December 2020 Horoscopes: Celebrating and Following Your Inner Arrow into the New Year
December is here. I know, dear readers, I can’t believe it either. This past year has been both a wild white-knuckled ride, rife with political, environmental, and social equity struggles and a time of slowing down, social isolation, and self-reflection. Coronavirus, especially, has both forced us to slow down, connect with our families and also been a test of our collective patience. I mean barely one month in and Tiger King became a thing. Idk about you but I think that says it all.
Streaming services either flourished or flopped in the ensuing chaos. So many people seeking escape, looking for narratives, meaning, distractions, or just something to listen to make the house seem less empty. So many just trying to survive or disassociate for a little while. Those who have quarantined alone have faced isolation on new levels. Loved ones have been lost, new children have been born, we have seen police brutality and racism exposed and sometimes brought to justice, sometimes ignored, and even unbelievably- supported. We have witnessed for the first time in 18 years a month without any school shootings, forcing us to take a close look at how to keep our children safe in the world we have all inherited, that we are stewards of.
We have been witness to the pain and joy of the world on an almost constant basis, glued to our phones, our computers, our tablets, for some such devices have become their only source of contact with another person. For others, a device they must learn to use, or an anchor to keep them tied to the outside world. Even if we have managed to pull ourselves away from the news or another Netflix binge to do something creative or engage in watching videos, reading books, viewing art, and listening to music. All of those things were still occurring within a greater cultural context and so no matter what- we have not truly escaped the reality we live in. In this way, we have all collectively experienced the world’s trauma.
It is so heavy all of it, so many of us are beyond tears, in a zombie-like state, hoping to get through the cold part of the year. This time where family traditions and holiday celebrations are usually a source of joy and hope that next year will be better. So often we see the holidays portrayed as a time of year where the pressure to have fun and enjoy oneself is so high that we can lose the true spirit of celebration- of being in a room full of people you love, enjoying the moment with them. This year has given us an opportunity not to take those things and others’ company for granted. And while not everyone will get to spend time with their loved ones during the holidays, on the plus side, you won’t have to attend any holiday parties that you wished you hadn’t been invited to. I know, I know, likely you just wish you’d been invited to at least one, even if you weren't going to attend.
That Sagittarius energy wants to have fun this month, but with covid restrictions, some in-person social fun may be limited. Reflect before you gather. While no one in your family may get sick, a grocery store worker with asthma who can not stay home might, or someone you sit next to on the plane might have a compromised immune system. Remember just because you may think you have the option not to live in fear of the virus-doesn’t mean other people don’t. Live by the golden rule. I’m not saying don’t see your family, I’m just saying, have a conversation about it first.
Many are saying that there is no ‘back to normal’, which I’m sure many earth signs will find hard to hear. But vaccines are on the way and we can always keep working towards building a better future. Besides, normal was never the goal anyway, we do not have to settle for normal. Not when mankind has seen other universes in their telescopes. Collectively we are exceptional people but for too long we have ignored truths that lie at the very foundations of our systems of power.
As we enter Sagittarius season, the season of truth-seeking, cold nights, warm fires, candlelight, we find that there are many things to reflect upon about the past year and the future. While we may be wishing to be dressed to the nines with the squad, singing karaoke, laughing, sharing a meal we may also be acutely aware that not everyone is “happy for the holidays”. The cold is persistent, many are left homeless and in need. For many colonial holidays feel like a slap in the face when so much injustice is occurring, it can be hard to celebrate.
This holiday I invite you to reach across the divide, volunteer, learn something new about the people who live in the same community as you. Our traditions are vast and storied, new and budding, interrupted, forgotten, and healing. And be careful this season to not get too caught up in capitalist traditions. Instead of buying gifts from big corps this year, give something smaller and meaningful from a local business. Not all celebrations have to involve excess. It’s the emotion that matters, and this month that Sagittarius energy will have you preferring something that feels both useful, fun, and genuine.
Celebrations can and should be about all manner of things, community, family, spirituality, joy, nature, friendship, self-love, gratitude, whatever you find yourself wanting to celebrate there is always a way! If you make a plan to do something, it might give you something to look forward to while we all await the vaccines! Whether it’s Christmas dinner over zoom, a night of playing (online) video, board, or card games with your friends or quarantine buddies, or a night tucked in treating yourself to wine and cheese and bubble baths!
