Grab a Kleenex and sit down, because every time a celestial body begins an ingress into Cancer, someone, somewhere will start crying. Crabs are sensitive souls, and they hone in on situational vibes that the rest of us barely notice, so when the full moon gets into the driver seat of her chariot, we all must prepare to feel, and feel deeply.
This is a subtle full moon, however - one that asks us to turn almost completely to the internal self for answers. The trees are bare and the atmosphere fees cold and hollow, not unlike a windy lunar crater. What do we need to feel happy in this desolate, empty space between celebration and commitment? What plans must we build in order to secure our futures? And how can we maintain momentum during a time of year that practically demands quietude and introspection? Read your sun and rising sign horoscopes for a more complete picture of the path we need to clear ourselves as we travel toward the next new moon.
Cancer/Cancer Rising (6/21 - 7/21)
Family time always invigorates you, Crabby Pants, so it’s no surprise that the professionally hostile ‘dead week’ at the end of December puts a spring in your step and a smile on your face. Your use of the family homestead as a hidey-hole might seem like laziness to outsiders, but there is a lot of important, internal alchemy happening for Cancer in these moments. A comfortable setting surrounded by allies is necessary for you to see the clearest picture of yourself, so listen to loved ones' sentiments and consider them the ultimate truth as you solidify goals for 2024, even if they verbalize things you don’t necessarily want to hear.
Leo/Leo Rising (7/21 - 8/21)
During these dark months, Leo, you often find yourself at an internal denouement. For someone who derives so much enjoyment from external validation, it can be difficult to get through winter - all the fun and exuberance of the world seems stuffed away in cottages of forced quietude. Here’s a wild notion - pause the social media performances and take some time alone for deep self-examination. Identify the parts of you that are aching to transform and ascend into a higher form. True change occurs when no one is looking.
Virgo/Virgo Rising (8/21 - 9/21)
It’s time to spread the good word of your perfect, brutal efficiency, Virgo … early January was fucking made for you! All over the world, people will be trying to snap back into unforgiving routines and finding themselves lacking - lacking resources, lacking discipline, and lacking sufficient structure. Give in to your charitable urges, wherever they may land, and help others see the error of their ways by volunteering your time, knowledge, and infamous perfection kink. We may be entering the age of Aquarius, but we all know it’s the nose-to-the-grindstone Virgos who are going to save the world.
Libra/Libra Rising (9/21 - 10/21)
The possibility of professional recognition is giving you all the feels, Libra, whether that is an occupational awards ceremony, a well-deserved promotion, or humble, public praise from a supervisor. Make sure to build a thoughtful plan when it comes to wielding this new, professional currency in your favor, instead of simply basking in it. Make new connections, plump up your resume, and crow about your achievements whenever you get the chance; you are forging a path to increased power, brick by brick and accolade by accolade.
Scorpio/Scorpio Rising (10/21 - 11/21)
Getting anxious and emotional about your skill set isn’t necessarily new, Scorpio, but casual observers are unaware of your deep and gnawing insecurities, so they might be shocked when you reveal a sliver of your true self. Acquiring new talents and knowledge is never a bad thing, so chuck your ego out a window and take the steps toward your vision of improvement; school, apprenticeship, certification…whatever you need to do to feel equipped for the future, do it. The phrase “Knowledge is Power” had to be crafted for a Scorpio.
Sagittarius/Sagittarius Rising (11/21 - 12/21)
It’s too easy for Sagittarius to succumb to depression around this time of year - the season and focus shifts, the magnificent party stops, and a yawning, white void stretches boringly from January to March. It may be time to come clean with yourself, Centaur, and investigate why you get so bummed. What ending are you resisting? Why? Are you so attached to the current state of things that you are willing to forgo a newer, more exciting beginning? Lean into your philosophical side if you grieve for the past and find a way to use it; loss can be a building block in a more productive future.
Capricorn/Capricorn Rising (12/21 - 1/21)
It’s your birthday season, Cap, but this is the moment to be laser focused on a better half - single goats should enjoy the hunt for yin to their yang, and partnered Capricorns can cocoon into honeymoon-esque bliss with a partner until the outside world intervenes. Fanciful declarations and last-minute trips aren’t really a Capricorn thing, (you prefer ovations that require planning) so focus instead on lavish gifts, emotional labor, and shared goals with your partner to cement commitment. Money and accolades are great, but without love, they add nothing to our lives.
Aquarius/Aquarius Rising (1/21 - 2/21)
Okay, Aquarius. You know how, prior to takeoff, every major airline will beseech you to put your own oxygen mask on your face before you place it on others? Well, that is the conundrum upon which you need to marinate. It is in your basic nature to be concerned about big, external consequences instead of small, internal woes, but the little stuff begins to look pretty major once it accumulates. Caring about yourself isn’t a flaw. Your scheduling, health appointments, fitness routines, and inbox maintenance need attention in order for you to thrive, so give the boring stuff some love.
Pisces/Pisces Rising (2/21 - 3/21)
Wow, Pisces - is that a kind of carefree, immature joy we see you grasping at? If so, good. Shake off your usual existential dread and plan something giddy to carry you into the new year; it doesn’t much matter what, as long as it involves fun for fun’s sake and nothing deeper. It has been too easy for you to get mired in a fugue state, and world/community events haven’t been helping, either. Trust that the problems of the universe will still be there later and pencil in a recurring activity in 2024 that is only for your enjoyment. It will re-balance your perspective.
Aries/Aries Rising (3/21 - 4/21)
This moon is making obvious to you, Aries, what some people have known since they were born - constant friction with the outer world is exhausting, and a stable, consistent home environment has been a boon to the warrior class since Sparta scared the shit out of Athens many centuries ago. Look to the beginning of 2024 with your homebase in mind; nurture it, decorate it, and make it known to the people within how important they are. Tackling and overcoming opposition is great and all, but don’t let it become your entire reason for existing. Even warships need a port in the storm.
Taurus/Taurus Rising (4/21 - 5/21)
This is a good moment for Taurus to write to long-distance friends, make a group brunch schedule, and get hard commitments from your homies for all the live music and movies you want to see over the next few months. An invigorated affection for people may compel you to socialize more, Happy Bull, and yes, believe it or not, you may actually want to leave the house over the next few months. Don’t let the discombobulation stop you - this is what normal people do when they find friends that they like and admire.
Gemini/Gemini Rising (5/21 - 6/21)
If you find yourself getting worked up over money and resources, Gemini, try to take a big breath and a giant step back in order to gain some perspective. You waste precious time if you only spend it hand-wringing, and we clearly need to solidify a financial path through 2024 if we want to see success in other areas. Have the conversations that you need to have, but set a deadline for decision-making and stick to it, lest you procrastinate into eternity. Remember that money is a means to an end, and treating it as anything more will only increase your anxiety.