Navigating the stars is hard. A couple weird astrology enthusiasts at Allston Pudding are here to help. Let us provide you with monthly synchronous soundtracks and planetary advice along the way.
Planetary Overview
Dec 2 4:18PM Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec 7 9:51AM Venus enters Aquarius
Dec 13 7:05PM Full Moon in Gemini
Dec 19 4:23AM Mars enters Pisces
Dec 19 5:55AM Mercury goes retrograde
Dec 21 5:44AM Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 29 1:53AM New Moon in Capricorn
Wtf it means:
With Mercury, the Sun, and a new moon in Capricorn, the earth sign has a heavy influence during the last month of 2016, and that means something different for everyone. Generally, Capricorn’s practical determination will help re-energize various aspects of your life, whether that’s financial, social, or work-related. A full moon in Gemini will bring some drama and emotion to the middle of the month, but full moons always come with some much-needed resolution. Just beware Mercury when it’s in retrograde from December 19th through January 8th. And seriously, never buy electronics or secure travel plans during a retrograde. Give yourself space to deal with delays and miscommunications, especially if you’re traveling home for the holidays. Lastly, thank your stars that 2016 is over.
ARIES | TAURUS | GEMINI | CANCER | LEO | VIRGO | LIBRA | SCORPIO | SAGITTARIUS | CAPRICORN | AQUARIUS | PISCES
Aries
Aries (Ruling Planet: Mars; Element: Fire) If you’re a typical Aries, you’re a risk-taker. You’re a fire sign, so you’re adventurous, brave, and lively — all traits that attract others to the Ram, although most find it hard to keep up. You’re always down to try new things. You impulsively take up a new projects and yet still find the time to be passionate about them. However, Aries, you can be quite arrogant, thinking that you know everything, and you tend to be insensitive, impatient and stubborn, even to the point of being confrontational. Your motto is, “Act first, ask questions later.”
Your ruling planet, Mercury, is gonna push you around this month while it enters calculated Capricorn on December 2nd, and then retrogrades on the 19th. With this planetary position, plus the Sun’s shift into Capricorn on the 21st, you might be feeling pretty confident and career-driven, but that Mercury in retrograde is really gonna make you work for it. The start of the month, while sweet Venus is in social Aquarius and a full moon appears in Gemini, is an excellent time to network and communicate. It’ll be intense (cause what full moon isn’t?), but you stand to gain some much-needed info by the end of December. You’ll get time to recharge when dreamy Pisces starts to influence action-planet Mars around the 19th, and marks the moment to hunker down by yourself and listen to your intuition. Don’t make any big decisions or put yourself in harm’s way at this point, Ram, but use the energy of the new moon in Capricorn on the 29th to reflect on your goals, and to make changes starting with the New Year.
Your Trax: You’re a bulldozer, Aries, and December won’t be any different. An album like other places by Animal Faces has a sound that’s full and hurdling enough to keep up with you. Then, with Confirmation Bias, the 2016 effort from Chicago-based Yeesh, you’ll continue moving forward. Adore Life, the 2016 album from Savages, is another post-punk effort that might suit you during this messy month.
Dates to watch: 16th, 17th
Your events: 12/16 Fur Purse, The Bikes, Lost Lake, Stace Brandt @ Midway Cafe
12/17 The Oh Hellos @ Paradise
Taurus
Taurus (Ruling Planet: Venus; Element: Earth) The textbook Taurus is generous, dependable, and down to earth. Persistence and patience are key virtues to a Taurus, thus, you rarely encounter failure. But change is hard for you. Although you generally have an easy going attitude, you are stubborn and demanding when you are being rushed or pressured. Also known for being self-indulgent and lazy, you tend to all-too-easily ignore others’ emotions. It’s also easy for you to become materialistic and possessive, and often jealousy is a common downfall for the Bull.
