AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Mercury continues to retrograde until December 20th, so pay heed; double check all plans and scrutinize all documents carefully. Plans that have been delayed should begin to progress after that date. (Even this newsletter is a few days late. Sorry.)

The Bush administration is clearly headed in the political direction noted by the Great Alignment in Taurus (please visit my website for further information about this phenomenon). The tug to the extreme "right" is in play. The break down of the New Deal is well in progress. The Times had a wonderful editorial last week about how they are going about it, using every trick in the book to further states rights and remove the strong central federal government that has, since 1937, attempted to care for the American people through social programs and human rights. For most of the underprivileged, this lifeline is the only thing preventing a return to the English Poor Laws the colonies inherited. Workhouses and religious charity institutions as a means of relieving poverty seem so antiquated, so Dickensian, that most of us would never believe it possible to find ourselves in such a state. Yet that is exactly what much of the right-wing in this country sponsors. They use terms like regional rights, and states rights, when what they really mean is the removal of a standard to dictate the treatment of the poor. Have they never heard the adage about a chain only being as strong as its weakest link?

We are heading for a financial disaster. America has put itself in a squeeze play between the European community and Asia, China in particular. With a continued weak dollar, a ludicrously volatile oil market heading to $100 a barrel, (buy all dips in oil futures), and a White House and Senate championing the rich, there is little doubt that we will pay a price in the very near future. Some astrologers, Arch Crawford in particular, are calling for a collapse this January. He may be right. The signs are very bad. Once Saturn exits Cancer next summer the support that the housing market has given us could very well dissipate. If the price of housing starts to fall many Americans will find themselves living in a house with little or no equity. As interest rates rise selling those houses in any sort of depressed market will become a problem. Heating those houses at $50, $60, $70 a barrel will become problematic. But the Bush administration is preparing another series of tax rebates to the rich. The Supreme Court will be the final battle ground as it often has been in our history. As it stands now, the justices seem reluctant to make the massive changes the Republicans want. With the removal of even one of the more liberal (forgive the use of the word) justices will begin a process of change that will take decades to reverse.

The lack of flu vaccines, the mutation of viruses and the 25 million Americans without health insurance are all setting things up for the results of Uranus in Pisces (again, please visit my website). If we are lucky enough to escape a pandemic this year, it's really only a matter of time before we must face the reality of our medical situation. This is supposed to be the leading country in the world, and so many can't get basic health care. With this administration, these issues will become catastrophic.

Several readers have requested a terror update. Once Mars enters Sagittarius on Christmas Day, we could see an increase in war-related activity around the globe. January has a few tension filled days, especially towards the end of the month, and certainly we could be attacked at anytime. But it took a massive aspect - Saturn opposing Pluto - across America's ascendant, to create that situation. I do not see anything in the immediate future that is as intense. Rather I see corrosive transits in America's chart that will wear away our good will and financial security. In August - September 2005 Pluto will once again oppose America's Mars and this could represent an explosive situation. If something shows up sooner I will bring it to your attention. Frankly, it isn't foreign terrorist attacking our cities that worry me, but disgruntled Americans. Domestic animosity towards this government is growing daily. One of my biggest concerns has been the potential for a massive attack against our kids in Iraq. If a small nuke were set off in Baghdad it would wipe out a huge part of our armed forces and upset the balance of power in the world virtually overnight.

You want my advice? Stop worrying so much and enjoy the holidays. Winter will be here for a long time and a positive attitude goes a long way towards a healthy and happy life. Don't bury your head in the sand and take whatever precautions you can in each case, but at least have a few chuckles.

NEW MOON:
This month's New Moon occurs on Saturday December 11th at 8:29 P.M. EST at 20 degrees Sagittarius 22 minutes. This sign rules distant places and higher consciousness. Expand your horizons this month by traveling or studying anything that can open your mind. There will be an optimistic feeling in the air. Just be careful of overextending yourself. Sagittarians tend to bite off more than they can chew. Fill your plate, but don't pile it on. Because Mercury is still retrograde don't expect new projects or relationships to take off until after the 20th. Use this energy for planning so you are prepared once the winged god changes direction.

