Your December horoscopes are here to get you through the final month of 2014

Date December 1, 2014

Many of us in the Northern hemisphere are either already buried in snow or are just around the corner from it. I find it interesting that while Sagittarius has a reputation for being light-hearted and playful, it is the sign that leads us straight into the winter solstice, also known as the darkest day of the year if you’re on this half of the planet. The human spirit has the capacity to find hope even in the very darkest of times. It can, in fact, be the challenges themselves that fuel our inspiration and desire for love.

What do you believe in? What is your vision for the future? Some of you might have endless answers to these questions, and some of you may have no idea. Some of you may be tempted to regurgitate the beliefs and visions you have learned from the rest of society. Let yourself struggle to hear your own voice, and be aware of not shooting off in any one direction before you are sure it’s really coming from your own inspiration.

Take time on the full moon on the 6th to calm your mind, and know that all fear and anxiety is temporary. You can be transformed by the ability to not buy into your fears. Make space for your emotions and sensitivity. Though you may feel at times as if they’re holding you back from what you really want to be doing, the opposite is actually true. You cannot do what you want to do unless it allows space for your own humanness and the humanness of others. If you can accept this, you will start to find that delicate balance, the place between your ideas and your reality, the present experience and the future possibility. This month’s new moon is on the 21st, a time to take charge and make real decisions about the changes you know you are ready to make in your life, but have been holding out on.

Horoscopes by Aerin Fogel. Illustrations by Stefanie Ayoub.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Dear Aries,

So much of your life is devoted to a path of self-discovery. You are truly here to learn about who you are as a unique individual. This month, you will tune in to the bigger picture a little more. You are not an island, though it may feel that way at times. Look to what it even means to be one individual in a thriving collective, one person among a whole species in the middle of the universe.

On the full moon on the 6th, dissolve the details you have been worrying about into this bigger picture. Remember that you are you are here to follow the things you dream about, not the things you worry about. Your winter attire is a dramatic, long peacoat and whatever kind of attention-grabbing hat you desire. Hold a clothing swap and trade with the rest of your community. You are still working with the identity theme that’s been challenging you for the past two years, and around mid-month you have an opportunity to make some headway with it.

You are free to choose who you want to be, and the pressure that you feel from the rest of the world can only work if you allow it to. No Aries should ever let someone tell them how to be. Button up the top button and pull your hair back, and add a clean cat eye to call up your inner authority. If you’ve been waiting to change careers, or implement real change in the career you already have, you will be supported in doing so this month.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Dear Taurus,

Many people think the Aquarians and Sagittarians are the philosophers of the zodiac, but I’m rooting for you in this department. You have the capacity to explore the meaning of what is through being fully embodied, through diving into what is, rather than through escaping the material world in search of transcendent truths. You’ve really transformed your beliefs in the past couple years, but it doesn’t end here.

Spend December pondering reality, searching for meaning and answers, or at least asking the right questions—they don’t always have to be answered. Big prints and soft wool have got your back this month, and you might as well add a fur collar while you’re at it. You are clear for the first few weeks about your desires as they finally start to line up with your reality. If they don’t, it’s the perfect time to search for the deeper meaning I was talking about (as in, “What’s underneath my desire? And what’s underneath that?”)

By the 20th you might feel like you’ve run into your old friend, the brick wall again. But though you may still believe you can’t have what you want, you should know that it’s not true. It’s just a horrible thing for a Taurus to not have it right away. If you can stop repressing your desire, and let it be as massive and alive as it truly is, you will be that much closer to it. Think of it like a relationship; you’ve got to let it in, especially if the object of your desire already feels far away. Nothing should stop you from wearing sequins to every single event you attend, especially not your fear of attracting too much attention. Nobody puts Taurus in a corner.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Dear Gemini,

If you’ve been in a relationship that’s not so clear, it’s going to get clearer this month. You’ll be wise to do the Gemini thing and talk it out. And don’t just be adaptive to the other person; really take some time to check in with what it is you actually want. You can do all this if you’re not in relationship, too. You still need to understand what, and who you want in this area of your life, and to do the work of clarifying any unrealistic expectations of others, because you know you do that sometimes.

