On December 21st, the Sun enters Capricorn, marking the beginning of a new astrological season. It is the final astrological season of 2023 and one that will see us through to 2024. The start of Capricorn Season also marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. This season, like the others, will have influence over us all, not matter what our Sun sign, although it will be felt more by Capricorns and other Earth signs.
Capricorn Season beings quite serious energies which highlight our desire to work hard, focus and maintain a sense of discipline. It is the season of mastery, ambition and of leadership. This is also a season of endurance and practicality when tackling quite serious issues such as legal and financial matters. Goals are planned and the route to achieving the, are both organised and efficient. There is the risk of imbalance between ambition and other aspects of life. You must strike a balance between work, home, relationships and your own wellbeing while the Sun visits the Sea Goat.
Mercury Retrograde
On the first day of Capricorn season, Retrograde Mercury pays the sign a visit. This may bring a (short) period of disagreement in relation to finances or work. Watch out for minor squabbles with colleagues or overstepping the mark with the boss. Also, ensure that work documents are thoroughly checked and that work related chat is clear and understood by others. There may be slight delays in project deadlines. Use this time to review and regroup rather than pushing on regardless. Use this time to also consider your current work goals or even your career path. This may be a good time to identify where you want to go next or work-related skills that you want to improve.
On December 23rd, Retrograde Mercury drifts back into Sagittarius, where it will see out its retrograde period. This may bring its own set of challenges. Words may come freely and impulsively, perhaps with the consequences only being considered after it is too late. It is important to engage your brain before your mouth at this time. Also, beware og your heightened optimism. Now, I am not saying optimism is a bad thing…far from it. However, there is no point in being overly optimistic about something you know is not going to work out. It is better to be honest with yourself and others, review and find a new way to get back on track. False optimism can also mean you make promises to others that you simply cannot keep. Sagittarius is the sign of travel so watch out for travel delays and disruption. Allow plenty of time for journeys and plan ahead. Use this time to review your values and beliefs, considering whether they align with your actions. Also, avoid impulsive decisions linked to education or legal matters – read everything over, ensure you fully understand things and consider possible consequences for all parties involved.
On January 14th, Direct Mercury will re-enter Capricorn.
Season Summary
On December 24th, the Sun in Capricorn sextiles Saturn in Pisces. This is a positive aspect, which brings a practical and strategic approach towards goals and ambitions. You may also be able to blend your intuition and imagination with realism to pave the way forward to achieving your goals. There is a sense of purpose and you are likely to make steady progress in your pursuits. You may also be able to inspire others with a combination of imaginative vision and practical guidance, especially if you are in a leadership position. You will be able to create a supportive and productive working environment. Your authority will be shown with fairness and compassion.
On December 28th, the Sun trines Jupiter in Taurus. A trine brings encouragement, support and cooperation. This period may bring financial growth and abundance. Optimism is heightened and you may feel driven to work towards long term plans that will bring stability and security. There is a sense of optimism for the future, but any undertakings will probably be taken in a traditional or conservative manner. There will be no need to innovative new ideas. Tradition and established methods will see you through.
After a quiet few days, Mars enters Capricorn on January 4th 2024. This is an excellent placement as Mars is exhalated in Capricorn, meaning the planet’s positive traits are given a real chance to shine. The drive and ambition of Mars is amplified and you will be inspired to take action. You will feel highly motivated and willing to put in the time and effort to achieving your goals. Planning ahead and methodical, step by step approaches are the way forward; you may channel this energy into career or education projects, financial matters, leadership or even your own personal fitness. While Mars can bring anger, you are likely to channel it productively and constructively as opposed to lashing out.
On January 9th, the Sun trines Uranus in Taurus. This is a somewhat contradictory aspect as a trine brings support but Uranus is in its fall in Taurus, meaning that it can be more challenging for it to show its positive qualities. There may be a sense of conflict between tradition and innovation. This may bring unexpected changes or challenges in issues of finance and material wealth. Do you stick to what you know or take a risk and try something new? Always weigh up your options before making a decision. However, harmony may come from finding new solutions to the problems you face. You may take the risk and try a new approach but are likely to have a traditional/conventional back up plan to fall back on should things not work out. Any big new changes are likely to be implemented slowly to maintain longevity and stability.
On January 10th, Mars in Capricorn sextile Saturn in Pisces. This is where energy and drive meet structure. This aspect brings a sense of order to the drive and ambition to get things done. You may plan things out methodically before pursuing them or find yourself paying more attention to your intuition as a means of planning and decision making. There is a greater sense of compassion and consideration of others as you aim to progress. You consider others in your decision making as opposed to ploughing on in the pursuit of ambition.
On January 12th, Mars then Trines Jupiter (situated in Taurus). This combines the ambition of Capricorn with the feelings of optimism and success that Jupiter brings. You may feel more productive and confident when undertaking tasks but should do so using realistic and practical approaches. There is a sense of optimism and you may be presented with financial opportunities that will ensure future stability. A little bit of luck might just come your way.
On January 14th, Direct Mercury enters Capricorn. This brings a focus on career minded thinking, perhaps through initiating new projects, unveiling new plans, developing career goals or even going for promotion or leadership roles. It also brings the ability to make careful decisions, looking closely at the details and considering all options and consequences. Communication is structured to ensure that it is easily understood and is presented calmly, confidently and with a real sense of purpose. Challenges will be dealt with pragmatically and in a structured, organised manner.
