December 2026 Astrology: Key Dates, Moons and Retrogrades

December 2026 Astrology Calendar

All times are Eastern.

Which Planets Are Retrograde in December 2026?

December starts with four retrogrades: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Chiron. That number drops fast. Saturn turns direct on December 10 and Neptune on December 12. Jupiter turns retrograde on December 12, so from mid month on, only Jupiter, Uranus and Chiron are moving backward.

The good news for daily life: Mercury, Venus and Mars are all direct. After the double retrograde of Mercury and Venus in October and November, December tends to feel lighter. Messages land better, plans hold, and love questions start to find answers. You can see every planet's next direct date in our planets in retrograde guide.

December 10 to 12: The Big Turning Point

Three planets change direction in three days. Saturn, the planet of structure and commitment, turns direct on December 10 at 8 degrees Aries. Neptune, the planet of dreams and intuition, turns direct on December 12 at 2 degrees Aries. That same evening, Jupiter, the planet of growth and luck, turns retrograde at 27 degrees Leo.

What does it feel like? Many people notice that something that felt stuck since summer, a decision, a plan or a relationship question, finally starts to move. At the same time, Jupiter going retrograde asks you to slow down on brand new big plans and think them through. Put simply, finish and commit now, and save the big new launches for spring. Jupiter turns direct on April 12, 2027, which opens a rare stretch with no planets retrograde at all, through May 8.

For men, think of this week as the moment to lock in your plan for the first quarter of 2027. You have the information. Now commit to the two or three goals that matter most. For women, it can be a good week to trust what you've learned this fall and act on it, calmly and in your own time.

Love in December 2026: Venus in Scorpio

Venus spent October and the first half of November retrograde, and a lot of people spent that time rethinking love, money and what they value. In December, Venus is direct and moves into Scorpio on December 4. Scorpio is a deep, private, all or nothing sign, so love this month favors honesty and real closeness over small talk.

Venus clears its post retrograde shadow on December 15. If you've been waiting to make a big relationship decision, like moving in together, getting engaged or ending something that no longer fits, the second half of December often feels more solid. Our Venus retrograde guide explains the shadow period.

Love transits always bring questions. "With Venus and the different love transits, callers usually want to know where their lover is, what he's going to look like, when he might appear in their life, and what he's thinking," says Renee, owner of The Psychic Line since 1991. A reading can't hand you a name or a date, but it can help you understand what you want and what you're ready for. The choice is always yours.

The New Moon in Sagittarius: December 8

The new moon on Tuesday, December 8, at 7:51 PM Eastern, falls in Sagittarius, the sign of travel, learning, faith and optimism. It's a lovely night to set intentions for the year ahead. Think big: a trip you want to take, a class you want to start, a belief you want to live by. Our guide on how to set intentions can help you put it into words.

The Winter Solstice: December 21

The winter solstice arrives on Monday, December 21, at 3:50 PM Eastern. It's the shortest day of the year in the United States and Canada, and the start of Capricorn season. Spiritually, it's the turning point when the light starts to come back. Many people use it for quiet reflection: what do you want to leave in 2026, and what do you want to carry into 2027?

The Cold Moon Supermoon: December 23

The Cold Moon peaks on Wednesday, December 23, at 8:28 PM Eastern, in Cancer. It's a supermoon, the closest full moon of 2026, so it will look a little bigger and brighter than usual. Cancer is the sign of home, family and feelings, and this full moon lands two days before Christmas.

That timing matters. Holiday gatherings, old family patterns and big emotions can all come up at once. Be gentle with yourself and the people around you. If feelings run high, that's normal under a full moon in Cancer, and it usually settles within a few days. It's also a beautiful night to step outside, look up and notice what you're grateful for. See every winter moon in our winter full moons guide.

Christmas and New Year's Eve Astrology

On Christmas Day, Mercury moves into Capricorn at 1:22 PM Eastern. Thoughts turn practical, and the week between Christmas and New Year's is a natural time to plan your goals for 2027.

On New Year's Eve, the Moon is in Libra, a sign of balance, beauty and good company, which suits a celebration. It moves into Scorpio at 5:15 AM Eastern on January 1, 2027, so the first morning of the year feels a little deeper and more reflective. For the whole year ahead, see our 2027 astrology calendar.

