I work as a career and business strategist. But my secret passion is… astrology!
About once a month, I post an overview of what’s happening in the cosmos and how it might influence your career. It’s called: Your Career Forecast.
Whether you’re job-hunting, running your own business, or wondering about the ideal time to ask for a raise or take a vacation, each Career Forecast will reveal the important dates and cosmic shifts that you need to know about.
I am joined by my dear friend, Heidi Rose Robbins, a master astrologer who will provide expert insight into what’s going on in the stars.
Let’s dive in!
OVERVIEW
What’s going on this month…
HEIDI: HEIDI: The Sun moves into Sagittarius on November 21st at 1:23pm for about 30 days. We’re moving into a fiery, goal-oriented, forward-moving time. The symbol for Sagittarius is the Archer: a mythical centaur with a bow and arrow. That’s what this month is all about: aim from the heart, straight for that bullseye, and let your arrows fly!
This is the time to dream big. Don’t worry too much about administrative minutia and fussy little details—focus on visionary things, like mapping out your goals for the next 2-5 years. Generally, when we move into the sign of Sagittarius, we tend to feel more optimistic and hopeful about building a better life and a better world. (Goodness knows: could all use some extra optimism about the disheartening election season here in the United States!)
On November 29th, there’s a New Moon in Sagittarius. New Moons are all about setting new intentions and goals. It’s a great time to quiet down, assess your life, and reflect on questions like: What truly inspires you? What calls to you? Who do you want to become in 2017? Where do you want to focus your time and energy?
On December 1st, Mars shifts into a potent alignment with Jupiter. This provides boundless energy and forward momentum. Expansion and opportunity is in the air. Three words: Go for it.
On December 2nd, Mercury moves into the sign of Capricorn. Mercury is the planet of communication, writing, and networking, and Capricorn is the sign of ambition and hard work. It’s a powerful combination. If you’re attending a networking event on this day, giving a presentation, submitting a proposal, publishing a new article, or doing anything related to communicating/sharing your message, the stars are on your side.
On December 7th, Venus shifts into the sign of Aquarius. Venus is the planet of creativity and love. When Venus is in Aquarius, it’s an excellent time for group projects and collaborations. Brainstorming powers are heightened, ideas will fly, and a feeling of community love, respect, and appreciation is in the air. Venus will stay in Aquarius until January 2nd, so we’ve got nearly a full month of this lovely collaborative energy.
December 13th brings the Full Moon in Sagittarius. Let this be your Full Moon mantra: “I see the goal. I reach the goal. And then I see another.” It’s a time to get on your horse and ride.
Finally, from December 19th until January 8th, Mercury will go retrograde. This is a good time to reflect on the old year and prepare for the new. Tie up loose ends. Clear out your email inbox. Spruce up your office. Tidy and simplify. But try to avoid launching a big new project during this time—that’s not ideal. Wait until after January 8th, if possible, before you start an ambitious new project, launch a new product, launch a new website, or anything like that. Things will sail along more smoothly if you wait until Mercury Retrograde is over.
Enjoy the month of Sagittarius! It’s certainly a time when you can make great strides towards your goals. Take full advantage!
It doesn’t get much better than that!
What does all of this mean for your career? Let’s look closer…
JOB-HUNTING?
Here’s what you need to know…
ELLEN: If you’re looking for a new job, this is a FANTASTIC time for you for several reasons. First off, research shows that most people tend to apply for jobs less frequently during December and the winter holiday season, which means if you DO apply, you’re more likely to get noticed and not get lost in the shuffle. Also, hiring tends to peak in January and February, which means if you start job-hunting in December, you’re right on track to start getting responses—and interview requests—once January rolls around, if not sooner.
Astrologically speaking, December 1st and 2nd are two powerful days to start—or expand—your job search. On the 1st, opportunity is in the air. Email a talent recruiter, or apply for a job that seems like a long shot, because who knows? You might have the passion and attitude that they’re looking for! On the 2nd, your communication skills will be extra-sharp. This is the perfect day to email your friends and family, or post an announcement on Facebook saying, “I’m searching for an amazing new job, and here’s what I can bring to the table…”
Remember: 80% of jobs are never posted online. Most jobs can only be accessed through personal connections and referrals, so make sure your friends, family, former classmates, professors, and social media contacts ALL know that you’re looking for something new. The more people that know about your job hunt, the better. You never know who might have the perfect opportunity for you—but they can’t share it with you if they don’t know that you’re searching.
ALREADY HAVE A JOB?
Here’s what you need to know…
ELLEN: If you already have a job, and you’re happy with it, I’d recommend using the New Moon energy on November 29th to think about the upcoming year and set some fresh, exciting goals.
