Preamble:
       Just as the Sun conjoined the Galactic Center, and Jupiter entered Capricorn, there's a pre-Christmas media miracle to report:
       It seems that Regis Philbin met and was taken with ‘Saint’ Amy Goodman of Democracy Now at Phil Donohue and Marlo Thomas' annual Christmas party. He was so impressed with Amy (who wouldn't be?) that he tuned in and watched her program, and then on his and Kelly Ripa's ABC show, encouraged Middle America to do the same. The journalist-broadcaster in him (the one with integrity and self awareness) lamented that he is doing NOTHING to help humanity, in contrast to the service that Amy, Juan Gonzalez, and company are contributing daily.
       Here, Here Regis! We salute the Virgo in you that stepped up to the plate and thank you!

Chart: Winter Solstice (larger view)

       Winter Solstice, when the Sun enters ambitious Capricorn and the days begin to grow longer, evokes picturesque images of stillness and beauty. It's a time of magic, spiritual reflection, redemption, and renewal.
      Astrologically, the travel-intensive days and nights leading up to Christmas and Kwanzaa this year, are especially challenging: It will take a miracle for it all to come off without a hitch.
     In the northeast, the Sun enters Capricorn on December 22 at 1:07 AM EST. The chart for that moment has Libra rising at 14 degrees, the same degree rising on 9/11/01 when the first plane struck the WTC, and the same degree that rose in the recent solar eclipse on September 11, '07, just three months ago.
     The repetition of that degree in of itself does not necessarily guarantee or even suggest that a similar event is looming, but the energy of the approaching full moon which takes place less than 42 hours later, looks and feels dicey and hard to contain. It would be oh so easy for individuals or groups already on the verge to become unhinged and act out. The moment of solstice (the ingress of the sun into Capricorn) begins the season: it sets the stage and tone for the next three months. Suffice it to say, it's a bumpy time.
     Since both events (the solstice and full moon) are back to back, several planetary relationships are effective: The confusing square between Venus (in intense Scorpio) and Neptune (in Aquarius) and the highly charged and confrontational opposition between Mars and Pluto, both in very late Gemini/Sagittarius, the Sun, Jupiter, and Mercury in Capricorn, ALL within 2 degrees of the cardinal world axis, adds up to a tenuous few days to be sure. At a time of peace and calm, this celestial set-up might be experienced as merely abrasive and irritating. But in lieu of the volatility and violence of the past several weeks, it behooves us all to err on the side of caution and to be extra careful at malls, churches, where crowds gather, and especially if traveling.     
      The combination of the out-of-bounds/emotionally raw and raging Moon/Mars - opposite Pluto and the three planets in early Capricorn could easily bring out the beast in anyone, and many folks who are already in an anxious or agitated state could be easily provoked.

Chart: Full Moon Cancer-Capricorn (larger view)

    Christmas notwithstanding, if I could, I'd recommend a two week moratorium on travel altogether and suggest that we wait till later in January or February to take the obligatory trips for business and/or to see family and friends.
      On a positive note, the silver lining comes by way of the ‘mutual reception’ between Mercury, planet of communication-(now moving very quickly), which enters Capricorn on December 20th, and Saturn in Virgo. These two planets will be in a favorable and cooperative trine on Christmas Day (Yes!) and remain ‘harmonious’ through January 7th. Clear, concise, and practical thinking is available and with intention and application, many long standing dilemmas may be successfully resolved for good.

******* Weekly Horoscope

ARIES: Though you'd love a good food fight, it's in your best interest to summon up all of your reserves and make sure that none occurs on your watch. The emotional price would be way too high and the clean-up a nightmare. Full Moon/Holiday Challenge: To stay emotionally aware but to exercise restraint- even if provoked. Rewards are guaranteed if you stay focused on work and develop career strategies for 2008 despite the fact that the calendar says time out.