The restlessness of our bodies may be soothed with exercise, a romp in the snow on the mountain might be just the thing you need to lift your spirits. Engage with that inner child, build a snow sculpture.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Aries
The new year is on its way sweet Aries, are you striding forward ready for another lap around the roller derby track or are you still stuck in position bracing for impact? Are you making space for optimism or does what’s next feel out of sight? This year you have spent some time being thrown back into old trauma patterns, but you’ve also pulled yourself out of more than one scrape. You may feel drawn to tracing your steps, and figuring out what you want the future to look like. Get connected with joy and adventure. Engage with something new, imagine the world as one giant expanding horizon to be explored at your leisure. Building new bridges will help you feel less trapped.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Taurus
Romantic Taurus, has your heart been broken this year? Who broke it? You have such a deep connection with those you care about that when relationships end and circumstances change you can feel adrift, remember that connection is everywhere we look. The end of the year might bring up some thoughts of past romantic heartbreak. As you move through your grief keep hold of your goals, and those who are supporting you in this moment. Your sign is that of the bull, capable of great momentum, and great steady stillness. Find your balance. Although you may prefer to be in one state or the other, it’s just as okay to exist in the between stages. It’s okay to be many things at once. As you let go of last year’s hurts, pay attention to what’s new that’s coming into your life. What’s the view look like from here? What’s waiting on the next horizon for you? Celebrate your sensitivity and strength this month.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Gemini
Another year’s been tallied, my creative Gemini, how does it feel? As the winter season brings us indoors and in closer, be open about the fact that you are choosing your loved ones, and in choosing you are showing up again and again and shaping one another. Even with so much social distancing happening, you’re still deeply socially invested and involved with the people around you. Lean into conversations about what it means to you to be seen at your best and at your worst and how you can be supportive and where you might need support. How does self-acceptance change the way you interact with those around you? How can you celebrate yourself and your chosen family this month? Big projects may feel a bit on hold and start and stop this month, that’s okay, trust in the process, keep showing up, keep maintaining and deepening your connections.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Cancer
Virtuous Cancer, this holiday season and the new year you might be asking yourself questions about where you can be of most service. Are you reaching into the future with open hands, ready to take every opportunity as it comes, or are your hands balled into fists, stuffed deep in your pockets? Move-in the direction of giving but know where to draw the line and be open to receiving what the world has in store for you. What conversations have you been putting off? What parts of your daily routine are working for you and what needs your attention? Focus on what you’ve learned this year that will help catapult you into a deepened sense of purpose and curiosity about your ever-expanding universe. Who needs your listening ear and where can you better support those in your circle of influence? What boundaries can you set to differentiate love and devotion in your relationships? Pay attention to where the two overlap. Seek security through honesty and transparency with those you love. It is best to be seen as you truly are.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Leo
It’s holiday party season Leo, and without a doubt, you’re craving some of that fun right now. You’re likely craving an “ugly” Christmas sweater party more than you ever thought you would. However, you celebrate this season remember how important it is to have fun. Find an excuse to play! Whether it’s in the snow on the mountain or a game of words with friends or trying something sexy in the bedroom. Maybe now isn’t the best time to date but if you’re wanting to flex that flirtatious muscle do it! Find a fun and consensual outlet for that energy! Take a look at the past year and pay attention to the parts where you felt the most connected, purposeful, and optimistic. Follow those clues to figure out what for 2021. Take a moment to consider how you intend to step into the new year. What can you do to start the new year with your lion’s heart smiling, mane shining? Where did instant gratification masquerading as passion get the best of you and where was it genuine and gratifying?
Artwork: Denae Manion
Virgo
Due-diligence Virgo, as we enter the new year, take stock of where you are today. How do your relationships look now as opposed to a year ago? Six months ago? Have roles remained static or have they shifted? Where would you like to see it go? What does your daily routine look like now? Who or what gives you a feeling of safety in your home. Is the roaring fireplace a source of joy or pain? What can you build on? What’s the next step in the direction you want to go? If you haven’t felt safe, what can you do to increase that feeling of safety? And importantly lean into what accomplishments feel worthy of celebration. What are you looking forward to in the new year? While you may already have plans for the new year, be open to surprises. What will be will be. Pay attention to what makes you feel secure and how that may have changed recently. Are you dressing differently, have a new turn of phrase, how do you sit in a chair? What has this year brought to you? What do you want to bring with you into the new year?