The planet of love and money, Venus, is also The Bull’s ruling planet. When it enters Aquarius on the 7th, the fame and fortune sector of your chart lights up! It’s an excellent time to make a cool impression and make progress on your goals, though you may be more sensitive about your public image around this time. Mercury will help expand your mind as it transits determined Capricorn, that is, until it retrogrades on the 19th, and you can expect misunderstandings and setbacks. Also don’t expect anyone to follow thru on mid-month plans with the retrograde and Mars in flakey Pisces. When a full moon in Gemini rears it’s head on the 13th, you gotta suck it up and get the hard conversations about money, security and/or intimacy out of the way asap. A new moon’s shift into Capricorn on the 21st should be the adventurous, optimistic energy you’ll need to get through the holidays, but don’t secure any big plans until Mercury comes out of retrograde. Use the new moon’s energy around the 29th to dream up ways you can expand on old opportunities, or reconnect with old places as 2016 comes to a close.
Your Trax: There’s an experimental EP from Avalon Emerson that came out this year that can serve as the perfect background music while making cool impressions. Cool & spacey ABRA aka the dark wave duchess also released a single back in January that might suit you this month.
Dates to watch: 18th, 19th
Your events: 12/18 Eskimeaux (solo), Japanese Breakfast (solo), Christian Holden (of the Hotelier) @ Mid East Up
12/18 Old Gray, People Like You, Soul Glo @ Hardcore Stadium
12/18 Great Lakes USA, Yoni Gordon, Fucko, Planet of Adventure: A Benefit for Planned Parenthood @ Great Scott
12/18 Harry and the Potters @ Mid East
12/19 Jim and Sam, Paige Chaplin, Jake Hill @ Mid East
Gemini
Gemini (Ruling Planet: Mercury; Element: Air) Out of all the signs, you, Gemini, are the most communicative, on top of being the most clever. The Twins are flexible; you can adjust to any situation. Your enthusiasm for a variety of subjects makes you versatile and charming, but it’s hard for you to stay dedicated to one thing for a long time, and you tend to bite off more than you can chew. You suffer from constant FOMO, and you can’t make a decision to save your life.
Mercury’s presence in Capricorn will bring some intense convos to the start of your month-- use your intellectual intuition to navigate them. When this planet turns retrograde on the 19th, you’ll experience the usual miscommunications and delays, but Mercury in retrograde also gives you the chance to slow down and figure out what you really want right now. Venus brings good vibes when it shifts into fellow air sign Aquarius on the 7th, especially if you’re in the business of learning and traveling. Then, a full moon in your sign occurs on the 13th, and you’ll feel more sensitive than usual, but also more in the loop when it comes to your social scene. If you’ve been waiting for a partnership to take off, it’s likely that it’ll happen during this new moon. Not long after, Pisces influences decision-maker planet Mars, having you pursue your goals more aggressively and creatively-- people will take notice. Lastly, the Sun and a new moon both occur in Capricorn in the last chunk of the year. With Mercury in retrograde in this same sign, it would be wise to reflect on any matters that make you cringe.
Your Trax: Slow down with something you can take to heart, like local singer-songwriter Marissa Nadler’s latest album, Bury Your Name. To match some of the emotional dialogue of the month, Sonny Smith’s contemporary spoken word album, Moods Baby Moods, is worth a concentrated listen, if only for the gorgeous instrumentals.
Dates to watch: 20th, 21st
Your events: 12/20 Ruby, Gamma Pope @ Mid East
12/21 Grayskull 4 Year Anniversary Show, Aneurysm Album Release @ O’Brien’s
Cancer
Cancer (Ruling Planet: Moon; Element: Water) Everyone says you’re overly emotional, Cancer. And it’s true. But your emotions also fuel every aspect of your otherwise creative, intuitive, spontaneous, loving and protective personality. And you are generally a faithful friend, Moonchild. You motivate and persuade others easily. But the Crab is moody and unbalanced. You fluctuate between clingy and icy, depending on your mood and how pessimistic you’re feeling that day.
