Welcome to Indy Maven’s astrology column coming by way of Kelli Jenkins, better known around Indy as one of the Spellsisters. Check out their website and Instagram feed for even more info from the world of horoscopes and tarot, or to book a private reading.
December 2023 OVERVIEW
Okay, so maybe sh*t didn’t go as planned last month. Maybe you learned that the pressure you’ve been applying to a certain situation was actually creating friction, having the opposite effect than the one you intended. Impulsivity somehow co-mingled with passivity and contributed to a lack of movement–all systems have not been go. All systems were stop.
It’s a bitter pill to recognize that no progress whatsoever has been made, but maybe it’s not all that bad. It seems like thwarted effort was the constant necessary evil of our collective ~situation~ in November. But the good news is that when our efforts are thwarted, there tends to be a good reason. Maybe it just wasn’t the right time for whatever you wanted to come to fruition. Maybe, with its failure to materialize, you’ve recognized that you don’t even actually want The Thing™ that you thought you wanted. You’ve changed. You’re changing every single day.
Trust that even if you feel like you’re not getting anywhere, you’re still not moving backward…unlike Mercury.
Mercury’s movement into Capricorn on the 1st may make us feel like the wheels are turning and things are headed in the right direction. But wait! Mercury goes retrograde beginning December 13 right on the heels of the New Moon in Sagittarius on December 12.
It could feel like there’s a major push-and-pull from your perspective, but your perspective is focused only on one specific area or outcome. There is fresh momentum, but it’s hard to see the forest for the trees. Things are happening, just not where you’re looking.
Remind yourself to take breaks and step back to reassess. Once Mercury begins his retrograde, it could feel hard to focus or communicate, and the weight of the world is guaranteed to feel like way too much this month. It’s not your responsibility to fix all the world’s problems, though you may feel inclined to try.
Then, on the 23rd, Mercury, still retrograding, dips back into Sagittarius and stays there until the first of the year, contributing to an overall feeling of defensiveness and putting us on edge. We have to work within the confines of what we’re given, so the trick is to keep an open mind and stay flexible throughout any potential adversity.
The cool thing this month is that Venus enters Scorpio on the 4th, creating a dreamy, passionate intimacy. The New Moon in Sag on the 12th also offers feelings of spontaneity, adventure, and confidence. For at least a few days, the cheer is on full blast, my dudes, and this New Moon is an excellent opportunity to set yourself up for Mercury’s intense retrograde. What threads did you drop but still dream of picking back up? Pick them up. Who do you already regret not calling sooner? Call them now. What old haunts do you miss desperately? Revisit those places.
By the time the Sun enters Capricorn on the 21st, we will all likely have tried and failed in at least one sensitive area. The Full Moon in Cancer on the 26th provides an opportunity to release the feelings associated with loss and failure, and maybe even grief. Process that shit and recognize that prioritizing your emotional well-being is an awesome way to refocus on your goals.
The end of the month provides an amazing platform for stepping into a new year, even if you’ve already been shedding old skin and being reborn all year. On the 29th Venus enters Sagittarius, inspiring us to dream and stirring up playfulness and expansion. On the 30th, Sagittarius’ ruler, Jupiter, ends its retrograde, and then on the 1st, so does Mercury. This sets the tone for a positive, open reset.
Our goals, responsibilities, and big ideas are calling this month, and they refuse to be ignored. You’ll be required to set new intentions and make plans for how you can bring those ideas to life. Though there are ups and downs and maybe even some more thwarting going on throughout the month, believe in your dreams and the power of your mind. As Louise Hay said, “The point of power is in the present moment.” Don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow. Your power, your joy, and your potential are all right here in the present moment.
BIRTHDAY ROYALTY <3 Sagittarius & Sag Placements (Birthday between November 22 – December 21):
A situation you’ve been fretting over for a long time is now resolving itself. This month ushers in lots of potential for a positive outcome to a big black hole of a predicament. Don’t doubt yourself; you might feel like this resolution is too good to be true, even if it was your idea and you implemented it yourself. You can be skeptical, and of course, it’s good to keep dreams at arm’s length, tempered behind a gauzy haze: close but not the focus, believed but not obsessed over. But it’s your season, and what is meant for you is finding you, bb. On top of this, you’re lucky. Your ruling planet is Jupiter, the planet of expansion, and this ultimately motivates you to seek out information about parts unseen and unknown worlds. You aim for big success in business and long-term education, which often makes you chase synchronicities and follow serendipitous whims. You usually push yourself to figure things out, and more often than not, you go about it with open-minded curiosity. But this month, you feel inclined to keep to yourself instead. Being reclusive feels a little foreign to you! A period of rest is necessary, though. Even if you’re dealing with a devastating tragedy, you can see the purpose of suffering, and you trust that there’s something better on the other side of this setback. Taking time for yourself, by yourself is crucial for integrating the lessons learned from the big, challenging thing that seems to have been ruling your life.