Artwork: Denae Manion
Libra
My charismatic Libra, as we enter the new year it’s time to take a look at what feels right for you about living your most authentic life and asking yourself what you need. With the work stress piled on, your usually songful communications may be feeling a bit overtaxing at times. Especially around the holidays which are rife with stress all their own at times. Sometimes family tradition is both a gift and a curse. Are you hiding how you really feel to smooth relations? How can you create emotional safety to lower the risk of engaging more authentically? What are you risking by sharing more of yourself? Weigh the scales before you speak. A balanced approach, as long as it does not compromise who you are. What can be resolved? What can be shared? Give yourself permission to reach out and seek support without excuses or apology. Love deeply, and celebrate how far you’ve come this year.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Scorpio
Your season is on its way out Scorpio, Sag now rules the skies. The energy of the last season may have felt different for you this year than in years past/ What does it feel like to rest after a period of tension? Do the muscles sleep better or worse? As we head into the new year what successes are you celebrating? What guilt can you excise through shared experience or communication? What can you learn from the parts of your experience that differentiate from your usual narrative about yourself? Where is your lift like a fluid, always changing, always flowing, always evolving and where is it like a deep still pool? Trust the process you’re in, seek connections where they call to you. The people who love you don’t care if it’s just a silly photo of you eating a bagel, if it’s important to you, be open to sharing. Your senses and intuition have many things to teach you about creating an optimistic future. Lean into what the body wants, lean into what the spirit wants. Trust that you know the way forward even if you haven’t consciously made a decision yet.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Sagittarius
Happy Birthday, Sagittarius! It’s your season! Wow, it’s been a big year for you, in some ways you’re still only just realizing. You’ve learned a lot this year about what it takes to reject external perspectives that clash with your inner arrow. Ask yourself: how can you continue to hone that inner compass this season? Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come and take note of what’s changed. What’s on-brand for you? Where are you only just surviving? Where are you thriving? Is the next step in the direction you want to go just around the corner or is it a giant leap of faith? Who’s had your back this year and how can you celebrate those relationships? What is your favorite way to share mutual appreciation?
Artwork: Denae Manion
Capricorn
Dear office party planning president, I mean Capricorn. Things may feel as if they are either slowing down and speeding up this holiday season, so take a deep breath. Listen to what your heart is longing for. What are you holding back? What are you excited to pursue in the new year? Are you feeling pulled to a new career or artistic pursuit? Is the monotony of everyday life wearing a little thin or have you built a routine for yourself that keeps you feeling active and engaged with your experience? Now is a good time to take stock and let go of the past so that you can focus on building a future that centers around joy instead of grief. Even if you don’t know exactly what it is you’re looking for or forward to right now. The big sadness comes in waves, but trust that any emotional storms will pass and the sun will be shining when you manage to break through the clouds. Rest. Recharge. Renew your trust in yourself and the ever-shifting pathway before you.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Aquarius
Big opportunities are just around the corner dear Aquarius. Are you dreaming big dreams or are you too busy carrying the weight of the past year’s pain to look to the future? What do you need to release to enter 2021 feeling good? Process your grief, release fear, and loneliness through seeking safety and connection. You are not alone; you are surrounded by people and possibilities. Hold the younger parts of yourself gently. What do the young and old parts yourself need to heal? What does that look like on the scale of surviving to thriving? Notice what trauma patterns come up for you. Fear is the dream killer. Failure is never the end all be all. You are human sweet Aquarius! And to be human is to fall down and get back up again. You are the visionary of the zodiac, so envision! What ignites a sense of purpose? What ignites joy? Who are you bringing with you into the new year and who are negotiating boundaries with?
Artwork: Denae Manion
Pisces
Dreamy Pisces, with all the pandemic still being all pandemic-you, ’ve had to get out all the tools in your toolbox to navigate the landscape. As we enter into the new year, instead of mourning time, or worrying about not being where you want to be, remember that you are talented, skilled, and your wisdom lies in knowing what you’re good at, what you have to work at, and what just doesn’t fit your path. You can build a future that works for you. Are you tired of working in the shadows? It’s okay to celebrate your year’s accomplishments, it’s okay to ask your boss, teachers, and friends to do the same. All the hard work you’ve put in this year deserves to be acknowledged. Sometimes though, people can take you for granted so don’t be afraid to speak up about what you’ve achieved. The confidence boost will feel good and validate whether you’re headed in the direction you want to go. This holiday season asks what a loving gesture looks like. How can you show appreciation for your chosen family? How can you learn to be better at loving and appreciating your life and the people in it? What motivates you? How can you be strategic without sacrificing your dreams?
