Your December Horoscope Is a Double Whammy of Mercury & Mars Retrograde

We’re wrapping up this year with a bang, as the December 2024 horoscopes for each zodiac sign are packed with intensity from start to finish. Thankfully, the optimistic and festive vibes of Sagittarius season are with us through the first three weeks of December, getting everyone into the spirit of celebration despite the fact that the first half of the month will be dominated by Mercury retrograde.

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The month begins with a fiery and motivating new moon in Sagittarius that peaks on December 1 at 1:21 am ET (technically it falls on the November side of the calendar for those of us west of the Central Time Zone), and this lunation can help you connect with your aspirations in a new way. Mercury is moonwalking directly into the sun’s path on December 5, forming a Mercury cazimi that shines a spotlight on all the retrograde’s most important lessons. Mars retrograde in Leo begins the following day, challenging everyone to take a step back from grinding and goal-chasing in order to reconnect with their true motivations and ambitions. Energy levels may be lower than usual during the Red Planet’s backspin, but you can use this lull in action to rediscover your passions and rebuild your confidence.

It’ll feel like you got your sixth sense back come December 7, as numinous planet Neptune wraps up its annual retrograde, putting you in direct contact with your intuition. Love planet Venus enters innovative Aquarius on the same day, giving relationships and flirtations a more unconventional flair. Venus faces off with freshly-retrograding Mars soon after, putting you face-to-face with your desires. Own your weirdness and find ways to bridge the gap between what your head wants and what your heart wants.

Mid-month brings a welcome energy shift, as the full moon in information-seeking Gemini peaks on December 15—the same day that Mercury retrograde comes to an end. With Gemini’s ruling planet finally stationing direct, this lunation is a powerful time to revisit important conversations, solidify recent social connections, and talk through any disagreements that bubbled up during the retrograde. If there’s any tension lingering, the auspicious trine between romantic Venus and abundant Jupiter on December 19 will bring a feel-good blast of sweetness and optimism that’ll diffuse any drama.

Mars retrograde begins on December 6 and Mercury retrograde ends on December 15.

The sun enters pragmatic earth sign Capricorn on December 21, heralding the start of Capricorn season as well as the winter solstice. We’re still in the thick of the holiday hustle, but Capricorn’s serious and steady-footed energy is exactly what’s needed to inspire people to get back on track once the festivities die down. Christmas Eve finds abundant planet Jupiter in a square-off with strict Saturn, which can be a bit of a buzzkill, but also makes it clear that hard work can pay off. Use this as a motivating force to see things through and stay positive in the face of challenges.

On December 29, ultra-sensitive comet Chiron wraps up its retrograde, giving your freshly-healed heart a chance to reemerge. The following day, the second new moon of the month rises in the skies, shining through the sign of Capricorn and putting us in touch with our material ambitions. This industrious lunation is perfect for setting practical goals, laying out the foundation for a new business endeavor, or simply getting clearer on your upcoming New Years’ resolutions.

Your December 2024 monthly horoscope for each zodiac sign

Read on for your full horoscope for the month of December 2024, according to your sun sign and/or rising sign:

1. Aries

Monthly Affirmation:
“I am courageous enough to fully immerse myself in this experience.”

Holiday stress might be high, but your aspirations this month are even higher — and your Aries horoscope for December 2024 brings plenty of growth opportunities. The new moon on December 1 lights up your adventure zone, inspiring you to revisit some of the exciting interests and goals that you’d set on the shelf in recent years. Your cosmic ruler Mars starts retrograding in your romance and creativity sector on December 6, so you may not feel quite as inspired or motivated to chase after your passions for a while. Give yourself time to reconnect with the things that light up your heart.

The full moon on December 15 is a good time to talk through any communication issues that arose during Mercury retrograde. Keep an ear open for some hot gossip hitting your personal newsstands, too. Capricorn season starts a week later, and its ambitious and business-minded energy has you thinking about your career path. The new moon at the end of the month is a great time to consider your long-term professional goals and come up with some practical ways to execute them. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

2. Taurus

Monthly Affirmation:
“I am ready to be open and vulnerable with someone I trust.”

