By Alisha Palmer of @cosmic.ali
Stoke the flames of spirit sparking within you.
A fresh lunar cycle is initiated with the formation of the New Moon in Sagittarius on December 12, 2023 at 3:32 pm PT. As our luminaries cross paths in the cosmic skies, our Solar Star purifies our Lunar Light offering invigoration and illumination. This is a phase of rebirthing, our Moon is hidden in the sky and the night is veiled in total darkness. A tender moment of creative potential and new beginnings is upon us.
May we remember the profound potency woven into this stage of the Moon’s movement as we are presented with an opportunity to plant seeds of intention, grounding our visions and dreams into the physical realms.
Expanding The Mind
Luna meets Sol at 20 degrees of Sagittarius, a Jupiter-ruled, mutable fire sign. Since the last lunation, the Moon has traveled halfway across the zodiac. The same axis of wisdom, knowledge, and information is being activated, but this time we may feel it working with us differently. During the Full Moon in Gemini that took place two weeks ago, there was a felt presence of Mercury looking to focus in on the fine lines and details, prompting us to release any thought patterns or inner narratives that felt expired or outdated. Now that the Moon is highlighting the opposite end of the spectrum, we are more called to see the bigger picture, instilling and integrating perspectives and belief systems that better serve us.
Moving from a Mercurial ruled lunation to a Jupiterian ruled one, the spotlight shifts from our day to day mental activity to our core philosophies. Mercury meddles more with the inner voice, daily communications, and quality of our thoughts while Jupiter is more so linked to the principles, spiritual stories and foundational values that inform who we are on a grander scale. Essentially, we are being given a planetary push to take all of the mental matters pertaining to Mercury and Jupiter and set the stage for any change we’d like to make or grow into.
Air To Fire
Elementally, the Moon’s transition from an air sign to a fire sign links thoughts to action, energizing us to put motion behind what our souls are calling us towards. Sagittarius is one of three fire signs across the zodiac. Aries represents the ego and sense of self, Leo represents our hearts and auric radiance, and Sagittarius represents our inner spiritual flames and life force. Fire energy naturally exudes light and heat, stirring up our passions within. This New Moon asks, what do you want to create during this lunar cycle? And beyond, what do you want to create in this life?
Put pen to paper or paintbrush to canvas, allowing your thoughts and ideas to exist outside of your mind. Piece together a vision board to start laying out the dreams that dwell in your mind’s eye. Map out your next adventure. Give life to what inspires you.
What Is True For You?
The largest planet in our solar system, known as the Great Benefic, invites us to question and evaluate our inner truths, ensuring we are in alignment with what deeply resonates rather than following a route that isn’t meant for us. Whether in relation to the dogmas we have developed or the teachings we have absorbed, it’s vital to our vibrancy to take the pulse every once in a while, feeling through if we are moving in accordance with our authenticity and re-routing if we find ourselves off course.
It is necessary to ask ourselves, why do we believe what we do? Is it what we learned as we were raised? Is it because someone else has ingrained their truths within us? Is it what we think we should believe because that is what society tells us to? Or is it genuinely something we wholeheartedly agree and align with in the sincerity of our souls? The New Moon is lighting a fire within us to burn away belief systems that don’t sit well with the veracity of our spirits. This process requires radical acceptance of who we are, honoring ourselves at all costs and having the willingness to go our own ways and pave our own paths in the name of our truth.
Move To The Beat Of Your Own Drum
Sagittarius is a sign that wants us to walk on the wild side every once in a while, to let ourselves run free, and to embrace everything that makes us unique. This fiery energy inspires us to let our individuality shine. The nature of its mutability reminds us that it’s okay to change our minds, to be different, to shapeshift, to go against the grain, to roll with the punches, and to actually enjoy the spontaneity of our lives.
Following our hearts, our spirits, and our visions takes courage. The archetype of the archer symbolizes boundlessness, freedom, shooting for the stars, wanderlust, and the search for meaning. Fully stepping into our purpose and passions usually asks us to bravely and boldly follow our hearts and spiritual direction, even if others don’t understand or necessarily approve. Let this New Moon illuminate the inspired action igniting within, taking it from the internal to the external. Set intentions that infuse the unfolding of this six month lunar cycle with ideas you wish to take form during the Sagittarius Full Moon next year.
