Whole Life Times: The Gift of Enthusiasm

December 2005 | Astrology

The Gift of Enthusiasm

by James Jarvis

If corporate America’s winter holiday hoopla doesn’t engender in you the joy and enthusiasm we’ve been led to think is our birthright, you may want to consider the season from an astrological perspective. The root word of enthusiasm is en theo or “in God,” and this attribute of divine inspiration (represented by the sign of Sagittarius) longs to flow from our hearts this time of year. Instead of focusing on what you say, do, believe or buy, emphasize the Sagittarian ability to share your presence—your love, energy and receptivity—with others.

The new Moon in Sagittarius on 12/1 at 10:01 am is propitious for emotional self-expression, heightened idealism and nurturing yourself by embracing your spiritual quest. Moving beyond the love of spiritual knowledge (ie. books, classes, workshops), the Moon in Sagittarius invites you to step into your own wisdom by practicing and experiencing the presence of spirit in your life.

Mercury, which has been retrograde since 11/14, goes direct again 12/03 at 24 degrees Scorpio. Mercury in Scorpio invites you to identify and acknowledge what’s bothering you. Use Mercury in Scorpio (till 12/11) to tell the microscopic truth. Sometimes just the simple act of being truthful can release suppressed energy that has prevented you from being intimate with those you love.

If you feel like you’ve been pushing a heavy rock uphill since 10/2, you will be relieved to know that Mars, the planet of will, goes direct at 8 degrees Taurus on 12/9. With Mars in retrograde motion, you may have discovered what’s been blocking your energy and personal will. Now that Mars is direct, make mid-course corrections and move forward to manifest what you want.

With Mercury in Sagittarius 12/12-1/3/06, focus on broadening your mental faculties. Sagittarian energy helps you tap into your natural wisdom rather than relying on external knowledge. Allow higher wisdom to flow, and share with the world.

The Full Moon at 23 degrees Gemini on 12/15 challenges you to expand your personal network of friends and associates to grow intellectually. We often forget about our need for intellectual stimulation, so use the full moon to nurture this area of your life. Take a class, broaden your knowledge base and engage in stimulating conversation.

Venus journeys through the sign of Aquarius 12/15-1/1/2006, bringing an opportunity to broaden or liberate your personal value system. Venus in Aquarius helps you envision a new paradigm of relationship based on interdependence and freedom rather than co-dependence. Let Venus in Aquarius help open your heart to greater intimacy and authenticity in all of your relationships.

The universal principles of expansion and contraction meet head on as Jupiter in Scorpio comes into a hard aspect with Saturn in Leo 12/12-21. With Jupiter/Saturn aspects, it’s like driving with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brakes! During this transit (exact on 12/17) it’s important to contain your stress level. If you are feeling stressed, take time out for calming and grounding.

The Sun moves into Capricorn 12/21 at 1:35pm, marking the Winter solstice. The Capricorn principle demonstrates how self-reliance and consolidation of power and authority lead to mastery. Our job in the sign of Capricorn is to be a positive role model who demonstrates mastery of accomplishment and right use of power and authority.

Mars in Taurus in challenging relationship with Saturn in Leo 12/23-31 represents the discipline required to bring things into form. The good news is that this transit can help you concentrate your will power for accomplishment. The bad news is that Mars/Saturn energy can bring up feelings of frustration or of being held back. Use this transit to see how you might be blocking yourself rather than blaming the obvious external forces that appear to be in your way.

Venus retrograde in Aquarius/ Capricorn 12/24-2/2/06 presents an opportunity to re-examine your values so they’re rooted in personal experience. During Venus’ retrograde it’s possible to remove yourself from the dominant values of the culture to clarify what is truly important to you. Freed from the pressures of family, culture, religion and society’s values, you have a chance to align your values with your inner self.

For Sun, Moon and Rising Signs

Aries 3/21-4/20
Are you having visions of exotic, far-off lands? Maybe it’s time to expand your boundaries beyond the familiar. Whether you travel physically or just mentally, there’s a strong urge to expand your mind now.

Taurus 4/21-5/21
You might find that you are more impatient with others this month. Your need for freedom and independence is strong so find ways that you can do your own thing. Practice “self-centeredness."

Gemini 5/22-6/20
The full moon in Gemini on 12/15 highlights your passion for connecting with others. This is an excellent time for networking and being seen, particularly if you desire a change in your work environment.

Cancer 6/21-7/20
Balance is an important focus this month. Starting a new health/exercise program or diet will help you ground emotionally. Whatever you do, make it fun and not work.

Leo 7/21-8/22
Saturn’s journey through Leo can seem like an identity crisis. Picture your life as an onion having its outer layers peeled off—strip away identifications that are no longer useful.

Virgo 8/23-9/22
Your creative voice is seeking expression this month. Singing and reciting poetry are especially good outlets. The balance between your heart and head is good, so your communications are successful.

Libra 9/23-10/22
Are you satisfied with the aesthetics of your home? If not, this is the perfect time to do some home beautification. As you bring more harmony into your outer home, your inner home will be more peaceful, too.

Scorpio 10/22-11/21
Jupiter’s year-long journey through Scorpio started 10/25. This should be a great year, as Jupiter will expand your confidence. You can also use this year to get more comfortable with owning your power.

Sagittarius 11/ 22-12/20
The new moon in Sagittarius on 12/1 kicks off a month of greater visibility. Your natural wisdom is bubbling over and you are being asked to share it! Slow down a bit and listen first for what to say.

Capricorn 12/21-1/20
You are being asked to clarify your most important values. Are the demands of work or your own high standards getting in the way of doing what you love? If so, it’s time to re-evaluate what’s important.

Aquarius 1/ 21-2/18
The energy you need for a major campaign is at hand. You are revved up and ready to go—all you need is a mission statement! Look to see where you can ease social injustice.

Pisces 2/19-3/20
You are tuned into what others want this month. By identifying with their needs, you can come up with solutions that will serve everyone’s highest good. This contribution will help your standing at work.

James Jarvis, M.A. is an astrologer, transpersonal counselor and professional life coach. Call toll-free 866.454.8199, lifeqwest.com.

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