December 2022 Monthly Horoscope: What Astrologers Want You To Know

While the world is anything but stable as we close out the year, the skies are clear for safely celebrating with each other again. However, there could be a couple of relationship challenges in the first part of the month. The love planets, Venus and Mars (which is retrograde in pair-bonding Gemini), will face each other down in a tense opposition on December 1.

Extra helping of compassion? Yes, please! Until December 20, Jupiter will spend its final three weeks in Pisces, then it won't return for more than a decade. The stars are inviting us to expand and grow in Pisces-themed areas—creativity, imagination, art, spirituality, and empathy.

This energy crescendos on December 3, when soulful Neptune ends a five-month retrograde through Pisces. Could caring about our fellow humans make a comeback in some small way before the year is over?

Our hope is: Yes! Prior to Neptune's mid-19^th-century discovery, Jupiter was considered the ruler of Pisces (and by those who follow a Hellenistic astrology system, still is). Either way, we've been experiencing the ultra-rare convergence of both of Pisces' planetary guardians united in their home sign. To give you an idea of how special this overlap is, Jupiter only visits Pisces every 12 years, and Neptune takes over 150 years between visits.

And just like that, the scene changes from watery and emotional to revved up for action. Jupiter will return to Aries for its second trip through this pioneering fire sign. We experienced Jupiter's first trek through Aries from May 10 until October 28 of this year. Now, Jupiter's back until May 16, 2023, bringing a very different energy.

Historically, Jupiter in Aries periods have been marked by friction. World War I and II both started during these cycles. This round has been filled with plenty of global unrest, mainly centered in Ukraine but happening around the world. Here's hoping that the wisdom of Jupiter will help temper the irrational flames that can be fanned by Aries energy.

Yes, you heard that correctly: Mercury, the planet of communication, travel, and technology, will lapse into a dodgy retrograde (in Capricorn) for New Year's Eve. From December 29 until January 18, goals and plans can get delayed and reconfigured several times over. Save your 2023 resolutions to "draft" because you might edit them quite a few times over.

What else is in store for NYE? If you can get around Mercury retrograde's mischief-making with your plans, a stabilizing and sensual Taurus moon will bejewel the skies. This could be the dose of grounding energy we didn't know we needed, especially not with New Year's parties back on.

But as pragmatic as Taurus is, this zodiac sign is ruled by party-loving Venus, the planet of luxury and earthly delights. Don't skimp on the tasteful touches and artful presentation. Swathe yourself in something beautiful and serve up the palate-pleasuring buffet. (An Instagram-worthy charcuterie board with edible flowers and those long "moon drop" grapes is totally worth your time…we swear.) Another signature cocktail, anyone? 

Make time for a ritual if you can, since magnetic Venus will commune with deep-diving Pluto in ambitious Capricorn tonight. Hosting a party? You might want to set up a table with vision board supplies (magazines, scissors, paper, glue sticks) for guests to use throughout the night. Time has a way of moving reaaaallly slow on NYE between 8 and 11 p.m., so an activity area is never a bad idea. If you don't want to get quite that elaborate, make time to write down your wishes for 2023, as the universe is keenly tuning in.