Capricorn, your opposite in the Zodiac, is super present during that last month of 2016, meaning your relationships will be brought to full focus. First, Mercury enters the earth sign on the 2nd, requiring some straight up, capital ‘T’ Talks with any of your partners (romantic or otherwise). Do all that you can to communicate directly before Mercury goes retrograde on the 19th, because with all the disharmony this retrograde’s gonna bring, you’ll likely frick things up if you try and hash things out later in the month. The Sun and a new moon also occur in Capricorn days later, hopefully providing some revitalizing energy for your relationships, though you might not feel it ‘til Mercury goes direct. Until then, Mars’ presence in Pisces sends good vibes, especially if you’re into learning, publishing, or travelling. Plus, weirdo Aquarius inspires kinky intimacy as it transits sexy Venus, and a new moon occurs in airy Gemini to serve up some much-needed introverted realness.
Your Trax: It seems like a soundtrack for a steamy evening is in order, and Isaiah Rashad’s new album can provide exactly that. Jessy Lanza’s sound on her latest release, Oh No, is a little more alt but just as hottt.
Dates to watch: 22nd, 23rd, 24th
Your events: 12/22 Emo Night @ The Sinclair
12/22 Colleen Green, Cassie Ramone, Daephne, Bong Massagers @ Lilypad Inman Sq.
12/22 Space Cadets, Birds of Spray, Sweet Avenue @ Mid East
12/23 Karaoke Benefit for Ladyfest @ ONCE
12/23 Christmas with the Stampede: Lady Mob, Matt Carey, 7th Haus @ Mid East
Leo
Leo (Ruling Planet: Sun; Element: Fire) Another energetic fire sign, you are known for your headstrong pride and dominating ego. But the Lion can also be quite affectionate, not to mention a loyal friend who demands the loyalty in return. In fact, you demand a lot of things. You can be impatient and arrogant when others won’t alter their opinions at your request, but are sensitive to anything that could wound your ego. You like to talk big game, Leo, but more often than not, you go home crying.
December starts out sweet for the Lion, as your opposite in the Zodiac, aloof Aquarius, influences socialite planet Venus. Use this time to compromise, connect with others, and form new partnerships or crushes. Another air sign lights up the friendship/community sector of your chart as the a full moon occurs in Gemini on the 13th. Full moons = drama and realizations, so don’t be surprised if you hear some game-changing news. And with decision-maker Mars in empathic Pisces around this time, you should also expect to either end a relationship or take one to a deeper level. Then, there’s Capricorn’s productive presence in the skies, as Mercury, the Sun and new moon all transit the sign throughout the month. Up until Mercury retrogrades on the 19th, the earth sign will light up your habits sector, and encourage you to make healthy choices. When the retrograde hits, do all that you can to just run with different and delayed routines until January. But there’s hope yet-- Capricorn’s energy upon the Sun and new moon is exactly the push you need to start developing some new routines for the new year.
Your Trax: A focus on relationships is prevalent this month, so why not get inspired by some relationships that have resulted in some seriously good stuff? Boston trio Honeysuckle released an LP this year that exemplifies their perfect folk fusion. Similarly, the duo that make up Whitney have combined minds to create a folky, soulful blend of music.
Dates to watch: 25th, 26th, 27th
Your events: 12/27 Holidazed Cover Band Spirit Lifter feat. Ween (members of Fat Creeps), Grateful Dead (members of Guerilla Toss/ZEBU!/Mystical Misfits), Duet Town, Creedence Clearwater Revival (Dust From 1000 Years) @ Midway Cafe
Virgo
Virgo (Ruling Planet: Mercury; Element: Earth) You’re a natural problem solver, Virgo, and you are extremely practical. Your intelligence, trustworthiness, and attention to detail usually make you the best person for the job. You’re adaptable, for an Earth sign. You’re also analytical, sometimes to a fault. You can be overly critical and a harsh perfectionist, but only because you’re afraid of exposing your own vulnerabilities.
