We’re welcoming a big shift this week with Mars now officially retrograde, entering an 80-ish day cycle centred around how we deal with big, tricky feelings. The start of the season ignites Leo energy, where Mars is right now, and invites you to consider how you advocate for your own interests. This is a long lesson you’ll be exploring until April/May next year so there’s no need to try and rush a solution. Just try to stay present and notice how you deal with conflict and anger when it bubbles up.
Elsewhere in the sky, December’s full moon in Gemini bursts onto the scene on Sunday (GMT) bringing major “just one more drink?” feels. It also coincides with the end of this latest Mercury retrograde, which can only mean one thing: P-A-R-T-Y. Perfect timing for getting into the festive spirit, but be warned, it will be difficult to stay sensible if you’re trying to behave yourself.
ARIES AND ARIES RISING
As you settle into your new normal don’t be surprised if you’re feeling tapped out by the silly season earlier than usual this year. Mars retrograde can often make you feel like you’re running on fumes, and with it in your party sphere, you could just be a bit over all the socialising. As a “just do it” kinda sign, you’re probably used to valiantly charging ahead – even when you’re running on empty. With Venus opposing retrograde Mars next Friday you could find yourself asking, “Why did I say, ‘yes’ to that event?” Pay attention to when your metaphorical fuel light comes on and honour what it’s trying to tell you. If there are invites you can bail on, do it; just make sure you give as much notice as possible – the sky is not pleasant for late cancellations.
TAURUS AND TAURUS RISING
Like it or not you’re in a pivotal moment of the year with Mars retrograde pulling focus on how you express anger. The first major activation comes late in the week when Mars and Venus go head-to-head, exaggerating the tension between your work and your personal life. Rather than getting sucked into the drama, look for the deeper themes that arise. How do you resolve conflict at home? How do you advocate for your own needs within your family unit? If you’re the person who always does everything for everyone else rather than dividing and conquering, Friday could be the point where you reach your limits. When/if you fly off the handle, remember it’s never just about the dishes left to soak in the sink or the wet towel left on the floor. Dig deeper to explore where you’re not feeling heard or seen and try to address it (once you’ve calmed down).
GEMINI AND GEMINI RISING
It’s a great week to be a Gemini with Mercury retrograde finishing up next Sunday (GMT). You feel Mercury cycles more than most signs, so you can look forward to renewed clarity and concentration to help you finish off the year. Also on Sunday, a juicy full moon brings the good times next weekend. This one pulls focus on your closest relationships and asks you to consider where you might have been taking things a little too seriously. With Neptune involved, there’s a dreamy, ethereal vibe that makes it perfect for a last-minute escape. Elsewhere in the sky, Mars retrograde will test the limits of your patience with technology and public transport. Aim for the early train or bus this week if you’re going into the office. This is prime time for things to go awry – Friday looks especially tricky so make sure you add more time than usual to your expected transits, and you’ll sail into the weekend with minimal hassles.
CANCER AND CANCER RISING
With the moon waxing you should feel a little more energised this week, which peaks around the full moon on Sunday. But before you get there, you’re settling into the new mood courtesy of Mars retrograde. The main area of focus for crabs, at least for the next six or so weeks, is pondering how and why you spend the way you do. We all have seasons where we seem to burn through cash; your mission is to reflect on when you’re most likely to do that and why. What needs are you looking to meet by buying more “stuff”? Or is it something that happens because you haven’t been budgeting for boring expenses? (Hello car registration! ) Whatever the case may be, pay attention when money issues arise and what the deeper lesson could be; this is where the planets are asking you to focus your attention.
LEO AND LEO RISING
Party season may be upon us but with Mars now retrograde in the very front and centre of your life, you’re being given a very clear directive: take it slow. After a hectic couple of months where you’ve been operating at 110% capacity, don’t be surprised if you feel you’ve finally hit a wall. All that motivation and energy you’ve had to do.all.the.things may have reached its limit. This is not a time to push through. Instead, listen to your body. If it’s asking you to snooze through that 5 am alarm and skip before-work Pilates, do it! The world will not end. Your core will not collapse. Astrology is all about working with cycles of energy and right now your chart is asking you to honour your body’s ebbs and flows. When it asks for a little less hustle, read the signs and slow down.
