The New Moon in Sagittarius

         December 1st, 2024 at 1:20 AM EST;                                                 Sun/Moon at 9 degrees; Trine Mars; Mars Stations; Mercury Retrograde; Venus enters Aquarius; Neptune moves direct…  

The holiday month starts with the promise of idealistic energies that can be expressed and released! Sagittarius is the tradditional 9th/nineth house, and its associated with the activities of the higher mind… It is the thirs of the mutualble signs, and the last of the three firesigns. It is most often linked to higher education, and the study of law,politics, religion, and to love of new adventures and travel. It is mutualble so it will hold high ideaaaaals and a sense of ethics, but can be prone tojudge others… Principally, it is a sign that takes the path of adventurous learning!

However… One does need to factor in the effects and possibilities found under a Mercury retrograde that will last until December 15th! This position will influences any Sagittarian and anyone who has planets in Sag between 22 and 6 degrees! ( like me!)   and also influencing the other mutual signs: Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces…)                                                                              

Here is what Elisabeth Grace, astrologer and social commentator, offers as a beneficial review…She observes:

“Contrary to popular belief, Mercury retrogrades are no reason to freak out. Mercury retrograde gets a bad rap because we are geared, in this crazy modern age, to always be thinking, doing, moving FORWARD. You know what that gets you? BURN OUT. We need our down times, and Mercury retrograde is a perfect time to give our minds a rest. Why else would your computer, phone and/or car choose THIS time to malfunction? Because you are supposed to be slowing down. And as you slow down, it is vitally important that you FOCUS.”

“When Mercury is retrograde, be prepared for travel delays, scheduling screw-ups, mechanical breakdowns, computer crashes, having to repeat what you’ve just said, misunderstandings, the past coming back for a second look, surprise reunions and having to repeat what you just said. Use your FOCUS and double check important details, … 

If you are looking for a job, Mercury retrogrades are a perfect time to reach out to people from your past. Mine your address book and trust that your contacts will be happy to hear from you. However, do not be frustrated if your target is away on vacation or keeps rescheduling meetings. Also, triple check your emails and resumes before you hit “send,” as there is a higher probability of typos and other snafus.

… MAKE SURE YOUR FILES ARE BACKED UP. Also be aware of a higher than average probability for delays in shipping and travel arrangements. For this you will need an extra dose of patience.

You may also find it profitable to REview a project from the past. Maybe you shelved it then, but now is the time to REconsider. However, be advised that a spontaneous, “out-of-the-blue” idea for advancement may not be so sound when Mercury turns direct. This is why the conventional wisdom advises against finalizing and/or signing contracts on deals during Mercury retrograde. An exception might be supported if you are REnegotiating or RElocating. If you absolutely must close a deal, triple check everything. The key is not to RUSH.

… Mercury retrogrades are not favored for launching a new website or a new communications systems. There is a higher than average probability of technical glitches and confusion. In general, adopt a playful attitude of flexibility to whatever twists you encounter. Avoid making major purchases (especially electronic ones), if you can. Don’t believe everything you hear or read in the papers. Rumors have a higher probability of spreading during Mercury retrogrades. Avoid losing patience — that’s a big one.

When in doubt, be silent! Do plan on RElaxing, REviewing, REsearching, REorganizing, REgenerating, REconnecting and REcreating….and REviewing your life with your astrologer.”

Accompaning this next new moon in Sagittarius will a few important aspects and planetary placements. None more important or influential than Mars turning retrograde on December 6th.. One of the first reasons that this is a significant “turn of events” and directions is that it occurs only once every 2 years! A second facor has to do with its sign placement… It is in Leo! 

Another fire sign which will make its Martian effects more expressive and as it provides Mars with a hospitable and fluent expression of its more creative and unsettling effects. Principal among these energetic connections will be an extended time period when there will be a sqare aspect to Pluto in 2025…

Another view on the importance of understanding these two retrogrades coinciding and their potential impact on your life comes from the astrological study group, Astrobutterfly. This is what they have written:

“This is a significant astrological event because it’s so rare. Mercury goes retrograde three times a year, most outer planets once a year, Venus every 18 months; Mars goes retrograde only every 26 months.