Romance and creativity will fuel everything you do for the first part of December, as Mercury-- who rules you-- transits earthy Capricorn. This is certainly the mindset you’ll need going into Gemini’s career-oriented, but emotional full moon on the 13th. Then, the mid-month positions of Venus (in Aquarius) and Mars (in Pisces) encourage both professional productivity and creative connections. Use this time to strengthen your relationships because when Mercury retrogrades on the 19th, miscommunications, setbacks, and run-ins with an ex are likely. This retrograde doesn’t have to be all disastrous, though. If you’re cautious and harness the reflective vibes that the Capricorn Sun and new moon are putting out on the 21st and 29th, you’ll get a fresh start just in time for 2017.
Your Trax: December is certainly a month that ebbs and flows for Virgo, and so should your music recs, like the 2016 release from singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus. Margaret Glaspy also does a fantastic job at reeling herself in, then giving everything she has on her latest soulful alt. indie release, Emotions and Math.
Dates to watch: 28th, 29th
Your events: 12/28 Shambles, Save Ends @ O’Brien’s
12/29 Smashmouth Unplugged @ The Cabot
Libra
Libra (Ruling Planet: Venus; Element: Air) You, Libra, are the charming, tactful one. You have a magnetism about you. Socially, you are gifted. You can talk your way out of anything, and justice is a valued virtue to The Scales. But like most air signs, you can become detached and unreliable. You’re so indecisive sometimes that, more often than not, you bail completely, and you don’t do well with confrontation.
Setting boundaries and strengthening your foundations will both be themes of the month, and it all starts with Mercury’s location in domestic Capricorn, and your ruling planet, Venus, transiting intellectual Aquarius. Plus, with the communication planet (Mercury) in such a gossipy sign, and a full moon in communicative Gemini on the 13th, expect a wealth of juicy information to come your way. On the 19th, Mars shifts into Pisces, fueling your drive to get organized and work harder career-wise. But be wary of Mercury’s infamous retrograde that occurs on the same day, and don’t be surprised if you need to repeat yourself more often than usual. In fact, use this retrograde to re-do, reflect, and return to emotional issues-- even if that might mean going home for the holidays. The Capricorn Sun and new moon at the end of December will help you deal with family and/or work on starting over.
Your Trax: Play something like Flood Network, the newest album from Katie Dey, in the background of your gossip-heavy month. Of course, if you live for the juicy deets, sip on some Lemonade.
Dates to watch: 4th, 5th, 30th
Your events: 12/4 Animal Flag, Lilith, NOX, REST @ Mid East
12/5 Ladyfest Boston Open Meeting @ Industry Lab
12/30 Dangers, Deathdealer, Arrowhead, Districts @ Mid East
Scorpio
Scorpio (Ruling Planet: Pluto; Element: Water) Scorpios are truly a mixed bag. You can be passionate, but resentful. You can be ambitious and determined, but manipulative in the process. And although the Scorpion is one the most faithful of the signs, you struggle with trust and possessiveness, with forgiving and forgetting. However, Scorpio, you are still indeed a true water sign— sensitive and intuitive. And your emotional strength is what sets you apart from every other sign.
Mercury is bringing honest and direct vibes while it’s in earth sign Capricorn, starting December 2nd. Then, in second week of December, lovely Venus in Aquarius means curling up in a familiar place and examining your personal like. The Aquarius influence is innovative, and will influence you to make some interesting changes. A full moon in Gemini days later is only gonna dig deeper emotionally, so just remember to keep an open mind, and have a healthy outlet for all this draining full moon drama. On the 19th, action planet Mars enters multi-tasker Pisces and you can focus all your energy on creative ventures, or at least feeling inspired again. The same day, Mercury enters its infamous retrograde, and you’ll start to experience the usual setbacks-- essentials are lost and mis-sent emails abound. But good vibes from a Capricorn sun and new moon should revitalize, just in time for the new year.
Your Trax: Pinegrove’s music feels both familiar and honest, and this year they came out with an album worth listening to if you’re into kinda folky emo stuff. On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, Birthing Hips came out with a new album in October that could serve as your motivation to make innovative moves this month, or at least as a reflection of unorganized Mercury in retrograde.
