While Mother Nature’s trading her autumn sweater for winter’s cozy parka, the universe is staging its own dramatic wardrobe change. And this is no ordinary seasonal shift.

So I asked my celestial co-conspirator, astrologer Marielle Croft, to help decode this cosmic couture. Together, we waltzed through winter’s astrological runway show, where Mars is doing the backstroke, Pluto’s making quite the entrance, and Mercury’s finishing its vanishing act.

Winter 2024-25 is serving up some powerful sacred upheaval, so here’s a peek behind the curtain.

Jonni: Marielle, we’re approaching the winter solstice, that magical moment when darkness reaches its peak before light begins its gradual return. What’s happening in the celestial theatre on December 21st?

Marielle: The winter solstice arrives on Saturday, December 21st, 2024, at 1:23 am PST, as the Sun transitions from adventurous Sagittarius into structured Capricorn. This marks our longest night and shortest day in the northern hemisphere. What’s particularly interesting is that we have three significant celestial aspects at play: Mars is retrograde in Leo opposing Pluto in Aquarius, the solstice Moon in Virgo is exactly opposing Saturn in Pisces, and Mercury is just emerging from its retrograde cycle in Sagittarius.

Jonni: Well, this powerful configuration at the solstice feels like an invitation to welcome both our shadows and our light. That Mars-Pluto opposition particularly catches my attention. It feels as though the universe is asking us to dance with our own power dynamics. Speaking of celestial choreography, let’s start with the retrograde planets. Mercury’s still doing its backward shuffle, right?

Marielle: Yes, Mercury will complete its retrograde from November 25th to December 15th, and it’s still moving a bit slowly in Sagittarius. Looking ahead to 2025, we’ll see its first retrograde cycle from March 14th to April 7th between Pisces and Aries. This timing is particularly significant as it coincides with a total lunar eclipse on March 13th.

Jonni:  That’s divine timing. When Mercury dances between Pisces and Aries, we’re really seeing a blend of intuitive wisdom and pioneering energy, aren’t we? For those trying to manage this period, it’s like having one foot in the mystical realm and one in the material world, so what advice would you give for working with this energy?

Marielle:  Communication may be a little confused or impulsive during this time – think “putting one’s foot in one’s mouth.” It’s important to breathe, relax, and exercise to circulate this excess nervous energy. Think before talking. However, it can provide more mental energy for certain activities, though double-checking important details remains crucial.

Jonni:  That reminds me of the importance of mindful communication in our personal growth journey. Now, I’m particularly intrigued by this Mars retrograde period you mentioned. Can you tell us more about this cosmic tango with Pluto?

Marielle:  Indeed. Mars began its retrograde cycle on December 7th, 2024, and turns direct on February 23rd, 2025, moving between Cancer and Leo. What makes this particularly significant is that during this whole time, Mars has held in opposition to Pluto. Sometimes, it’s more intense when near Pluto’s degree, and other times, it’s like it’s simmering under the surface, building up to a peak again when the opposition becomes exact.

Jonni:  Fascinating. This extended Mars-Pluto dance feels like an invitation to examine our relationship with power and transformation. It’s kinda like an extended masterclass in authentic empowerment. Can you tell us what makes this opposition particularly potent, Marielle?

Marielle:  Well, Mars and Pluto are natural friends, both being rulers of Scorpio. Mars represents action, while Pluto embodies power. When these two friends are in opposition, the result can be spectacular. We might see this manifest as increased conflict or dramatic events, both in human affairs and in nature itself – think volcanoes and earthquakes.

Jonni: So we’re really talking about a significant period of testing our relationship with power – both personal and collective, it feels like. Speaking of collective energy, I understand there’s something special happening with the lunar cycles during this time.

Marielle: Yes, both the New Moon on December 30th and the Full Moon on January 13th seem to reactivate these sensitive Mars-Pluto energies. What’s unusual is that Mars will remain in the same zone for 6 months instead of its usual 6 weeks, making this opposition particularly prolonged and potent.

Jonni: That’s quite an extended period of intensity. It reminds me of how sometimes our deepest transformations need that extra time to really integrate. Now, we’re also welcoming the Chinese New Year during this winter season, aren’t we? We don’t usually mention that.

Marielle: Indeed! The Year of the Wood Snake begins with the New Moon on January 29th, with the Sun and Moon at 9 degrees in Aquarius. This is particularly auspicious as Aquarius energy supports gatherings among friends and social groups.

Jonni: Ah, perfect timing for community support. Now, looking toward the end of winter, I notice there’s quite a concentration of Pisces energy. What can you tell us about that?

