As we move through December, the energy shifts feel especially textured—part anticipation, part release, part quiet reckoning. We’re in the waning moon cycle now, a natural time to finish, reflect, and prepare the soil for next week’s new moon and the winter solstice. This week carries both fire and stillness, opportunities and reality checks, and a few moments that ask us to pause and really listen.

Here’s how the week ahead unfolds—and how to work with the currents rather than fight them.

Waning Moon Cycle & A Personal Nod

We’re moving through the waning moon cycle, heading toward next week’s new moon just before the winter solstice.And December 8th always makes me smile—it was the birthday of my dear ex–father-in-law, Alex, whom I adored. So, Alex, here’s a quiet nod to you.

Monday–Tuesday: Fire in the Sky + A Mars–Saturn Snag

Moon in Leo + Mars in Sagittarius

The Moon in Leo and Mars in Sagittarius spark a strong urge to act, initiate, create, and express. Fire energy wants movement, and depending on your relationship to fire or air, you may feel inspired—or overstimulated.

The Mars–Saturn Square

On Monday, Mars squares Saturn, creating a push-pull between desire and discipline.

* Mars: direct, driven, impatient

* Saturn: methodical, cautious, structured

Neither force dominates. The invitation is to balance them rather than over-identify with one or the other.

The Early-Week Question

How do you move forward while ensuring what you’re building will hold?Saturn in Pisces, still moving through its retrograde shadow, insists on integrity, even if it slows things down or dampens the initial spark.

Watch for Tuesday Evening

A late-day shift may bring buyer’s remorse or a new option out of left field. If you rushed earlier, you’ll feel it. If you paced yourself, you’ll adapt gracefully.

Bottom line: think about the end goal, not just getting something off your desk.

Moon goes void Tuesday at 11:56 p.m. ET.

Wednesday: Neptune Direct + Moon in Virgo

Neptune Turns Direct

On Wednesday, the Moon enters Virgo (2:20 a.m.), and Neptune goes direct in Pisces—its final movement in this sign before entering Aries in late January.

Neptune can feel spiritual and soothing, or nebulous and disorienting. How it lands is personal.

The Bigger 2025 → 2026 Story

We’ve been watching outer planets shift from yin (earth/water) toward yang (air/fire).2025 has been a “Where is the ground?” kind of year.2026 brings more forward motion, clarity, and direction.

Neptune in Pisces has amplified:

* escapism and self-medication

* swelling disparity between the advantaged and disadvantaged

* water and resource vulnerabilities

* illusion and fog

* heightened spiritual openings—and the reckoning that comes with awareness

As Neptune prepares for Aries, the collective question becomes:“Now that we see it, what are we going to do?”

Attention for the Week

Neptune rules liquids: water, oil, pharmaceuticals, dissolving agents.Expect themes around:

* resources

* health and healing

* environmental concerns

* illusion vs. clarity

* victim/savior dynamics

With the Moon in Virgo, bring it back to the personal:Where are you investing your time, energy, money, love, and belief?

Thursday–Friday: Opportunities + Libra Moon Lightness

Opportunities Arrive

Thursday brings fresh openings—new directions, invitations, ideas.If someone mentions a lead, write it down. Better yet, set a follow-up date. This helps you bridge into the new moon cycle without missing the openings offered this week.

Friday’s Charge

The Moon goes void at 9:51 a.m., then enters Libra at 11:04 a.m.Friday afternoon has a “lights-on” moment—connection, creativity, relational ease, inspiration.

Saturday–Sunday: Sweet Social Energy + Holiday Heart

Saturday

A bright, sociable day perfect for conversations, cultural outings, creative work, or simply enjoying the people you love.

Sunday (Hanukkah Begins at Sundown)

Blessings to all who celebrate.This day carries warm, connective holiday energy—ideal for reaching out, reconnecting, or sharing something meaningful.

And if the holidays are bittersweet for you—as they are for many—Sunday supports gentle self-care, quiet rituals, rest, and anything that brings warmth back to your inner fire.

The Moon goes void at 10:36 p.m., entering Scorpio at 10:51 p.m., inviting deeper emotional processing as night settles in.

Essence

As we move toward the solstice and the new moon, be gentle with yourself. These darker days hold both tenderness and intensity, and they invite us to reconnect with what truly matters—energy, intention, spirit, and the people and practices that warm us from the inside out.

Notice where your attention naturally goes, where your heart steadies, and where new openings appear. May this week bring clarity where things have felt foggy, momentum where you’ve been stalled, and sweetness in the places that need softening.And above all, may you feel supported—by the sky, by the season, and by your own inner knowing.

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