There’s style and substance on tap this month – offering some variation on last month’s non-stop intensity. Travel could be dreamy…or a little hard to lock in as Neptune casts an air of uncertainty over your plans (until 22 December). Meanwhile, Venus retrograde (19 December – 29 January) begs the question, “Do you truly love what you do for work?” Pay attention to opportunities and contacts who resurface – possibly from way back in your ancient history. They could hold the key to your next chapter.

Tip: Pay attention to work contacts who resurface out of the blue

The breakthroughs and downloads are coming in hot this month as your ruling planet Venus prepares to go retrograde (19 December – 29 January). Before we get there, you may feel like you need a little time out. Despite the blurriness of party season, this is a great time to clear your schedule (as much as you can) and go within. It’s been a BIG year (especially for Taureans!) Feeling low-key during the silly season is not a failing—it’s an act of self-preservation.

Tip: Balance party season with plenty of down time

As eclipse season winds up (4 December), there’s a sense of closure, and very likely relief for Gemini people. It marks the end of an 18-month cycle shaking up your personal life and sense of self. With Neptune turning up the party vibes (until 22 December) you’ll feel ready to celebrate. But beyond the excess, Venus retrograde (19 December – 29 January) raises deeper questions around your values, self-worth and love life. The question is, “What do you desire long term?”

Tip: Let your hair down with your most cherished people

There’s major “ghost of Christmas past” vibes this month as Venus moves through her shadow, before going retrograde (19 December – 29 January) in the realm of your love life. The people and themes that will be playing on your mind until next February will already be beginning to materialise. Meanwhile Neptune’s influence over your everyday schedule could see best laid plans go out the window. Try to stay flexible and surrender to the hiccups that are out of your hands.

Tip: Prepare for old loves (or relationship issues) to resurface

You’ll have your party pants on this month as Sagittarius season lights up the most playful corner of your chart (until 22 December). Neptune’s influence will make mid-week Negronis seem like an excellent idea – especially the first half of the month. Channel the excess energy into a creative project to keep yourself from over doing it. Meanwhile, the ongoing storyline of this year around work and relationships will continue to develop. Try to stay flexible and reflect on how your attitude has evolved since February.

Tip: Let your creativity run wild with no end goal

As eclipse season comes to an end (4 December) there’s a sense of closure within reach. Some of the ongoing upheaval around your home/work life should start to settle. You may feel ready to dive headfirst into a paddling pool of Pet Nat, as the skies tempt even the most restrained Virgos to let off some steam. But as Venus goes retrograde (19 December – 29 January), there’s a more serious tone on the horizon. Use the introspective mood to reflect on how far you’ve come since June 2020.

Tip: Take a minute to celebrate all the little wins in your home and work life

December looks especially large for Librans as Venus (your ruling planet) prepares to go retrograde (19 December – 29 January). Home and family will be a big focus until February 2022, with circumstances prompting you to consider what really matters to you. In the meantime, Sagittarius season (until 22 December) brings a slightly hazy feel to your everyday routine. Keep plenty of blank space in your schedule so when plans change (and they will), it doesn’t mess up your entire week. 

Tip: Keep your plans loose and light to minimise frustrations

This month looks intense for Scorps but at least there will be some fun distractions courtesy of Sagittarius season (until 22 December). An impulsive vibe could see you partying hard and spending up big. At the same time, the bigger themes of this year (restrictions vs uncertainty) will be grinding away in the background. It’s a lot. Pace yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your commitments, start at “no” and work backwards from there to keep yourself from overdoing it.

Tip: Use “no” as a starting point to avoid overcommitting yourself

An 18-month cycle winds up the first week of the month (4 December), marking major upgrades to your identity and relationships. The temptation to celebrate will be big but take it easy or you’ll be feeling burnt out by the middle of the month. With Venus preparing to go retrograde (19 December – 29 January), finances will also be on your mind. It’s all very adult, but when Jupiter moves into Pisces (29 December), a sense of optimism should lighten the mood.

Tip: Pace your partying to avoid a mid-month burn out

Venus may not officially be retrograde until the last 10 days of the month, but the themes and people who will play starring roles will be swirling all December. You don’t have to do anything, just sit back and watch who appears – possibly from the past. Use the pre-solstice weeks (up to 22 December) to lay low and try to recharge your batteries. A little bit of solitude will put you in the perfect mindset for the big upgrades coming your way once Venus goes retrograde on 19 December.

Tip: Prioritise rest ahead of Capricorn season

The big questions defining 2021 persist this month but are at least tempered by a big party mood courtesy of Sagittarius season. Catch-ups and parties are a welcome distraction but could see you buying now and paying later. It’s the sort of weather where the bar tab could get away from you in record time. Come the solstice (22 December), make time to wind down and go within. With Venus also retrograde (19 December – 29 January) it’s the perfect time for introspection and review.

Tip: Clear your diary after the 22nd for some much-needed R&R

There’s mischief to be made early in the month as eclipse season wraps up (4 December) and Neptune brings the party feels. It feels like a big exhale after the ferocity of last month but getting carried away on a sea of Prosecco could be all too easy. Keep an eye out for friends or contacts from the past resurfacing; they hold a major clue about what this Venus retrograde (19 December – 29 January) means for you. 

Tip: Look out for old friends reconnecting out of the blue

Hot tip: try reading these horoscopes for your rising sign as well as your sun sign. You can check the Co-Star app or have your charts read by an astrologist to see what your rising sign is.

Emma Vidgen is an astrologer and meditation teacher. Follow her or book a reading @emma_vee and @thewayward.co.