**December 2017 Astrology Forecast!**

Gratitude!

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine work into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” - W. Ward

Looking forward to the new year? Gratitude for what our experiences have taught us is a great starting point for future success. As we soon bid farewell to 2017, we have the opportunity to reflect on what we've discovered from living through it. Everyone had their share of trials, tribulations and triumphs this year, but with each comes greater life awareness – and hopefully thankfulness - for the wisdom we’ve acquired along the way. In reviewing what we've experienced, we can find out a lot about ourselves, our connection to others and what we want to achieve going forward. Being grateful for the journey, no matter how bumpy, empowers us to make positive changes, implement new activities and improve our goals toward a more life-affirming and fulfilling tomorrow.

Many of us may have encountered a steep learning curve in the past few months. There may have been upsetting occurrences or situations that brought on feelings of fear, worry, distress. It's important to acknowledge these feelings but equally important to remember that, no matter the external circumstances, we always have a choice. We can choose to see the positives, the possibilities, the potential for something better in our future – to be grateful for all that we do have - rather than dwelling on what's negative, pessimistic or discomforting. Staying positive does not mean that you ignore problems or dismiss hardships. Instead, it means focusing on the thankful thoughts that encourage your health, well-being and future growth. There’s always something to be grateful for – and that’s what helps us to keep going and keep growing despite any challenges.

Astrologically, this is an important month for understanding our year-in-review highs and lows and how to use that knowledge to our advantage. As we honour December’s Solstice, feel the power of Mars in Scorpio, take heed of Mercury Retrograde and experience Saturn moving into Capricorn, it’s a perfect time to check our inner compass and ask: what can I learn from my past to improve my future? In recognizing, realizing and being grateful for the life lessons we’ve experienced in 2017, we can focus on ways to improve and increase our life success in the new year!

Here's what YOU can look forward to for the last month of the year! With gratitude, here’s your Motivational Astrology forecast for December 2017:

1 December: Venus enters Sagittarius – Embrace, Enjoy, Encourage! As the Planet of Joy connects with effervescent Sagittarius, our energies turn expansive, with a greater ability to appreciate what we have, those in our lives and our dreams for the future! This is a time of new adventures, broadening our horizons and sharing positive interactions with loved ones. We are inspired now to embrace our inspirational selves, enjoy life more fully and encourage a more blessed and beautiful time ahead! Use this opportunity to manifest greater self belief, self confidence and further feelings of gratitude as this serves to magnify the positivity of life! As well, this affirmative Venus energy also highlights a need for Universal healing, good will and reverence for all living things. As we wrap up this last month of 2017, we’re infused with more optimistic awareness to embrace life more fully, be thankful for what we have and cheer on the start of great new year!

3 December (2nd in U.S.A.): Mercury goes Retrograde – Rethink, Revise, Redo! Mercury, our planet ruling travel and communication, in the optimistic sign of Sagittarius, goes Retrograde starting today until 22 Dec. This “backward” cycle is favourable for reconsidering plans and reconstructing future dreams in order to make sure they’re practical, secure and well thought out. Remember to think before jumping in to new adventures and be extra clear about intentions, interactions and expenditures! Caution regarding impulsive decisions, impractical purchases or overextending ourselves is advised, especially during this hectic holiday season! Additionally, travel hassles, mechanical difficulties, miscommunications, scrambled thoughts or delays can be expected - so patience and a go-with-the-flow vibe is encouraged! On the bright side, this is a positive time for reviewing this past year and the lessons you’ve gleamed from your experiences. Wisely rethinking, revising or redoing your plans, projects and personal visions for the new year now will be of great benefit to you in the long run!

4 December (3rd in the U.S.A.): Full Moon in Gemini – Review, Reflect, Release! The final Full Moon of 2017 signals a wonderful occasion for reviewing your experiences this year, with an eye to what needs releasing in order to jump into 2018 with greater awareness, understanding and insight! Consider all you've learned, discovered and gained knowledge of these past 11 months – about yourself, life and those around you. Considering your plans for the new year, sharing your thoughts and getting directional insights about what’s ahead can better help you to manifest the future of your dreams! (A great time for your 2018 Motivational Astrology forecast reading with yours truly!) Additionally, this large lunar light will emphasize our need to express ourselves, tie up loose ends, get projects completed and share information - while experiencing an urgent sense of need-to-know and need-to-do activity! A busy time for sure, but one that also urges us to Review the year, Reflect on its lessons and Release what we want to leave behind as we move into a brand new 2018!

