision is thwarted. Some reality check, perhaps, or practical detail we've overlooked limits our action. Sag's normally optimistic attitude may turn more serious now which may support us in ways of which we are unaware. In general, actions initiated at this time tend to have CHALLENGING resolutions. That said, Saturn may be a desirable commodity of stability and dependability now during the current prevalence of changeable and unstable Uranus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIVIyjcl03Y

SAGITTARIUS NEW MOON SCENE FOR THE DAY: The Mountain Between Us, 2017; Director: Hany Abu-Assad. Kate Winslet and Idris Elba (Luther) are lost in the high snow-covered mountains of Utah with no help in sight as a result of a private plane crash. An unexpected survival adventure ensues. In this scene we witness one of the dramatic Saturnian barriers to their successful third act conclusion.

DECEMBER 11-13: GOOD LIBRA MOON

Rodin's The Kiss, Musée Rodin, Paris

MOON ENTERS LIBRA at 0:01am EST on Monday, December 11 and remains here until Wednesday, December 13 at 7:27am. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Sextile Saturn in Sagittarius. This Cardinal Air sign reflects our focus on Love and Relationships, especially elder  or May/December couples. While the Sextile to Saturn suggests a rather serious time, there's a stability that affords us the balance that Libra seeks. While decisions may be delayed and details should be checked and double checked - reflected by Mercury Retrograde - legal aspects of Libra's scales are likely to resolve well when opportunities for negotiation arise. Saturn in Sag's older and wiser temperament supports us now. Listen to its counsel. This may be a good time for going back to modify artwork (Libra-ruled) or seeking guidance in relationships. Actions initiated during this period tend to have GOOD results.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZgau1ghSWs

LIBRA SCENE FOR THE DAY: Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool, 2017; Director: Paul McGuigan. Annette Bening (American Beauty) and Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) star in this adapted memoir of the real-life romance between film star Gloria Graham and young-enough-to-be-her-son, would-be actor Peter Turner. The scenario turns very serious when she exhibits symptoms of a grave illness. The bond of family relationships and compassion for a solitary screen idol during the third act of her life are the themes of this December-released colorful drama. Also features Vanessa Redgrave. Enjoy the the trailer! 

DECEMBER 13-14: EXCELLENT SCORPIO MOON

Cautiously Excellent! MOON ENTERS SCORPIO AT 8:59am EST on Wednesday, December 13 and remains here until Thursday, December 14 at 8:42pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Sextile Pluto in Capricorn. Caution is wise because Mercury is still Retrograde, and we never know when the Trickster will play its hand. In general, the Scorpio Moon is very strong, benefited by the Last Aspect engaging its ruler, Pluto. The theme is Resources...and, of course, Life/Death/Transformation...and Power! And Sex. This is a highly creative period. Something like investing in Art would normally be a successful action one could take at this time, but gets tricky considering the retrograde Mercury. If there's a financial action that you want to re-do, that would be a perfect use of this time. Others' resources may become available to you. If you've asked someone for financial aid before with no luck, this is a good time to try again. Because Pluto rules the unconscious, mysteries and going Deep, it's a great time to begin psychotherapy - or begin again. The opportunity to be transformed from the roots up is promising. Just remember Pluto's power must be used for the Good. Share the wealth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_umd-vJhT0M

SCORPIO SCENE FOR THE DAY: From the Land of the Moon, France, 2016; Director: Nicole Garcia. Marion Cotillard, as Gabrielle, radiates off the screen in this visually luscious love-mystery. Set mostly at a curative spa in the Alps, this highly unusual character creates havoc for her parents and, as a result, finds herself in an arranged marriage. She meets another man at the spa, however, and the enigma ensues. The love-making scene in this film is Pluto in all his glory and the climactic twist is transformational. Currently streaming on Netflix.
 

DECEMBER 8-10: CHALLENGING VIRGO MOON

MOON REMAINS IN LEO until 5:40pm EST. See Dec. 6 for Leo info. MOON IS VOID OF COURSE from 5:40pm until 6:09pm. Actions inititated during the V/C period tend not to work out as planned. It's best to use this time for inner creative work or planning future actions. MOON ENTERS VIRGO at 6:09pm and remains here until Sunday, December 10 at 10:02pm when it goes VOID OF COURSE for the rest of the night. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Saturn in Sagittarius. Focus on the details and being overly-critical about them is likely to get you into trouble now. Remember to step back and see the bigger picture. Getting lost in the small stuff will get you stuck. While it's a great time for cleaning and ordering your own space it probably won't serve anyone to criticize others for not organizing their lives. If you're editing a piece of work, try to get clear on the philosophical implications being made and make sure that it's what you want to put out in the world. Actions initiated now tend to have CHALLENGING resolutions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiGKmbR7JFM

VIRGO SCENE FOR THE DAY: Homeland, 'The Vest', Season 1 Episode 11; Director: Clark Johnson. After being struck by an bomb, Carrie (Claire Danes) is recovering in the hospital. When her mentor Saul (Mandy Patinkin) arrives to pick her up he finds her in a manic state with incomprehensible speech. Carrie's usual clear quick Virgonian mind has been undermined by the explosion's effect on her already delicately balanced hereditary bi-polar state. She appears to be lost in the alliteration of single words and fails to see that the context of their delivery is meaningless to anyone else. 

DECEMBER 6-8: GOOD LEO MOON

MOON REMAINS IN CANCER until 12:56pm EST on Wednesday December 6, when it goes VOID OF COURSE. MOON ENTERS LEO at 3:37pm and remains here until Friday, December 8 at 5:40pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Sextile Mars in Libra. We'll tend to have more energy and enthusiasm now to accomplish creative endeavors. Ruled by the Sun, this Fixed Fire sign is the child of the zodiac and loves to play - dramatically. While generous and warm, Leo may is likely to be a scene-stealer, so try to be conscious of sharing center stage with others. While some testy egos or passive aggressive behavior may appear to thwart results, actions initiated during this period tend to have GOOD resolutions. After December 6th, Retrograde Mercury is at an even keel in its backward movement as it appears from Earth. While all general Retrograde cautions are still in play, the intensity of the 3-day before and after periods are over.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hudy0OyP0

LEO SCENE FOR THE DAY: La Dolce Vita, 1960; Director: Federico Fellini. Marcello Mastroianni (Marcello) and Anita Ekberg (Sylvia) star as enchanted aquanintences on stage in this classic Trevi Fountain scene. The preceding few moments when Sylvia finds a kitten who, in this rich black and white mise-en-scène, steals the moment. The innocence of both Leonian characters playing with no self-consciousness is mesmerizing. Melodrama though it may be, the Italian sensibility often has romance - another heart-ruling Leo quality - at the center of its narrative. For those of you who love Under the Tuscan Sun with Diane Lane, this is the original fountain scene mirrored in that film.