Taurus, December 2016

Mercury enters fellow Earth sign Capricorn on December 2, lighting up an exciting sector of your chart: the part that rules travel, higher learning, and publishing. This part of the chart is all about connecting you to the world, growing your reach, and expanding your understanding. Mercury in Capricorn will bring major movement to your life, especially if you're abroad, in school, or working on any projects that you hope to expose a lot of people to—at least until Mercury retrograde begins.

Mercury retrograde starts on December 19 and ends on January 8, 2017. During this time, it would be wise not to start any new projects; instead focus on what's already on your plate (or what's been left on the back burner).

Mercury retrograde has a horrible reputation, and for good reason: It's associated with frustrations and misunderstandings. Don't make any important purchases or agreements (like buying electronics or signing contracts), expect miscommunications and delays, and be prepared to run into people from your past. But Mercury retrograde isn't all bad: It's a good time to stop and reflect. Slow down. Cut yourself some slack if you show up late or if you misplaced something important. We can't be "on" all the time, and neither can Mercury.

Venus enters Aquarius on December 7, lighting up the fame and fortune sector of your chart! Venus is your ruling planet, so we're always excited to see what it's doing for you. Venus rules love and beauty, but also cash and confidence, and having it in cool (yet competitive) Air sign Aquarius will be very lucky for your career, your reputation, and for receiving rewards.

A full moon in chatty Air sign Gemini arrives on December 13, and you can expect lots of conversation about intimacy, security, and value to come up for discussion. Full moons are emotional and exhausting, and they can bring confrontations, so be prepared to face off with someone about a sensitive issue.

Sex, trust, generosity, feeling secure… all these themes will be on the table. Gemini is a sign that's all about the facts, and during this full moon, you'll get them—whether or not you wanted it. This is also an important full moon for your finances. A situation concerning cash (or feeling valued in general) will come to a head. Watch out for a stupid fight with your lover about holiday gifts during this full moon.

Warrior Mars enters sensitive, psychic Water sign Pisces on December 19, activating the friendship and community sector of your chart. Pisces is soft as hell, so having action planet Mars in this sign is always funny (at least, it's funny until people start flaking out of agreements and being passive-aggressive).

In any case, Mars will boost your energy when it comes to socializing and networking—but keep in mind that between Pisces fishy vibe and Mercury retrograde, people will be flakey as fuck! You'll definitely learn who you can lean on during this time!

An important day for processing difficult emotions and regaining psychic security comes on December 24, when Saturn in Sagittarius connects with Uranus in Aries. Saturn in Sagittarius has been pushing you to confront your fears of the unknown, but Uranus in Aries has been sparking your intuition and inspiring you to get in touch with your spiritual side. These two planets will connect today to support and encourage you as you take risks and bravely face the unknown.

The most exciting day for you this month is December 25, when your ruling planet, Venus, connects with Jupiter, Uranus, and Saturn. As we discussed, Venus in Aquarius bringing you blessings in your career and your reputation—you're very popular right now, Taurus!

When Venus in Aquarius connects with Jupiter in Libra, you can expect an extra dash of luck to come your way, especially at work. Some surprises are also in store, thanks to the planet of shock, Uranus, which currently in Fire sign Aries, but plenty of support will be able available too, due to stable Saturn in Sagittarius.

One of the tensest days this month is December 26, when Jupiter in Libra will oppose Uranus in Aries. Jupiter in Libra is bringing blessings to the sector of your chart that rules your health, habits, daily routine, and day job— but how responsible are you really being?

The clash between unruly Uranus and over-the-top Jupiter will show you if you're just coasting on good luck and taking your health for granted, or if you're truly taking care of yourself and being smart about the luck Jupiter is tossing your way. Don't take anything for granted, Taurus, and please take good care of yourself.

The winter solstice arrives on December 21, with the Sun entering fellow Earth sign Capricorn, and a new moon in Capricorn comes soon after, on December 29. New adventures are coming your way! Mercury will still be retrograde in Capricorn during this time, so maybe don't hop on that airplane just yet, but do use the new moon vibe to dream about your next moves. See you in January, Taurus!