Let the good times roll! With the Sun’s entrance into SAGITTARIUS, the holiday season is now officially underway — how appropriate that we’re celebrating Thanksgiving Day—and the Full Moon—just as this solar month begins! Cheers – it’s time to eat, drink and be merry! A spirit of hope, optimism and generosity is in the air – it’s the month for counting your blessings, giving thanks for the positive things in your life, and sharing your abundance. Let the gratitude flow! 
SAGITTARIUS is associated with inspiration, truth, wisdom and knowledge. Educational, religious, spiritual and philanthropic ideals will be illuminated during this solar month (along with the sparkling holiday lights). Speak your truth, practice what you preach and renew your faith. Positive thoughts and prayers for peace will encircle the earth, as this sign is aligned with global consciousness, international affairs, foreign cultures and immigration. We share a common humanity with all beings on this earth — we are one world!
Many will travel far & wide to be with loved ones over the holidays; it’s a time for reconnecting, communicating and celebrating life with friends & family — ’tis the season to be jolly! Since adventure and expansion are SAGITTARIAN concepts, you may feel fired up to extend your horizons, explore new viewpoints and travel to faraway places ‒ the world is your playground! This is also a great time to catch up on your reading, sign up for winter classes, initiate a writing project or get out and enjoy some special holiday events, musical happenings and parties.
Jovial SAGITTARIUS (ruled by Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system) is infamous for excess and extravagance — no wonder we tend to overindulge during this month! Since Jupiter is currently in its own sign, SAGITTARUS, you will have to consciously rein yourself in from going overboard, promising more than you can deliver or biting off more than you can chew. Since SAGITTARIUS is a mutable fire sign, enthusiasm can easily overtake good judgment and lead you down the merry path. The devastating California firestorms, which ignited on the day that Jupiter entered SAGITTARIUS (November 8), are an example of how this fiery energy can quickly get out of hand.
The hectic Full Moon in SAGITTARIUS & GEMINI, which culminates on November 22 at 9:39 pm PST, will be whipping up a whirlwind of frenetic activity as the Thanksgiving holiday begins. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, overextended and stressed around this particular Full Moon, and Mercury’s presence in SAGITTARIUS (and retrograde!) will only fan the flames! So…take a few deep breaths and try to stay on track; keep your communications clear and stay alert & sober when on the road. Transportation issues could arise, so allow extra time to avoid potential traffic jams or long airport lines.
Neptune in PISCES turns direct on November 24 (following a 5-month retrograde); any chaos, confusion or health issues you may have been experiencing will begin to clear up now. It will be quite the weekend for coming & going, shopping, connecting with relatives & neighbors and sharing ideas and opinions; do your best to tamp down the political rhetoric and replace it with respectful conversations and good humor. The exuberant Sun-Jupiter conjunction, which peaks late Sunday, November 25, brings to mind the familiar adage: “Live well, laugh often, love much.” Kick up your heels and enjoy yourself to the max!
The week following the holiday could be a very productive one, with the Sun-Mercury conjunction, the Mars-Saturn sextile and the Mercury-Jupiter conjunction—all on November 27th. It would be a good time to clarify your holiday list, make online purchases or firm up any travel plans. You may experience some social awkwardness or miscues with friends with the Venus-Lunar Node square (on the 28th); the unpredictable Venus-Uranus opposition on the 30th could bring changes, surprises or confrontations in relationships. Play it loose and expect the unexpected!
Mercury re-enters SCORPIO on December 1, and Venus leaves LIBRA and goes back into SCORPIO, too, on December 2. A new level of intensity, ambition & competitiveness will surface with these planetary transitions; thank goodness the Moon will be in LIBRA during this weekend to keep things cool & calm, especially since the combative Sun-Mars square comes to a head at the same time!
Communications could be unclear or deceptive as the Sun-Neptune square (on December 5) infuses the energy field; beware of scams, unconscious behavior or misunderstandings. The Mars-Neptune-conjunction, which peaks on December 7, could lead to dissipation, avoidance or victimization — or heighten your spiritual or psychic sensitivities. Utilize your powers of visualization & discrimination to channel this potent energy in wholesome ways. Fortunately, Mercury turns direct in the midst of these aspects (on December 6), and you may begin to feel like you’re back in control of things from here on! Now’s the time to put your holiday cards & packages in the mail, or move forward with a purchase of a new computer, phone, electronic gear or a vehicle. The New Moon in SAGITTARIUS also takes place on December 6, at 11:20 pm PST — life is back on track!
With Mars in PISCES until the end of the year, you’ll want to find positive forms of escapism and ways to detach from the commercialism of the season. Be kind to yourself, make healthy choices and focus on your personal well-being – get a massage, experiment with essential oils, go to the gym or have a good soak. Since PISCES is associated with the feet, try a pedicure, a foot reflexology treatment or buy yourself a new pair of shoes. The lymphatic system is also associated with this sign, so stretch, stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Elevate your consciousness and let your spirit soar — sing, dance and let music fill your soul! At the same time, welcome any opportunities to be of service to those less fortunate than yourself. Empathy, kindness and compassion are inspired by this transit —you’ll likely find yourself contributing to some worthy causes.Mercury leaves SCORPIO and re-enters SAGITTARIUS on December 12, bringing a positive uplift with it. The weekend of the 14th will be a good party weekend, due with the friendly Venus-Saturn sextile and the dynamic Mars-Pluto sextile on December 16. It’s an ideal time to connect with old friends, enjoy social & cultural activities and explore your playful side.
Electricity will be in the air as the spontaneous Sun-Uranus trine develops on December 20 — enjoy the magic! The mystical Venus-Neptune trine and the expansive Mercury-Jupiter conjunction on December 21 will bring in the final hurrah of this lively SAGITTARIUS month (while later on the 21st, the Winter Solstice—and the shortest day of the year—begins as the Sun moves on to CAPRICORN, accompanied by the Full Moon). Wishing you a very happy & healthy holiday season!
© 2018 Diane Elizabeth Clarke