Marielle: On February 27th, we have a New Moon in Pisces not too far from Saturn, followed by a Full Moon even closer to Saturn on March 13th (total eclipse of the Moon). This creates an interesting dual energy. On one hand, there’s potential for deep spiritual connection, but on the other, we might experience profound feelings of grief or sorrow. Mars will have just turned direct on February 23rd and will be retracing its steps through Cancer toward Leo very slowly, building to its final exact opposition with Pluto at the end of April.

Jonni: That sounds like quite a spiritual pressure cooker you’re describing. It reminds me of how sometimes our deepest healing comes through allowing ourselves to feel everything fully – both the transcendent and the challenging. Should we be concerned about this concentration of energy? Will we be…challenged?

Marielle: With several planets in Pisces and water signs, there could be some challenges, yes. We might see this manifest as increased vulnerability to illness – perhaps another infectious bacteria crisis. There’s also potential for water-related issues, whether that’s flooding, tsunamis, or water quality concerns. However, all the planets are actually in relatively quiet spots during this time. While some might still try to be aggressive, it’s likely to be rather ineffective.

Jonni: Speaking of significant events, I believe there’s an eclipse coming up in March, isn’t there? Those always feel like spotlights illuminating what needs our attention.

Marielle: Yes, on March 13th, we’ll experience a total eclipse of the Moon in Virgo, with the Sun conjunct Saturn in Pisces. Again, we’re seeing that theme of spiritual depth mixed with potentially heavy emotions. Some might experience moral fatigue during this time. It’s an excellent period for diving deeper into spiritual studies, meditation, or even going on retreat.

Jonni: Sounds like time to honour our need for both structure and surrender. Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – Pluto’s big move. This seems like a major shift we should all be aware of.

Marielle: Absolutely. After years of moving back and forth between late Capricorn and early Aquarius, Pluto finally settled into Aquarius on November 19th, where it will stay for about 20 years. What makes this particularly significant is that Jupiter and Saturn planted a seed of a new cycle at the beginning of Aquarius when they were conjunct there in December 2020. Pluto will be activating this degree for several years to come.

Jonni: That’s fascinating! For those wondering about the practical implications, how might we expect this Pluto in Aquarius energy to look in our lives?

Marielle: Jupiter represents healing and enthusiasm, while Saturn brings structure and form. In Aquarius, these energies focus on humanity, brotherhood, collaboration, and fair resource sharing. The sign’s ruler, Uranus, brings awakening, freedom, and sometimes rebellion. We’re being called to take responsibility for our role in society rather than waiting for others to show us the way – to think about collective interests rather than just personal ones.

Jonni: So we’re really talking about an impactful shift in how we relate to both power and community, nudging us to a more conscious and collaborative way of being. Got it. And any final thoughts about what’s coming up?

Marielle: Yes, and this is particularly interesting because within the coming two years, Uranus will leave Taurus after 7 years to enter Gemini. When in Gemini, it’ll be in beautiful harmony with Pluto, which will still be activating that Jupiter-Saturn seed we discussed. The world will change significantly and rapidly – don’t blink, or you might miss something! With these powerful planets working together, we’re looking at potential breakthroughs in how we communicate, connect, and collaborate as a global community.

Jonni: What I’m hearing is that while this winter might bring some intense moments, it’s all part of a larger transformation. It’s like we’re being prepped for a significant evolutionary leap in consciousness – both personally and collectively. Maybe these challenges are actually growing pains.

Marielle: Exactly. And with all these planets in Pisces and water signs, it’s a powerful reminder to stay fluid, to flow with these changes rather than resist them. Whether we’re dealing with Mercury’s communication muddles, Mars and Pluto’s power dance, or Uranus’s upcoming innovations, the key is to remain adaptable while staying grounded in our deeper truth.

Jonni: Well, there you have it – winter’s cosmic forecast, straight from the celestial runway. Even the longest night holds the promise of dawn. And sometimes, the best transformations happen in the dark.

Thank you, Marielle, for helping us understand these cosmic currents. Any final words of wisdom as we enter this winter season?

Marielle: Thank you, Jonni, for these thoughtful questions and insights. Remember that even during the deepest winter nights, the stars continue to shine their light upon us. This season brings us powerful opportunities for growth and transformation. Stay open to the spiritual insights that come with these Piscean waters, and don’t forget that Pluto’s shift into Aquarius is gradually awakening us to new possibilities of human connection and collaboration.  Wishing you all a peaceful and transformative winter season.

Jonni: Until our stars align for spring’s story…