The first week of December sees the Moon wane into sidereal Scorpio, as Mars continues to transit Aquarius with a strong aspect from restrictive Saturn. While we may wish to boldly go, the energy just isn't with us to get there - yet!

The new Moon in Scorpio on December 7 is challenging emotionally, despite being buoyed up by Jupiter. The new Moon begins a week of intense emotional reactions as the Moon is either joined or hemmed in by all of the malefic planets: first Saturn, then Pluto, Ketu (south node) and Mars.

Mercury stations direct just before the new Moon, on December 6, and slowly turns around, as we slowly and deliberately make the required adjustments. Patience and good humour are good weapons to deal with this.

The Sun enters Sagittarius on December 16 for a festive period that is more sober than usual, as it joins Saturn in the sign (exact on January 2, 2019). The conflict between light and dark plays out in obvious and not so obvious ways at this time of year.

The Solstice is on December 21, just before the full Moon in Gemini on December 22, a volatile full Moon phase, in the lunar mansion, Ardra. With the Sun in Mula on the opposite end of the zodiac, these two 'sharp and dreadful' signs can be expressed in some form of destruction, whether man-made or weather related.

The month and year ends on a positive note, as Mars enters Pisces and exchanges signs with Jupiter in Scorpio. This is a helpful exchange, as we take positive actions which fuel better decision making.

I wish you the very best of what the month has to offer - and a merry Christmas!