On January 15th, the Sun trines Neptune in Pisces, bringing yet another positive aspect. Neptune rules Pisces and so is at home in this sign. This energy brings a blend of creativity and practicality. Artistic and imaginative skills may come into play during this period when pursuing goals. It also brings the ability to clearly visualise your goals. It is important though not to get carried away and ensure that your approach remains grounded and practical. This also brings the potential to become an inspiring and compassionate leader. You have the practical and organisational skills but also demonstrate the compassion and empathy to assist others.
On January 18th, Mercury in Capricorn sextiles Saturn in Pisces (another positive aspect). This brings a period of strategic and thoughtful communication – you are likely to think carefully about your words and about when and how to deliver them. You are also likely to show sensitivity to others through tour words. Practical thinking combined with imagination may bring new creative solutions to problems. You will likely be able to control your imaginative thoughts, thus keeping yourself grounded. It is likely that this will be an effective time for learning as words and knowledge will be easy to absorb. You will be able to think carefully through an issue and reach an effective solution.
On January 19th, Mercury trines Jupiter in Taurus. You are likely to communicate with optimism and enthusiasm at this point. You may demonstrate a positive outlook but will remain realistic in terms of what has to be done and possible challenges that you may face. Your communication may also inspire confidence and optimism in others. This is a good time to undertake negotiations as they are likely to be successful.
On January 20th. The Sun conjuncts Pluto in Capricorn. This is a time of transformation and renewal. Hidden desires, motives and aspects that require your attention may all come to the surface. The next day is significant as Pluto will leave Capricorn and head into Aquarius. Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008 (with a few brief retrograde exits). There may be a sigh of relief from many as the big and sometimes uncomfortable changes involving finances, careers and health finally start to ease. Pluto will return to Capricorn on September 1st until November 19th before moving into Aquarius again. It will remain here until 2043! This will mark the beginning of an overhaul of friendships, social circles, societal structure, humanitarian efforts and innovative progress.
The Sun leaves Capricorn on January 20th, marking the end of the season.
Moon Report
As usual, the Moon will pass through all of the signs during this season. I have highlighted some of these:
On December 24th, the Moon will enter Gemini, meaning this will be its placement on Christmas Day. The Moon in Gemini highlights an ideal time for chatting, catching up and socialising with friends and family, perfect for Christmas. This is a time for being busy, not for chilling a being zen – play games, have fun and visit people. There are lots of people to see and lots of things to do! The moon in Gemini also brings restlessness and an urge to satisfy curiosity. It is a good time for learning. Read, research and don’t be afraid to ask questions to stimulate the mind. Just be careful with your words and don’t be nosey. Also, do not to take on too many tasks at once.
On December 26th, after the craziness of Christmas, the Moon moves into Cancer. The energy here is much calmer and relaxed. Stay at home and get cozy. Don’t force yourself to go places that you really don’t need to go to. This is the perfect time for duvet days with your new comfy pjs. Feel and enjoy the love and nurture that this placement brings. Be aware of moodiness and of being overly sensitive as the heightened anticipation of Christmas subsides. Don’t take things to heart.
The Moon remains in Cancer on December 27th, the time of the Full Moon. This placement creates an opposition aspect between the Sun and Moon. Therefore, you may experience some tensions as you are pulled in different directions. You may question your balance of emotional security vs your drive for success, your work life balance and your own needs vs those of the wider world. There is also the conflict between fulfilling your responsibilities and nurturing yourself. Ask how you can balance these more: perhaps delegate tasks, allocate “me time” and dedicate evenings after work to family time. Also question whether you are being to hard on yourself and setting unrealistic and unachievable tasks.
On December 31st, New Year’s Eve, the Moon moves into Virgo. This placement will also take us into the New Year. It brings greater awareness to our health routines and the motivation to improve them. This may involve reviewing and altering diets and exercise routines. There is a desire for order, cleanliness and real satisfaction to be had from organising your living /working environment. Be wary of being too harsh (on yourself and on others) when things don’t go to plan. Avoid micromanaging as it could lead to conflict. There may be a heightened need to assist others. This is very much a placement of “New Year, New Me!”
New Moon takes place in Capricorn on 11th of January. There is a drive to get organised and get things done! There may be a real need for order and structure. Therefore, it is an ideal time to declutter and prioritise things that need done. This can be sobering, draining and even a little depressing. Make sure time is given to developing healthy habits such as exercise, meditation, self reflection and a healthy work-life balance. Be positive and show interest in others as the seriousness of this phase can make people seem pessimistic and uncaring. Consider your plans for the new year ahead and set long term goals, considering how you will tackle, track and achieve them. Remember to also show others what they mean to you.
Capricorn Workbook
Here you can download my Capricorn Season Work book, which contains activities to help you get the most out of the season:
Capricorn Workbook.pdf - Google Drive
May you all have a wonderful Capricorn Season
Blessed Be
Alan
I need this energy! 
There are so many insightful journalling prompts and things to put on the radar this season. Very wholesome and helpful! 
as does my daughter… good times, 2 water signs with the same rising 
the workbook too! What an amazing addition! 