MERCURY SEXTILES JUPITER:
On Sunday December 12th at 7:46 P.M. EST this positive aspect completes adding to this optimistic feeling of the Sagittarius New Moon. This would be a good weekend to plan an outing with family or friends. Communication will be breezy and people will tend to be easy-going.

VENUS TRINES SATURN:
On Monday December 13th at 11:26 A.M. EST this productive energy occurs. Wisdom where love and money are concerned is a rare entity. Those born with this aspect in their natal charts show that tendency. For a day or so we will all be a little smarter in these areas. But it won't last, so take advantage it. This might be a perfect day to shop for gifts. You will be a bit more frugal than usual, and your choices should be realistic and well thought out. You may wind up spending a lot more and buying gifts that give a lot more.

THE SUN CONJUNCTS PLUTO:
On Monday December 13th at 12:02 P.M. EST this tense configuration occurs projecting a completely different attitude than the previous few days. Any anger or tensions that have been suppressed will most likely show themselves under this aspect. Try to avoid direct confrontation. The truth will be told today, so you may as well expect it. This is often a very bad aspect for the stock market.

VENUS ENTERS SAGITTARIUS:
Venus, the goddess of love, enters Sagittarius, on Thursday December 16th at 12:10 P.M. EST. Romance will certainly be in the air, but don't confuse it with love. Sagittarius is a great flirt, wanting to conquer all the hearts it meets. Many people may display this attitude now. Parties will abound, and, since Venus also rules our possessions, the tendency to overspend will be prominent. Watch your pocketbook. The holidays are such a tempting time to pour money down the commercial drain. Hopefully you did your shopping a few days ago under the Venus - Saturn aspect.

VENUS SQUARES URANUS:
On Sunday December 19th at 6:54 A.M. EST Venus conflicts with the most erratic and unpredictable of planets. You must be cautious in several areas. First of all, any infatuation that occurs now should not be taken too seriously. Besides having Venus in Sagittarius, where it tends to get lost in the grandiosity of things, the square to erratic Uranus will present fly-by-night encounters that lack stability. If you are still in love in January, when Venus enters sober Capricorn, than maybe you've got the real thing. Second, watch your money carefully today. It is easy come, easy go with this aspect. You may find your cash slipping through your fingers with barely a memory to enjoy. You also may find that you are easily bored and perhaps seeking some unusual sort of entertainment.

MARS TRINES SATURN:
Also on Sunday December 19th at 9:10 A.M. EST this positive coupling between these two usually incompatible planets completes. For a day or so you can get a great deal of work accomplished. If you pay heed to the aspect mentioned above and make use of this transit you can work hard towards a completion. Egos are less fragile, and people will be more concerned with the overall project than their own recognition.

MERCURY GOES DIRECT:
On Monday December 20th at 1:29 A.M. EST the mischievous little devil turns back around. For the past three weeks communication has been quite difficult. Decisions that have been put off can finally be made. The world has been on hold, waiting for this aspect. Now that Mercury is turning around, be careful for a few days as we get used to the reversal. Accidents and misunderstandings are common as this planet reverses direction. Things will begin to move very quickly. Be prepared. Now you can sign those papers you've been delaying. Anything you have been waiting for, such as letters, contracts, phone calls etc. will start to show up. I hope you used the past three weeks to decide what direction you wish to head in. Once Mercury goes direct things will move quickly. Be especially careful for a day or two until we get used to the reversal. This is the time when accidents and slips of the tongue can cause a great deal of harm.

THE SUN ENTERS CAPRICORN:
Tuesday December 21st at 7:42 A.M. EST the Sun enters Capricorn marking the beginning of winter. Capricorn is perhaps the most stoic of signs, and for the next month or so, responsibility and structure are the key phrases. Don't waste time on untenable projects. Put your efforts where they will do the most good in the long run. During this month people often find themselves running with all their might just to stay in the same place. You are learning the lessons of foundation as taught by the cardinal earth sign. Build a strong structure and you can then build anything you wish on top.

