Dec 4 – Jan 3 ~ The Cosmic Download

“When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going”

We are on the precipice between 2025 and 2026. While the year change in the Gregorian calendar is more arbitrary, it marks a significant point in our current collective psyche. It is a mile marker for life events. As we approach the close of this year, many energies are on the cusp of significant change. A tidal shift in consciousness is coming.

While there will be an expansion of cognition and intellect, there is an even greater leap in heart awareness flowing through the collective field. This means that some old and outdated ways of perception are dissolving, and we are being called to an expanded plane of awareness. In the moment, this may present as challenges and seemingly radical shifts. This is the proverbial “when the going gets tough.” But you were born for these times, and you came here to grow and to expand.  So, “the tough get going.”

This lunar cycle begins with the Gemini Full Moon on Dec 4. Gemini is the consciousness of duality, perception, innovation, curiosity, adaptability, and the mind. While this time may illuminate polarities, if we lift our gaze and open our hearts, we will see a path where there is unity, connection, networking, possibility, and opening.

On Dec 10, retrograde Neptune goes direct. This is a huge shift of energy. Neptune is both the ocean and the Cosmos. Neptune retrograded into Pisces and is closing a 164-year cycle of time and consciousness. Neptune will march forth into Aries in January 2026. These last weeks in Pisces are a call to return to our spiritual foundation so that we are prepared for the evolutionary changes coming in 2026.

Mars enters Capricorn on Dec 14. Mars is the masculine principle, and when in balance, it represents truth-seeking, open-heartedness, good leadership, right desire, and harnessing the will to support the Dharma. Capricorn is the energy Karma & Dharma, creating structure to support community and evolution, wisdom, the elders, the ancient and cosmic knowings of the heart, and rules, laws and justice. As an archetype, Capricorn the goat-fish. The goat is the animal that can navigate the terrestrial plane most adeptly, and the fish is its counterpart of the watery ocean- the material and the spiritual. We are being asked to walk in balance in both worlds and to take action with our Dharma.

Dec 19 is the Sagittarius New Moon. A new cycle to seek truth, begin a vision quest, journey into the heart, study philosophy, and hold to your faith.

The Winter Solstice is Dec 21 as the Sun moves into Capricorn. This is a mystical point on the wheel of the year that represents rebirth, renewal, and the return of the light. This is a time of deep wisdom, ceremony, gathering together in community, and creating the structure for the teachings of the heart to be shared.

Venus joins Mars and the Sun in Capricorn on Dec 24, Christmas Eve. Capricorn energy is the Holly King (Santa Claus) — the wise father, and Venus in Capricorn is the goddess Durga-Ma — the cosmic mother. Some consider Venus to be the “Christmas Star” heralding a time of awakening consciousness.

Mercury joins the Capricorn party on New Year’s Day, Jan 1. The psychopomp and messenger of the Soul is being called into action. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Listen to your deep intuition, follow your inner authority (your inner Aum), and be your Dharma in the world. Now is the time. Capricorn (Saturn or Cronus) rules and measures time.

On Jan 2, Chiron goes direct and will move through the final degrees of Aries before entering Taurus for 7 years in 2026. When a planet is in the final degrees of a sign, it is the crucible. It is when the seasons, the teachings, and the meaning of the cycle are to be understood and integrated. This cycle started in 2018 and has been focused on healing our collective masculine, or Yang, energies.

The Cancer Full Moon is Jan 3 and brings luminosity to the year’s change.

Come join us on Saturday, Dec 13, 2025, from 1-3pm — either in person or via Zoom —

for The Astrology of 2026 and Beyond.

The Astrology of 2026 & Beyond: Register Here