What a week. Year’s almost over. It certainly feels like a Full Moon in Gemini, doesn’t it? By which I mean: overstimulating, chaotic and (pleasantly) dangerous. Too much information. Tens of thousands of (red flag) notifications. The Full Moon is at 27º Gemini and goes exact tonight (12/18) at 11:35 PM ET. Earlier this month, we closed out the Gemini-Sagittarius eclipse cycle. We got a final button on the Sagittarius side which had us sculpting our belief systems, rejecting wayward gurus and stuck at home with no travel on the docket. This Full Moon in Gemini is free of that fated nodal influence. It’s overwhelming. There’s way too much available information. But as scary and intense and wild as this moment is, it isn’t inherently disappointing. With curiosity on our side, this is an energy we can work with. Communication is flowing. Keep asking questions.
Gemini is ruled by communication planet Mercury and this Full Moon is overseen by Mercury in Capricorn. Yes, even though it’s still no fucks left to give Sagittarius season and Gemini’s lighting up the sky, Capricorn is running the show. Kind of like the dynamic between Brian Cox (Gemini) and Jeremy Strong (Capricorn) on the set of Succession, as revealed by Michael Schulman’s profile of Strong in The New Yorker (yes, that profile — I’m sure you’ve read it even if you don’t watch the show).
While Cox, a powerhouse of a classically trained British actor (and a Gemini) can “turn it on” and “turn it off”, Strong, a Capricorn, needs to build his character. When shooting the show, Strong takes up residence in the fortress that is Kendall Roy. It’s an exercise in architecture. Some (like me) might say that Jeremy’s mental health could benefit from a more physical approach to “the text,” some cat/cows, some Grotowski work perhaps; playing the character rather than living as him.
“The result that Jeremy gets is always pretty tremendous,” Cox says. “I just worry about what he does to himself. I worry about the crises he puts himself through in order to prepare.”
But still, the two must work together. Cox must meet Strong in the foyer of his acting palace. Acting, in a way, is about organizing a human experience into a conceivable package. Whatever gets it done works. Even if it’s precious. Even if it’s annoying. Tonight’s Full Moon in Gemini throws a million feelings, thoughts, warnings, pleasures, hurts, worries, terrors, complexes and choices into the air. But with Mercury in Capricorn, we must take this data and build something. Anything. Give it a shape. If our mind is too busy then our hands can lead (Gemini rules the hands, also the lungs).
Jeremy Strong of course isn’t the only example of Capricorn world-building (please note: though he’s a Capricorn Sun, his Mercury is actually in Sagittarius). When I looked up public figures with Mercury in Capricorn, I was struck by this lineup of film directors: Federico Fellini, Jim Jarmusch, David Lynch and Hayao Miyazaki—all master architects. These are filmmakers who make the most mundane moments specific and unique. Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift also have Mercury in Capricorn. So did Susan Sontag and Lord Byron. This is hushed maximalism. Epic, detailed songwriting. A quilted masterpiece.
There really is much to do about Capricorn during this Full Moon in Gemini. Not only is the Winter Solstice (and thus the sea goat’s season) approaching, Venus goes retrograde in Capricorn at 5:35 AM ET on 12/19. (I’ll be sending a piece on what to expect with this transit to paid subscribers tomorrow, sign up now so you don’t miss it :))
This Full Moon is also foreshadowing for major events of 2022. On October 30, 2022, Mars will station retrograde at 25º Gemini (just 2º off of the degree of this lunation) and will be ruled by Mercury in Capricorn for a large chunk of the transit. Tonight’s big culmination will return as next fall’s major project. The notes don’t make sense now but they will in the future. Write it all down. Everything starts somewhere.
When the lights go down
And divide the day
Out of nothing comes the moonglow
And all that is left (and all that is left)
Around you
When all the lights go down
One by one, they open
Forever and ever
All the little angels descend
-Beach House “Over and Over” (co-written by Gemini goddess, Victoria Legrand)
In ancient times, Full Moons let the night come alive. A cosmic lamp for the whole community. Tonight’s makes a near exact trine to Jupiter. We’ve now reached the end of the spiritual rock bottom and skepticism that began when Jupiter entered Capricorn in December 2019. For the last two years while Jupiter travelled through Saturn’s signs (Capricorn and Aquarius), structural changes were necessary. Meanwhile, everything was bleak. The Full Moon in Gemini winks at Jupiter in Aquarius as if to say “Take this last joy ride, buddy. You deserve it. I won’t tell if you have a little fun.” I’m not trying to encourage irresponsibility—and with the Sun and the Moon both squaring Neptune there is definitely irresponsibility abound—but I am encouraging a sense of humor and making the most of what’s available. Gemini, like all air signs, is about spread. That spread can be a virus, of course (hello, omicron). It can be misinformation, definitely. But it can also be laughter and irreverence. It can be reading a good book, taking a tour through your lovably pretentious friend’s record collection or Criterion watch list, reminiscing with a lover and making sure you get every detail of the story correct. Instead of letting the details overwhelm you, try to savor them. Try to remember everything.
