Jupiter rules the Solar Eclipse at 23° Sagittarius 08′. Jupiter is a planet associated with expansion, enthusiasm, generosity, and wisdom. 

Jupiter is currently in Capricorn, a sign of its fall, and where it is unable to do all that it wishes. Jupiter will move into Aquarius on 19 December, and while it will not be in a particularly good position, at least it will escape being in fall. 

Jupiter and Saturn are moving closer to their grand conjunction on 21 December, which is also the Summer or Winter Solstice (depending on which hemisphere you live in). Jupiter Saturn conjunctions occur approximately every 20 years. The last time we had a Jupiter Saturn conjunction in Aquarius was 16 January 1405.

As this once in a 20-year event (the Jupiter Saturn conjunction) occurs on the heels of a Total Solar Eclipse, which Jupiter rules, this is worth noting. Jupiter Saturn conjunctions tend to usher in a new era and set the tone for the next 20 years. As this conjunction is occurring in Aquarius, a sign ruled by Saturn and associated with the exile, the revolutionary, and the humanitarian, it will be interesting to see how it pans out. 

At the time of the Solar Eclipse, we have Mercury very close to the eclipse degree. Complicating matters, Mercury will have not long ago passed its square to Neptune on 13 December. Mercury square Neptune can often lead to miscommunications and sometimes deceit. Mercury will be making a trine to Mars (action, energy) at the time of the Solar Eclipse. So some may be tempted to throw caution to the wind and take action, without fully knowing all that they should. As this is a trine, though, hopefully, this will not be too detrimental. 

Meanwhile, Mercury is under the beams of the Sun at the time of the Solar Eclipse. As it is so close to the Sun, it cannot be seen, and therefore the qualities of Mercury (communications, learning, thinking) can be burned up or not be visible. This makes me wonder if there will be news that comes out at that time that isn’t recognized for what it truly is or is overlooked or eclipsed because too much else is going on. 

What is interesting is that on 19 December, Mercury will have caught up to the Sun in an exact conjunction. When Mercury is extremely close to the Sun (either 1° or 16 minutes, depending on which texts you consult), it is said to be Cazimi, or in the heart of the Sun. This is associated with the planet being in an extremely good, but short-lived, position of influence. If there have been issues with information being ignored, overshadowed or unfairly dismissed earlier, this may remedy it hopefully. 

This Solar Eclipse will be close to the South Node. All eclipses are close (within about 18° for a Solar Eclipse) to either the South or the North Node. Eclipses that are close to the North Node tend to be more positive than those close to the South Node. The North Node is often associated with increase, while the South Node is associated with decrease.

While this is a South Node Solar Eclipse and may be somewhat difficult, I am hopeful that it may usher in some light at the end of the tunnel. The ruler of this Solar Eclipse, Jupiter, soon moves out of fall and into a more neutral sign. At the time of the Solar Eclipse, the South Node is extremely close to Mercury, perhaps decreasing the chances of communications and news being effectively spread or noticed.

However, Mercury will soon catch up to the Sun and start its own new cycle. Mercury being within the heart of the Sun will briefly give Mercury a substantial boost. As the Sun-Mercury conjunction will be in Sagittarius, a sign associated with wisdom, knowledge, and optimism this should hopefully bring good news or lift hopes in some way.