In the year 2011, so many things have shifted dramatically and the masses of people globally have begun to speak in voices of solidarity. I remember last February when the Egyptian people had protested with enough mass solidarity that their President Mubarak stepped down. I felt that we were seeing the beginning of major changes that move the regimes of power in the world into witnessing the rising movement for democracy that serves the people.
It took most of the year before similar energy gained momentum to constellate mass demonstrations in America. Now the Occupy Movement has morphed into serious action in favor of the little people who the banks are forcing out of homes and into financial ruin by the economic crisis. Moving into the winter months the tenor of voices takes on a new approach and new dialog.
The astrological energy of December is building up some exciting trends. We have the power of eclipses revealing what has been working in the collective the masses. This time is similar in the energies of the revolutions of the 18th century that shifted the power and wealth, creating new governments, new economic structures, and igniting innovation.
Western Astrology is very different from the ancient Mayan calendar that people talk about which comes to its end next year. There is no connection between the two systems. I personally expect that 2012 will bring us changes that can break down structures, which have crystallized in ways that no longer serve the greater good. I do not fear “the end”, but look forward to new ways of living that are closer to the heart, the hearth and the community.
This month we have three planets completing their retrograde phases. This point in a planet’s cycle is an opening, an increase in action, and tends to clear up issues slowly that have been pending. The shortest of these is Mercury, whose turning points connect with the eclipses of November 24, and December 10. From this, I expect that new decisions will become clear and insightful. This time can reveal truth behind lies, and push hidden activity out into the open.
The planet of revolution turns direct on December 10 with the total lunar eclipse. It is at 0 Aries, the beginning of the zodiac. This point is sensitive to the world at large. It is relative to the global mass movements. It is also relative to each of us being aware of what is authentic to our own being. Energetically, it moves us to be sensitive to what we need that will support our personal growth and evolution. It calls out invention and innovation that improve the quality of life.
The last time Uranus, passed through this zodiacal area there were many exciting inventions and life changing new things. Transatlantic flying, the mass production of automobiles, talking pictures, color television, long distance telephone and the Holland Tunnel were innovations of the last pass. With the speed of advancing technology, this time is quickly connecting all people with instant communication and changing the way information is shared.
It is often easy to disengage from the activities going on around us, especially if we are not inclined to join in. Inherent in the energies of this time is the stirring that shows us we are all one. The power of our sharing is expansive and serves to unite and empower us to participate. We can witness this in how the OWS movement has become a community taking care of their members. This energy to volunteer, to give service, and to be a participant is a growing influence.
Winter Solstice is December 22 and followed by a New Moon on the 24th. Jupiter will turn direct on December 25 at 0 Taurus. Each of these events has an influence of something new, and all are of the earth element, which is practical and tangible. This helps us move toward the New Year with a feeling that we have the power to improve our circumstances in ways that are constructive and productive. It is a good time to take advantage of opportunities to work with others on mutually beneficial projects. There is potential for solving problems that have until now seemed impossible. There is a ray of hope in this solstice that can brighten unseen benefits, suggesting the best results come through cooperative actions.