9 December: Mars enters Scorpio – Grow Your Magic Dragon Wings! The planet of courage and confidence now charges into the sign of passionate determination - encouraging us to embrace the Phoenix within! For the next couple of months this energy can assist us overcoming any obstacle or challenge with a stronger fixed, focused and intense determination of what we want to create in this world. This is the opportunity to claim our own power while gaining greater awareness of your inner strength and personal fortitude. Be your own purposeful and powerful Warrior now – feel stronger about your dynamic self and be more assertive in how you share your strengths and abilities! The Mars/Scorpio connection prompts us to focus our energies on making powerful changes to our lives, our dreams and our world. A new period of emotional intensity emerges now – allowing us to transform areas of self doubt into feelings of self worth! As we grow stronger, with greater self assurance, we have the ability to honour our abilities and transcend limitations! Find something that you feel intensely about and express yourself through it! Allow the Magic Dragon energy within you to grow wings!

18 December (17th in U.S.A.): New Moon in Sagittarius – Share the Joy! This last New Moon of 2017 brings a new cycle of joy, expansive expression and positive feeling! Embracing greater prosperity, possibility thinking and like-minded adventures inspires more confidence and abundance in our lives! Jump open-armed and open-hearted into new relationships and projects now with the feeling that you can accomplish anything! Optimistic beginnings for inner growth and outward expression are highlighted as we open our minds to appreciate all that we've learned and experienced this year. Make an effort now to set your course of action, securing your big-picture goals for greater success in 2018! //// Begin New Adventures! Optimism and excitement unfolds now, boosting our confidence and bringing a new phase of courage, positivity and enthusiastic expression into our lives! We now jump open-armed and open-minded into projects and endeavours with the feeling that anything can be accomplished! This is a great time to initiate your big-picture view of what you want to achieve in the weeks ahead. Start the manifestation process now to secure your dreams for the future!

20 December (19th in the U.S.A.): Saturn goes into Capricorn – Security, Structure and Seriousness! Saturn, the “serious” planet ruling responsibility, maturity, hard work, achievement and conservation now moves into it’s ruling sign Capricorn, where it feels most at home. Saturn cycles are very important – they usually last for about 29 years and teach us about caution, moderation, building secure foundations in our lives and looking at life with sober, thoughtful and wiser eyes. This new cycle of Saturn/Capricorn will last until March 2020 – the time prior was Nov 1988 to Feb 1991. We now enter an important era where our energies will be focused on practicality, efficiency, realism, creating and restoring order, rebuilding the faulty structures of our lives and conserving our resources. Rewards come to those who put in the efforts that merit achievements – and to those who show thoughtful concern, patience and perseverance in their undertakings. Saturn is a teacher – showing us how we can grow through past mistakes, failures and hardships by using the knowledge that we gain from these experiences to acquire greater wisdom, self awareness, patience and finally, advancement. Expect big changes to our lives and the world as Saturn in Capricorn focuses on righting the wrongs around us, ushering in a new era of ethical concerns and rewarding sincerity, integrity and authenticity. This will be the time when your hard work, efforts and dreams finally pay off!

22 December (21st in the U.S.A.): Sun goes into Capricorn – Solstice Salutations! What are the challenges and triumphs you faced this year? Which areas of life could you give more practical planning or thoughtful consideration for a more successful 2018? This new Solstice cycle encourages us to think about and prepare for our future with greater awareness of the responsibilities we need to own in order to bring our goals to light. On this magical Solstice, the longest day in the Southern hemisphere and the shortest in the Northern, we mark the turning of the light to help illuminate ways to be more accountable – to ourselves, one another and our future.

23 December (22nd in U.S.A.): Mercury in Sagittarius goes Direct – Implement Your Dreams! As Mercury finally comes out of it’s Retrograde cycle and moves forward with its energies, so too can our plans, visions and dreams! We now launch into an enthusiastic period for growing positive self-expression, expansive thought and greater optimism in all that we do! This is the go-ahead signal for embarking on advantageous adventures, jumping into prosperous projects and saying YES to exciting opportunities! Use this eager-to-grow energy to expand your horizons through new learning, travel, fortunate contacts or inspiring endeavours! You have the power to make your goals come to life now – so go ahead and enjoy the journey!

25 December (24th in the U.S.A.): Venus goes into Capricorn – Let's Get Real! A new cycle of practical, down to earth and pragmatic love begins. For the next three weeks personal affections are more sensible, sober and serious. A great period for seeing those in our lives more realistically and taking responsibility for what we value – in our friendships, love connections and with ourselves! Greater understanding of who and what you value is highlighted. Additionally, ambition, issues of security and financial rewards are all sought after now.

