December 2020 By Bob Mulligan (a personal note is at the end of the newsletter) December 2020 is big. We have unique events that shape our collective destiny for the next two decades. Stellar activities include a Solar Eclipse, Saturn then Jupiter changing signs, the Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, then finally, the Winter Solstice. This seven day period of cosmic activity starts with a fiery and explosive Eclipse on the 14th. Next in line is Saturn going into Aquarius on the 17th, followed by Jupiter going into Aquarius on the 19th. These two great timekeepers of culture make their once in 20 years Conjunction on the 21st, just 8 hours after the Winter Solstice. This will be a week that shakes the world and sets us on a new course unfolding over many years. Aquarius is a forward-looking sign which gives options for individual liberty and a renewed hope. It is important to note the ruler of Aquarius is Uranus, which is in his fall in Taurus. This indicates a truism; the earth, the land, our treatment of the planet itself, will be the key to real progress individually and collectively for the next few years. In April of 2026 Uranus goes into Gemini, and the universal orientation will change. At the personal level, this month provides a unique opportunity to create a new vision, to move in a new direction. Our right-minded progressive ideals are getting a cosmic push. The New Moon is a total Solar Eclipse, occurring on the 14th at 11:16 AM EST on the 23rd degree of Sagittarius. Even though the sign Sagittarius points to expanse, this Eclipse happens on the South Node of the Moon, which glues us to past habits. Further, the ruler of the Eclipse (Jupiter) is in Capricorn with Pluto and Saturn. This is Saturn’s sign and he is on the 29th degree showing finality. Life will be different from this point on. With Mars Trining the Eclipse and Mercury, actions and reactions in the world will be swift and unrelenting. This is a moment to be sure of our target, before releasing the arrow. Venus is Sextile Jupiter/Pluto/Saturn indicating tremendous outpouring of support for traditional structures. Because Mercury (ruler of the North Node) is Conjunct the Eclipse, and the South Node of the Moon, we will see some immediate effect in the areas of communication and travel. Saturn (karma), Mars (desire), and Neptune (ideals) control the chart by being in their own rulership. The ongoing struggle between what is, and what we would like it to be, continues. Neptune keeps closing his Square to the Nodal Axis until mid-January. After this time we will see the lessening of false information and conspiracy theories. The Sun enters Capricorn at 5:02 AM EST on the 21st. This is the Winter Solstice, showing the general state of affairs for the next three months. All the planets fall within 150 degrees between Venus in Sagittarius (higher values) and Uranus in Taurus (material values). This is just hours before the exact Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn; the next three months will be a tipping point for civilization. The Moon in Pisces (idealism) is separating from the Conjunction of Neptune and applying to a Sextile to Pluto in Capricorn (practical realism). This shows a fusion of the mundane and spiritual considerations. With Venus (feminine) Sesquiquadrate Mars (masculine), there will be a realignment of roles between men and women, and a new structure in family life. This is reinforced by Mars in Aries (rights of the individual) being in Square to Pluto in Capricorn (the needs of the state). Violent outbursts will be happening, but we can avoid them. The Full Moon on the 29th at 10:28 PM EST is at 8 degrees 53 minutes Capricorn/Cancer. This is a time of elimination and sharing. With Venus on the South Node Square Neptune, it is difficult to know what to let go of. Moon in Cancer is nostalgic, with a preference for keeping things as they are. However, with Mercury Sextile Neptune, a magical blend of hope with realism can win out; however, we must stay mentally engaged with the facts at hand. Uranus (god of freedom) is Trine the Sun and Sextile the Moon. This promises that our urge for real innovation will push us forward, regardless of our heel dragging. Mars Square Pluto promises the energy, if not the judgment, to get rid of things we no longer need. From the 1st to the 6th new options come our way and our mind turns to faraway places and circumstances. Many plans are laid down, but this isn’t the moment to take bold steps. Halfway measures in the right direction will at least imprint our intentions on the moment. Dreaming of a better world for ourselves, as well as for the globe, has significance, even when our ideas seem farfetched. From the 7th to the 13th much