Moon halo by Paul Wilson Images, copyright 2022.
Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.
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Astrological Overview: December 12 - 18, 2022
Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.
MON: Sun sextile Saturn
TUE: No major aspects are exact today
WED: Sun square Neptune, Venus semisquare Saturn, Mercury square Chiron
THU: Sun trine Eris, Mercury quincunx Mars
FRI: No major aspects are exact today
SAT: Mercury trine Uranus, Jupiter opposite Ceres
SUN: Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto
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REFLECTIONS: As the Moon wanes this week, having been conjunct retrograde Mars at last week's Full Moon, we reflect on the intensity of recent events, how they affected us emotionally and mentally, and how we chose to respond. Perhaps we feel good about our actions; perhaps we have some misgivings. These are the lessons we work with while Mars is retrograde in Gemini, as the planet gives us many opportunities to be in self-observation mode.
Mars will still be retrograde for another month, finally going direct on January 12. This gives us plenty of time to review the ways in which we let the rational mind control our actions, versus choosing to go deeper, taking the time to discover how our higher mind and intuition are guiding us to act. This sounds like it should be simple, but with impulsive Mars in mentally active Gemini, it can be hard to slow the mind chatter — and relax the worry — long enough to hear the quieter voice that comes from within.
ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS: It is astonishing to realize that there are only 20 days left on this year's calendar! This coming week, people will be focusing on the energies of the "12/12 portal," next week we have the Capricorn Solstice and a New Moon, and then it's just a hop, skip, and a jump and we're in 2023.
DAILY ASPECTS: Here are this week's most important planetary aspects, with my brief interpretations of each.
Monday
Sun sextile Saturn: It is easier to stay on task today, as we are able to maintain a good sense of humor and broader perspective, even as we complete practical duties.
Tuesday
No major aspects are exact today.
Wednesday
Sun square Neptune: Our focus is somewhat diffuse today. This may be a better day for artistic or spiritual activities, rather than trying to accomplish anything that requires attention to detail.
Venus semisquare Saturn: This no-nonsense aspect represents a minor challenge to relationships or perhaps to the pocketbook.
Mercury square Chiron: Insecurities arise about our ability to find solutions to current problems. This aspect can affect communications, as we are unsure about what we really think and how to convey our truth.
Thursday
Sun trine Eris: We may be our own best cheerleader today, but even if we don't have support from others, an internal drive can take us far.
Mercury quincunx Mars: It may be hard to explain our objectives to others, which could cause us to second-guess our actions.
Friday
No major aspects are exact today.
Saturday
Mercury trine Uranus: Exciting ideas and intuitive hits flood our minds, encouraging us to experiment and take unexpected risks.
Jupiter opposite Ceres: It will be important to find a healthy balance between meeting our personal needs and pleasing others. Seesawing back and forth will only make everyone unhappy, including ourselves.
Sunday
No major aspects are exact today.
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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This year, your imagination is heightened, as is your desire to find the deeper meaning of your life. You might explore new philosophies, try a meditation practice that enhances your ability to visualize, or dive head-first into a creative venture that expresses an inner vision. Dreams may be especially profound and insightful, so keep a dream journal nearby to record memories of what you experienced while asleep, before the images fade. One caution: Please run all decisions and new commitments through a reality check. The shadow side of the Jupiter-Neptune energies you're working with this year can be disillusionment, due to having overidealized a philosophical approach or a person. (Solar Return Sun square Jupiter, square Neptune)
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My "Quantum Shift" webinar, which will be airing live in early January. I'm excited to talk with you about the planetary energies we'll be working with in 2023! The class will give an overview of the entire year, and cover the first four months in greater detail. The first third of the year, especially, promises to be quite eventful with Saturn entering Pisces and Pluto stepping into Aquarius, both of which occur in March! Class description and registration at:
https://quantumshift2023.eventbrite.com
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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is now recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).
The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
