December's delivering expansive gifts to those who aim high and follow their to-do lists!

On November 22nd, the sun entered optimistic and uninhibited Sagittarius, providing us with some much-needed positivity after the turbulence of eclipse season. In December, we're being asked to follow our bliss, pursue our passions and enjoy the fruits of our labour.

December starts off with Mercury and Venus completing their visit in Sagittarius, where the sun will remain until the winter solstice on December 21st. And with Sag’s ruling planet, Jupiter, now happily moving direct, we’ve got plenty to celebrate—just in time for the holiday season! As the month progresses, Saturn's desire for professional mastery comes to the forefront, asking us to apply this fresh enthusiasm to our ambitions.

Check out December's key astrological dates to help you prepare for the upcoming month:

December 6—Mercury Enters Capricorn:

You've likely been dreaming up something big over the past few weeks, and now's the time to figure out a practical plan that enables you to bring it into reality. Putting your ideas on paper and obtaining support from others can help you to put shape and form around your goals. Just make sure to hang onto some of the bright-eyed optimism that arrived in November, because this transit can also awaken your inner critic.

December 7—Full Moon in Gemini:

Bluntly, December's full moon is a little gnarly. That's because this mentally busy full moon will form an exact conjunction to frustrated Mars, who's struggling with the slowdown of retrograde motion. Be aware that tensions may be high around this time, and could lead to some explosive arguments with people you communicate with on a regular basis. On a positive note, you may finally find the courage to express your feelings about something you've been bottling up for a while.

December 9—Venus Enters Capricorn:

After the testy full moon, we're so ready to get back to work. It's possible the full moon has put your purpose into perspective and you're likely to be feeling more passionate about your ambitions over the next few weeks. This is a great time to manifest financial abundance if you're willing to put in the work!

December 20—Jupiter Enters Aries:

For the next 5 months, Jupiter is giving all of us a confidence boost and a desire to improve our physical activity levels—and the timing is perfectly aligned with our new year's resolutions. Tackle that outdoor adventure you've always wanted to try and get on that new workout routine already!

December 21: Sun Enters Capricorn/Winter Solstice:

Ahh, the magic of winter arrives, signaling the official beginning of the coldest season in the northern hemisphere, and offering us a chance to slow down and reconnect with our inner spirit. During this time of deep self-reflection, you may receive wise intuitive guidance about who you want to become in 2023, and how your unique skills can leave a positive impact on society.

December 23: New Moon in Capricorn:

December's new moon is receiving mega support from the cosmos, and it's encouraging all of us to pat ourselves on the back for what we accomplished in 2022—and to open up to unexpected changes and opportunities that will surround our work in the year ahead.

December 29: Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn:

To make sure we're headed in the right direction with our professional endeavours, Mercury is asking us to pause over the next few weeks and identify any potential roadblocks that could hinder our plans. The new year may feel as though it's off to a slow start, but by January 20th, it's all systems go!