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December 2005
B Y Y V O N N E H A N S O N

IN CRAFTING THIS MONTH'S COLUMN, I found inspiration in Jonathan Keyes' words, "The Moon signifies our emotional core, our family and our past. Its sign, placement and aspects show where we feel at home, most comfortable and instinctually aware. When our lunar function is in balance, we relate to the world easily, feel emotionally secure, and are compassionate to those around us. When our lunar energies are compromised, we may feel insecure, unsure, and unconfident."

December's five major Moon phases are in expansive fiery Sagittarius, dreamy watery Pisces, communicative airy Gemini, graceful airy Libra, and disciplined earthy Capricorn. The first three phases express lively mutable energy that we can use to release autumn projects. And, at the Third Quarter, there is a shift into forceful cardinal energy that lasts until January's Full Moon, which we can direct to set intent and give purpose to winter projects.

NEW MOON
December's first New Moon occurs on the 1st at 8:02 a.m. MST in Sagittarius and begins the new lunar cycle with opportunities. We may receive an offer that looks too good to resist, and it is important to examine it closely. It may be something of a reward for us that can lead to bigger and better things. However, it could be just idle chatter, with little basis in reality. These issues may reverberate in our lives until the next New Moon later this month.

New Moon Visualizations -
I want to see the world as a happy place in which to live.
I want my trust in humanity to be maintained.
I want to achieve my independence and feel free to follow my star.
I want to expand my understanding and horizons through greater knowledge.
I want to understand the secrets of the universe.

Home & Garden – If our plans include moving house, try to do so before December 15th. The best days would be the 3rd/4th. We can schedule DIY projects for the 3rd/4th and electrical repairs on the 5th/6th. This quarter, is the best time to plant above ground crops that produce their seeds outside the fruit (i.e. lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cucumber, cabbage, and grain crops) We can prune and cut as plants are stronger and more vigorous and will therefore recover more quickly.

Mind, Body & Health – On a physical level, the New Moon generates energy bringing the urge to be motivated. Skin diseases, disturbed mental conditions and epilepsy can be triggered now.

Business/Financial – A New Moon pushes us to outward activity. We can tap into this energy to initiate deals, introduce ideas, and publish favourable performance figures.

MOON IN SAGITTARIUS
Sagittarius symbolizes the seeker after the truth. It elevates information to a philosophical level. Ultimately, Sagittarius' lesson is to become centred and focus our energies on single tasks instead of scattering our energies without aim or purpose. The relationship-oriented Moon gets short shrift and is not allowed to operate according to its true nature while in Sagittarius.

The Sagittarius Moon's spiritual tradition constantly seeks to expand the perimeters of knowledge, and through travel and study, enrich the community's wealth of knowledge. Its task is as the keeper of the community's stories, laws, codes, and principles, and, it founded the schools, libraries, centres of philosophy and research; and intended the legal system to be the wise application of cosmic law in the pragmatic realm of daily life.

Home & Garden – We can direct the Sagittarius Moon's energy to express our talents for homemaking by doing crafty chores. The Sagittarius Moon's semi-barren and dry nature is favourable for planting pungent vegetables or fruit trees, cultivating the soil, mowing, and garden maintenance.

Mind, Body & Health – We can bring joy, creativity and adventure into our life during a Sagittarius Moon. And if we have been feeling stuck, depressed, or too intense, we can work with this Moon to draw luck and play back to us. This is a time to seek greater expansiveness and expression in our life, to generate energy on many levels that can go toward creative endeavours like painting, writing, acting or developing sexual and charismatic energy. Also, we can enroll in a college; contact friends abroad, ride a horse, and attend a philosophy lecture. We benefit if we avoid boredom, taking unnecessary risks, and/or over-indulgence. Although our vulnerability to liverishness, putting on weight, and hip, thigh, and sciatic nerve problems increases now, a Sagittarius New Moon is an excellent time to focus our attention on the desire to heal or take action to restore health to these areas.

Business/Financial – The Sagittarius Moon is opportune for business meetings, lending or borrowing money, and promotions. If we go out shopping, superb buys now include: casual clothes, travel books, hiking boots, camping equipment, maps and atlases, presents for our in-laws, and/or anything secondhand. It is best to resist any temptation toward financial irresponsibility and slap-dash work. Also, beware people's carelessness.

FIRST QUARTER MOON
The First Quarter Moon occurs December 8th at 2:37am MST in Pisces and is a time of inspiration and creativity. We are able to tap into the flow of inspiration if we remain open to higher forces and ideals. And, the more creative we allow ourselves to be, the more inspiration will be in the message. We may find that with each idea or creative inspiration there follows another and another making this a great time to relax and go with the flow neither fighting against nor pushing forward. And, we must not allow ourselves to be too tired to meditate. Closed minds and fixed attitudes will not be helpful now.

