Sun and ice in a polar sea; image by AWeith via Wikimedia Commons.
New Moon New Moon @ 26 Sagittarius 31'
Dec. 17
10:30 PM Los Angeles
Dec. 18
1:30 AM New York
7:30 AM London
10:30 AM Dubai
12:30 PM Beijing
3:30 PM Sydney
6:30 PM Auckland
This month’s New Moon is the final lunation of 2017. Conjunct Saturn in tropical Sagittarius, it brings with it a heavy and serious vibe. And while Mercury is still retrograde until shortly after the solstice (Dec. 22/23), this isn’t going to be an ideal New Moon for sudden or impulsive new beginnings. Saturn might just put the brakes on your momentum if you don’t have a long-range goal or practical strategy in mind, and Mercury, the trickster, is notorious for redirecting or meddling with intentions.
Chiron’s square to the New Moon adds another element of difficulty--accentuating hardship and spiritual/existential pain. And yet, Uranus, the liberator, offers a trine aspect from Aries, making this New Moon a little complex to navigate. First off, Sagittarius is all about the bigger picture and the acquisition of faith. Strong Sagittarian individuals are impetuously guided by faith or belief in a “higher” power above and beyond the other zodiac signs.
The first contradiction we face with this New Moon is that Sagittarian impulse of taking a “leap of faith” which gets amplified by Uranus’ trine. While that impulse is strong, Saturn restrains and blocks with a heavy (or harsh) reminder of life’s limitations and obstacles. But let’s not render Saturn the villain with this lunation. As you reach out for some new experience or vision alongside this New Moon, realize that it’s going to require some serious effort, sacrifice, and commitment to see it through.
This lunation is an excellent starting point for putting together your strategy, a Saturnian strong suit. Mercury is still retrograde, and its station in several days time works to slow down and focus our activities. It’s also a transitional barrier which is doubly echoed by Saturn’s ingress into Capricorn on Dec. 19/20. While every New Moon has a lower energy vibe, Saturn’s conjunction adds further gravity to the situation. So the most dynamic part of this lunation is its ability to make things really clear as we gaze into this highly sobering lense.
With that clarity, we might feel compelled to take some action or reach for some experience and yet still feel as if something is blocking those desires from fulfillment or gratification. Also, there is the possibility of feeling overpowered by depression or crushing, existential dread. It’s definitely not comfortable. But instead of fighting these feelings, it might be wise to step back and listen carefully to what they have to say.
Saturn, the master of solitude, invites us to sink into ourselves, perhaps take some time out to reflect, divine, and commune within. Once you establish a strong connection, those Uranian impulses can work to liberate us from the illusion of the material world. But, while an illusion, those limitations are perceptively real, and they work to limit possibilities. What a relief. While engaged in this human experience, we must choose specific experiences over others which keeps us from mindlessly running in circles.
And when we’re uncomfortable, we’re motivated to make a shift in our lives. While difficult to accept, pain is the greatest catalyst for change. Soak in these words as you pass through this lunation. Remember that nothing is permanent. If you find yourself struggling with this lunar cycle, fully embrace the pain, the sadness, or the discomfort. Trust that these passing feelings are the motivation to move in new directions. For now, utilize the moment to focus in on greater things.
In addition to its conjunction with Saturn, this New Moon also conjoins the galactic center, a supermassive black hole at the center of our milky way galaxy. Combined with the encroaching winter solstice (in the northern hemisphere), this is also a sacred time to honor the darkness and the void. As much as the western world glorifies the light, the void gives us life. It is from nothing, the complete absence of light, that creation emerges. Remember that a place of emptiness or loss is the most fertile ground for a new creative process to emerge.
Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path.