Tarotscopes | The Tower: To build a new structure, you must dismantle the old one. Sometimes everything falls apart so you can rebuild.
Local Sagittarius: Spellsisters’ own Hayley Trussell 11/30
Famous Sagittarius: Billie Eilish 12/18
NOW FOR THE REST OF YOU...
Capricorn Placements (Birthday between December 22 – January 19):
You start out on top of the world this month, but you’re going on a roller coaster ride. Things will likely go from awesome to sucky and back, so strap in! Mercury enters your sign on the 1st, providing a golden opportunity to charm your way into practically anything. You’re up next, Cap, which may make you feel naturally inclined to use Sagittarius season to clear out the old so that you can bring in the new. For the first part of this month, it’s easier for you to communicate your emotions and ask for what you want, so fire away. Then, when Mercury retrogrades, your focus is on self-preservation. Any major disagreements or arguments that happen during the last half of this month serve a purpose–they may occur to help you clear the air or get something off your chest, but either way, you’re making room for your next phase.
Tarotscopes | 7 of Swords: Omitting information isn’t necessarily lying. There are times when keeping things close to the vest is essential.
Aquarius & Aquarius Placements (Birthday between January 20 – February 18):
I read another astrologer say that this month feels like that kitten hanging off a tree branch, “Hang in There!” poster for us Aquarians, and I feel like that couldn’t be more true. This month may feel a little more optimistic, but it’s been a rough year for us, my dudes. And it’s not over. There is a silver lining: it’s not as bad as it has been. It’s not so much “salt in the wound” as it is “rub some dirt on it.” We’re not new here; being challenged is not a surprise. We’ve got some squares and oppositions that could come up as disagreements or conflicts, but also, Sagittarius is inspiring. Whether you’re dealing with an issue or not, you probably feel more adventurous, inspired, and optimistic. Try to use this momentum to focus on jumping in the puddles rather than lamenting the stormy weather.
Tarotscopes | 6 of Swords: You gotta take the good with the bad this month, and not the other way around. Find your silver linings where you can.
Pisces & Pisces Placements (Birthday between February 19 – March 20):
Sagittarius season is usually a good time for you, and this month shouldn’t be an exception to that rule. The holidays are putting a lot of stress on you, though. Early in the month, you’ll probably feel like you’re kind of in a pressure cooker and the time constraints are weighing on you. Despite feeling strained and stretched thin, you’re cheery. And you have good reason to be! You’re on a roll, dude. You’re already usually in tune with your inner voice, but this month you’re receiving intuitive nudges and psychic hits left and right. Early in the month, your ruler, Neptune, goes direct, and with this shift comes a new kind of knowing. The god of the sea could withstand any amount of water pressure, and (metaphorically), so can you (don’t test this theory).
Tarotscopes | The Star: Let yourself be healed, revived, restored. The wave washes over you one way or another. You get to choose whether it takes you under.
Aries & Aries Placements (Birthday between March 21 – April 19):
It’s a good month for you! You’re picking up speed, feeling motivated and excited, and it’s not just going through the motions. You’re passionate about whatever you’re chipping away at, but you may find it hard at times to manage the flip-flop of emotions you get when you’ve accomplished something. You’ve done it! But also, what now? It sounds silly, but it’s true. Don’t let the completion of a big task or accomplishment of a goal become a disappointment. You can manage this by taking consistent, inspired action. Chiron and the North Node are both in Aries, and Mercury is trining with both of them, creating harmonious communication about long-held wounds or limiting beliefs. This month, you’re turning it around for deep healing, and you should be proud of yourself.
Tarotscopes | The Chariot: You’re in charge of your healing and also your success. Just the way you like it!
Taurus & Taurus Placements (Birthday between April 20 – May 20):
Sagittarius season is bringing the heat for you! This month is about saying hell no to obligations that don’t fit your current personal agenda, and I emphasize both current and personal on purpose. You have the right to change your mind. You have the right to shift your focus. You absolutely have the right to prioritize yourself and only do whatever the hell you want. Taking time to just have fun, be social, and play is exactly what you need right now, and it will not derail you. Make fun plans to do something truly indulgent and satisfying. You’re experiencing this incredible burst of energy for a reason, and you should run with it to fulfill a deep desire.
Tarotscopes | 3 of Cups: Swinging in the backyard, pull up in your fast car whistlin’ my name. Overindulge if that’s what you want. Have fun.