Grab a notebook and pen, and reflect on questions like these: What’s your favorite aspect of your job? Is there a way for you to do more of that type of work—and less of the “other stuff” that you don’t enjoy as much? Who inspires you at work? Is there a way that you could spend more time with that person, or have them become your advisor or mentor? What do you want to be “known for” inside of your company? Where do you want to focus your time and energy?
Once you’ve reflected on those questions, if it feels appropriate, set up a meeting with your boss to discuss your vision for 2017. If there’s something that you’d like to try, do more of, or less of, you’ve got to ask. The worst thing they can say is “No” or “Not now.”
If you have a job, and you’re a manager or project leader, mark your calendar for December 7th – January 2nd. During that span of time, there’s a happy, loving, collaborative energy in the air, thanks to Venus sitting in the sign of Aquarius. This is the perfect time to schedule a celebratory end-of-the-year donut party, bowling party, or champagne toast for the whole team!
It’s also a great time to put your heads together and brainstorm. Consider scheduling a team retreat to refine your plans for the new year, or put a piece of blank poster board and a Sharpie pen in the break room and encourage people to suggest “anonymous solutions” for a recurring problem.
This is a great time of year to acknowledge people’s hard work with a handwritten note, a gift, a speech, or a “thank you” email to the whole squad. Embody the planet Venus, and “show the love.” When your team members feel valued, they’re more likely to speak up during meetings and contribute their ideas.
SELF-EMPLOYED OR RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Here’s what you need to know…
ELLEN: Depending on the type of business that you run, December might be a slow month for you, or it might be crazily busy. Either way, here are my recommendations:
From November 21st to December 13th, let your heart be filled with Sagittarian optimism. Shake off any negativity, disappointment, or resentment that you might be feeling about 2016, and turn your attention towards the new year. Urge yourself to dream bigger. Could you earn an additional $3K per month next year? Why not $5K? What about expanding your team? Or moving your shop to a better location? Or launching a new workshop, seminar, or class? Other people do it. Why not you?
If there was ever a time to reach higher and set your sights on a big, “next level” goal, this it it.
From December 19th to January 8th, keep riding that goal-oriented, visionary energy, but—as Heidi mentioned—try to avoid launching anything “new” during this time because Mercury will be retrograde, which is no bueno for new projects. Instead, set your house in order for a successful new year. Dump out everything in your desk drawers and declutter your workspace. Follow up with clients who haven’t paid their invoices yet and nudge them. Unsubscribe from newsletters that you never read. Deactivate social media profiles that you never use. Update your client records or customer database. Clean, tidy, and spruce, so you can stride into 2017 feeling strong, organized and clear-minded, ready for action.
After January 8th, then feel free to launch new projects and programs with gusto!
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
November 21st – The Sun moves into Sagittarius. (We’re moving into a fiery, goal-oriented, forward-moving time, full of renewed optimism!)
November 29th – New Moon in Sagittarius. (Reflect on the past year. Set intentions for the new one.)
December 1st – Mars trine Jupiter. (Opportunity is in the air. Whatever you’re dreaming about, don’t hesitate. Go for it!)
December 2nd – Mercury moves into Capricorn. (Communication shines on this day, and hard work is rewarded.)
December 7th – Venus moves into Aquarius. (Loving, supportive, collaborative energy rules on this day, and continues flowing until January 2nd. Teamwork and group hugs!)
December 13th – Full moon in Sagittarius. (Your mantra: “I see the goal. I reach the goal. And then I see another.”)
December 19th – Mercury moves retrograde until January 8th. (Avoid starting big new projects during this time. Instead, tidy, spruce, tie up loose ends, and set your house in order for a successful new year.)
YOUR CAREER MANTRA FOR THIS MONTH:
“I’m not afraid of dying. I’m afraid of not trying.” —Jay-Z
Jay-Z.
Tina Turner.
Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first female Muslim-American athlete to win an Olympic medal.
They’re all born under the sign of Sagittarius, and they’re all strong, goal-oriented, visionary examples of the Sagittarian spirit. Big dreamers who aren’t afraid to say:
“I want to achieve more, and I can, and I will.”
It’s so easy to get stuck in old ways of thinking, like “This is just how my company works” or “That’s just how it is in my industry” or “That’s not possible in my line of work.”
Try to break away from that type of thinking, especially this month. Dream expansively. Reach higher. Aim your arrow towards a brand new goal. Sagittarians are daring and adventurous—so, charge after your goals with your whole heart. Even if you fail spectacularly, you’ll be an inspiration and a role model for the millions of people who are too scared to even try.
Have an amazing month!
Learn more about my career & business coaching services here.
Learn more about Heidi and her astrological services here.