Art: Kimberlee Kessler

Mars retrograde reaches a peak this week, with a full moon (8 December GMT and AEST) shining a spotlight on exactly what this season (which kicked off 30 October) is all about. The wounding power of words could come sharply into focus reminding you of things that may have been better left unsaid. Or you may be forced to deal with the repercussions of trying to do too many things at once. After the initial ick, there is also a healing quality to this lunation, if you can move past the sting, letting go of anger or making a private pact to use your words more thoughtfully could make cosmic compost out of old hurts.

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ARIES AND ARIES RISING

This week is brilliant for testing just how strong you are at playing your cards close to your chest. As difficult as it may be, holding your tongue will serve you well, especially in the first half of the week. As the energy builds towards an extra spicy full moon (Thursday AEST and GMT), choose not to engage unless you’re ready to climb into the ring and go for broke.

TAURUS AND TAURUS RISING

There’s big a-ha moments about how you relate to money as the full moon on Thursday forces you to face the music about spending. Meanwhile a sense of groundedness brings a noticeable vibe shift over the weekend (Saturday AEST and GMT) as your ruling planet changes signs. Use the cool change to prioritise rituals that help you come back to your body.

GEMINI AND GEMINI RISING

If you’re feeling unseasonably feisty, tensions should begin to dissipate by the weekend. But just like a really thorough extraction facial, you’ll need to go through the temporary “ouch” before you see results. As tensions come to a head Thursday, try to keep your cool. There is a learning in all this, if you can maintain a sense of perspective.

CANCER AND CANCER RISING

A pressure cooker situation that’s been building since September comes to a head this week. It may be uncomfortable at the time, but there’s a sense of relief once things are finally out in the open. Flying off the handle may be tempting but be mindful of your words; they have more power than you realise.

LEO AND LEO RISING

Expect to be on call this week as a friend needs help. You could be called to help put them back together after an ongoing drama reaches a climax. While you (and everyone else) might have seen it coming, try not to be too judge-y; “I told you so” is never a helpful response. Consider how you’d like to be comforted, and try to hold your tongue.

VIRGO AND VIRGO RISING

That unseasonably spicy mood you’ve been in lately reaches a climax this week as the full moon on Thursday (AEST and GMT) brings things to a head. If you’ve been spoiling for a fight, or holding back speaking your mind, keeping your cool will be near impossible. After some momentary fallout the weekend looks decidedly calmer. Celebrate with a little outdoorsy solitude on Saturday.

LIBRA AND LIBRA RISING

The gravity of your words are a major theme this week as the full moon challenges you to strike a balance between having all the answers, and embracing a rookie mindset. As the energy spicy peaks on Thursday, try to remain philosophical about any confrontation. On Saturday, restore your energy reserves with a little zhushing at home.

SCORPIO AND SCORPIO RISING

If you’ve been flip-flopping on whether to press go on a big purchase, especially with someone else, this week’s developments should help you come to a decision. As the full moon on Thursday casts a fresh light on the situation and creates a sense of urgency, a little confrontation might be in order before you reach a compromise everyone is happy with.

SAGITTARIUS AND SAGITTARIUS RISING

Treading a little more gently than usual will be a very wise manoeuvre this week. As your closest loves face old wounds being reopened, walking the line between optimistic and inquisitive will be your greatest challenge. Whether it’s an issue core to your relationship, or something separate going on in their own life, expect the drama to overflow and require a little strategic support.

CAPRICORN AND CAPRICORN RISING

There’s a cool change coming your way with Venus inspiring a major glow-up this weekend. Book the facial/hair appointment/massage for Saturday, and let the promise of pampering be a glorious light on the horizon when things get fractious at work. With a full moon (Thursday) shining a light on office politics, a confrontation may be a necessary discomfort to move beyond an ongoing issue.

AQUARIUS AND AQUARIUS RISING

If people feel especially frustrating this week (or this month), rest assured there’s a change on the way. But first, your patience could be tested as the pressure builds towards Thursday. As tensions peak on the full moon (Thursday AEST and GMT), there’s a sense that things need to blow up before they can be resolved. Once the weekend rolls around try to remove at least one thing from your calendar and savour a little downtime.

PISCES AND PISCES RISING

An ongoing issue that’s been bubbling away for months could rise to the surface this week as the full moon brings things to a head. While the chain reaction might seem a little abrupt or even explosive, the result (after the initial shock) should at least bring everyone’s true feelings out into the open.

DIVE DEEPER INTO YOUR CHART WITH EMMA’S NEW BOOK THE ASTROLOGY OF YOU: UNLOCKING LOVE CREATIVITY AND SOUL PURPOSE IN YOUR BIRTH CHART