As we enter a new month — the last month of the year — the slate is wiped clean and there are endless possibilities for growth. See what’s in store for your relationships, career, and emotions in the month ahead. Here’s your December horoscope for 2024.
Scorpio, Oct 24–Nov 22
This month’s merry mayhem is, as always, set to push limits. With Mercury in reverse, it may be not easy to reach a consensus on holiday plans. If simmering tensions erupt, try tactfully addressing what’s not being said. The diplomatic vibes of December 22’s peacemaking moon offer the best opening for an air-clearing conversation before the Christmas Day moon in Scorpio. Your best gift to the season of unreason? Keeping in mind Scorpio Kurt Vonnegut’s observation that the purpose of human life is to love whoever is around to be loved.
Sagittarius Nov 23–Dec 21
The first day of December’s sun and new moon in Sagittarius are this year’s celestial birthday present. Plus, they are your annual reminder to turn end-of-year problems into adventures. Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and retrograde Mars in a fellow fire sign both recommend a laidback approach to Christmas shopping. Cruise control is your key to surviving this season of merry madness. Glad tidings? With Mercury back on track around mid-month, communications clarify, jigsaw pieces fall into place, lost packages finally arrive, and you can happily proceed with making this a December to remember.
Capricorn, Dec 22–Jan 20
This month’s quintet of retrograde planets calls for patience in steering a steady, practical course through end-of-year challenges. But if anyone knows how to take care of business, especially Christmas business, it’s Venus in Capricorn during December’s first fortnight. With summer solstice on December 21, the southern hemisphere’s longest and lightest day, ushers in your season in the sun. Enjoy providing the festive best for loved ones until the fabulous finale of New Year’s Eve sun and new moon in Capricorn. Roll out the red carpet for your entrance into 2025.
Aquarius, Jan 21–Feb 19
This month’s retrograde frustrations and pre-Christmas cacophony could make people more than usually sensitive to teasing. So be advised that jokes might touch an unexpected nerve. In the second week of December, Venus leaps into Aquarius. Thus, making your cool, calm, objective charm a welcome contribution to festive complications. Being future-oriented, Aquarians will enjoy wrapping up the year under the zodiac’s most ambitious and efficient new moon, discussing the best use of your time and energy in the coming year, and what you’d like to give and receive from it.
Pisces, Feb 20–Mar 20
As December’s pace escalates, the urge to get away from the crowds can be pressing. So if you can slip off for a refreshing getaway, do it. Your heads-up arrives in the second week of December when Neptune surges out of hibernation in Pisces and the uncertainties of recent months clarify deeper realisations. In ancient days, the period of Christmas merrymaking was celebrated as Saturnalia. How fortunate are you to have Saturn in Pisces accompany you through this year’s yuletide revelries and seasonal celebrations?
Aries, Mar 21–Apr 21
No question that the Sun and energetic Mars both in can-do fellow fire signs put plenty of juice in your tank to power through December’s provocations and aggravations. Conditions could get feisty when Mars joins the quartet of outer planetary retrogrades. So red flag your calendar to restrain impulse spending. Social media interactions too, because everyone’s more likely to take things to heart during this angsty period. Your reward? Chiron in your sign on December 31 igniting a spectacular confidence boost to propel you into the new year.
Taurus, Apr 22–May 21
The leadup to Christmas is invariably hectic. But being busy isn’t a bad thing if it’s walking away from arguments and attending to Mercury retrograde requirements. Like making plan B, servicing the car, reconfirming travel plans and checking insurance details. People can’t read your mind, so tell them what’s on it. More than once if you need to during a chatty midmonth full moon. Dramatic Mars in the zodiac’s most theatrical sign suggests that festivities could get quite vivid this year. So hydrate well, dine before wine, sit back and enjoy the show.
Gemini, May 22–Jun 22
Despite the inevitable snags and glitches of your mentor planet Mercury’s retrograde, there’s something to be said for the first half of December’s obligatory delays. They invite you to relax, be creative and think outside the box — especially when mid-December’s annual full moon in Gemini brings a cornucopia of delightful socialising with friends, colleagues and family. Be patient with yourself and others. Especially, if you have to redo or repeat something, because when Mercury rockets out of reverse in mid-December. It’s ho ho ho and all systems go to this year’s final curtain call.
Cancer, Jun 23–Jul 23
Not one, but two new moons opening and closing this month are this year’s celestial Christmas gift to you lunar beings. When December 1’s new moon nudges your generosity button, is there someone who could really use a Secret Santa? An expressive midmonth full moon in the sign of the Twins suggests listening to your own inner twin: that voice that guides you to the right decisions. And December’s bonus second new moon on New Year’s Eve is the zodiac’s invitation to a cool yule gathering with your close crew, renewing family ties and traditions.
Leo, Jul 24–Aug 23
Mars in Leo recommends getting as much holiday planning prep as possible in the first week of this month. When Mars retrogrades in your sign during December’s second week, do what you can to minimise friction during festivities. Try not to be argumentative or take things personally. Maintain a positive focus and remember noblesse oblige, which means setting a standard of behaviour befitting a regal Leo. Lead with your heart, accessorize from there, and celebrate the year’s finale in a suitably flamboyant style.
Virgo, Aug 24–Sep 23
With the official silly season in full swing, expect outbreaks of gifts caused by the stress of trying to find sustainable, earth-friendly presents. Clue: why not give vouchers for a local business that’s struggling — a bookshop, restaurant or service? When Mercury races forward midmonth, tune into the big picture and spirit of joyful togetherness rather than fixating on all the unfinished stuff you need to get done. Then kick back with Virgo Leonard Cohen’s fabulously relaxing toast: Here’s to the few who forgive what you do, and the fewer who don’t even care.
Libra, Sep 24–Oct 23
With five planets spreading retrograde shade, expect the unexpected during the first half of December. Don’t overbook yourself; leave as much breathing space as possible in your schedule for happy surprises and enough wiggle room to pivot if arrangements go haywire. Slash the to-do lists if necessary. Forget trying to figure out who, what, where, how, and ask yourself why. Midmonth full moon demonstrates what Librans already know: that duality is necessary, reality’s contradictory, black-and-white thinking isn’t helpful and finding a median line works best. Happy holidays, Venusians.