thought is directed at basic structures and worry abounds. Backroom deals can take the place of straightforward gestures. Our best use of this time is to complete projects already in motion. Letting go of all fears and negative thoughts frees our lives from self-imposed limitations. From the 14th to the 20th we reach a radical turning point for world culture. Some things are immediate and obvious. Some happenings will be imbued with a significance that they don’t really possess. The real implications of the moment are vast and only come to light in future years. From the 21st to the 27th integrating the impact of recent changes will take some time, but at least we are on the right track. An application of practical thought to problem solving is useful; it will bring a progressive awareness of what we must do next. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control, but it is better to sit back and relax. However, each of us needs to respond to obligations and opportunities that are plainly right in front of us. From the 28th to the 31st the end of the year brings both joy and sorrow. Taking some precautions to make sure we are safe is really important, as we are not out of the woods yet. Minding our own business and being narrow in our expectations seem prudent. There will be adequate time to celebrate soon. 1st – Tuesday – Mercury enters Sagittarius – Even though our horizons widen a good deal, there are some routine chores that need attention. There is time to entertain enchanting possibilities, but for the moment, they only help to lighten our way. Certain things must be done. 2nd – Wednesday – Maintaining focus is really necessary, but many distractions crop up. Either our mind expands with new occurrences, or we just end up being confused. We are entering a new paradigm. 3rd – Thursday – Sun Semi-square Jupiter, Mercury Sesquiquadrate Mars – We know what we must do; the way is clear. Our personal life runs counter to our given duties, and getting these two aspects of our lives in the same arena requires careful adjustment of attitude, and an eye for timing. 4th – Friday – Mercury Parallel Saturn – Some stretching is required to achieve mental and emotional continuity. With a little work we see our way through, and can actually complete some lingering projects from the last two weeks. 5th – Saturday – Mercury Parallel Jupiter, Mars Semi-sextile Neptune, Venus Trine Neptune – After a personal assessment of values and goals, it is time to enjoy life. Creating something original from the ideas that have been ruminating for a while can bring a sense of satisfaction. We are fired up and have something worth expressing. 6th – Sunday – Venus Quincunx Mars, Sun Parallel Pluto – Harmony can elude us even though we value it. It is important to be in a peaceful frame of mind if we want to include others in our quest. When we gain a fresh appreciation for the effect that friends and family have on our lives, inner stress melts away. 7th – Monday – Mercury Semi-square Pluto – Far away projections have meaning, but are not meant to control our actions. Careful analysis carries us closer to our goals. There is beauty in how all the pieces fit together. Appreciation of this leads to the gateway of contentment. 8th – Tuesday – Mercury Parallel Pluto – Deep thought helps us see new solutions. Even when we have tried to solve a problem many times before, having the persistence to keep at it not only brings results, but also understanding. 9th – Wednesday – Sun Square Neptune – Fantasy and wishful thinking can dominate our lives as we are lifted to new heights of imagination. Still, this doesn’t have to be just an escapist daydream. There is a new world being born and we suffer at times by limiting our thinking to the possible. Build castles in the air, just don’t live in them. 10th – Thursday – Venus Sextile Pluto, Sun Parallel Mercury, Mercury Semi-square Saturn – Much can be completed quickly when we put our heart into our actions. We need to listen to others, even when we don’t like what they are saying. Trying to correct others is wasted energy. We don’t need complete agreement in order to move forward together. 11th – Friday – Sun Trine Mars – A blast of energy correctly placed can move mountains. The connection between the mundane and the ideal becomes obvious when our behavior manifests our desire to be responsible. 