Gemini & Gemini Placements (Birthday between May 21 – June 20):
Sagittarius is the sign that sits opposite you on the zodiac, highlighting the complementary traits between you and your sister sign in stark relief. This month, you could use this contrasting energy as a tool to show you where you’re not feeling fulfilled. Gemini-Sagittarius is considered to be one of the closest pairs of sister signs in terms of similarities. Both signs delight in exploring the unknown. This comes into play right now because the energy coming into your life with the Sun in Sagittarius is a challenge to see things from a different perspective. It’s not all fun and games for you this month, though. The Full Moon is in your sign with several squares and oppositions, serving up 3-4 days of major sexual tension and extreme thirstiness. Trust your instincts, but avoid impulsivity, lest you say something you don’t mean or wake up with someone you don’t want to wake up with.
Tarotscopes | The Lovers: You have a choice to make. Figure out what you stand for.
Cancer & Cancer Placements (Birthday between June 21 – July 22):
This month, life feels a little precarious, like important things could easily fall through the cracks or life could go off the rails. You’re being asked to weigh your options and make decisions according to your values—prioritize what feels most important. It seems like you’re recalibrating, making moves toward a dream you never dreamt was possible. The Sun is lighting up your 6th house, likely pushing you to overcommit—but be careful to avoid it, unless you’re okay with under-delivering. You have to be realistic with yourself and set boundaries with others. Mercury’s retrograde motion could make you feel misunderstood, especially at work. Don’t make verbal agreements; they could come back to haunt you. Get it down on paper or in emails.
Tarotscopes | The Emperor: You’re in desperate need of a structured routine this month. But don’t worry, you can set your own rules.
Leo & Leo Placements (Birthday between September 23 – October 22):
In typical Leo fashion, you’re hamming it up, puttin’ on the ritz, and charming all the right people. You might have some haters or naysayers, but you can use the attention they’re paying you to propel you. As Lil Wayne said, “Haters can’t see me, nosebleed seats.” It isn’t just that these people are not on your team. They aren’t even playing the same game. They’re on an entirely different court. You are one of a kind, and the people who need to see that will if they don’t already. December is exciting for you, even if challenging, because you are getting back to the basics of who you really are. You could revisit something you used to love or try to satisfy the need in other ways.
Tarotscopes | Justice: Finally, finally, you are starting to feel like things are balancing out and you can see why they are the way they are. It took all of that to get you here.
Virgo Placements (Birthday between July 23 – August 22):
The holidays are hectic but it feels fun and cozy, as the Sun hits your 4th house of home and family. This year, you may have made progress in your career or relationships, and everybody’s curious to hear about what’s been going on with you. There’s potential, if you’re looking for it, to reconnect with an old flame, especially with Venus entering Scorpio and rekindling old desires. You’re asking yourself an important question you’ve been putting off: who were you before things started coming together for you? The level of relief you feel from examining this will depend on how much you suppress your truth. Don’t hide from what you think is ugly within yourself. Face it head-on.
Tarotscopes | The Devil: You can try, but you can’t hide from what you think is ugly within you. It’s the key to your one missing link.
Libra Placements (Birthday between September 23 – October 22):
Hot chocolate, beignets, ice skating, wrapping presents, and singing carols. You’ll get the most bang for your buck this month by delighting in familiar simple indulgences. Ever the diplomat, you’re used to staying composed and having a social master plan. This month, though, you may find that you unintentionally give yourself over to the truth unabashedly. It could come off brazen, but it’s what you really feel. You just normally might not say it, or at least not in the way it comes out this month. You’re bound to have to face a hard truth or tell someone something they don’t want to hear. It could lead to a confrontation where someone feels ambushed, and while it may be brutally honest, it’s still honest.
Tarotscopes | King of Pentacles: You could come off as harsh, but the truth is the truth.
Scorpio Placements (Birthday between October 23 – November 21):
You won’t rest until you have more than you need. This month, you’re motivated by financial fulfillment as the Sun lights up your 2nd house of money and resources. There’s a compromise, though. If you want more, you have to earn more. If you’re looking for a new job, planning on asking for a raise, or even starting a side hustle or getting a second job, do it before Mercury retrogrades. You’re having to take a cold, hard look at what you’re actually spending your money on, and it may be frustrating to realize that you could have more if you didn’t have so many money leaks (things you accidentally spend money on, like forgotten subscriptions, unnecessary fees, etc). You can’t go back in time, though, and all you can do is adjust your actions moving forward. You’re gonna be fine.
Tarotscopes | 4 of Pentacles: Be realistic and honest with yourself about where your energy is going. Don’t over-spend your money or over-commit other resources.
RELATED: YOUR NOVEMBER 2023 HOROSCOPES WITH THE SPELLSISTERS
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