As the days have gotten darker, you’ve been diving deep into your emotional entanglements — but the magic of your Taurus horoscope for December 2024 spans way beyond your inner world. The new moon on December 1 has you reevaluating your boundaries, trying to see past people’s surface-level intentions to reveal their true nature. But don’t get too caught up in interpersonal dramas, because a week later, your amorous cosmic ruler Venus saunters into your career sector, giving you the chance to charm your way into a new project, position, or a superior’s good graces. Leave home stressor out of the office and focus on manifesting some positive new connections.

Money matters should be prioritized mid-month, as the full moon in communication-oriented Gemini hits on December 15, and Mercury retrograde ends the same day. This is an opportunity to deal with any financial issues that have been burdening you lately, especially as a result of the retrograde’s mental mix-ups. Capricorn season starts a week later, and its grounding energy serves as a reminder that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, even if your aspirations seems high through the eyes of some. Use the new moon on December 30 as an excuse to manifest some material magic. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

3. Gemini

Monthly Affirmation:
“I attract people who see me and love me for who I really am.”

Relationships are taking up a lot of real estate in your Gemini horoscope for December 2024, and the new moon on December 1 could have you looking at a past partnership in a new light. Is it time to say you’re sorry, accept an apology, or simply reach out? Think it through, but don’t act on impulse. Your ruling planet Mercury is retrograde, and it’ll spend the first week of December facing off with expansive planet Jupiter in your sign, so going overboard or otherwise overthinking is easy to do.

While the first half of December could feel quite heavy, you’ll experience a sense of relief mid-month, as chatty Mercury is wrapping up its retrograde alongside the full moon that peaks in your sign on December 15. You’re seeing your needs much more clearly now, so speak up for yourself. There’s a magic buzz in the air come December 19, as lucky Jupiter in your sign makes a mystical trine to amorous Venus. If you want to take a risk — whether creatively or romantically — now’s the time. As Christmas approaches, you may feel a little more restricted and prone to frustration, but the new moon on December 30 is an ideal moment for deep self-reflection. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

4. Cancer

Monthly Affirmation:
“I attract people who see me and love me for who I really am.”

The holidays can be hectic, so self-care is an important component of your Cancer horoscope for December 2024. The new moon on December 1 may have you daydreaming about revamping your schedule and daily routine, as the pieces are finally clicking into place when it comes to what works for you and what hinders your productivity. Wellness isn’t one size fits all, so your own experiences can serve as your most valuable research. Take your time as you test new methods, because once Mars retrograde hits on December 7, you may be a little less motivated by money and more interested taking care of yourself.

The full moon on December 15 is a quiet and potentially sleepy one for you, so spend some time alone to recharge your batteries if needed, especially with holidays on the horizon. Romance and partnership could be in store one Capricorn season comes around, so be open to a cuffing season fling or perhaps something more. You may meet a special someone or connect with a lover in a deeper way under the new moon on December 30. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

5. Leo

Monthly Affirmation:
“I deserve a love that nourishes my heart and tugs on my soul.”

Passion comes naturally to a fire sign like you, but your Leo horoscope for December 2024 has you completely transforming your relationship to the things that set your heart ablaze. The new moon on December 1 inspires you to reconnect with your inner child, and the week ahead challenges you to overcome whatever’s keeping you from embracing that playful and idealistic side of yourself. A major shift arrives on December 6, as motivating planet Mars stations retrograde in your sign. The rest of the month is a time to recenter your energy, so focus on connecting with your sense of drive and purpose rather than acting on your impulses.