Dates to watch: 6th, 7th, 31st
Your events: 12/7 Twin Peaks @ Sinclair
12/31 Diarrhea Planet, Vundabar @ The Sinclair
Sagittarius
Sagittarius (Ruling Planet: Jupiter; Element: Fire) Sagittarians are crazy, fun, and wild. You’re a generous friend, and always try to be straightforward. The Archer is an intellectual, passionate about philosophy and travel. But with this passionate energy, and your constant need for independence, comes a carelessness typical of most fire signs. When honest, you tend to be tactless. When ambitious, you can be impatient and inconsistent. And you are prone to taking things for granted.
You may find yourself having lots of convos-- about money, love, beauty, art, and again, money-- while communication planet Mercury transits Capricorn (lighting up your financial sector) and sweet Venus shifts into multi-faceted Aquarius. Keeping an open mind around this time is essential, especially with an emotional full moon in Gemini on the 13th. This full moon promotes balancing your relationships, romantic or otherwise, and that means tending to the nitty gritty details even if it hurts. Action planet Mars could provide the energy you’ll need to work out problems that surround your home and family life when it shifts into Pisces on the 19th, but be wary of Mercury retrograde, which begins the same day. Prepare for this retrograde by saving up a rainy day fund (in case of a mishap with your finances), and returning to old projects instead of taking a chance on something new. You might be exhausted by the 21st, and a Sun in Capricorn (plus a new moon in the sign days later) should ground you, and make sure that you’re stable and secure enough to enter the new year.
Your Trax: With money on your mind and your mind on that cash money, listen to something smart like Childish Gambino’s 2016 release, Awaken, My Love! If you slacked on listening to Freetown Sound, the 2016 effort from Blood Orange, now is better than never. For something a little more invigorating, try Terry Black Cat, the second album from Brooklynite Xenia Rubinos.
Dates to watch: 8th, 9th
Your events: 12/8 Downtown Boys, Dent, Funeral Cone, The Cavemen @ Mid East
12/9 Guerilla Toss, Nice Guys, Wydyde, Steep Leans @ MassArt
12/9 Major Stars, Mini Dresses @ O’Brien’s
Capricorn
Capricorn (Ruling Planet: Saturn; Element: Earth) Another practical Earth sign, Capricorns are more calculated than most. You are also a natural goal-setter, and tend to get what you want by being sensible, patient, cautious and disciplined. The Seagoat is not a rule-breaker. And, sometimes, all this hard work can make you pessimistic, stubborn, and shy.
This is a very active month for you, Sea Goat, but you’ll get through it. Mercury enters your sign at the beginning of December, prompting productive communication right up until the 19th, when the planet retrogrades. Mercury retrograde means reconsidering or redoing every effort you’ve made before the 19th-- not moving forward if you’ve come to any agreements or important decisions. Just chill for a min, Cap, and use the unwinding, airy energy from Venus in Aquarius and the full moon in Gemini wisely. Keeping an open mind is essential right now, and you could use a little self-care. By the 21st, when the Sun enters your sign, you’ll better about stepping into the spotlight, and so will everyone around you. The planets are sending positive vibes for the end of your year, especially with a revitalizing new moon in your sign on the 29th! If you can take advantage of this energy, you can start out 2017 by manifesting a dream into reality.
Your Trax: If you have a lot of feelings and you’re tryna unwind with something soft and strong, the newest album from Big Thief is perfect. Chairlift’s Moth is similarly emotional, but a little less in your face. Lastly, Northampton band And The Kids offers their album from the summer, Friends Share Lovers, that builds, crashes, and flows-- an accurate soundtrack for Mercury’s retrograde in your sign.