VIRGO AND VIRGO RISING
With the fixed signs in flux (thank Mars retrograde), you’re getting an easier, breezier week this week than most. The highlight? A playful full moon on the weekend set the tone for a seriously excellent party. If you’re at a loose end on Sunday don’t let the good astro weather pass you by. Get your most cherished family (or chosen family) together and do something spontaneous and silly – dress-ups, ridiculous games and cheesy tunes are essential. Another win is the end of Mercury retrograde (Sunday). Once it begins moving forward, you’ll feel more like your usual organised self. Words, thoughts and finishing tasks will become a whole lot easier. Elsewhere, expect a little bit of tension at work on Friday (GMT) when Mars and Venus spell “stroppy”. You may not be directly involved, but will likely bear witness to some “that’s not my job” energy.
LIBRA AND LIBRA RISING
Pass the popcorn because things are getting interesting this week! As Mars starts its shuffle back through your social sphere (until early January), there’s the potential for some fireworks. While you may not be the one causing the trouble, you’ll most definitely get a front-row seat to the action. The weekend looks especially interesting for social ‘dos gone rogue. Just add margaritas to the mix on Friday and wait for the drama to begin. Sunday’s full moon could bring a bit of excitement on the travel front too, so if you’re on the road (or in the air) expect things to be a little chaotic.
SCORPIO AND SCORPIO RISING
Um, what on earth is going on at work? You’re not imagining it, things are definitely a little off-kilter. As Mars makes its retrograde debut in your professional sphere expect your manager to rethink ideas or projects they seemed fully committed to last week. Annoying? Yes, but all part of the bigger astro picture right now. You could get upset, or you could choose not to spin your wheels and wait for an update, knowing that the people in management are in a period of extreme flux. On the plus side, the full moon on the weekend is a very good time for shopping up a storm. Just be mindful that with Neptune also getting in on the action, you could find yourself maxxing your credit card before you know it.
SAGITTARIUS AND SAGITTARIUS RISING
If you’re travelling this week, be prepared for things to take a bit longer than you’d like. Mars is causing trouble in the realm of long-distance travel for your sign, so you could find yourself hanging around an airport lounge or stuck in traffic. Going into any trip expecting delays will help you stay philosophical (or at least avoid spiralling). At least the end of Mercury retrograde and a super fun full moon this weekend (Sunday GMT) promises an excellent opportunity to let off steam. Try to get where you need to be before Sunday so you can get those spicy Margs on lock and let your hair down.
CAPRICORN AND CAPRICORN RISING
You’re all about the cash money this week (and likely, for the rest of the year) with Mars retrograde activating your financial sector. Big money decisions (think: investments, property, credit card) will be on your mind, as you find yourself in a potentially frustrating stop/start pattern. As much as you want to get the deal done, things just aren’t moving as fast as you’d like. No matter how hard you push, sometimes these things are out of your hands. Save yourself the stress and trust that it’ll get done – just maybe not on your timeline.
AQUARIUS AND AQUARIUS RISING
You’re under pressure this week as Mars retrograde has a powerful effect on your nearest and dearest. While you might not be in the firing line yourself, you’ll need to be on your game to hold space for other people’s big feelings. As their frustration mounts because things aren’t moving forward, staying calm under pressure will be essential. Tension will likely peak around Friday (GMT) when Mars and Venus face off. On the plus side, the weekend looks like a whole lot of fun, when your social sphere glows with the festive spirit of a lush full moon in Gemini. Say yes to invitations and let your hair down while the going is good.
PISCES AND PISCES RISING
Expect a bit of spice on the work front this week as Mars retrograde stirs the pot among your co-workers. If you’re in management, you might find some members of your team particularly “off” on Friday. It’s a passing mood but one you’ll be grateful to know is coming so you can plan accordingly – not a great moment for team-building days. In other news, the end of Mercury retrograde should help you feel a bit more in control of what’s going on at home. If comms with family and friends have been out of whack, rest assured, clarity should return after next weekend. In the meantime, enjoy the very bouncy fun full moon on Sunday (GMT) and pour yourself a nice strong drink. It’s been a wild couple of weeks/months/years, but you’re still standing.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.
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