The Outer Planets stay in a sign for a longer period of time, so their effect on us is more gradual, but significant none the less. Here they are in their current positions:

Jupiter is in Scorpio all month: As the planet representing expansion and opportunity moves into the Mars-ruled sign of Scorpio, we start a new cycle of intensity, passion and transformation. We'll now experience greater determination to achieve our desires, heightened passion in pursuing our goals, and deeper intensity in expressing our feelings. Jupiter magnifies whatever sign it is in, and in the water sign of Scorpio, our sensitivities will be emphasized, offering us a chance to grow emotionally and intuitively. Additionally, metaphysical concerns, healing energy, mysticism and desire to bring to light the truth in all matters will also be highlighted. There will be greater concern for the deeper issues of life as we seek the answers to universal understanding. This is a time when we are being urged to focus on our similarities rather than differences in order to create a more peaceful future. Jupiter will be in Scorpio until 9 November 2018.

Saturn on 21 December moves into Capricorn - Saturn, the “serious” planet ruling responsibility, maturity, hard work, achievement and conservation now moves into it’s ruling sign Capricorn, where it feels most at home. Saturn cycles are very important – they usually last for about 29 years and teach us about caution, moderation, building secure foundations in our lives and looking at life with sober, thoughtful and wiser eyes. This new cycle of Saturn/Capricorn will last until March 2020 – the time prior was Nov 1988 to Feb 1991. We now enter an important era where our energies will be focused on practicality, efficiency, realism, creating and restoring order, rebuilding the faulty structures of our lives and conserving our resources. Rewards come to those who put in the efforts that merit achievements – and to those who show thoughtful concern, patience and perseverance in their undertakings. Saturn is a teacher – showing us how we can grow through past mistakes, failures and hardships by using the knowledge that we gain from these experiences to acquire greater wisdom, self awareness, patience and finally, advancement. Expect big changes to our lives and the world as Saturn in Capricorn focuses on righting the wrongs around us, ushering in a new era of ethical concerns and rewarding sincerity, integrity and authenticity. This will be the time when your hard work, efforts and dreams finally pay off!

Uranus Retrograde in Aries all month: As the planet of Innovation continues it's Retrograde cycle in this independent and assertive sign, we are encouraged to reflect on what we need for greater freedom in our lives. By embracing unique forms of self expression, liberation from oppression, new technology and inventive pioneering action we find new insights and advancement in our lives and world! Strength, assertive action, inspirational vision, intuitive understanding, advanced technology and new innovation is forthcoming, helping us to open up to new dimensions. Uranus will be in Aries until 7 March 2019.

Neptune in Pisces all month While the planet ruling dreams and creativity continues its movement through its ruling sign of Pisces, we are encouraged to honor more of our spiritual awareness, artistic inspiration and intuitive insight! Greater appreciation for the beautify around us as well as within us is highlighted. We-are-all-one compassion is emphasized along with further need for humanitarian expression. Readdressing ways to embrace greater sympathy and empathy along with universal understanding is highlighted. Neptune will be in Pisces until 31 March 2025.

Pluto in Capricorn all month: As the planet of Transformation continues its long journey through this sober sign, we get serious about making positive changes to ourselves and our world. The overall theme of this cycle is uncovering the misuse of power and authority to enable change for the better. It represents a major time of rediscovery, review and reconsideration that brings transformation to our society, government, world order and Mother Earth. It also pushes to think about the changes we want to make to our belief structures and our power as individuals and as a whole. This pairing will continue until 24 March 2023.

Chiron in Pisces: As the “wounded healer” moves through the sign of sensitivity, compassion and understanding, we have the ability to open our hearts to others while working to heal ourselves. Greater spiritual awareness, empathy and intuition can be gained during this time but it's important not to loose ourselves in the effort to assist others. Keeping personal boundaries in place is key for self care too. Chiron will be in Pisces until April 2018.

-With Warmth, Heart and StarLight,
GiGi Astro Sosnoski / Keep Looking Up / Positive Skies
Motivational Astrology / Motivational Life Coaching

GiGi Astro Sosnoski is a New York City Astrologer, Motivational Coach, Motivational Speaker, Planetary Intuitive, Workshop facilitator, Writer of monthly Motivational Forecast articles and a Radio and TV contributor.

As a Life Enthusiast, GiGi's passion is sharing upliftment and inspiration with others using her Motivational Astrology. Encouraging people to get excited about their lives, their abilities, their relationships and their futures is what she does best! Contact GiGi to help yourself find greater awareness, confidence and further understanding of your true potential as seen in your unique Astrology chart! Motivational Astrology Readings by Phone, Skype or at GiGi's Keep Looking Up offices: 09 950-6760 (Auckland) 425-629-7346 (U.S.A.)