Follow Your Inner Compass
The Moon Deck oracle card chosen for this lunation reads, “My inner compass knows the way”, affirming the trust we have in ourselves and our innate sense of direction. Paving new paths and moving to our own rhythms oftentimes means embarking on a route into the unknown, the unseen, the unfamiliar. This jump can be wildly uncomfortable for many, which keeps them playing small and ignoring soul calls.
Sagittarius energy might seem “happy go lucky”, which in part rings true due to the optimistic nature of the sign, however there are two ways of looking at this. One might view it as blissful ignorance or wandering without purpose, yet on the flip side, this charismatic approach actually displays an unwavering trust in the Universe. The tone of which sounds off to say, “I don’t know where I’m going or what’s next, but what I do know is that I am intuitively guided and divinely supported each step of the way.” Settling into this sense of unbridled faith is a powerful place to be, as no matter what presents itself or arises along your path, you believe in your ability to navigate it.
Working With Our Wisdom Within
In order to build confidence behind this deep sense of trust in the unfolding, we must offer reverence to the knowing nature of our beings. Even when our minds may feel scattered or uncertain, we carry an instinctive sense of direction internally. Every experience we have ever encountered has taught us a lesson or has given us information in some way, shape, or form. Whether showing us, “yes, this feels good and I want to continue” or “no, this doesn’t feel right or in resonance with me”, both act as indicators, pointing us towards a more aligned avenue. This process of refinement allows us to get to know our inner truths more intimately, as we allow the experiences of life to teach and shape us.
Inquiring within, ask yourself: are you willing and open to moving through all of life’s chapters or are you contracted and closed off? Are you maintaining an energy of acceptance and flow or are you filled with fear? Part of this practice requests that we shed the barriers keeping our soul flames too contained, instead letting our internal sparks of spirit light the way.
Temperance
In Tarot, the card that is most closely associated with Sagittarius is Temperance. The definition of “temper” is, “the act of neutralizing or counterbalancing”. Tempering also means, “improving elasticity”. As we ride the waves of life, in response to our circumstances we might either harden against or soften into the present moment. This card reminds us to seek moderation as the pendulum swings. Remain flexible and adaptable instead of tight and rigid while traversing through the extremes of life.
Another meaning of “temper” is how we hold our energy and exude our frequency. We have control over how we choose to react and respond. Allow this tarot message to help harmonize how you might be showing up to what is unfolding in your experience at this time. Stabilize, find balance. Settle into an even temperament. Listen to your Higher Self, tune into your Higher Voice. Stay true to your purpose.
Celestial Conditions Of The New Moon Chart
As we look to the chart layout for this lunar transit, we see the Sun and Moon exactly conjunct in Sagittarius. The luminaries are sharing space with Mars, the planet of willpower, taking initiative, attitude, and aggression. This co-presence energizes our dreams, visions, belief systems, spiritual stories, and sense of exploration. Use this motivation to make inspired and intuitive moves, but make sure to pace yourself so you don’t burn out. Across the wheel, we notice a connection between Mars and Chiron via trine, a harmonious and supportive aspect. Chiron is an asteroid also known as “The Wounded Healer” which represents a deep, core wound within us and gives insight into the path towards our healing. While gaining momentum, we may brush up against sore spots or pain points held in our spirit, but ultimately taking action to create the life that lights us up is a reclamation of our power. Chiron is currently retrograde, but will be stationing direct alongside the next Full Moon.
Speaking of the trine, the New Moon is also forming one to Rahu (the moon’s north node), a charged point that symbolizes what we are growing towards in this earthly life, oftentimes asking us to expand into unknown territory. The combination of the Sun, Moon, Mars, Chiron, and Rahu sharing this cosmic contact is telling of a time where many of us are likely feeling strongly pulled to pursue our purpose, but might be pausing out of fear, uncertainty, imposter syndrome, you name it. Mobilize to neutralize whatever is standing in your way to welcome whatever is next for you.
