YOUR DECEMBER 2016 ASTROLOGY READINGS
Over the past couple weeks I have spent long periods of time sitting and reflecting, and I imagine I’m going to be doing a lot more of the same in the final weeks and days there are left of 2016.
Part of my reflections have been on the twelve months of tarot card pulling and message interpretation we’ve done for the twelve signs of the zodiac over the course of the year.
Tarot reading to me has become much more than a mere checking in with my thoughts, feelings and subconscious. It’s become a more outward facing practice, since Nicole and I have been doing these readings for you, dear reader, and reflecting upon aspects of ourselves and others as they manifest in the World At Large.
We have always recommended to read all twelve messages for the month, and you can go back at any point and read the messages of the past, and still glean meaning and application to your life today (although I recognize it does lose some of its appeal with its being positioned in the past!).
This reiterates the human condition, our position on astrology being a conversation starter, as well as the continual practice of seeking to do good in a constantly changing Universe.
How have you changed, grown, evolved over the course of 2016?
How have you interpreted signs and messages from your environment and applied them to your daily life? Do you notice signs and synchronicity?
Looking to the new year that's swiftly approaching, now is the time to ground yourself, contemplate your goals, and go into 2017 with an open heart and a higher level of consciousness.
January is a new start, and December is a good month to take stock of all you’ve done, accomplished, failed at, and what you’re looking forward to do, achieve, experience.
This month we asked for messages from the tarot to help each of the twelve signs find opportunities to act in more conscious ways, specifically looking for gifts you can give to yourself, others and the world around you that don’t cost money or produce waste, while helping to raise the collective level of consciousness.
Please let us know in the comments at the bottom if you’ve enjoyed these monthly readings - your feedback and support really mean a lot!
(pssst! Like the groovy illustrations at the top of this page and want to see the bigger version just for your sign? Check us out on Instagram)
Aries(March 22 to April 20 ) - Two of Swords
The figure on the Two of Swords stands at a crossroads, blindfolded to the truth, a truth that she already knows. This is a card that can apply to many situations, but the funny thing about this card is that you know inherently the crossroads to which it applies, because it’s the most difficult one we’ve often been avoiding for a long, long time.
What are you doing that you shouldn’t be? What needs to change? “He never calls me!” “My job doesn’t treat me right,” “I can’t wait to get wasted this weekend,” or, “I wish I could just take a break from everything to be able to figure it all out.” What have you been telling yourself that you’ll 'work on,' projecting it into the future instead of facing it head on?
Look at the different points in your life that are intersected between what you should do and what you’re doing just to get by, or what you’re doing because it’s the easy way.
When we aren’t living aligned with our higher purpose, we are poisoning our consciousness and the consciousnesses of those around us through our indecision and denial of our truth. It’s difficult to give examples for this message, because often it points to a personal truth that we’ve convoluted and twisted to such an extent in our heads to convince ourselves that it's okay, that anyone else would see the situation and be able to point to the obvious direction that you have convinced yourself is not obvious.
You’re an Aries! You’re tough enough to buckle down and do the right thing, even if it means some extra work. Make it a point to move into 2017 with a clear mind, heart and soul. You'll be glad that you did.
Taurus (April 22 to May 20) - The World
The World! The whole world is in your energy field! You’ve attracted the twenty first and final card of the major arcana into your consciousness because you’ve gotten to the stage that has allowed it to appear. Think wholeness, completion, all-seeing, all-knowing, self-actualization.
Happiness is a feeling of being complete, or feeling like you’re not lacking in anything.
We are social creatures, and thus happiness often stems from our connection with others and our place within the world around us.
This holiday season whether it’s a work party, a family meal (or 10!), a roommate appreciation dinner, the grocery store or in traffic during rush hour, you will inevitably be in a place that traditionally sparks an uprise in drama, gossip, argumentation, unconsciousness.
Use your grounded nature to be the rock, Taurus.
The Universe has given you the task of being that person who resists temptation to slip into unconsciousness - your task is to be the change.
You are already complete, you’ve walked the path, and will continue to walk it for many years to come, how can you emulate that and be an example for those around you?
And please also consider - how can you take this into the new year? What areas of your life could use uplifting onto a new plane of consciousness? Use this as a test to bring fortitude into 2017, always considering how you can simply be, rather than engage.
Gemini (May 21 to June 21) - The Emperor
The Emperor is a card of structure, regulation, authority and control.
Reflect this month on where your power lies - because you are powerful, Gemini! You’re more powerful than you could ever imagine when you try to control what can be controlled, rather than what can’t.
An example of something that cannot be controlled: other people, especially their opinions.
Examples of things that can be controlled: your attitude, outlook, reactions and internal harmony.
Don’t try to take power that isn’t yours. Take control of your own situation! Don’t get into one of those “pot calling the kettle black” situations.
