Like a bright burning candle, so the year burns down to its close.

There are a number of favorable signs in the heavens as we reach the end of this holiday week. The Moon is working well with both Venus and Neptune — think, “Spirit of Love.” Of course that is what the season is all about, but sometimes we forget — and it is good that the planetary energies are aligned with the right energy when we remember. Mercury (Communication), is also working in tandem with Saturn (Practicality) so that you can find the enjoyment of the holidays in a down to earth way as you work out your plans for the weekend. There’s alittle tension between the Moon and Saturn though — this can come out when you bump into your budget. We’re all in the same boat, though, and people will understand… so do what’s right for you and yours as the New Year approaches.

“You may find that the holiday celebrations, and conversations with new friends and old, spark new ideas for adventures in the new year.”

Earlier in the week found the Moon (Emotions) working with Pluto (Renewal) – a perfect alignment as the Christmas week began. Have you ever noticed the opportunity to reconnect with old friends during the Holidays? Of course. But the opportunity extends deeper than that — you have an opening to actually transform your relationships — to let go of the things in the past you don’t want anymore, live and celebrate totally in the now, and make the next year a dream of happiness. That’s the magic of the yuletide.

Saturday looks interesting with the Moon in “Conjunction” (two planetary energies working things out together) with the Sun, and Venus in Conjunction with Neptune. The latter Conjunction involves interplays of Love with Spirituality, and can also show a kind of zealous romantic encounter fired up by the spirit of the season. Moon and Sun, are Emotions and Personality, always a combination behind what makes things tick. When they cooperate (instead of your gut telling you one thing and your head another), this alignment can help you see thing with clarity and be efficient. No hesitation.

Sunday finds the Moon dancing well with Uranus — the planet of new ideas. You may find that the holiday celebrations, and conversations with new friends and old, spark new ideas for adventures in the new year. The Practicality of Saturn is also at play, and of course in the larger picture this is wise — economically speaking. The Moon is in Conjunction with Mercury today, so you feel that you can talk these things out with your mate — a good day for a hot mocha and a chat about the coming year.

One centuries old tradition at the time of the Winter Solstice is the lighting of the “Yule Log”.

Welcome to the Friday before Christmas. It probably feels like it’s been a long week. Today, the Moon (Emotions) is working well with Jupiter — the giant planet with a lot of pull toward prosperity. That’s a good sign for the coming year. Remember that is how you feel about things that draws you to them. The Moon is also squaring off with the Sun today, and this often means that your gut tells you one thing, while your brain tells you another. Use them both. Trust your intuition, but temper emotions with right and logical thought. One example — even though a really expensive item “feels” like it would be good to purchase and give as a gift — you’re probably right if you’re telling yourself you can find a more affordable gift they will love too.

“The wheel of the calendar is always turning and this time will past but once. Remember: moment by moment, this life is given… just as moment by moment, it is taken away.”

Earlier this week, the Moon was squaring off with Mars, so you could have found it hard to get going. The Moon was also working in conjunction with Saturn, so have been able to borrow a bit of that energy to get things done in a practical way. Remember to try and group your errands into a logical order to be more efficient. Keep your communications at work brief and to the point. This is not the best time to seek creative solutions — save those for when you have more time to explore them.

On Saturday, the Moon is working well with both Venus (Love) and Chiron (The Healer) — a perfect combination as you see old friends and family for the holidays. The Spirit of Christmas is in the heart, and letting those around you know you love them is a very healthy thing to do. The Moon also squares off with Mercury — the Communicator — today, so keep an eye on your emotions, and make sure that your feelings don’t inspire you to speak out of turn. Sure, seeing people you haven’t been with for a while can churn up some deep feelings — but they can do you good, if you manage them well.

Sunday is the Winter Solstice — a time to celebrate the reversal of the Sun’s ebbing presence in the sky, as the power of of the season is at its full, but the wheel now turns toward Spring, and the year is reborn again. The Moon is working well with Mars and Neptune today — an excellent configuration to help you get in the spirit of your last minute gift shopping. Don’t you love a quick Mocha as you dash from store to store? Savor this season, even as you savor your mocha. The wheel of the calendar is always turning and this time will past but once. Remember: moment by moment, this life is given… just as moment by moment, it is taken away. That’s the secret to staying focused on the “now.”  All is a cycle — a great ebb and flow on earth, in time, and in the cosmos.

Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery recorded this rarely seen phenomenon of the full Moon partially obscured by the atmosphere of Earth

Welcome to Friday: a Full Moon Thursday led into a busy Friday (Celestially speaking), when you could use the empowerment of the Full Moon as the energy of Chiron (the Healer) and Neptune (Spirituality) serve to heighten this day. You will find that when you go as the Spirit moves you, those around you will be with you and you will feel better for it. Also on Friday, Mars (Initiative) is at war with Uranus (New Ideas), which means that the best route for you may be a tried and true path. What has worked well for you in the past, and how can you use those strategies and methods today?

“Maybe you’re wondering what to get people? Think of how their Spirit shines, then look for gifts that support it.  It’s a powerful Lunar weekend, full of transformation.”

Earlier this week, you may have noticed a bit of tug and pull on your emotions, then a bit of relief on Thursday. The Moon was making nice with Venus, the planet of Love, so you may have found that your romance life feels good to you right now. But Venus was showing a bit of stress with Uranus, the planet of new ideas, so celebrating traditions in your relationships, and enjoying your favorite dinner together should have worked out well. And of course things are a bit “tighter” this season with the economy the way it is — another reason to stay safe, with tried and true ways to spend time together.

Saturday looks interesting — have you got your Christmas shopping done? Maybe you’re wondering what to get people? Think of how their Spirit shines, then look for gifts that support it. It’s common sense — the avid sportsman gets sporting related gifts. The traveler… well, you get it. The Moon (Emotions) is working well with both Mercury (Communication), and Pluto (Transformation), so get on the cell phone when you’re out shopping and check in with your people — they will give you the details you need to know. Continue to use the power of the Full Moon to get you through this busy time.

Sunday finds the Moon working well with Saturn (Practicality), and Uranus (New Ideas) — you’d be surprised how many practical but new approaches there are for your career, family projects, and of course, gift shopping. Don’t get too stressed out… things always get done and work out, don’t they? Maybe every year you are rushing around to try and do everything that needs doing in a busy season. Gift yourself a break now. It will get done like it always does. Take time out for a mocha — your own private celebration of the season. Then just get it done. That’s the ticket.

Hubble Telescope image of a beautiful distant galaxy named simply ESO 97-13.

Welcome to Saturday… the heavens are quite active today, with the Moon (Emotions) playing nice with Jupiter (Growth), and Venus (Love) — so one possibility for you is to expand your possibilities with ideas offered by your loved ones. But the Moon is also squaring off with Mercury (Communication), and Saturn (Restrictions)… so the trick is avoid any rough feelings when your talk turns to possible limitations.  What limitations?  Well… financing your dreams is always a bit trick — especially in today’s economy.  Mercury too is active today, squaring off with Saturn (another indication you should not dwell on limitations), and making nice with Neptune (but instead speak from the true Spirit of your goals).

“Sunday finds the Moon trembling a bit with Chiron — the celestial Shaman. It is right to be nervous about what you must do that will heal you.”

Earlier in the week, the Moon (Emotions) was quite happy with the Sun (Personality), Mars (Initiative), Mercury (Communication), and Chiron (the Healer). This made for a power packed time whereby you could take leadership at home and at work and present your plans in a way that people can really hear.  A new direction may have come to mind which will bring about some good feelings and work to repair some earlier bad feelings.  As always there is a Spiritual aspect to all of this, and you will do well to pay attention to your higher self.

Sunday finds the Moon trembling a bit with Chiron — the celestial Shaman.  It is right to be nervous about what you must do that will heal you. This “tension” will help you gain the energy to proceed.  And the right balance must be find between guidance from your mind, your heart, and your spirit.  Praying for discernment in quiet meditation on Sunday is a good practice.  Owning, feeling, and dealing with where your Spirit is urging you can be unsettling at first.  That’s ok.  Fight the good fight.

Monday brings some good powers into play, and there’s a feeling you can take charge and get what needs to be done — finished. Go with that and you will be able to speak to your colleagues and family about what is important.  Remember that though there are always “rules” and restrictions to overcome, you can and will persevere.  Thinking positive will carry you a long way as you begin your week.