Go Easy on the Rituals: A Solar Eclipse and New Moon Plus Saturn Enters Aquarius This Week

The astrology of December 14–20

12 min readDec 17, 2020

Word for the week

The time to be you is now.

Breathe through any discomfort you feel. Air is your friend.
No need to do a new moon ritual this week. This week marks an eclipse, and there are a bunch of planets changing signs. Not the most stable energy.
Write down as much as you can. Start the habit of revisiting notes.

Moons of the week

Don’t forget to record how you feel as the moon changes signs. In a month or two, you will see a pattern. Take note!

Moon in Sagittarius — December 12 at 8:39 p.m. CT

Moon in Capricorn — December 14 at 9:35 p.m. CT

Moon in Aquarius — December 17 at 12:27 a.m. CT

Moon in Pisces — December 19 at 6:39 a.m. CT

Summary of the week

This is a big-ass week. There’s no other way for me to say it.

Monday brings the Sagittarius new moon/solar eclipse at 10:17 a.m. CT, ushering us into a brand new stage in our evolution. As the final eclipse of the year, this is a chance to drastically change what we believe is possible. We’re clearing outdated beliefs that lead to self- and collective sabotage. This is when we honor our own wisdom and move into a new understanding. Even though this is a new moon, we’re socially and philosophically letting go of dead weight. Luck will be changing in ways we don’t expect. We can feel baptized and made into a creature we’ve never seen before. Use this week to get acquainted with your new self.

Later on, Venus (in the final degree of Scorpio) collaborates with Jupiter (in the final degree of Capricorn) and intensifies our desire to connect and make deals in the name of establishing solid structures. The abundance of things available to you thanks to your efforts and strategic connections becomes clear despite the eclipse. We’re able to reflect on what needs to be done within us to change and feel like we’re getting our bearings.

Legacy building and forging lasting commitments are on our minds, and once Mercury (in Sagittarius) harmonizes with Mars (in Aries), we will be about that action. People will be in the mood to fight, especially for a cause. There could be more global news unfolding about the ways we go about fighting for our place in the world. Impulsive proclamations and powerful preaching are definitely possible under this transit. Be careful because we are moving into a time when you are going to have to practice what you preach.

On Tuesday, Venus (in Scorpio) and Saturn (in Capricorn) offer us their last messages as they give us fruitful downloads on what the work has been and what it will be. We’ve come a long way while Saturn trudged through Capricorn for the last few years. We will feel the urge to connect with people we know we can trust. This becomes important later that day as Venus enters Sagittarius and helps us unite with those who share our vision and faith. We desire a more worldly perspective and are eager to connect with people who come from different backgrounds and belief systems. It can also feel like our relationships are being magnified and blown up in order to see the true value. Then Chiron goes direct (in Aries) and shows us that healing is not instant nor is it linear. We have to put in some effort to learn and apply the lessons as we repair and regenerate ourselves.

On Wednesday night, Saturn enters another sign it feels at home in — Aquarius — at 11:04 p.m. CT, shifting our collective concerns to innovative, humane solutions. This is where we begin to consolidate group power. We see social life differently now that we’ve been isolated. We have to rid ourselves of the structures that kept us complacent and others oppressed. This two-year transit will test our humanity and intelligence. How much are you willing to cling to the ways that don’t work?

Jupiter ends its time in Capricorn and moves into Aquarius at 7:07 a.m. CT. This is where our lessons and learning get expensive and become big-picture. The future is now and so are the rewards. This is a chance to see the world in a more humane way. Abundance comes from gathering with those who share in your hopes and wishes for yourself and humanity. This year is set up to be the year of collaboration with compassion.

The rest of Saturday brings us more Jupiterian energy through Venus (in Sagittarius) harmonizing with Chiron (in Aries) and the sun (in Sagittarius) joining with Mercury. We will be full of conversation and insight, looking to address the bumps in our journey and heal them. This is where we convert pain into power. As Mercury basks in the sun’s rays, it’s a major day for talking and sharing ideas. It can be easy to overpromise, so do your best to keep your mouth shut on things you don’t actually want to do. You will be held accountable for what you speak on and agree to. Please be mindful of the truths you tell and know where you got them. As we get the final messages of both the sun and Mercury, we explore the source and grandiosity of our beliefs.

Thankfully on Sunday, Mercury enters Capricorn and makes our discussions more matter-of-fact and serious. Mercury can help explain some of the tougher Capricorn transits from earlier this year now that we have some distance and perspective. From here on, we are talking about how to establish new rules and what ownership and humanity look like in practice. With this Mercury, we are ready to manifest your vision in the form of a legacy that pays dividends. We have to decide what we value and live those values out loud.

The time to be you is now. You need you, and so do we.

Next week at a glance

Winter solstice: We officially welcome winter in our hemisphere and rejoice as the days begin to get longer.
The great conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Aquarius: This is a rare occurrence as Jupiter and Saturn meet every 20 years and will do so in air signs after 200-ish years of being in earth signs. This is about doing the work it takes to be free, individually and collectively.
Mars squares Pluto: People will be searching for ways to assume and maintain control. Stay strong and hold your ground.