CHRISTMAS DAY:
The Moon is Void of Course for most of Christmas Day. It is a time to let the troubles of the world rest. Spend a little time enjoying the moment. When the Moon is Void we shouldn't make any important decisions or commitments, so don't; rest for a day. The battles will all be there for you to fight tomorrow.

MARS ENTERS SAGITTARIUS:
On Saturday December 25th, Christmas Day, at 11:04 A.M. EST the god of war and egos enters the sign of overdoing, and egos may be blown out of proportion for the next six weeks. Don't let your temper get the best of you. Be forewarned. Everyone will be seeking recognition, and some may feel slighted. There is a pretty good chance we will see escalations in the various war fronts in the world. I wouldn't be a bit surprised by a major attack on this day, just for effect, but things could get out of hand anytime during this period. There will be the promised build up of troops in Iraq, and we may see our forces stretched so thin throughout the world that a switch in the balance of power may take place right in front of our TV noses. Europe is changing. The Union has little desire for American interference, and they have made it quite clear that an American-free Europe would suit them fine. They may get their wish. As the saying goes: be careful what you wish for… Russia has openly set its sights on a new union of its own. And the wheels go round and round…

FULL MOON:
On Sunday December 26th at 10:06 A.M. EST the Moon is full at 5 degrees Cancer 12 minutes. Ah, the Cancer Full Moon. What can I say? Cancer rules the Moon and the emotions, and under this lunar peak issues involving family and the past will be in the forefront. Don't get caught up in an inappropriate wave of emotions that distract you. People will be overly sensitive, so watch what you say.

MERCURY SEXTILES NEPTUNE:
VENUS SEXTILES NEPTUNE:
On Monday December 27th at 12:36 A.M. EST and 11:32 A.M. EST respectively these two aspects complete. Because Mercury and Venus conjunct on Tuesday December 28th, they each are setting off positive transits to Neptune and Jupiter this week. Under these two aspects you should actively pursue any creative projects. You may find inspiration today. In fact, this whole week is rather positive. The only warning is not to be overly generous or inappropriately honest, as is the nature when these planets get together.

MERCURY CONJUNCTS VENUS:
On Tuesday December 28th at 1:23 P.M. EST this aforementioned aspect completes. Pleasant conversation and creativity can be expected. There is a strong desire to socialize and, this being the holiday week, what could be better. If you have been putting off a difficult conversation, this may be the time to finally face that issue. Because this conjunction occurs in Sagittarius you must be careful of overindulging in all things. Food, drink, drugs, sex and spending are all prone to the Sagittarius need to overdo. Temperance would be nice, but probably untenable considering the time of year.

VENUS SEXTILES JUPITER:
MERCURY SEXTILES JUPITER:
On Thursday December 30th at 5:18 A.M. EST and 4:07 P.M. EST respectively these wonderfully optimistic couplings occur to complete this series of aspects. Many of us will find this year to be particularly enjoyable between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Vacations will be especially enjoyable, and social activities of all sorts will be rewarding.

NEW YEAR'S EVE:
MARS SQUARES URANUS:
On Friday December 31st at 2:46 A.M. EST this potentially explosive and confrontational aspect comes around. It hits very early in the morning, long before we will all be out reveling that night. Still, be careful Thursday night into Friday morning. If you are out partying one night early please pay extra heed and use caution.
New Year's Eve looks very nice. We have a Virgo Moon in trine to the Sun at 9:57 P.M.EST. The Virgo Moon may help temper the overdoing. On New Year's Day, however, there are some nasty squares to the Moon, and those who do overindulge are sure to pay for it. SO what, it's once a year. Have a wonderful time, take to martinis and call me in the morning; but not too early.

VENUS CONJUNCTS PLUTO:
On Monday January 3rd at 6:30 P.M. EST the planet of love and money conjuncts the ruler of the underworld, creating a day with some tension, especially in those areas of life. Any relationship begun with this aspect in the chart is certain to be intense and demanding. It may not work out, but it won't be superficial. If you do find yourself involved with someone new, you can be sure of learning something about yourself. Existing relationships will feel the compulsiveness of Pluto and could experience some pressure, especially if you have been holding things in that you have been reluctant to discuss.