12th – Saturday – Extremes can be good, even constructive, when we wish to help others. A little extra effort, and more attention to critical details, help us break through to a new level of understanding and appreciation of life. 13th – Sunday – Mercury Square Neptune – Even though what we hear from news media and people in our circle may not be factual, we can take it in and just digest it over time. Each person in our lives is mentally stretching for a new outlook, whether they realize it or not. 14th – Monday – The New Moon is a Solar Eclipse at 11:16 AM EST on the 23rd degree of Sagittarius, Venus Sextile Jupiter – We have a new beginning. It is time to set our intentions and be sure that what we are aiming to achieve is really what we want. Some lingering possibilities from the last period of life can finally come about. We must think positive thoughts, and put our energy into the things that bring joy, and materialize the common good. 15th – Tuesday – Mercury Trine Mars, Sun Semi-sextile Pluto, Venus enters Sagittarius – Not only is the wilderness calling us, but also foreign lands. Anything removed from our daily lives seems to energize our thinking. However, things closer to home need attention. Future possibilities expand our thinking, we just have to recognize them and evaluate their worth. 16th – Wednesday – Mercury Semi-sextile Pluto – Our attitude toward our personal future is colored by what we see going on in the world around us. A narrow fixation on taking care of immediate business can blind us to the larger environment. So much of what we want to achieve is not for now. We do best to stay on track with our current endeavors; everything is getting ready to change again. 17th – Thursday – Saturn enters Aquarius – The linking of the necessary with the possible opens the door for personal transformation. We see hope, but not that a new life is given to us. There is work ahead. Sharing ideas and plans with others opens the way to get some reasonable corrective input. 18th – Friday – Gifts come to us by talking to people in private. Others may share aspects of their own adventure that are not public knowledge. There are minor victories that lead to greater ones later on. We need to accept the offerings from significant people in our lives; as we share, so will others. 19th – Saturday – Jupiter enters Aquarius – People long out of touch may shine a light into our lives. A more open perspective is coming; we just have to be patient. Every day is best for some things, and today planning for the future is on the agenda. 20th – Sunday – Sun Conjunct Mercury, Mercury enters Capricorn, Mercury Semi-sextile Jupiter – Believing in our own goodness is an important prerequisite to taking our next step. We don’t have to reach our goal, just be willing to start. We are on the road with genuine inspiration, if we are willing to move forward. Inertia can set in if we feel worn out from all the recent changes. Still, taking some action, any action, will have significance. 21st – Monday – Mercury Semi-sextile Saturn, Venus Quincunx Uranus, Venus Parallel Saturn, Sun enters Capricorn (the Winter Solstice) at 5:02 AM EST, Venus Parallel Jupiter, Jupiter Conjunct Saturn, Sun Semi-sextile Saturn, Sun Semi-sextile Jupiter – Luck is tempered by effort and patience. Even though we are entering a new reality, we are still carrying some things from our history. How we employ our memory determines whether or not the path in front of us is easy or difficult. Even if we are intransient, events move us. 22nd – Tuesday – Venus Sesquiquadrate Mars, Venus Semi-square Pluto – Creating harmony is not easy, and may not be necessary. There are times when we can’t get everyone’s agreement. What is important for each of us is that we be true to our own values and purpose. We can be adamant without being angry. Knowing when to just let go of a painful situation is a virtue. 23rd – Wednesday – Mars Square Pluto – We may confront some uncomfortable situations and people today. We are not responsible for what others think, say, or do. However, we do have to own our own mental and emotional state. If our actions are not to our liking, we can make changes to our behavior. 24th – Thursday – Wait and see. This is a moment for relaxing, adjusting, and just enjoying life. We can easily pressure ourselves into thinking that we have to do more. The tone has been set and we have done our part. Results from recent events are starting to manifest. 25th – Friday – Mercury Trine Uranus, Jupiter Parallel Saturn – Inspiration emerges as we are contemplating our current situation. Our higher aspirations can take hold of us and lead us to innovate. It is surprising how much can be done in a day when we just stay at it. 26th – Saturday – Taking inventory of our personal effects is a good way to start a careful reappraisal of our life. What do we have to show for all our effort? What is really important? When have I been the most happy? Breaking the hypnotic trance of the material world only happens in stages. 