Express yourself through details in your style this month, creating rhythm by reusing shapes and patterns in different parts of your outfit. Go clean and simple with your hair. On the full moon on the 6th, you have a chance to see who you’ve become this year. And a chance to dream up the next version of yourself; you have no shortage of ideas, but at some point you will have to commit to one of them if you want it to become a reality (you might even be thinking, “Commitment? What’s that?”). The intimacy in your life starts to deepen from the 12th on, and you can embrace the supportive feeling, because you will be challenged in your commitments as the month progresses.

And I know that you’ve revelled in how much you’ve helped others lately, but don’t forget that you can only help once you’ve done your own inner work first. If you bump up against feelings of powerlessness on the 24th, turn back to the quiet place in yourself even though your mind is already composing that next text or flipping through Facebook, and other such entertaining distractions. Peel off another layer until you find the part of yourself that remembers you are powerful. And then maybe you can meet it with new hair; if you can’t choose one colour, just go ombré.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Dear Cancer,

I’ve heard people brush you off with the word ‘moody.’ Next time you hear someone say that, tell them you’re actually just next-level connected with the natural cycles of the moon. So it’s more like you’re moony than moody, but not in that totally checked out way. In a way that means you know how to wax and wane, to ebb and flow with the tides and ride the wave of powerful emotion, knowing it will inevitably shift in the next moment.

Sometimes, because of this, you might end up taking care of everyone else. You’re so tuned in to their emotions even when they haven’t got a clue. It’s okay to be wrapped up in everyone else this month, as long as you know you’re doing it. Simple, pale colours and clean cuts are your style right now, with a low side bun and less makeup, if any. Don’t spend too much money after the 8th, even though you always do so with generous intentions in mind.

You are not quite finished with all the work you’ve been doing in relationship, and for some of you, in changing your career path. Lay down some more ground work with this around mid-month and you will start to see all your hard work creating a new reality. And remember to offer your help without expectation. It might not feel like your friends and family appreciate you later in the month, but it is really just your own internal struggle with giving freely being played out before you. Only you can learn to give as much as you do while knowing that others may not be doing the same. Let it wax and wane.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Dear Leo,

The good news is that things are going to get easier with your family. The every-experience-is-a-learning-experience-from-which-you-can-gain-wisdom news is that you’re going to have to wise up in other areas of your life. If it feels like your creative projects start to go sour or lose inspiration after the 8th, don’t lose hope. You are just preparing for the next burst that is going to come in the spring. Use it as an opportunity to re-evaluate your intentions around the project and what exactly you are trying to express. Nothing is ever a waste of time or a step off the path, where creativity is concerned.

For your style this month, think Parker Posey in Party Girl before she goes librarian (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, you can thank me later). Every outfit is a work of art, and hopefully less time consuming. Once you get to the 23rd, you’re going to have to think about what is consuming your time. Even Parker couldn’t be a party girl forever, and had to go find a job.

You might struggle to put in the hard work now but you will be grateful for the maturity it brings you. The new moon on the 21st is your chance to decide what kind of changes, if anything, need to be made in your work environment. I’m not talking about your five year plan, I’m talking about what it looks like when you wake up first thing in the morning. What do you want to do? How do you want the hours of your day to pan out? Your body is now a canvas for these new intentions, meaning you can dress the part to help yourself get there.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Dear Virgo,

You have probably had the sensation more than once in your life, if not more than once in an hour, of trying desperately to fit all the pieces of a seemingly complete puzzle together, yet feeling as if something doesn’t quite add up, as if they don’t quite fit, and that if you could just try harder or do better next time to figure it all out, maybe then it would work.