Thankfully, your relationships can be a helpful source of support, as romantic Venus starts lighting up your partnerships zone the following day, sweetening up your connections and attracting a deeper sense of commitment. If you need more space to bounce your ideas around, the full moon on December 15 is a great time to think bigger and connect with your friend group or community on the whole. You’re juggling a lot, so once Capricorn season starts a week later, getting your routine more organized will feel like a priority. The new moon on December 30 is the perfect time to implement some productive habits or otherwise step up to your current responsibilities. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

6. Virgo

Monthly Affirmation:
“I protect my space and prioritize my comfort above all.”

The holiday season can be a nostalgic time, and thanks to the sensitive new moon that kicks off the month, your Virgo horoscope for December 2024 will have you wading through some memories and sorting through your emotions. Thanks to your ruling planet Mercury moving retrograde, you may have an opportunity to restore some familial bonds or untangle some domestic disagreements this week. But cut yourself some slack if you’re feeling disconnected, because action planet Mars joins the retrograde party on December 6, so your energy levels might be dampening while your desire for solitude skyrockets. Give yourself the space you need to recharge.

Mercury retrograde wraps up alongside the full moon on December 15, so it’s a great time to push forward on professional projects and circle back to career-related conversations before you break for the holidays. Once the sun enters fellow earth sign Capricorn a week later, you’ll feel a bit more creatively inspired, and may even find yourself wandering into some romance. Keep your heart open to all these possibilities and more under the new moon on December 30. You never know what the year ahead might have in store. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

7. Libra

Monthly Affirmation:
“I choose my words with kindness, intention, and endless curiosity.”

Mercury retrograde may be causing communication to go haywire, but your Libra horoscope for December 2024 gives you plenty of other avenues to express yourself. The new moon on December 1 is great for revisiting unfinished conversations or circling back to some missed connections, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself to make something of these second chances. These seeds might need some time before they sprout. Romance, however, could blossom a little more quickly—as your amorous cosmic ruler Venus will start lighting up your flirty fifth house a week later, bringing an added boost of sweetness, passion, and flirtatiousness to your love life.

Once the full moon hits on December 15, your heart is craving some adventure—and because Mercury retrograde ends the same day, it’s a great time to start making some travel plans or vision-boarding for the future. You’ll feel ready to cozy up and enjoy the homey vibes of the holidays once the winter solstice arrives a week later, so spend some extra time with your loved ones and enjoy the nostalgia of the season. The new moon on December 30 is full of feelings, so honor what your hearts wants as you set some personal intentions. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

8. Scorpio

Monthly Affirmation:
“I am open to receiving all the abundance the world has to offer.”

Your Scorpio horoscope for December 2024 puts money on your mind in a big way, and things kick off with an inspiring new moon in your finance zone. You may be struck with some lucrative ideas for ways to boost your income, but don’t get discouraged if you have a hard time getting things off the ground this month. Mercury retrograde may throw some temporary roadblocks in your path, and once Mars retrograde joins the scene on December 6, you may struggle to get in touch with your ambitious side at work, too. Give your ideas time to simmer instead of trying to force yourself into action. With a little patience, these seedlings could grow into something really powerful as the new year begins.

Managing your cash flow will feel less complicated by mid-month, and the full moon on December 15 may even bring some surprise windfalls, early holiday gifts, or debts owed to you that are finally being repaid. A week later, the winter solstice adds some sparkle to your social life, so make time to connect with friends and family for the holidays and enjoy the sense of togetherness. The new moon on December 30 is a great time to get things off your chest before the year comes to an end, so speak your truth and lay out a solid foundation of honesty as you close the door on 2024. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

9. Sagittarius

Monthly Affirmation:
“I am proud of what I’ve overcome in order to become who I am.”

Mercury retrograde may be raining on your birthday season parade for the first half of the month, but your Sagittarius horoscope for December 2024 is still chock-full of exciting opportunities. The new moon in your sign on December 1 brings a refreshing inspiration boost that puts you in touch with your inner fire power. You’re still figuring out how you’d like to move forward on your goals, but the Mercury cazimi on December 5 helps you look at your current trajectory from a new perspective—which is helpful to consider even if you don’t feel ready to take any major actions just yet.