The chart of the recent Gemini Full Moon showed off a square to Neptune, and once again we see this hard aspect taking form with the New Moon before us. The planet of dreams and delusions has freshly stationed direct, so we may be feeling its influence a bit differently. Perhaps we have moved through the clouds of confusion known to accompany this far-out planet and are now receiving more clarity.
Lastly, as we investigate the placement of the ruler of this lunation, we see a slowed down Jupiter, preparing to wrap up its retrograde journey by the end of the month. This slower pace poses as a perfect opportunity to work with this New Moon energy, getting clear on what we are moving towards, planting seeds and intentions that Jupiter will nourish and help bring to fruition as it reaches a forward trajectory again.
NEW MOON RITUAL : Breath of Fire
Pranayama refers to the ancient yogic practice of regulating the breath. In Sanskrit, “prana” means life force energy and “yama” means to control. It is thought that by mindfully manipulating the breath that we are able to achieve balance within the body and reach elevated states of higher consciousness. There are many different techniques to perform these breathing practices, but for this Sagittarius New Moon ritual we will be focusing on Kapalabhati, also known as the “Breath Of Fire”. This specific breathing pattern creates heat within the body, offering internal clearing, cleansing and purification.
(Before moving forward, please note that there are certain contraindications associated with this breathing practice — those with cardiac or respiratory concerns, or those who are menstruating or pregnant should avoid this technique for the time being. Scroll below to find a breathwork ritual more suited for you!)
Breath of Fire Instructions: Find a comfortable seat in an upright position, crossing the legs, resting hands on lower belly. Take a few long, slow breaths as you arrive at this space. This technique involves passive inhalations and rapid, powerful exhalations, all passing through the nasal range. To begin, inhale deeply through your nose, filling your belly about ¾ of the way full of air. In a quick motion, expel the air from your lungs out the nose by contracting the abdomen while drawing your belly button towards your spine (the movement here is happening in the diaphragm). Allow the lungs to then fill up naturally with air as the belly expands, and when the belly contracts again the air naturally exits. Rather than intentionally inhaling and exhaling, the body will find a rhythm where it circulates its breathing. Move through this cycle for 10 rounds of breath, then return to your normal, standard breathing to regulate. Repeat this pranayama pattern 3-4 times if desired.
Alternative Breathwork Instructions: Find a comfortable seat in an upright position, crossing the legs, resting hands on lower belly. Take a few long, slow, deep breaths as you arrive at this space. Close your eyes and envision a flame within your abdomen, burning between your sacral and solar plexus chakras. Picture that as you inhale and add air to the fire that it expands, and as you exhale and remove air from the fire that it dwindles. Play with the force of these flames, allowing your breath to control the pace, the shape, the ferocity. Imagine this fire burning away and clearing out anything no longer serving you that has been held within your body, creating more space for new energy to enter your field.
Mini Moon Horoscopes
What themes and areas of life are being most activated in your personal natal chart by this Sagittarius New Moon? Read on below for your mini horoscope, written by rising sign.
Aries Rising: 9th House – belief systems, higher education, travel, knowledge, foreign affairs
Taurus Rising: 8th House – boundaries, intimacy, shared resources, shadow work, investments
Gemini Rising: 7th House – relationships, partnerships, one on one connections, collaborations
Cancer Rising: 6th House – physical health, daily devotions, wellness practices, rituals, pets
Leo Rising: 5th House – creativity, children/inner child, romance, pleasure, addictions
Virgo Rising: 4th House – family, ancestry, inner foundations, home life, roots, traditions
Libra Rising: 3rd House – environment, intelligence, expression, habits, siblings, neighbors
Scorpio Rising: 2nd House – finances, income, material possessions, values, self esteem
Sagittarius Rising: 1st House – identity, the physical body, sense of self, appearance, beginnings
Capricorn Rising: 12th House – mental health, spirituality, subconscious, self undoing, solitude
Aquarius Rising: 11th House – friendships, community, audience, awareness, innovation
Pisces Rising: 10th House – career, public image, aspirations, achievements, reputation, legacy
Thank you for reading! Sending you love and blessings during this New Moon! xo
