Slow Down and Reassess
The astrology of the week invites us to manage frustration by embracing the energy of slowing down, reassessing, revisiting, and redoing. Retrogrades and intense planetary alignments remind us that progress isn’t always linear—it’s a spiral that deepens our understanding and strengthens our resolve.
As I write this, Mercury and Mars are both retrograde, demanding that we slow down, revisit, and reassess. Venus, meanwhile, is preparing to join forces with Pluto, intensifying matters of love, resources, and connections with others. Mars is already retracing its steps, heading for another opposition to Pluto in early January. This is a time of reckoning as we confront something in our lives that is deeply uncomfortable. At the same time, Mercury is backing away from the joyful Sagittarius Sun, dimming the usual clarity and optimism we expect this time of year. These planetary patterns reflect a larger issue that asks us to sit with all that is imperfect and unresolved in our life, as well as what is exposing our personal frustrations through disappointment and delay.
Yesterday, I had a wonderful conversation with my dear friend Erika Robinson that she will post on her YouTube channel sometime tomorrow. Find Erika’s channel In The Company of Cards here! Talking with Erika felt great, leaving me feeling powerfully uplifted and deeply grateful for this friendship.
Shortly afterward, life served up a deep disappointment. The author copies of my book – something I’ve poured my heart, time, and labor into – were expected to arrive. I have been following the tracking number for several days and I had plans for a celebration. Dave was here to carry them upstairs and I imagined holding the books in my hands, feeling the weight of so much effort come to life. I even planned to celebrate with dinner out tonight.
Then the text came: the delivery had arrived. Or so it said. Dave ran downstairs only to find… nothing. For an hour, we searched for answers, frustrated by automated systems and empty leads, until we finally discovered that the warehouse had put the wrong address on the package. And because it was Friday night, there is no way to fix it until next week. Only the sender can correct the error, and I have no idea when I will see my books.
It seems like such a small thing, a simple logistical mishap. But yesterday, seven weeks after major surgery and much ongoing pain, I needed a WIN! Just one. Somehow I thought that life owed me that much! Ha! In retrospect, the very idea that I deserve or am owed anything is very funny. But at the moment, I was a bit lost in this deep deep disappointment.
Now that another day has arrived, I believe that this pause will serve a purpose, though I can’t imagine what it is yet. Maybe the moment those books finally arrive will be a more significant time. Perhaps the wait will encourage me to more fully appreciate the journey I’ve taken to create them.
In times like these, when Mercury backpedals, Mars retraces its steps, and Pluto looms with its demands for transformation, we are invited to look beyond the immediate frustration. We are asked to sit in the not-yet, in the almost-but-not-quite. These moments—filled with delays, redirections, and unmet expectations—are not failures but invitations. They ask us to stay present, to acknowledge what is unresolved, and to trust that sometimes the timing is not wrong, it’s just different.
BE CAREFUL WITH THOSE BOLD BEGINNINGS – Monday, December 9, 2024
The Moon enters Aries at 8:38 a.m. EST, bringing with it a sense of urgency. The Aries Moon may inspire us to act first and reflect later. On days like this we should take the initiative and face challenges head-on. However, with Mars—ruler of Aries—newly retrograde, the usual momentum of Aries energy comes with a caveat. Mars retrograde slows our drive and redirects our focus inward, asking us to reassess our actions, motivations, and the ways we assert ourselves. Patience may be elusive or even nonexistent, search for it.
While the Aries Moon pushes us toward bold action, Mars retrograde reminds us that not every battle is worth fighting, and not every impulse deserves immediate follow-through. Instead, use today’s energy to reflect on what truly matters and where your energy is best spent. Frustration may arise if you feel like progress is stalling, but this is an opportunity to approach challenges with mindfulness rather than force.
As the Moon ignites your willpower, consider where you can take thoughtful initiative rather than impulsive leaps. This is a time for courageous reflection and measured action—a day to consider what you hope will grow stronger over time.
Questions:
- Where am I being called to slow down and reassess my goals?
- How can I channel frustration into focused, productive action?
- What small, mindful steps will help me build lasting momentum?
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COURAGE TO HEAL – Tuesday, December 10, 2024
With the Moon continuing its journey through Aries, its conjunction with Chiron at 19° Aries highlights themes of personal healing. Chiron, the wounded healer, meets the assertive energy of Aries, asking us to confront vulnerabilities we might prefer to ignore. Uncomfortable emotions may surface, urging us to embrace our wounds not as weaknesses but as opportunities for growth. This is a powerful time for self-compassion and discovery.