Sagittarius: November 22–December 21

Your solar eclipse sparks you into realizing the fullness and magnitude of who you are as a divine force. When you look back over your journey, how has your spiritual strength grown over the last several years? Your fingers may find their way to a journal, microphone, or keyboard and stay there thanks to Saturn and Jupiter blazing ahead. As your season comes to a close, document how damn good you look — in the flesh and on paper. You’re going to need your credentials and confidence at the ready as the contracts for ads, writing, teaching, or speaking come in soon.

Capricorn: December 22–January 19

Under normal circumstances, you would be a little sad to see Saturn move out of your sign. However, with the pileup of planets in your sign over the last two years, it’s been hard to breathe. The eclipse offers you a chance to reconnect with your own wisdom and reflect on what beliefs need an upgrade. Jupiter and Saturn want to push you into a new tax bracket and understanding of your capabilities. Use this quiet time to hone in on the ways you would like to experience luck coming your way. What blessings are you prepared to practically and spiritually accept?

Aquarius: January 20–February 18

What are your wildest dreams, Aquarius? The solar eclipse blesses you with a seismic shift to your alliances, friends, wishes, and finances from your career. Saturn and Jupiter entering your sign bestows a boost of personal responsibility and insane rewards. The more you honor what you want and the lessons you’ve learned, the better you’ll feel in your skin. You will further embody all that you are. Each step you take toward your desires makes them so. Share your stories and ideas; your folks have been waiting, and deep down, so have you. Live.

Pisces: February 19–March 20

If you’ve been unable to understand what direction your career was going in, the aftermath of this eclipse will help you gain clarity and perspective. Meditate on the amount of respect and resources it will take to keep you content in your profession. Work through wounds you may have around wealth and talent. For you, Saturn and Jupiter want to teach you about the lesser-known stubborn parts of you that want to have their say. You may enter a period of perceived isolation, but you’re in the process of tightening and securing your circle.

Aries: March 21–April 19

This eclipse can help provide you with a renewed sense of faith based on everything you’re learning at the moment. You may find yourself revisiting spiritual practices and rituals to help you feel closer to your spirit and your highest self. You are letting go of habits and behaviors that have kept you from feeling like your most vibrant self. Soon you’ll begin to devote energy to connections that help you feel free and who can hang when it’s time to go back outside for real.

Taurus: April 20–May 20

The intimate business of relationships takes up a good portion of your thoughts under this eclipse. You could be thinking about what it really means to share your life with someone and how that affects your bottom line. What does your partner need to have in order to properly support your need for adventure? As you explore the answer, your career begins to level up and provide you with a type of abundance and impact that you’ve never imagined. Who can you share your more spiritual and passionate side with? Who can you trust with your good news?

Gemini: May 21–June 20

The eclipse finds you focused on your partnerships and what you believe about commitment. With so many planets piled up in Sagittarius, you’re finding that your beliefs about romantic bonds are being tested. You may find that you’re looking for different things in a partner than you were before. Friends who know how to forgive and heal are key these days. Saturn and Jupiter in Aquarius could find you going back to school or devoting yourself to your spiritual practices in a new way. Discussing your actual habits and efforts with loved ones can ease tension.

Cancer: June 21–July 22

Taking better care of yourself so you can be available to others (when you feel like it) is what’s on the menu this week. Often you can overestimate your availability, but now you just can’t see yourself doing as much as you used to. Hidden fears about your career will be dissolved as you become secure in your standing and receive confirmation of your competence. Saturn and Jupiter want to help you find freedom and community with your loved ones. Liberate yourself from the burden of being normal. Give them your weird; they can take it.

Leo: July 23–August 22

Perhaps it’s been a long time since you’ve had a good time, but that all changes with this week’s solar eclipse. As Sagittarius season wraps up, you are completely immersed in every indulgence and pleasure you can find. Reconnecting with your hobbies can help you feel more energized and ready for romance. Speaking of which, Jupiter and Saturn are looking to make your love life more solid and fruitful. What would it take for you to be committed? Mind your preferred prophylactic if you’re not into having little creations running around (yet).

Virgo: August 23–September 22

Making sense of your childhood and your bond with the parent who nurtured you most is what the eclipse wants to focus on. Are there any events or beliefs that have kept you from feeling like you had a solid foundation? Now is the time for you to give that stability and inspiration to yourself. Write or exercise through the uncomfortable feelings that come up. Your health is important, and you cannot be detached from what’s going on with you. The more you can free yourself, the sooner you can free others. However, you can’t rush your wellness in the name of duty.

Libra: September 23–October 22

This week, you feel like there’s so much to say thanks to the eclipse unlocking your brain. Information and insight are flying from every form of communication you possess. You are in the mood to be heard. Make time to let yourself free write and explore the vastness of your mind. Your local community can become a larger part of your day as you look to engage various cultures and perspectives. Saturn and Jupiter want to help you find the fun in your intellect as well as the groups you choose to bless with your presence. Where do you want to take a risk?

Scorpio: October 23–November 21

Open yourself up to the idea that your moneymaking abilities are far vaster than you may have imagined. If you’ve been thinking about expanding your reach globally, this is a great time to do the research and make the connections. What do you believe about your ability to generate and receive abundance? Saturn and Jupiter want to help you feel more grounded at home and discover opportunities for freedom within your family. What or who do you believe a family is made of? What did your upbringing teach you about humanity?