When Mars goes retrograde, what used to feel like the default way of being suddenly shifts. This often translates into a huge wake-up call or a sense of urgency to reexamine your direction and motivations. It’s no wonder Mars retrograde periods tend to be highly eventful.Many people with an astrology background may try to make a point about not initiating major projects or making bold moves during Mars retrograde, yet they end up acting boldly anyway, because there’s such a sense of urgency about this transit.

Almost always, Mars retrograde brings a shift in perspective. Even when external circumstances remain unchanged, your inner motivation and approach will shift.

Shifts in perspective might sound like a Mercury thing, but are Mars at its essence. Mars is the planet of personal will. Mars and Venus are our neighboring planets, so we are influenced by them concretely and directly – more so than the distant outer planets.”

Another shift is the forward motion of Venus entering in to Aquarius on December 7th, 2024. If we used the phrase “Don’t hate what you don’t understand” in the context of Pluto in Aquarius, the Venus in Aquarius equivalent might be “Love what is different.”

Venus in Aquarius is a forward-thinking Venus – highly inclusive, and naturally drawn to what’s quirky, unique, and defies norms. During Venus’ stay in this sign, we have the chance to get a taste of this energy: embrace something different, explore the unconventional, or approach familiar situations from a fresh angle, with a more open-minded attitude.

Lastly, and in a truly more permanent and  extended direction, On December 8th, 2024, Neptune goes direct at 27° Pisces. If you have planets between 27-29 degrees (in any sign, but particularly the mutable signs of Pisces, Gemini, Virgo, or Sagittarius), this is the last time Neptune in Pisces will touch and activate those points in your chart.

Neptune is in its last degrees of Pisces. We won’t have much longer of Neptune in its domicile sign – so let’s make the best of it. As it changes direction, what is Neptune in Pisces whispering to you? What magic, invitation, longing, subtlety, serendipity, or dream is it trying to reveal?

Many associate Neptune transits with illusion,… But that’s not what Neptune is here for. Neptune is here to infuse us with a sense of possibility, a vision, a feeling – something that can lead us to places we’ve never been before. What is Neptune in Pisces whispering to you, like a mermaid calling from the sea? What does its foggy presence ask you to stop holding onto – because it’s outdated, irrelevant, or no longer serving you? What distant dream or forgotten memory does its mist stir within you, inviting you to explore what could be?”

Now on to the qualities and energies of he new moon… A good summary is provided to us by Lena, of the Shamanic school. She writes:

…”In the sign of the archer, the new moon invites us to take an aim towards what we want and a leap of faith towards a new adventure.  We trust the arrow of our intention to land in the right place at the right time and to open the pathways to a new chapter of authenticity, responsibility and strength.  As we go deeper into ourselves and discover hidden desires and inspirations from the past, we can make a commitment to overcome our fear of change and move forward into this new chapter with confidence, good boundaries and authentic motivation.

Be clear about what you want and set a strong container for realizing your intention. We are still adjusting, reevaluating and resetting, so keep that in mind as you contemplate what is next. There is good support for abundance and expansion during this new moon as well as stretching your capacity to have more than you could ever have imagined. WIth that said, always temper your imagination with practicality, patience and a good sense of responsibility.”

New Moons are times of new beginnings – when seeds are planted for the future.           At the New Moon in Sagittarius, the Mars motivational fuel is there, but we are second-guessing ourselves (square Saturn).Should we go ahead? Should we plant the seed? The answer at a New Moon is always yes – because that’s what the New Moon does every month: it gets pregnant with new ideas, new possibilities, and new beginnings.The seed planted at the New Moon in Sagittarius will require effort and perseverance. It will challenge your beliefs and comfort zone. Yet, it is something that will ultimately help you grow and move forward!                                                                                                                     Celestial Blessings, Peter                                                                                  Astrologer/Theologian/Life Coach                                                              One-Spirit-Coaching.com