Adding to the day’s energy, the Sun forms a harmonious trine with Chiron. This alignment offers clarity and warmth, illuminating our healing journey. The Sun’s steady presence reminds us that healing doesn’t mean perfection—it’s about integrating our experiences and shining brighter because of them. This trine invites us to lean into self-acceptance and share our wisdom with others, connecting authenticity with others.
If you know where 19° Aries lies in your natal chart, this house represents the area of life calling for your attention today. Today you can symbolically plant a seed of healing that can grow into lasting confidence and resilience.
Questions:
- What emotional wounds am I ready to face with courage and kindness?
- How can I use my experiences to inspire and support others?
- What small step can I take today toward a more authentic version of myself?
ENGAGE THE PHYSICAL WORLD – Wednesday, December 11, 2024
The Moon leaves fiery Aries and settles into earthy Taurus at 10:55 a.m. EST, shifting the mood from urgency to steadiness. Where Aries sparks action, Taurus nurtures endurance. We are invited to slow down, prioritize comfort, and focus on what feels secure and sustainable.
Under Taurus’ influence, we’re encouraged to engage with the physical world—enjoying good food, connecting with nature, or tending to practical and physical matters. It’s a time to seek stability and appreciate the beauty of life’s simple pleasures. If yesterday was about boldness and healing, today offers the grounding needed to process those revelations.
Questions:
- How can I create a sense of stability in my daily life?
- What simple pleasures can I embrace today to feel more present?
- Where can I shift my focus from courageous urgency to calm intentionality?
TENSION AND CHANGE – Thursday, December 12, 2024
Venus’ recent entrance into Aquarius and conjunction with Pluto last Saturday brought intensity to relationships, resources, and desires. This energy continues to ripple outward, inviting us to consider how we connect with others while staying true to ourselves. Today, Venus opposes retrograde Mars, adding dynamic tension to the stage of our life. With both planets in fixed signs—Venus in Aquarius and Mars retrograde in Leo—this opposition highlights themes of individuality, passion, and compromise.
Relationships may feel like a tug-of-war between independence and intimacy, desire and restraint. Mars retrograde challenges us to reassess our ability to assert ourselves, especially in areas where fixed patterns may have taken hold. Venus in Aquarius, on the other hand, encourages a broader perspective, asking us to honor freedom and unconventional approaches to love and resources.
If you have planets between 5–7° of any fixed sign (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius), this energy is especially potent for you. Reflect on the areas of life governed by these planets and their houses—they hold the key to understanding where this tension is playing out. The Venus-Mars opposition calls for balance: a dance between head and heart, self and other, individuality and collaboration.
Questions:
- Where in my relationships must I balance passion and independence?
- How can I navigate tension as an opportunity for growth?
- What old patterns in love, creativity, or self-expression need reevaluation?
EXPLORE WITHOUT JUDGEMENT – Friday, December 13, 2024
Friday begins with Mercury (retrograde) in a gentle sextile to Venus, creating an opportunity to smooth over tensions through thoughtful communication and heartfelt connection. This encourages us to revisit conversations, relationships, or projects with a fresh perspective. Mercury retrograde often brings delays or miscommunications, but this supportive sextile allows for grace, understanding, and a touch of charm to guide the way. Use this energy to reconnect, revise, and perhaps even repair something that feels unfinished.
The Moon spends the morning in Taurus, offering one last stretch of grounded, steady energy to help us tie up loose ends and tend to practical matters. Then at 12:21 p.m. EST, the Moon enters Gemini, shifting our focus to curiosity, conversation, and flexibility. With Mercury retrograde in the mix, the Gemini Moon may stir up scattered thoughts or a desire to revisit ideas we’d set aside. It’s a good time to write, share, or reflect—but don’t rush to conclusions. Instead, explore and allow thoughts to flow without judgment.
Questions:
- How can I revisit a conversation or idea with more openness and grace today?
- What unfinished creative or relational matters deserve my attention?
- Where can I balance steady focus (Taurus) with curious exploration (Gemini)?
CURIOUS REFLECTION – Saturday, December 14, 2024
With the Moon in Gemini all day, the energy is light, curious, and communicative. This placement encourages us to connect with others, explore new ideas, and engage in stimulating conversations. Whether through journaling, catching up with friends, or diving into a book, today’s focus is on gathering and sharing information. Gemini thrives on variety, so allow yourself the freedom to explore different topics, environments, or perspectives without feeling the need to settle on any one thing.
With Mercury still retrograde, it’s wise to approach all conversations and thoughts with extra patience. Misunderstandings may arise, even as they can bring clarity if handled with care. Observe your thoughts and intentions.
Questions:
- How best can I turn inward during this dark Moon phase?
- How can I create space for quiet reflection amid the busyness of life?
- What conversations or ideas feel unfinished and worth revisiting?
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