First of all, I will save you the trouble and tell you that nothing may ever feel whole and complete to you until our entire planet changes pretty much everything we are doing overnight. But I will tell you that this is a good time to look into some of the roots of your discomfort. Where does this anxiety live in your family? How many of your fears and worries are actually your own, and how many have you inherited from the lineages on either side of your DNA? This is being illuminated for you at the beginning of the month, and you might start to really understand it in a different way. And understanding is so important for you to feel okay about your experiences, Virgo.

Choose darker colours with a low shimmer, and layer them one on top of the other. Not only is it okay to attract more attention with your outfits than you’re normally comfortable with, but others might really start to listen to what you have to say if you can stand to bask in their attention for awhile. Try talking with your family about some of what you’re going through on the 24th. And I mean really talking, from a place of depth. You will not only see in them where some of these issues are coming from, but they may surprise you with how helpful and understanding they can be of the struggle.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Dear Libra,

This would be a good month to sit down with a family member and pull out the photo albums. In many ways, it will help you remember who you are, and what you are doing with your life. We give ourselves great clues to our true desires when we are still kids, you just need to pay attention to them. While you’re at it, take some style advice from your nine year old self. Overalls, anyone? Sparkly jelly sandals? I know I would. Be playful with it, just don’t go overboard with the pigtails because you’re already so confusing these days to most of your coworkers.

You’re also nearly out of the woods in the financial department. Though it is often hard for you to let money do anything besides slip through your fingers (and either into a dinner date, or a new pair of shoes, whatever your Libran vice is), the flow of money into your life is going to start to feel less limited near the end of the month, and especially in the spring.

Accept the challenge if your family needs you to take on more responsibility after the 10th, but again, watch how much you spend on it. You’ve been struggling with relationship for the past couple years, and you might feel that familiar pressure around mid-month. Though it may seem to you like it’s everyone else who has one foot out the door, about to bolt, it’s important to know that you’re the one who actually feels anxious and boxed in when the word commitment is mentioned. If you can stand to face your fears, you will be rewarded by the person who is standing patiently before you, or by someone that you have just been making space for.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Dear Scorpio,

No matter what you tell yourself, or how stubbornly you believe it, I don’t think you would like living alone. Though you often feel challenged by the people around you, this is what keeps you open and relatable, and what keeps you from just closing off to the rest of the world (I know, I know, it’s so tempting at times because everyone else is just so hard to deal with, aren’t they?). Good thing you are learning all about communication this month, Scorpio. For you, this means learning how to not project all your feelings onto everyone else. It’s not always their fault; if you think there’s an issue with something it means you’re the one experiencing the issue.

If you’re feeling brave, some of you might cut off all your hair, or maybe shave off the side. Try a hot pink lip colour with a shorter skirt, and if you’re really feeling dramatic, face the winter weather with a giant fur or faux fur coat. Speak clearly and consciously with your coworkers midmonth, and voice your needs without too much expectation around them. Otherwise you may start to find yourself trapped in familiar power struggles. The same goes for your partner, or those close to you on the 20th.

Remember that you are actually a very sensitive person, who likes stability and structure, and that this is okay. You can wipe the slate clean on the new moon on the 21st and make intentions for how you want to communicate with others in the year ahead. You will be heard, too. And if the fur isn’t cutting it there’s always the option of velvet.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Dear Sagittarius,

Happy birthday! What an interesting year this is going to be for you. I think you are going to learn a new kind of maturity, a deepened sense of responsibility and find an affinity for the kind of structure and stability that usually seems like a terrible idea to you. Though you might think these are all qualities that limit your freedom, the next phase of life is learning about how you can use maturity and responsibility to actually enhance your freedom.

Imagine a tree that is deepening its roots so that it has enough nourishment to go wild with branches. You will look great in a poncho, or anything that drapes dramatically. Choose bold, chunky prints, but make sure to do it your way. You’ll feel supported at work at the beginning of the month, and able to express yourself clearly and strongly. If you have been studying something and lost the thread, pick it up again after the 8th. If you haven’t been studying anything, then find something that calls to you and let it guide you on your path (even a good philosophy book will do in a pinch).