27th – Sunday – Sun Trine Uranus – Moving in the world of form can be boring, but today it will be uplifting. Really clever solutions emerge as we apply new methods to our most humdrum tasks. Suddenly the routine seems inspiring. Visions of past meetings give us information about how to shape our current pattern of relationships. 28th – Monday – Venus Semi-square Saturn – Are we asking too much from others? Are we completely satisfied with our love life? It is time to get a little more focused and take care of nagging long-term difficulties. Examining our inner world allows integration. In order to improve, we can redirect our attention and help others. 29th – Tuesday – Venus Semi-square Jupiter, the Full Moon is at 8 degrees 53 minutes of Capricorn/Cancer at 10:28 PM EST – We are navigating our way through a forest of promises. So there is good fortune in the moment, but we need not waste time searching for it. If we are busy expanding our empire, over-extension comes primarily because we are chasing a mirage. Life is fun and exciting if we appreciate the beauty of the show, without mistaking it for something real. 30th – Wednesday – Venus Square Neptune – People from our past keep showing up. We can enjoy them if we don’t expect any continuity of contact going forward. The purpose of the moment is to remember what life is about and really understand how our values have changed through the years. It’s time to reflect. 31st – Thursday – Venus Parallel Pluto – Is our attachment to a person or a purpose? We have a fascination with some aspect of life, person, or object. When we lack commitment to the love of our life, now is the time to shift or get off the planet. All or nothing works just fine sometimes. Bob Mulligan is available for personal appointments, astrology classes, and astrological material. Call him at 239-261-2840 or by e-mail at bobmulliga@aol.com. Visit our web site, www.theastrologycompany.com. I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving if you celebrate this holiday. It is an American holiday, but other countries and cultures have some celebration with this name or another in October or November. From early childhood it has always been my favorite holiday. My sister, Mary Alice, drove down to Naples from her home in Sarasota. She had lunch with me, Katie and Teddy at Sugden Park. We had a nice relaxed meal, and then went for a leisurely walk next to the lake. In the evening my siblings and extended family met on Zoom for a fun time of sharing. I did get a visit with each one of my children during the day via phone. Music has always had the ability to lift my spirits. When I started writing on this newsletter, I remembered the day Neptune went into Capricorn in 1984. That very day, I turned on the TV and the first thing I saw was a video, “Do They Know it’s Christmas”. A large group of British musicians got together to produce this video as a fund raiser for people in terrible poverty. This is the positive side of Capricorn, when we remember to be materially generous. As Meher Baba has said, “Real Happiness lies in making others happy.” The next Question and Answer session on Zoom is on Sunday the 13th of December from Noon – 1 PM EST. This is an opportunity to ask any astrology question that you would like. Submit them in advance; they are answered in the order that the question comes in. When we run out of questions, I’ll share some other information. For many years, my dear friend, Mary Weiss, has come and spent Christmas with us. She has always been a part of our family. However, the pandemic makes it impossible to travel here from her home in Hawaii. Yes, this is a different year for all of us, and we must be diligent to take all reasonable precautions. As my sister, Dawn, says, “I don’t want to be the last soldier killed as we are leaving Vietnam.” “Live not in ignorance. Do not waste your precious life-span in differentiating and judging your fellow-men, but learn to long for the love of God. Even in the midst of your worldly activities, live only to find and realize your true Identity with your Beloved God. Be pure and simple, and love all because all are one. Live a sincere life; be natural, and be honest with yourself. Honesty will guard you against false modesty and will give you the strength of true humility. Spare no pains to help others. Seek no other reward than the gift of Divine Love. Yearn for this gift sincerely and intensely, and I promise in the name of my Divine Honesty, that I will give you much more than you yearn for.” – Meher Baba “All problems are psychological, but all solutions are spiritual.” – Dr. Thomas Hora Bob Mulligan is available for personal appointments, astrology classes, and astrological material. Call him at 239-261-2840 or by e-mail at bobmulliga@aol.com. Visit our web site, www.theastrologycompany.com. | 