If you’ve slipped away from your centre, if you’ve lost track of your purpose or your why that gives you power, you need to master yourself before the new year. The father figure that the Emperor embodies reminds us of the highest form of fathering, the just, temperate, rational authority that good fathers represent.
If you feel that there are external matters clouding your perception and ability to act rightly, then do what you need to do to get those out of the way. Get your paperwork filed, your house cleaned up, and repairs done, clear it all out so that 2017 is a fresh start.
If there are more internal matters clouding your ability to rule with respect and understanding of your power, know that this need not be. Know that everything you perceive as a block is an illusion and that only you have the power to rise above and re-establish a more positive, conscious outlook.
Cancer (June 22 to July 22) - Two of Cups
It’s more common in winter than in summer to feel like you need to connect with another, especially in a romantic way. It’s cold outside, often our work feels like its stagnating, our brains feel like there’s a layer of frost clouding our judgement. It’s natural to want to either go into hibernation, or cuddle up with someone close.
Cancer people are known to be house-dwellers and close with their families, or whoever their support network happens to be.
If you're currently single and find that you're craving connection, expand that emotional need to a larger group. The worse thing you could do is retreat into yourself, or become a hermit/Debbie Downer just because you don't have a partner. You will only be locked in negative mind loops and turn your wanting/needing in on yourself where it will become infinitely more poisonous.
My suggestion for you, Moonchild, is to seek for a new opportunity to volunteer, be involved with a cause, or start a new hobby. Expand your connections and look for situations where you're in a group setting and you will be able to act on the energy you've been given this month to share, connect and bond!
If you're currently in a relationship, bring your partner with you to these events, start a hobby together, or look for ways to deepen your bond by sharing an experience. This will strengthen your relationship and provide more solid grounding for you to move together into the new year.
Leo July 23 to August 22 - Eight of Wands
If you have a project that’s near and dear to you and you feel as though you’ve either been spinning your wheels, or procrastinating on finishing it... Now, my dear Leo friend, is the time.
This may seem counter-intuitive to this being the time of year when there are many things pulling at your attention, but take this as an opportunity to establish your priorities for 2017, putting this specific thing at the forefront and getting it done!
You, my big cat friend, have a fragile ego and thrive on praise and compliments to power your efforts. This is mostly well deserved because you are a natural leader, a talented creative, and a hard worker. However, with this particular situation you do not have time to wait for praise, and you probably don't even have the opportunity since there is still work to do before you can present it to the world.
Anything that comes from an external place is an illusion anyways, Leo!
You know how worthy and deserving you are! You know what you bring to the table! The worst thing you could do is focus on that fragile ego of yours, because the goal is always to act from a place of egolessness anyways!
The other part of this card is that things are finally looking to be completed. Although our work is never done, you really need to get this project finished up, or at least to the next step, before the new year. It's going to be a crazy ride this month, but you have to make it happen or the opportunity will be missed.
Virgo (August 23 to September 22) - Four of Cups
Sitting in meditation for long hours is one of the most positive things you can do for yourself at this time of year. Sitting and not reflecting being the key. And perhaps you’ve been turned much too inwards lately, or you'll feel the pull to do so this month, going around in circles and loops with inner talk about possibilities, where you’ve come from, where you’re going, why? why? why?! You need to reinvigorate yourself in an outwards sense.
If you feel as though your life has flatlined and/or you’re constantly going within rather than without for answers, you need to kickstart an outwards spiral of your energy!
(That being said, the answer always lies in a balance and acceptance of what is, neither within nor without, external or internal. The Universe is merely suggesting that you're being a bit too inward focused!)
Try doing something athletic this month. Go curling! Can you suggest a group activity to your friends or partner? Skating? Skiing? Snowboarding? Bobsledding? Or some yoga, basketball, running if you're not into winter sports.
Higher consciousness comes from being happy, healthy and whole.
Try to get your heart beating 30 minutes a day, every day, and feel your connection to the energy of the world around you!
Libra (September 23 - October 22) - The Moon
In opposition to your Virgo neighbour, you need to spend more time this month in meditation, looking into the very depths of your subconscious.
Don’t be afraid to go to the depths of your thoughts through meditation, Libra!
I say don't be afraid, because it is something to be afraid of a lot of the times! You may stumble upon unmet dreams, unreached goals, unfound love. And to know that you have things you haven’t achieved is scary. Further, you may also stumble upon painfully repressed memories and inner dialogue that you would rather never hear from ever again.
But again, do not be afraid! The only thing you have to be afraid of is fear itself, and you are much stronger than your thoughts! You are not your thoughts!
Seek out deep conversations this month. Look for those who you might not normally interact with, but who have an energy that pulls you in, and learn what they have to share with you.
The other side of the Moon card is that you may be lost, wandering aimlessly through life, in search of a direction or too scared to face the direction you want, or know you should take. Use meditation and deep conversation to realign yourself with your purpose - or at least get the conversation started before the new year!