Home & Garden - Interior design activities fare particularly well on the 11th/12th. DIY projects are productive on the 9th/10th. At this time we can plant annuals that bear their yield above the ground, and whose seed is inside the fruit (e.g. beans, peas, peppers, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes etc.). And, we can mow the lawn now to increase growth.

Mind, Body & Health – We can channel the First Quarter Moon energy into integrating our body and spirit or mind and emotions to help us achieve greater self-acceptance and self worth. This is the time to remove or cure ailments.

Business/Finance – This period of building energy can be employed to review work and projects already in progress, and, to gain insights as to how they are unfolding. It is a good time to tie up loose ends and gather impetus before entering the next stage.

MOON IN PISCES
Pisces key idea is Spiritual Harmony. The Pisces lesson is to learn to channel our essential spiritual nature into selfless service to the community and the world, where as conduits of compassionate service, we gain a sense of purpose and grounding that can guide our lives. Pisces sensitizes the Moon, exaggerating its empathy and receptiveness to the needs of others.

The Pisces Moon's spiritual tradition understands that dreams and poetry are what keeps a community healthy. Its tasks as the mystic oracular custodian of our culture's myths and dreams are to keep the community's history alive through the oral tradition of poetry, to build altars and temples; and, to mentor the imaginations of children.

Home & Garden – We can channel our energy to bring the laundry up to date and to ensure the kitchen is basically tidy under this Moon's influence. This is a wonderful time to have a potluck meal with friends at which we can exchange recipes. And, it is an effective time to repair electrical equipment. The Pisces Moon's fertile and moist nature is well suited for planting, especially root crops.

Mind, Body & Health – We can sing and pray to channel wisdom and affirm our intentions under a Pisces Moon. And, we might draw on the wellspring of our unconscious through artistic mediums to express the intense energy of emotions and feelings rather than have it remain in the body to create disease and illness. The immune system is our primary defense against disease and illness and it can be depleted by physically and emotionally toxic situations. We can do dream work to access the realm of imagination, visualization, and metaphysical experiences. And, we can bathe, sweat, purify our body of toxins, drink lots of water, avoid pollutants, and be quiet and gentle with ourselves to strengthen our immune system. This is an outstanding time to write a romantic story, go swimming, compose a piece of music, and to paint a scene in water colours. We must make every effort to avoid falling in love with the first person we meet, changing our mind, and feeling inadequate. In addition to immune system vulnerability, our susceptibility to physical and mental sensitivity and feet problems increases under the Pisces Moon.

Business/Financial – The Pisces Moon is an opportune time to sign documents, draw up financial agreements and, to repair equipment. Cosmetics, artist's materials, shoes and hosiery, crystal glasses, decanters or bowls, romantic fiction, and swimwear are appropriate purchases now. We must strive to avoid illogical reasoning, and major purchases. Also, beware unrealistic expectations.

FULL MOON
The Full Moon occurs December 15th at 9:17a.m. MST in Gemini and encourages us to find creative and seemingly childlike solutions to problems. We can get around difficult situations we face now by making the most of them. This may entail treading carefully and planning each step as we go and listening for cracks the entire time if we feel we are on "thin ice". We can find ourselves at a disadvantage if we do not acknowledge changes and adjust ourselves accordingly. And, we must be wary of rushing into anything or we may discover that we have reached a point where we can no longer safely return to when we began.

Full Moon Focus: Expected news arrives. Beware as sibling rivalries reach a crescendo.

Home & Garden – We can tackle major cleaning jobs from the 16th. And, we can focus our efforts on our home's interior and soft furnishings on the 16th/17th. This is the phase to plant root crops including beets, carrots, onions, potatoes, and peanuts. It is also good for planting spring bulbs and perennials.

Mind, Body & Health – This phase intensifies all emotions and moods, and we cope with its explosive impact best when we are ready for it and use a positive attitude to combat its worst influences. We ought to delay all decisions now and avoid surgery if it is possible to do so.

Business/Financial – The Full Moon is a time for reflection about our goals. It is a prime time to go on study courses, review company policies, and to complete projects as far as possible.

MOON IN GEMINI
Gemini gathers information, and, to fully actualize Gemini's potential, we must fuse both the shadowy and light side of our nature. On a spiritual level, Gemini has to do with generating Kundalini energy in a positive and healthy manner. The Moon in Gemini is the time when the Full Moon exerts its weakest influence, and, although the Moon's influence is undermined, this can be a time of scattered energies. A Gemini Full Moon is a tremendous time to successfully sort out disputes with neighbours or communication problems with our siblings. This Moon can bring a rush of inspiration to creative people. And, this is an exceptional time to focus on specific projects, through which we might share our wisdom and knowledge, for the winter months.