What December 2026 Means for Your Sign

For the fullest picture, read your sun sign and your rising sign. Your big three tell the whole story.

Aries: The new moon on December 8 lights up travel, learning and big ideas. Saturn and Neptune, both in your sign, turn direct this month, so a plan that felt stuck since summer can finally move. See your Aries 2027 horoscope.

Taurus: Shared money, trust and closeness are in focus. Venus, your ruling planet, moves into Scorpio on December 4, opposite your sign, so partners and close friends take center stage. See your Taurus 2027 horoscope.

Gemini: Relationships get the spotlight under the Sagittarius new moon. Uranus is retrograde in your sign all month, a good time to rethink what you really want to change in 2027. See your Gemini 2027 horoscope.

Cancer: The Cold Moon on December 23 is in your sign, the closest full moon of the year. Expect big feelings around home and family. Be gentle with yourself before the holidays. See your Cancer 2027 horoscope.

Leo: Jupiter turns retrograde in your sign on December 12. Growth turns inward for a few months. Use it to decide which dream deserves your energy when Jupiter turns direct in April. See your Leo 2027 horoscope.

Virgo: Mars is in your sign all month, giving you drive and focus. It turns retrograde on January 10, 2027, so finish what you start in December rather than starting brand new projects. See your Virgo 2027 horoscope.

Libra: Saturn and Neptune turn direct in your partnership sector. Relationship questions that felt heavy since summer start to move. Venus, your ruling planet, leaves your sign on December 4 after its retrograde visit. See your Libra 2027 horoscope.

Scorpio: Venus enters your sign on December 4 and stays through early January. It is a warm, magnetic month for you. Enjoy the attention and spend some of it on yourself. See your Scorpio 2027 horoscope.

Sagittarius: It is your birthday season, and the new moon in your sign on December 8 is your personal fresh start. Write down what you want 2027 to bring. See your Sagittarius 2027 horoscope.

Capricorn: Your season begins with the winter solstice on December 21. Mercury joins you on Christmas Day. The last week of the year is perfect for planning your goals. See your Capricorn 2027 horoscope.

Aquarius: Friends, groups and community are in focus. Holiday gatherings may bring the right people together. Pluto in your sign keeps asking you to be honest about what you want. See your Aquarius 2027 horoscope.

Pisces: Career and reputation are in the spotlight under the Sagittarius new moon. Neptune, your ruling planet, turns direct on December 12, and your sense of direction gets clearer. See your Pisces 2027 horoscope.

Common Questions About December 2026 Astrology

What planets are retrograde in December 2026?
On December 1, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Chiron are retrograde. Saturn turns direct on December 10 and Neptune on December 12. Jupiter turns retrograde on December 12, so for the rest of the month Jupiter, Uranus and Chiron are the only ones moving backward. Mercury, Venus and Mars are all direct.

When is the full moon in December 2026?
The Cold Moon peaks on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, at 8:28 PM Eastern, in Cancer. It is a supermoon and the closest full moon of 2026, so it will look a little bigger and brighter than usual.

When is the new moon in December 2026?
The new moon in Sagittarius is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 7:51 PM Eastern. It is a good night to set intentions for learning, travel, faith and the bigger picture of your life.

When is the winter solstice in 2026?
The winter solstice is on Monday, December 21, 2026, at 3:50 PM Eastern. It is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the start of Capricorn season.

Is December 2026 a good month for relationships?
It is a better month than October and November. Venus turned direct on November 13 and clears its post retrograde shadow on December 15. Venus is also in Scorpio from December 4, which favors honest, deeper conversations. Many people find big relationship decisions feel more solid in the second half of the month.

Is Mercury retrograde in December 2026?
No. Mercury turned direct on November 13, 2026, and stays direct all of December. The next Mercury retrograde starts on February 9, 2027.

What is the most important astrology date in December 2026?
Many astrologers would point to December 10 to 12, when Saturn and Neptune both turn direct and Jupiter turns retrograde within three days. The Cold Moon supermoon on December 23 is the most visible event of the month.

Next month: January 2027 brings Mars retrograde on January 10. See every date in the 2027 astrology calendar and our Mars retrograde guide.