The full moon on December 15 rises in your relationship zone, allowing you to see your interpersonal commitments more clearly and have some meaningful conversations about what’s working and what needs adjustments. Money becomes an important topic as the holidays draw near, so use Capricorn season’s down-to-business energy to do some end-of-year budgeting and ensure you’re on track for your finance goals. The new moon on December 30 is a fabulous time to lay out the foundation for your plans or simply do some manifesting in the material realm. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

10. Capricorn

Monthly Affirmation:
“I am open to receiving all the wisdom my higher self has to offer.”

The new moon on December 1 is a quiet one, full of introspective and solitary vibes—but your Capricorn horoscope for December 2024 has no shortage of excitement, so rest while you can! The first week of the month is a particularly exhausting one, so you may want to prioritize some quality alone time where you can shut off your brain and have some private space with your feelings. If you’re able to, save some gift shopping for the last minute, as mid-month is a much better time to splurge. Mercury retrograde will come to an end right as luxury-loving Venus starts lighting up your finance sector, so your cash will be much better spent from this point onward.

Speaking of mid-month happenings, the full moon in Gemini rises on December 15, and it’ll inspire you to tighten up your daily routine and get yourself organized before the holidays hit in full. You know that getting ahead of the mess is always better than having to clean everything up afterward! Your birthday season starts a week later, and your energy levels are boosting alongside your confidence. Step into your power, especially during the new moon in your sign on December 30. Now’s your chance to manifest your deepest desires into the material plane. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

11. Aquarius

Monthly Affirmation:
“My presence is needed, valued, and regarded with great respect.”

Mercury may be retrograde, but that’s not putting a damper on your Aquarius horoscope for December 2024. The new moon that kicks off the month may have you craving a different type of community, so stay open to connecting with new groups, but avoid writing off your current crew entirely, even if you’ve got differences to work through. Tensions during the first week of December could make you feel like you’re out of sync with the people around you, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on finding common ground. It’s also important to stay positive and open-hearted as passion planet Mars starts retrograding through your committed seventh house on December 6, as this transit could take some of the wind out of your sails when it comes to relationships.

Thankfully, charming planet Venus starts gracing your sign the following day, making it easy to attract the right energies into your orbit. This is your cosmic spoonful of sugar and it’ll help you navigate frustrating situations that much more smoothly. Tapping into a more playful and romantic mindset will be easier mid-month, thanks to the flirty full moon on December 15 as well as the gorgeous trine between amorous Venus in your sign and lucky Jupiter that hits a few days later. This is the optimism boost you needed, so use the high vibes to your advantage. Try to carve out some alone time to recharge during the holidays, as the cosmic energies could feel depleting if you don’t have space to connect with yourself. The new moon on December 30 is the perfect time for a solo ritual to wrap up the year with intention. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

12. Pisces

Monthly Affirmation:
“My career is picking up momentum and guiding me toward success.”

Work delays and other Mercury retrograde mix-ups in your professional life could make the first stretch of this month a little stressful, but your Pisces horoscope for December 2024 is still delivering a happy holiday. The new moon on December 1 will pull your attention toward your career for the whole first week of the month. The sun, Mercury retrograde, and your traditional ruler Jupiter will all be squaring off with serious Saturn in your sign, so you might feel the weight of your responsibilities quite heavily and struggle to move forward on your current goals. However, sometimes sitting still is the best way to regain momentum, so there’s no need to force the universe’s hand. Once your dreamy modern ruler Neptune wraps up its retrograde in your sign on December 7, you’ll have even more access to your intuition, so you’ll be able to sense that things are indeed falling into place.

The full moon on December 15 is a great time to connect with family ahead of the holidays, so extend an olive branch to a loved one you’ve lost touch with or take initiative in smoothing out any post-retrograde home drama. The winter solstice a week later will put you in an even more social mood, so get into the spirit by attending more group events and gathering with friends. Community is exactly what you need to light up your soul during this dark part of the year, and the new moon on December 30 may even pull a like-minded new crew into your orbit. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

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