Reality is always enhanced for a Sagittarian by a deeper understanding of what is and isn’t even real. Don’t feel discouraged if you’re still struggling with money mid-month; it won’t be like this forever. Turn the frustration into creative fuel and work on a project that will help you express it rather than push it back down. From the 23rd on, dress the more responsible part you are learning to embody. I promise it won’t box you in to layer with structure; blazers, button ups, and trousers are calling to you. With them you will invite a sense of newness into your life.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Dear Capricorn,

There is a very fine balance that exists when you are working towards a goal, in order to actually meet that goal. It is neither working so hard that you overwhelm the thing entirely, or feeling defeated and then dropping the ball. You are being asked to learn how to hold the ball without crushing it; it’s an incredibly difficult thing to do, and will take the strength and determination of a Capricorn to do it.

Throw out all your undergarments this month and buy a whole fresh set, whatever feels sexy to you. Lace, cotton, straps, it’s all about how it makes you feel. On the full moon on the 6th, notice the need that’s been building to take some time alone. You have been so invested in helping others that you’ve lost the ability to play by yourself, like you might have done when you were a kid. Explore this joyfully now and in the coming year. From the 10th on, consider sharing your creative talents with others instead of keeping them a secret.

Any troubles that have been stirring between you and other family members in the past couple years may prove challenging mid-month, but you’re ready to understand the deeper issues now. This isn’t about two sides on which one person is right, it’s about feeling comfortable to be completely yourself at all times, regardless of how others respond. Add details to your accessories after the 16th, like an extra necklace or a whole set of bracelets instead of just one. On the 23rd you’ll start to really understand what I mean about the next phase of playful solitude; it doesn’t mean you have to be alone, it means finding joy from a very deep and quiet part of yourself that doesn’t rely on the outside world.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Dear Aquarius,

Although air signs are known for their ability to communicate well, I think Aquarians can struggle with being straightforward. On that note, you may be the one lately who is saying the things that no one else wants to hear, or even think about. The thing is, as long as you know it will do someone some good in the long run, you’re going to say it anyway because you know it will be worth it.

This is a great month to wear red and add some intensity to your wardrobe. Bright lipstick and dark eyeliner will work for you, too. The first week of December is all about you feeling loved and supported by the people around you. Invest your energy into initiatives and group projects you may be involved with, and just be careful not to burn yourself out being hyper-social. From the 10th on, give yourself some time each day to think about your roots and where you came from. Ask yourself the questions like “What is my voice? How is it informed by my lineage?” and explore the balance between the two.

Build layers in your outfits, with low contrasting colours. But don’t forget the red, or else you might be lost in the crowd, which I know you can’t stand. Watch the struggle to express yourself simply come and go mid-month. It will wash away like the tides on the shore. The 21st is an important day for you to face your feelings about the suffering happening around the world. You are deeply affected by it, whether or not you realize it, and you have the opportunity to instigate change simply by how well you can listen to the voices of others.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Dear Pisces,

It’s been an important few months of you understanding what you really want to be doing with your life. This may be as simple as beginning to believe in your dreams, since what dream ever came true through a wall of doubt? Your belief in the reality you know to be possible is, at this time, one of the most important components in it actually becoming a reality. The other most important component is making it a part of your day-to-day life. Whatever the dream is, it’s not going to come true if you don’t start doing it. You’ve got to wake up in the morning and get to work. This next while is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Don’t be afraid to stand out with your style this month; add volume to your mane, and sequins to your top; whatever fires you up! Be careful around mid-month that you are still working toward this new reality of yours, and not just talking about it with anyone who will listen. And if you are starting to feel down on yourself, spend some time with your friends. They aren’t down on you, so you should follow their lead. When it’s hard to remember your infinite worth you should try and imagine yourself through their eyes, and maybe you’ll finally understand how loveable you are.

From the solstice on the 21st onward, you are ready to take on some responsibility, possibly even some community activism if you can face your feelings around this. Or maybe you just want to take action on your hair. Have you ever chopped it all off? I’m hoping you don’t stop with your locks; the world needs your sensitivity.