Navigating the December holidays will take extra cosmic support thanks to Mercury retrograde and a few other planetary antics. Your December 2023 horoscope has all the cosmic details to navigate.

Slow down that sleigh! The first half of December is off to a roaring start as both the Sun and energizer Mars race through supersizer Sagittarius. Everything seems to moving at warp speed, which could leave many people feeling disregulated as 2023 gets ready to recede into the rearview. Here’s what’s happening in the stars and your December 2023 horoscope.

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Brace for the final Mercury retrograde of the year

But just as you’re about to pump the brakes, communicator Mercury does it for you. The planet of communication and technology will make its final retrograde from December 13 to January 1, a Grinch-meets-Scrooge move that holiday season 2023 really didn’t need.

Mercury will back through traditional Capricorn until December 23, then it will reverse through outspoken, global Sagittarius for the duration. (If you’re already dreading the holiday dinner table conversation…you’re not wrong.) It will take strong boundaries and maybe a really good seating chart if you don’t want polarizing politics to fragment your family.

A Christmas moon in talkative Gemini, and 2023’s final moons

On Christmas, the moon is in talkative Gemini. At its best, Gemini can spark productive dialogue; at worst, people will be playing devil’s advocate and have endless appetites for debate.

The day after Christmas, December 26, brings the year’s final full moon. This one is in family-oriented Cancer, the second of two full moons in this sign that bookended 2023. Also that day, healer Chiron completes a five-month retrograde, followed by Jupiter’s direct (forward) turnabout on December 30.

By the time New Year’s Eve rolls around, you might just be ready for some calm instead of calamity. The sensible Virgo moon that ushers us across the threshold into 2024 has exactly that in mind. Happy, healthy New Year!

Be sure to check out your 2024 astrology forecast to find out what next year holds for your zodiac sign too!

Highlights of your December 2023 horoscope

Neptune Direct in Pisces: December 6

What’s next? That question has required deep contemplation for the past few months, and even that hasn’t necessarily yielded much clarity. But after December 6, answers start coming into focus as tuned-in Neptune ends a long retrograde in its home turf of compassionate, dreamy Pisces.

During this period of soul-searching, you may have come to enlightening realizations about yourself, your desires and your relationships. Your December 2023 horoscope encourages you to start putting those divine downloads into action. Pro tip: That doesn’t mean you should stop the daydreams. Quite the opposite! Neptune is a master at manifestation.

Sagittarius New Moon: December 12

Are you thinking big enough? The year’s only new moon in visionary Sagittarius nudges you out of the safety zone. Get ready for a bold entry into uncharted terrain or to take a supersized leap of faith. Got the urge to travel? Even if your journey happens next year, don’t shy away from pressing “book now” on a great bucket-list destination deal. With courageous Mars mashing up with la luna, you’re feeling especially bold and ready to risk big. Multiply your adventurous and horizon-expanding ideas by (at least) ten.

But make sure you’ve got a backup plan, since you could be tempted to gamble. Need some extra motivation? Think about the people you’ll help and inspire as a role model. As healing Chiron breezes by the new moon in a supportive trine, do it for the people who didn’t get a chance—or those who might believe they can when you lead by example. Just keep one toe planted on terra firma, as a square from dreamy Neptune doesn’t exactly scream “practical” when it comes to your exciting plans.

Mercury Retrograde: December 13-January 1

Do you hear what I hear? Absolutely not. Blame it on the static of Mercury retrograde, which—we’re sorry to report in your December 2023 horoscope—begins December 13 and jams up the signals until New Year’s Day. With chaos and miscommunications rippling through the rest of 2023, leave absolutely nothing up to chance with holiday plans. While Mercury’s backing up through Capricorn until December 23 set up an online hub with addresses, timelines and dishes and drinks everyone should bring to the celebration. (And plan on sending about five follow-up texts.)

If you’re jetting off to ring in the occasion, double check your luggage to make sure you’ve got the essentials—not to mention an extra phone charger and a Kindle. Delays will be likely, especially when Mercury backs into travel sign Sagittarius on the 23rd. Choose your fellow partygoers carefully. One divisive debater can ruin everything.

Cancer Full Moon: December 26

As the holiday season starts to wind down, the quiet and comfort of the year’s second Cancer full moon brings a much-need moment to chill. With the warm-fuzzies in high gear, use this day to catch up with close friends and trade notes on your holiday celebrations. Emotions will be close to the surface, so don’t be surprised if a sentimental exchange brings on the waterworks. Or maybe you just need a long winter’s nap after all the holly jolly hooplah. For your December 2023 horoscope: Ease into your cozy space or spend some time feathering your nest to turn it back into a sanctuary (not a gift- wrapping station).

Since this full moon gets a boost from systematic Saturn, get ready to make some adult decisions in your personal life. A relative might need extra support in the weeks ahead or you may need to fund some repair work. And if you’re feeling taxed, don’t forget that the “lean on me” thing goes both ways.

Chiron Direct in Aries: December 26

Stop playing martyr and stand up for yourself! Your December 2023 horoscope reveals a confidence boost as healing comet Chiron rockets forward into firestarter Aries, ending a retrograde that started July 23. Just beware the temptation to blow up in anger if you get a surge of suppressed resentment. While Chiron wheeled backwards through Aries, passive aggressive barbs and sneering put-downs may have been people’s best defense. Now that Chiron’s back in forward motion, be wary of the fine line between assertiveness and aggression.

Chiron also has incredible healing powers, so unlock its key potential (seriously, the symbol for this asteroid is a key) and turn anger into purpose and passion.

Jupiter Direct in Taurus: December 30

Your December 2023 horoscope ends with a bright 2024 astrology outlook: Auspicious Jupiter ends a retrograde slowdown that began on September 4. As the planet of expansion powers forward in tactile and tenacious Taurus, a sustainable and profitable idea could pick up speed. If a work project has drifted from its original mission or purpose, you’ll be able to come together again. It will be easy to prioritize without getting scattered or limiting the potential of an idea now. That’s something worth popping the bubbly for. And with hedonistic Jupiter in luxe-loving Taurus, spring for a vintage bottle!