MERCURY CONJUNCTS PLUTO:
On Tuesday January 4th at 12:56 P.M. EST our thoughts and speech will take on a more serious tone. Nothing superficial exists around Pluto. People will be intense and argumentative. There will be little compromising, and a chance for confrontation. Use the intensity of this aspect to focus on projects that need your attention. It's also a good way of keeping yourself busy and avoiding the potential difficulties associated with this aspect. There will be a great deal of vocal energy in the air, so if you have something that needs to be said, this is as good a time as any. Just be prepared for differences of opinion.

THE SUN SQUARES JUPITER:
On Friday January 12th at 9:12 P.M. EST the urge to overindulge will again be present. This is actually a very pleasant aspect, although people born with this in their charts do tend to overstate things, overindulge and at times be overly optimistic when it isn't really called for. But, once controlled, this can be a very powerful aspect allowing the person to shrug off many things that would bother another. You must learn to manage it.

VENUS ENTERS CAPRICORN:
MERCURY ENTERS CAPRICORN:
On Sunday January 9th at 11:56 A.M. EST and 11:09 P.M. EST respectively these two inner planets that have been dancing together for weeks, enter this earth sign on the same day. Capricorn can be a little austere and conservative. This is not a bad thing, for without the structure and foundation shown us by the goat, the rest of the zodiac wouldn't get a lot accomplished. For the next few weeks we will be more concerned with work and responsibilities than we have been of late, just in time for the heart of the winter. Those of you who could not or would not get a flu shot should boost the immune system. Capricorn is all about preparedness.

DARK OF THE MOON:
Because the New Moons have been late in each sign the past few months, the period before has been rather extended and more intense than usual. From Saturday January 8th at 11:11 P.M. EST until the New Moon Monday January 10th at 7:03 P.M. EST will be a particularly low energy period. Spend this time finishing up anything that is incomplete, don't try to initiate new projects on a waning moon, it just won't work out. Once the New Moon hits you begin new projects or attempt a new approach to an existing problem.
People often misunderstand this time of the month. If you have been living in a situation or involved in a relationship that is intolerable or has outlived its usefulness this would be the proper time to move on with your life. If you have been working on a project that is almost complete but you seem to lack the energy for the finality, you must push during these low energy days to end the matter once and for all. If you don't, when the New Moon arrives it will bring this "dead" energy along with it and conflict with the newer force being presented. Often people, ideas or situations remain long after they have outlived their usefulness in our lives. Each month we are offered a chance to clean house, so to speak. Take advantage of it by finalizing anything in your life that needs completion.

Below is a list of times this month when the Moon is Void of Course and neither important decisions nor purchases should be made during these periods. The Void of Course Moon is a time when we should try to center ourselves and deal with spiritual matters not materialistic ones. Any decisions made on the VC Moon will not turn out the way we had expected.

The Moon is Void of Course from the time it makes its last major aspect in a sign until it enters the next sign. For example, if the Moon squares Mars at 27 degrees Aries and then has no more aspects until it enters Taurus it will be Void of Course for three degrees or about 6 hours. The aspects used are the conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition.

All times are Eastern Daylight:

December 11th 11:03 P.M. - December 12th 11:42 A.M.
December 14th 6:43 A.M. - 11:10 A.M.
December 16th 3:33 A.M. -12:24 P.M.
December 18th 11:40 A.M. - 4:52 P.M.
December 21st 12:16 A.M. - 12:52 A.M.
December 23rd 8:41 A.M. - 11:32 A.M.
December 25th 8:30 A.M. - 11:38 P.M.
December 28th 2:34 A.M. - 12:14 P.M.
December 30th 9:54 A.M. - December 31st 12:33 A.M.
January 2nd 1:23 A.M. - 11:19 A.M.
January 4th 9:20 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.
January 6th 1:29 P.M. - 10:44 P.M.
January 8th 10:02 P.M. - 11:11 P.M.

Mitchell Scott Lewis
December 2004
New York City
(212) 726-3814
Copyright 2004
All Rights Reserved