The Gemini Moon's spiritual tradition is of those who gave voice to the understanding of interrelatedness and who as bards, storytellers, and singers offer the human voice as a means of expression for others. Its task is to maintain a garrulous intimacy with the mundane as its perceives everything to be animated and to speak to everything in its own language.

Home & Garden – We may be inclined to organize and tidy up our home desk/office, answer letters and pay bills. And, we can give ourselves a break from cooking by bringing some dishes from the freezer to help us feel we are not chained to the kitchen stove. The Gemini Moon's barren and dry nature supports weeding, clearing, land cultivation, and pest control.

Mind, Body & Health – We can work with communication themes, connections, and social relations issues during a Gemini Moon. And, we might re-centre ourselves and be more mindful of what we say, particularly if we have been over-critical and negative with our words. Also, we may call on the Gemini Moon energies to do breath work in the form of meditation, tai chi, yoga; to chant, write poetry, and do journaling work. This is a good time to perform healing for the lungs, nervous system, and the arms and hands. In addition, we can draw in good oxygen to vitalize our entire system and strengthen our nerves. We must strive to avoid being too easily distracted and beginning one job before finishing another. Our susceptibility to nervous tension, agitation, and restlessness increases under a Gemini Moon and we may have a tendency to become manic.

Business/Financial – This Moon fosters all kinds of business communication, is an opportune time to make business trips, reorganize/refurbish, and to ensure deals and transactions entered into or contracts signed are in. And it is a brilliant moon sign to work with to learn something new (a language) and especially with Information Technology skills and computing. We can focus on communication tools such as computers, writing materials, telephones, and gadgets, books, and cars when we are buying. It is best to endeavour to avoid distractions from the issue and being underhand. Also, beware con-men.

THIRD (LAST) QUARTER MOON
The Third Quarter Moon occurs December 23rd at 12:37p.m. MST in Libra and is a time to pass the torch, with younger more vital energies taking over from the older. Although we must respect the value of what is waning and take the best qualities with us, it is best to realize that some aspects of society are being left behind for a higher, more evolved state. Implementation of a brand new order and ascension to a higher order still require that we remain rooted in the reality of practicality or run the risk of losing our way.

Home & Garden – If painting the house is a winter project, we can tackle it most effectively during this phase. And, we can thoroughly clear out our closets and basements from the 24th to 28th. Also, we can use this period of the lunar cycle for weeding, turning over flowerbeds, pruning out deadwood, and burning off garden rubbish, such as leaves.

Mind, Body & Health – The Third Quarter phase is a period of balance and relaxation as energy winds down and we can achieve restfulness. We can let go of failed projects and work to eliminate remaining obstacles to viable growth. It is also the time to eliminate any negativity within relationships.

Business/Financial – Working with the Third Quarter themes of releasing and banishing, we can dissolve partnerships, resign, and publish poor performance figures.

MOON IN LIBRA
Libra symbolizes the striving for balance in all things. And, a major Libra lesson is balancing the requirements of work, family, and creative life while still maintaining good health. In Libra, the relationship-oriented Moon will bend toward getting along with others, which can seem superficial and only concerned with appearance rather than deeper issues. A Libra Moon is a time to focus on issues of relationship and balance in all areas of our life.

The Libra Moon's spiritual tradition not only understands the interrelatedness of all things, but also plays an active role in consciously introducing disparate elements to each other. It creates new art forms and seeks to forge new alliances with other peoples, traditions, and forces while seeking to make everything more harmonious and beautiful.

Home & Garden – We can employ the Libra Moon's preference for balance and symmetry to refine our home environment using feng shui to decorate and design to create inner harmony and peace and help energy in our home flow better. And, we can display our host/hostess talents by entertaining guests for dinner. The Libra Moon's semi-fertile and moist nature favours planting fruit trees and fleshy or root vegetables.

Mind, Body & Health – Libra Moon energy can be the time to address power struggles, anger and wounds with our partner by allowing our intent and prayers to guide our path. It reminds us our kidneys are easily compromised by excessive stress, improper diet, and not enough rest that can result in too much adrenaline in our system. This imbalance slowly depletes the kidneys strength reserves causing premature aging, fatigue, anxiety and depression. This is a great moon sign to carve out time for creativity, play, work, family time, artistic pursuits, painting, write poetry, and draw pictures. It is also an excellent time to create a space for relaxation, and take our partner out for dinner. It is best to avoid feelings of being unloved, loneliness, and/or stress. The Libra Moon can increase our predisposition to kidney ailments and biochemical imbalances.