Scorpio (October 23 to November 21) - The Magician
Scorpio people - the sexy, mysterious, secretive sign of the zodiac - tend to be closer to the magical realm, the spiritual realm, the groovy realm, than many of the other signs of the zodiac. You are magic!
Think about something in your life that's special, that's magical, that you can act as the conduit to bring other people into.
I know, I know, I’ll stop you before you say it: you’re secretive by nature and you like to hold your cards close to your chest!
But I urge you this month to challenge yourself to let others into your space. You’ll have a positive influence if you do this in a mindful, deep way. You have a power - share it!
You will raise the collective consciousness when you choose to engage in outward facing sharing, rather than keeping things to yourself.
There is always a time and a place to keeping secrets, but you need to push yourself to be able to discern the difference between when it’s a good time to keep a mysterious air around you (first dates are great for this! Three years into a relationship, not so much), and when you could go out on a limb to share.
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) - Ace of Cups
Sagittarius people are very passionate: you speak from the heart, aiming straight for the crux of the matter. But you’re a straight-shooter, often blunt in your approach and follow-through.
When you see mistletoe (or the metaphorical mistletoe), you are encouraged this month to speak your feelings. Take heart from the mistletoe and the opportunity it presents, and use this external force to give you the courage you need! Perhaps a cup of wine can also help to ease you in? Don’t hold it in or wait for a more opportune moment that you perceive as giving you the upper hand (because heavens know you’ll find it!), because that's not what the Universe wants you to do.
When it comes to emotions, people know when it’s truth!
Even if you’re able to convince people otherwise on the surface, remember, energy is the universal language of being, and your energy pervades all. Instead, listen to your intuition and know that expressing your true feelings is the right thing to do.
The Ace of Cups is an opportunity for deeper connection, true love, emotional understanding.
Your challenge this month will be to seek out these opportunities to share your feelings so that you don't enter 2017 with unsaid words.
Capricorn (December 22 to January 20) - Seven of Pentacles
I read something recently about the hardworking nature of Capricorn people having been traditionally based on being born into the harsh winter climate and having to fight for your keep, even going many days without, or with much less than babies born into the heat and bounty of harvest season.
Whether or not that holds true today, you’re still the sign with dogged work ethic, Capricorn. You’re a determinist, a strategist, a planner, self-disciplined.
The holiday season is often a period of forced rest, with many businesses giving their employees vacation time, or simply expecting less in terms of output (whether that's implicitly stated or not!). This is the perfect opportunity for you to stop and reflect on the work you’ve already done.
Although it’s not ideal to stop working entirely or to change direction completely - reflect on your perspective! Weigh the possibilities! You have the chance now to correct your approach, and perhaps alter your course for a better outcome.
The work that awaits you in the new year is going to be harder than ever, but if you take the time now, your efforts will pay off tenfold.
The best thing you can do for your consciousness and the world around you is to make sure you're on a course that you fully align with heart, body, spirit. No matter what you put your mind to, you will accomplish it, so take the time to make sure it's something that matters.
Aquarius (January 21 to February 18) - Six of Cups
The Six of Cups is a card of simple goodness, childhood wonder, new birth, virtue.
You do not need to do any grand gestures this month, but try to do multiple acts of small, selfless goodness towards others and the environment.
You’re very aware of your place within the cosmos, Aquarius!
You know there’s a lot more than meets the eye, and you know that your existence is but a speck of dust in the bigger picture. This is one of your strengths because you do not get attached as easily as the other signs, and you know where the opportunities for sharing and togetherness are, and how valuable connection is.
This month, hang out with the small people in your life, meditate on your childhood self and smile at your youthful hope and bring that into your day to day life. Simple pleasure is key, so if you're feeling tempted by big purchases, events, the brouhaha of materialism during this season, know that it's all an illusion and that you don't need any of it to feel complete.
Pisces - (February 19 - March 21) - Nine of Cups
Good fortune to you Pisces-kitty!
Go and enjoy the Arts. Support the Arts! Seek out beautiful images, sculptures, galleries. Really appreciate this side of our world, because the Nine of Cups is a card of sensual pleasure and the appreciation of beauty.
It's also a wish card! But there's a condition to your wish: make sure you really, really think about what will happen when it comes true.
Take time to meditate on both sides of what you're wishing for. Mediate on the work involved, the people or things affected, how your daily life will change. This is not a card of blind hope, because you still have to put in the work, create the opportunity and commit to the follow through. None of the cards of the Tarot speak to blind hope. They all involve action, reflection and assessment.
When you’re around family, friends, others this holiday season, be grounded in the love you share and take comfort in the food, the warmth, the shelter. While your wish may not manifest immediately, when you live a life where you find satisfaction in the things you've already attracted into your consciousness, you are better prepared to accept and live with the things you wish for.