HAPPY HOLIDAYS : NO PRESSURE
“A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.”—Garrison Keillor
“The darkness of the whole world cannot swallow the glowing of a candle.”—Robert Atlinger
“I had to make you uncomfortable, otherwise you never would have moved.” - The Universe
It’s that time of year again. And I’m not going to lie, the intensity is ramping up quite a bit. So keep your expectations reasonable and expect a bit of discomfort this Christmas. If you were brought up like me there is a lot of build up to Christmas : family, plans, big meals, gifts, and did I mention family!?!
This Christmas is likely to have more pressure than usual since the world has been intermittently closed down for almost two years. This Holiday Season will likely be the first time that we have gathered together to celebrate for some time. And the world is much, much different than the last time we gathered. We have lost loved ones and jobs, our lives have been disassembled and we aren’t quite sure what things will look like on the other side. We are deeply destabilized and tired and we’re holding it together as best we can. As Omicron approaches we are doing our best to maintain optimistic and partake in “Christmas-as-usual”, no pressure. NO PRESSURE.
And this aptly takes us into the astrological weather for Christmas. Hopefully the following information allows you to be prepared for the “big day” so that you can navigate what comes at you with more awareness and maybe even grace.
Saturn Square Uranus - Last Exact Square
The Saturn Uranus Square has been the underlying transit of 2021. The three exact Saturn Square Uranus dates include : 2/17/21, 6/14/21 & 12/23/21. Even when Saturn and Uranus weren’t in exact aspect with one another, they were in close proximity for the majority of the year. It has been the baseline energetic, the core theme of the 2021 storyline. And, if you haven’t noticed, the journey has not been easy. 2020 was no peach either, but 2021 assured us that there is no going back and pummeled us with constant destabilization.
The potential qualities of Saturn Square Uranus include : Tendencies toward one-sided extremism, careful and cautious change, tension between one’s fear-based and adventurous impulses, incremental openings or awakenings, rude awakenings and loss of freedom, unexpected problems, the liberating side of structure and routine, disruptions or delays, forgotten ideals (from Renn Butler, The Archetypal Universe).
Think about the structures in your life, what do you depend upon to survive and thrive? For example : food, financial security, shelter, transportation, governmental laws and procedures, family, community, thought patterns, etc. The list is potentially endless, so don’t stop there as you ponder how this transit has potentially impacted you this year.
Essentially, Saturn Square Uranus transits are a pressure-test of how well the structures (Saturn) in your life are holding up. Although the two planetary energies are at odds with one another (Square), they have a positive purpose in the challenge that they offer. Uranus is the answer to Saturn’s potential rigidity and unconscious stuck-in-the-mud mentality. Saturn is concerned about the long term and Uranus wants to ensure that we are living up to our fullest potential, even if that means throwing lightening bolts at a structure or two.
Where has Uranus imposed unexpected challenges in your life? How have these changes required you to rearrange or completely let go of structures that you previously depended upon? How have these changes effected you?
In 2031 Saturn and Uranus will come together in a Conjunction and, like a New Moon, they will create a new seed of potential. The Square that we are experiencing now is the negotiation of the ending, the closing down, the preparation that we do when there has been a culmination and a new beginning is in sight (Closing Square). The current Saturn-Uranus cycle began in 1989 (New Moon), in 2000 the cycle readjusted and prepared for full visibility (Opening Square), the cycle peaked in total illumination in 2008 (like a Full Moon) and currently we prepare to do the harvesting from all that blossomed during the Full Moon (Closing Square). These are the cycles that compose the song of life.
As stated above, the last exact Saturn Square Uranus transit will take place on December 23, 2021 at 10:14pm Mountain Time (11° 5’). It is possible that your holiday plans will be thwarted, or unintended divisive conversation may disrupt the family setting. Leave room for the unexpected and don’t become attached to your expectations.
The good news is that this is the last of the three exact squares between Saturn and Uranus (for a long time). The story that these planets are telling in your life is likely coming to a culminating point, you probably already know the plot line. More probably you will likely be presented with the information in a new and compelling way.
Saturn Square Uranus in 2022
2022 will carry the vibration of Saturn Square Uranus, but they will not create another exact aspect. However, in October 2022 they will be within 1° of one another. Depending on how Saturn and Uranus are contacting your chart this could impact you to a greater or lesser degree. If they are in close proximity to points and/or planets in your chart there is the potential for themes introduced this year to be carried out into next year.
For everyone, don’t get too settled into the “norm” yet. Readjustment is still in the works. The Saturn Square Uranus characteristics won’t be striking as sharply in 2022, like they did in 2021, but the energetics will still be grumbling in the ethos.
Venus Conjunct Pluto
I have spoken at length about Venus and Pluto meeting together in Capricorn several times as Venus Retrogrades. Venus Stationed Retrograde on December 19, 2021, and before she did she met up with Pluto. Now that she has changed direction, she will be joining Pluto once again, in her Retrograde motion. She will conjunct Pluto once again on March 3, 2022.
This second conjunction between Venus and Pluto will take place on December 25, 2021 - Christmas Day. Although the energetic of Venus and Pluto has been heightened since around December 11, 2021 (they have remained within 1° of one another since the initial conjunction), we will likely feel them coming into direct contact with one another again on Christmas Day.
Expect the potential for hidden family secrets to be unearthed and the complexities of our relationships to be exposed. Be patient and loving with one another, hold space for the vulnerability to come to the surface. We are all a bit raw within our relationships under this energetic. Breathe, trust and love.
As Venus proceeds along her Retrograde path we will continue to unravel the inner context of our relationships. Pay attention to what is being shown to you. You may be encouraged to look much more deeply inside than you might feel comfortable. Trust the process.
Moon in Virgo Trine Mercury & Opposition Neptune
The Moon often acts as a trigger in Astrology. On Christmas Day the Moon will be in a flowing aspect (Trine) to Mercury, indicating the ability to clearly communicate emotions and ideas. A Virgo Moon can be overly critical, so beware of that. But the Virgo Moon is also great with attention to detail, which could help manage the Holiday plans much more smoothly and act as a grounding force.
The Moon is also in Opposition with Neptune, which can be a bit challenging. We may feel as though there are grand ideals that we must “live up to” in order to feel good about our Holiday experience. Let those ideals go, they are an illusion! Perfection is not required for a successful Holiday gathering. This should be your mantra for the day.
On the other hand, these three planets working together could also produce more vulnerable and productive social situations, where Neptune could dissolve the walls that have been built up. Lean into the potential of compassion and creativity instead of any form of disillusionment.
In Conclusion
Well, the Cosmos certainly isn’t cutting us any slack this Holiday Season. Thanksgiving was book ended with Eclipses, and Christmas is handing us a handful of destabilization and deep processing. How do we turn these lemons into lemonade? I have a couple of ideas, and I’m sure that you will come up with some great methods as well!
Practical Advise :
Breathe
Acknowledge that you are being handed curve balls in order to re-structure your life in that area, trust that there is wisdom in what is unfolding
Take good care of your nervous system (Uranus can be hard on the nervous system)
Be prepared to go deeper with people, or the potential for encounter uncomfortable conversations
Listen more, listen more deeply
Love one another
Mantra : “Let those ideals go! Perfection is not required for a successful Holiday gathering.”
Lean into the potential of compassion and creativity instead of any form of disillusionment
With a sincere heart I wish you all a Happy Holiday Season. Although I have mostly focused on the Christmas Holiday, know that I see and acknowledge all sects of Faith. It is an absolute privilege to provide you with pertinent Astrological information. May the warmth of the candle light your way.
With Love,
Lisa