Business/Financial – The Libra Moon is a fitting time to disclose information, settle disputes, and negotiate. On shopping excursions focus on buying anything beautiful, expensive or elegant, house embellishments or decorations, presents for our partner, and flower arrangements. We must undertake to avoid any hint of underhandedness and making open enemies. And, beware people's indecisiveness.

NEW MOON
December's second New Moon occurs on the 30th at 8:13p.m. MST in Capricorn and brings messages of peace from the other side. We may feel that we are able to "tune in" and radiate harmony around us. And, we might find ourselves in a situation of caring for others, of generosity, and a fulfilled selfhood, where we can understand that inspiring people to do their best can bring rewards to all concerned. We must remain cautious of holier-than-thou attitudes, losing ourselves in fantasy, and tricking people with soothing words that mean nothing. These issues may impact our lives until the next New Moon.

New Moon Visualizations -
I want to bring wisdom to bear in everything I undertake.
I want to achieve position and status in my working life.
I want to approach my work with greater tolerance.
I want to learn from my responsibilities.
I want to be seen as a figure of authority in my own right.

Home & Garden – If we plan to move house, before January 14th is most opportune. The best days would be January 5th/6th. And, we can schedule DIY projects for December 30th/31st and electrical repairs on January 1st/2nd. This phase is the best time to sow and tend plants that bear their produce externally (i.e. flowers, lawn, herbs, cauliflower, celery, cress, peas, peppers, etc.). This is the phase for watering and fertilizing anything we wish to flourish.

Mind, Body & Health – The New Moon aids us in forming creative ideas. We can use the beginning of the waxing portion of the lunar cycle to take the initiative in health matters we have been hesitating about.

Business/Financial – We can work with the New Moon themes of initiating and beginning to stand for election, interview people/hire staff, and sue for damages.

MOON IN CAPRICORN
Capricorn symbolizes authority, the social order, pragmatism, and the slow but sure ascent to the top of the heap. Ruled by Saturn, it imposes restrictions and limitations as well as bestowing industriousness and ambition. Ultimately, Capricorn's lesson asks us to bend our knees and kneel when problems become too difficult, adopt humility, and surrender to a greater process. The relationship-oriented Moon does not set well in Capricorn, where reality and being down to earth take precedent over feelings.

The Capricorn Moon's spiritual tradition downsizes other traditions as the administrators who manage and run the community according to a larger principle. It admires, studies, and implements the efficiency of nature; sets up trade and commerce; and, plans and builds empires. Ambitious and pragmatic, it knows that gurus stop evolving when surrounded by sycophants rather than by colleagues who give them a playful hard time.

Home & Garden – We can employ the Capricorn Moon's inclination toward efficiency to make improvements, streamline, conserve, seriously think about stretching the dollar, and for DIY projects. The Capricorn Moon's semi-fertile and dry nature is productive and beneficial for producing hardiness.

Mind, Body & Health – Our intentions and prayers can be focused on setting our will and using discipline to accomplish goals during a Capricorn Moon. We can develop clear and direct paths for overcoming obstacles and moving through difficulties, if we have been experiencing weakness and confusion. Capricorn Moon energy can be used to envision our entire body strengthening and building. And, we can build strength in the foundational structures of the skin, bones, knees, teeth and nails through yoga or martial arts. Also, we can join a local political party; start a business, and invite our boss to lunch. We benefit if we avoid worrying about money, position or status and being all work and no play. Although our vulnerability to toothaches, skin abrasions, rheumatism and arthritis, and joint problems - especially the knees - increases now, a Capricorn New Moon is an excellent time to focus our attention on the desire to heal or take action to restore health to these areas.

Business/Financial – The Capricorn Moon is appropriate for high finances, setting up a new business, and asking for a promotion. While this is not the best time to shop, if we do go out, terrific buys now include practical household items, good quality clothe, hardware, DIY materials, a burglar alarm, and/or items for our elderly relatives. It is best to resist any temptation toward over-working, a lack of compassion towards our colleagues, and making frivolous purchases. Also, beware people's ruthless ambition.

"The Moon is the celestial body which is concerned with the shaping of human relationships for better or worse..." says Sybil Leek. I wish for us all a joyous celebration of peace, love, health, and compassion within and for ourselves and all those with whom we are in relationship by virtue of sharing this planet. May we heed our better angels and combine new beginnings, solar, lunar, and calendar with these ideals to give them form and force each day in 2006.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yvonne Hanson is a freelance writer from Edmonton, Alberta Canada. In creating this column, Yvonne draws on fifteen years of astrological study and a desire to empower people. If you would like to sign up for Yvonne's free newsletter, which details the movement of the moon more closely, please contact her by email at starfire777_7@hotmail.com.