Welcome to the Sagittarius New Moon, the time in the lunar calendar when we turn our attention to matters of faith, truth, and conviction. As the ninth sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius opens up our eyes to the world. It’s the fire of inspiration, revelation, the fire of the stars. The new moon is exact on December 12, 2023 at 6:32 pm ET, 20 degrees Sagittarius. That’s 3:32 pm Los Angeles, 11:32 pm London, 1:32 am Johannesburg on December 13, 5:32 am New Delhi, 10:32 am Sydney, 12:32 pm Auckland.
New moons are new beginnings. They give us a reset, bringing in the energies of renewal. The sign of the new moon becomes an archetypical lens and focal point for the coming four weeks, the duration of the lunar month. And what is Sagittarius? It is a sign that brings us out of the personal and into the world. It inspires us to search beyond ourselves and seek meaning and purpose.
Sagittarius is a big picture sign. Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius brings us into a stage in the zodiac that takes us through the final signs of the zodiac — Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces … the last fire sign, last earth, last air, and last water.
This isn’t the fire of Aries, the raw spark of life, and Leo, the fire of self, creativity, and personality. It’s the fire that inspires others, searches for wisdom and knowledge, and even teaches others based on what it has learned and discovered in life. It needs freedom. It speaks of justice as well as right and wrong.
To that point, it’s in Sagittarius that we find philosophy, a point of view, a framework for seeing the world, and even religion. The following four weeks may dig into big existential questions. “What do I believe in? What is the meaning and purpose of my life? What is going to bring me truth or a deeper understanding of the world?” That said, Sagittarius also has both an abundance of opinions and beliefs. Keep the wonder and optimistic curiosity of Sagittarius and watch out for narrow-minded thinking that doesn’t listen.
In the chart of the Sagittarius New Moon we find Jupiter, Sagittarius’s ruling planet, over in Taurus, a sign that is in contrast with Sag’s need to be on the go and preferably in another country or far away land. Taurus has its feet on the ground. It values routine and predictability. So, we have a push and pull with this new moon, one that has to take the big visions of Sagittarius and put them into practical use and daily rituals. Jupiter makes a trine to Mercury in Capricorn, so there may be professional and relationship opportunities in the coming days and weeks.
Speaking of Mercury, at the moment of the new moon, it’s about to turn retrograde at 8 Capricorn, although not until December 13. Mercury has strength in the chart of the new moon. It is a note that dominates, speaking to themes around value and worth, choices with money, and how we invest in our material lives.
Then there’s Neptune in Pisces square the new moon, an energy that hints that the coming four weeks are not just about exploring the world, but also about exploring within to discover our spirituality and deep faith. Neptune squares, especially with Neptune in Pisces, reminds us that there’s more than meets the eye. It’s also our shared humanity and the collective emotions that can transform us … if we don’t get caught in its strong tide.
In short, we’re all asking ourselves big questions in the coming days and weeks. Things may get emotional, spiritual, or even a little messy. This is a great time to dedicate to the search for inner truth and meaning, to meditate, and discover our dreams. But it also may be a time that shakes our faith, pulls at our self-made illusions. It may demand that we feel our feelings and discover that we’re not just individuals, but a collective of humanity with shared emotions and experiences. Just remember to keep your feet on solid ground.