TAURUS: It may be necessary to entertain and mull over opposing ideas and strategies a while longer so that you can achieve a solid solution to a financial dilemma. If you need to consult with someone who knows more than you do, go for it. This is no time to skimp. Full Moon/Holiday Challenge: To take the high road even if it kills you, especially if your nearest and dearest (yes, siblings) appear to regress and indulge themselves to a pre-natal level of immaturity. Don't stoop to conquer and no matter what don't take the bait!

GEMINI:  A decision is at hand, and making the right choice depends on your understanding what's really bothering you and motivating you: If it's fear, then you're off base. The question is- are you ready to take a leap of faith and go beyond the familiar to something better? Full Moon/ Holiday Challenge: To be an effective negotiator, you must first convince yourself of the merits of what you propose. The funny thing is that although you may not realize it, you're already thought of as the voice of reason.

CANCER: What is that old saying? “When you want too be heard, whisper” The conjunction of fierce Mars on the Moon in your sign amplifies your emotional intensity exponentially. Remember: Less is more. Deep breathing and a baby aspirin or two go a long way. Full Moon/Holiday Challenge: To be social and congenial even when you feel like indulging your inner brat. Someone at your table or one nearby may be in a position to advance you. Making this tiny concession is an investment in your future.

LEO: Though you had no real intention of doing anything but roasting and/or hosting, don't be surprised if this turns into a work week…and getting your ducks in a row is just what the doctor ordered. The build up of planets in your 6th house of routine and Saturn makes a very favorable aspect your midheaven. Structure is your friend. Full Moon/Holiday Challenge: To keep to a schedule even though you may not feel like it.

VIRGO: Thank heavens for small favors. While the rest of the world's going nuts, you're supported by the position of your ruling planet Mercury in a solid ‘mutual reception' relationship to Saturn, giving you a highly creative, yet practical intellectual advantage over friends and adversaries alike. Use this down time productively. Full Moon/Holiday Challenge: To not feel compelled to respond to the whiny demands of needy friends for your time and attention. Shut your cell phone and put your email on auto-response.

LIBRA: Once more, you're asked to be all things to all people all the time and in several locations too, which of course, is impossible. But everything's happening at once and there's no choice right now but to do what you can and let the chips to fall where they may. You'll be able to fix what you missed- later. Full Moon/Holiday Challenge: To prioritize as if your life depended on it. It does, you know.

SCORPIO: If called upon, be willing to speak your truth in front of a group and don't worry about if or how you're being judged - you probably are, but so what? Someone present turns out to be loyal and quite helpful. A visit to a house of worship proves to be draining- must you go? Full Moon/Holiday Challenge: To balance passion with restraint while communicating with wisdom and impeccable timing. The silences are just as important as the words

SAGITTARIUS: Though things may appear to be back sliding professionally, appearances aren't the whole story. Higher ups and/or characters ‘up the food chain' that you're depending on are reorganizing themselves. Be patient, it'll all work out. Full Moon/Holiday Challenge: To hold the financial strings with a tight grip. Acting the role of group treasurer is not now nor will it ever be your dream job, but you must master this ‘tough love' aspect of the game to prepare for a year of significant financial improvement.

CAPRICORN: The full moon across your chart presents an interesting challenge: Even though you have the upper hand, an adversary is somehow able to get under your skin more than usual.  A third party or mediator may be helpful if you reach an impasse or are just too uncomfortable to be alone with this person-for now.. Full Moon/Holiday Challenge: To handle a partner or significant other's anxiety (or 16th crisis of the week) with grace, maturity, and without judgment or resentment. It's a tall order but you're up to it.

AQUARIUS: Sometimes being popular feels like a curse. You're not imagining it- everyone you work with (or who works for you) seems to have an agenda or is be bellyaching about this, that, & the other thing. It's coming through the phones, emails, and unannounced knocks at the door. Think of it as a test, and it will pass. Full Moon/Holiday Challenge: To keep your cool when faced with uncalled for bitchiness. This superior will apologize when he or she realizes their mistake. To forgive is divine.

© Shelley Ackerman, 2007.
No parts of this article may be used or reprinted without written permission from the author.