From the internal archaeological dig that will characterize the final month of 2013 to the fresh beginnings starting with the New Moon on January 1, 2014, we have many opportunities to find harmony amidst contrast.
December 2
Digging deeper into life’s mysteries, the dark side and the personal insecurities that arise will be important themes for the next 30 days beginning with the New Moon in Scorpio. Some deep inner excavation may be a large part of the next month. Scorpio is a fixed water sign, which shows where we may be emotionally resistant and stuck, but also where there are enormous powers of emotional concentration and depth possible.
This New Moon happens in the Nakshatra of Jyestha, ruled by Lord Indra, the king of the gods. A good king is generous (emotionally generous in this case), whereas a bad king wants to steal from the citizens and others. Focus now on emotional generosity and give support to others, rather than demanding compliance from them.
December 17
Developing a deeper understanding of our feelings and putting thoughts into words will be important during the Full Moon in Gemini. This is in contrast to the Sun in Sagittarius, which is opposite the Moon in Gemini, allowing the Full Moon to harmonize the energy of the Sun’s position. In this case, it is both an inspired and inspiring time. But we may lack critical thinking, so now is a good time to “feel into” your beliefs.
This Full Moon happens in the Nakshatra of Mrigashira, which literally means the deer’s head. There’s a gentle quality to our mindset and emotional state now and we may also experience a restless search for beauty.
December 21
A time of reflection on our relationship issues begins when Venus goes retrograde in Capricorn, the same day as the Winter Solstice. This Venus retrograde cycle will last until January 31. Expect some surprising relationship twists and turns. For most of the retrograde cycle, Venus will be in Sagittarius, a sign of inspiration and purpose. Often our life purpose (Sagittarius/Jupiter) is at odds with our day-to-day desires and pleasures (Venus). This is analogous to how romantic relationships may take us away from our deeper life purpose of pursuing truth.
January 1
A 30-day cycle during which we pursue this higher truth begins with the New Moon in Sagittarius. This is a good time to ponder the great teachings and spiritual traditions of the world, and especially to dive deeper into your tradition. Read sacred texts and be inspired by things beyond just this Earth and all of our daily struggles. Jupiter will be retrograde and aspecting from Gemini, the opposite sign, the entire time: This brings flexibility, scrutiny, and skill into the picture. But we may feel the push and pull between worldly desires and otherworldly goals once Venus enters Sagittarius on January 6.
This New Moon happens in the Nakshatra of Purva Ashada, which literally means “early victory.” This early victory comes as a result of the care we take in watering the seeds of truth that we have planted. We plant those seeds in Mula Nakshatra, the previous one, then water them with devotion in Purva Ashada. Focusing on the heart and watering the seeds of truth with love will be very important now.
January 15
A 30-day cycle of emotional centering begins with the Full Moon in Cancer. Cancer is the sign related to motherhood and selfless love; it reveals where emotional energy may become authentic devotion, but it may also lead to excessive sentimentality and emotion for the next 30 days. This Full Moon is in contrast to the Sun in Capricorn, which relates to establishing practical boundaries and material structures. Now we are challenged to harmonize our energy between the practical and the emotional. These two energetic forces support each other and lead to a greater clarification of each.
This Full Moon takes place in the Nakshatra of Punarvasu, ruled by the Vedic deity Brhaspati, the priest of the gods. This brings a conservative, traditional love into the mix and encourages generosity of spirit as well as the desire to be a good example. These are all important emotional lessons for the next 30 days.
Sam Geppi is an internationally-respected Vedic astrology teacher. For free Vedic astrology DVDs and courses for students at all levels, visit: Samgeppi.com
Sam Geppi (Sadasiva) is the author of Yoga and Vedic Astrology and The Ascendant—108 Planets of Vedic Astrology. He is the founder of the American Academy of Vedic Art and Science which offers three levels of certification programs in Vedic Astrology. Currently the Academy has more than 120 students enrolled. Visit Sam’s website at: vedicartandscience.com.