Dates to watch: 10th, 11th
Your events: 12/10 Noise For Toys Benefit: Elizabeth Color Wheel, Sports., Coaches, Sneeze, Lilith @ O’Brien’s
12/10 Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band, Pinegrove, Petal @ Royale
12/11 Chris Cohen, Beach Toys, Lina Tullgren @ Lilypad
12/11 X_X, (New England) Patriots, Shiny Beasts @ Mid East
Aquarius
Aquarius (Ruling Planet: Uranus; Element: Air) The most loyal of the air signs, Aquarians are known for their ability to make a lot of friends and their wide range of interests. The Water Carrier is the weird but charming, creative, independent type. But your independence can easily read aloof and detached. And like any air sign, you can be particularly inconsistent and unpredictable. Though, of all the air signs, you’re the most set in your ways, partially because of your strong moral compass and humanitarian instincts.
Caring Capricorn will influence the way you communicate throughout December, as chatty Mercury and the Sun transit the earth sign. If you take the beginning of the month to catch up on sleep and your intuition, you’ll feel more prepared for all attention that’s gonna come your way when Venus enters your sign on the 7th. The planet of love provides charming, flirty vibes, so you should have no trouble meeting new cuties around this time. Explosive energy is coming your way in the form of a full moon in Gemini (surprise, surprise), so keep that cool and compromising Aquarian thing up and things should work themselves out around the 15th. Focus on your finances on the 19th as Mars enters Pisces and attempts to replenish your bank account, or maybe your social life. The 19th also marks the start of Mercury in retrograde, and of miscommunications and delays a-plenty, not to mention surfacing subconscious issues--possibly involving an ex. Lastly, a recharging new moon in Capricorn will encourage you to let go of something from your past, disclose a secret or two, or maybe take a second chance at an old opportunity. Take the leap, and 2017 could start off very right for you.
Your Trax: With Venus in your sign, you eclectic personality shines, and something like A Man Alive, the latest album from Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, seems like an appropriate rec. IAN SWEET also offers their latest album, Shapeshifter, a garage rock/bedroom pop that’s just weird and cool enough to suit a true Aquarian this month.
Dates to watch: 12th, 13th
Your events: 12/12 Big Mess, Pixels, CosMc @ Charlie’s Kitchen
12/12 Internet Rock Benefit 2: Bat House, The Owens @ Deep Shred
12/13 Trapt, Silent Season, Volt Paralyzer, Aneurysm @ Mid East
Pisces
Pisces (Ruling Planet: Neptune; Element: Water) Your head is in the clouds, Pisces, and you have a grand imagination. But this way of thinking can often delve into escapist territory, and you have no problem deluding yourself to avoid harsh realities. You can be a pessimist who blames things on bad luck. And like any other water sign, you’re sensitive. But The Fishes in particular are intuitive to others’ feelings, and, although you often feel misunderstood by most, you have the ability to understand many people from all different walks of life.
The first week of December will be a surge of positive energy revolving around your professional life, and thanks to the communication planet’s position in Capricorn, your networking skills should shine during this time. Things slow down on the 7th when Venus enters the sign before yours, aloof Aquarius, and you’ll likely feel very private about your romantic life around this time-- take care not to become too distant. Days later, the full moon in Gemini will keep you focused on the home and family, as any issues that were brewing under the surface will bubble over during this moon. On the 19th, Mars enters your sign, boosting your energy for projects and journeys. Just take care not to get too upset over delays or miscommunications that occur, as Mercury goes retrograde on the same day. This particular retrograde will have you comparing present to past, perhaps by literally running into an ex or former friend. With energy from a new moon and Sun in Capricorn, the end of 2016 is the perfect time to reflect on your community-oriented goals, especially if that means ringing in the new year with strong and supportive friends.
Your Trax: Since you’re feeling sensitive and private, why not listen to something that suits your mood? Soft music from Frankie Cosmos is easy to listen to. Music like Florist’s The Birds Outside Sang is something to keep close. If you need something a little louder, try The Light, from local shoegaze rockers Soft Fangs.
Dates to watch: 14th, 15th
Your events: 12/14 July Talk, Mona, The Devil’s Twins @ Great Scott
12/14 Sad13, Vagabon, Emily Reo, Told Slant @ Mid East
12/15 James Montgomery Blues Band, A Benefit for Cambridge Fire Victims @ Mid East