Stay safe, I love you xo Jaime
Horoscopes follow for each sign. If you know your rising sign, read for that! Tbh, reading any/all of the signs will give you something. As you may have noticed, this newsletter is now on Substack! Paid subscriptions support the its creation for $7/month. It’s truly my greatest joy to write these musings for you.
You can also tip me here or @Jaime-Wright on Venmo. I really appreciate it if you do! My books for 2022 Year Ahead readings are open! I’d love to talk about what you’re moving through together.
Gemini
We’re approaching the darkest day of the year, but bb, you’re the light. This Full Moon is yours to say the quiet part out loud. Not everyone wants to hear it but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t listen. Remember that you don’t have to prove yourself with this information. You’re magnetic no matter what you do. But wait, the message rings truer if you’re careful not to burn everyone with your glow.
Cancer
You’re right to fade into the background right now. Do what you have to do to get by. Six months ago you felt sick from being sidelined but now the pause comes as a welcome relief. You’re protecting your glow, contributing what’s necessary and keeping secrets. Generosity’s on the line but keep it on hold until you’ve collected every piece of information that you want to share.
Leo
Over the last six months, you’ve admitted defeat and found yourself on a new path. Fresh ambitions light up your heart and sharing this with the group only builds your passion. It’s never embarrassing to leave something behind. In fact, I think you’re brave for admitting you didn’t like the view over there. New horizons bring opportunity to make so many new friends. This Full Moon is for introducing yourself with a full lion roar.
Virgo
The promise of fame and success has kept you hungry but what if you could just show up without constantly having to sing for your supper? This Full Moon has you thinking, “That’s it? That’s all I have to do?” You don’t have to run yourself into the ground for attention. Heroes are on your side and angels are waiting to descend. Recognition isn’t about the moment, it’s about the process. Return to a gentler stream.
Libra
Expanding your mind has been difficult over the last year as over and over your teachers have let you down. False prophets everywhere. This is less about you having an authority problem and more about something being very rotten in Denmark. This Full Moon reminds you that your greatest teachers have always been your friends. You grow through creativity, through actually making things. What if, for once, you simply trusted that you’re smart?
Scorpio
You know how dangerous it is to pour your heart into anything or anyone. Lately you’ve emptied your cup and no one has even bothered to rinse it out, let alone refill it. Tonight, let yourself be drained. This Full Moon is for sitting with those heavy goodbyes and parsing through the souvenirs. Catalogue your nostalgia as you sort through the junk. Put the memories under glass but store them somewhere that won’t haunt you.
Sagittarius
Looking in the mirror has been nothing but a disappointment for the last six months. What was supposed to complete you has left you wanting more. Tonight’s Full Moon might not bring an easy fix to this problem but it does inspire you to care less about feeling “finished.” Yes, other people let you down but also, every once in awhile, they lift you up. This moment is buoyant, even if it isn’t perfect.
Capricorn
Tonight’s full moon is raucous and inflammatory. You’re feeling it in your literal joints, your skin, your bones. Unlike previous flare ups, you’re willing to be patient as you heal. This is obviously far too hectic a time to begin a whole new routine but what if you actually wrote down everything you wanted to change and promised to check in with it tomorrow and the next day and the next day. Every ritual starts with attention.
Aquarius
The creative and romantic risks that overwhelmed you six months ago feel like fresh perspectives now. Who cares if you act the fool? At least you’re back in the game. This Full Moon wants you to do the thing that you really want to do. Not what you’re supposed to or what’s going to impress (or defy or humiliate or mesmerize) an audience. Who care what review says, right? Honestly, it’s an honor to be panned; it’s an honor just to be plugged in.
Pisces
It’s been difficult to trust the ground beneath your feet for the last six months, if not the last couple of years. Movement has been a constant, destruction a norm. The disruption has been in the name of “improvement,” but are you seeing any results? The field is about to flood so let it flood, let it wash away the efforts that you’d rather not see through. When the water clears, you’ll have a solid foundation for a proper home.
Aries
Over the last six months, you’ve moved neighborhoods, hopped from city to city or worked from a different coffee shop every single day. Dissatisfied with your environment, you’re trying to cultivate a new one. But novelty is the only thing you want on the schedule. Let the words pour out of you during tonight’s Full Moon. Let’s hear the full review of your experiences. Your curation turns the mundane into a masterpiece, the trivial into philosophy and a snack into a five course meal.
Taurus
You know that sweater sitting in a fuzzy ball at the back corner of your closet? Pull it out today. I know you were going to donate it. Because it was scratchy or there were pulls or it just didn’t fit right. But just try it on. You might find that comfort comes easier today. This Full Moon wants you to retreat and relax, satisfied with your stuff. Light some candles, wrap your gifts and indulge a silly hobby. You don’t have everything but for now, you’re good.
Really on the mark here-being Libra and an artist both the advice and question are super pertinent. Hmmm................
And so accurate for Taurus my rising sign, as ever. This time is Danish hygge time.. .
Ps Jaime, you put it into perspective, 🌕 full moon and planets saying to me, do your best and give things time. The seeds are planted,give em time energy and space to grow. Got plenty of post it notes 🎶 to remind me, what's ahead 😜!