November 29th ~ December 6th

Every man must have something he follows ~ something that serves him as a lodestar. He who follows with conviction the beautiful and the good may feel himself strengthened by this saying. ~ The I Ching

On December 1st (or November 30th, depending on where you are) we have a New Moon at 9º Sagittarius 33’. The New Moon in Sagittarius pushes us to expand and grow. Our optimism grows in leaps and bounds. And although the ruling planet of Sagittarius is retrograde right now, it does not disappoint, for all of that expansion, growth and optimism is being channeled within. As a result, no matter what is going on in the world abroad, no matter what obstacles, challenges and fears we are working through, we have something much stronger. And that is hope. 

Jupiter is retrograde in Gemini, a sign that has to do with communications, information, and data. Mercury (the ruling planet of Gemini) has just stationed retrograde in Sagittarius (Jupiter’s sign), while approaching an opposition to Jupiter, which all just sounds like an abundance of noise swirling through the air waves nonstop. By traveling in each other’s signs, by both being retrograde and in opposition to one another, this transit will inundate us with information, news and data. 

This could feel terribly overwhelming. Like a tidal wave washing over us, it will be all we can do to process pieces of it, never mind all of it. The mind races, we feel anxious, or we fall inexorably into a rabbit hole of utter distraction. And it will be difficult to avoid. You think if you turn off the tablets and the phones, and unplug yourself from the grid that you will be fine. But these planets are retrograde, therefore they are  taking abode within us. Yes it can feel overwhelming. But with the New Moon square Saturn, we are also being given permission to set our own rules, and cherry pick all of that information. Take what you need and leave the rest for now.

Mercury and Jupiter are retrograde, and during the Mercury retro we are needing to process and make sense of all that has occurred over the past several months. We need to do this important work. And to do so within the parameters of the Jupiter retrograde. During the months that Jupiter is in its retrograde phase we often become more aware of the unjust or unethical behaviors of others, and in society. It is hard to ignore. However, this period is not so much about changing the behaviors of others over which we rarely have any control, so much as whether or not we are living up to our own standards of moral and ethical conduct. In this way these 4 month annual journeys with retrograde Jupiter are essential for our own spiritual and moral development. And perhaps more so now than ever. 

And this is because Jupiter is making a very relevant but minor aspect to the dark lord Pluto, which will perfect on December 13th. Jupiter/Pluto cycles speak to the power of Truth and Justice. This particular aspect is similar to the opening Gibbous phase of the Moon, in which we are being tested, and asked to apply our core values, and put them into application. And so we may ask: 

• What does it mean to do the RIGHT thing? What is the ethical and moral thing to do?
• When your back is against the wall, for what are you willing to put yourself on the line? For what are you willing to take risks?

This really gets us back to the very core of our beliefs, and to be very clear about who we are, what we stand for, and who we aspire to be in the world. This requires great courage and a strong sense of who we are, and what we believe in, so that even in the face of extraordinary odds, even in a struggle for survival, even in the face of evil, if need be, we will stand up for what is right, and good, and true, wherever and however we can. 

This transit can also be applied internally, in which we ask ourselves: what would it take to be a better person, and to inspire others to be so as well? What is my own relationship to power? And what are the things that I do or do not have power over? It’s not always easy, but this transit presents as an opportunity to make extraordinary changes in our own lives and in the world abroad. 

The New Moon in Sagittarius is a time of optimism and hope. It usually stands an opportunity to look to the future with possibility. With the New Moon in Sagittarius, it can feel like we are opening up a door on to a vast and untrodden vista. A vista filled with extraordinary adventures. And the next step we take, is the first step of the rest of our lives. 

Inspired by the vastness of our prospects we are poised to step out that door. It may seem like Mercury and Jupiter’s retrogrades and the square to Saturn are holding us back, and presenting us with extraordinary challenges. Just know that even if that were true, that any delays or detours can also turn out to be fortuitous in the end. 

For those who are going within, to retreat with the retrogrades, do so in order to restore, mend and revitalize. Or do so to strategize, prepare and organize. Do so to restore your faith and resolve, that you can make your big vision a closer and more achievable reality. This year, we are casting our dreams into pace in the face of all sorts of obstacles, and maybe even a few setbacks. But we are not being told to give up on our dreams, but to have faith that all is unfolding precisely as it needs to be for now. And even if it does not appear to be so, this is all part of the journey. 

This New Moon square Saturn is letting us know that the path is going to be challenging. Saturn is never easy. But this New Moon is also trine courageous Mars, strong and powerful and determined in the sign of Leo. It is also trine the North Node of the Moon in Aries, creating a Grand Trine in the inspirational element of Fire. This Moon is here to remind us that there are others here with us, guiding us, leading us and encouraging us to fulfill our fortunes. Mars brings us the courage to meet insufferable challenges and the North Node will serve as our guiding light moving forward. 

There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind. ~ Hannah Senesh

More than ever we should use the New Moon in Sagittarius to create positive intentions and affirmations. Something that might serve as your lodestar going forward. The best time to do so would be during the New Moon phase, which is the phase of pure potential. The New Moon phase begins with the New Moon on December 1st (at 1:22 am EST here in the US, or 6:22 am in the UK), or November 30th (11:22 pm Mountain Time in the US; 10:22 pm PST on the west coast; and 8:22 pm HST in Hawaii). The New Moon phase ends with the Crescent Moon on December 4th. If you do choose to make intentions or affirmations, make them positive and make them your own. Some possible examples for the New Moon in Sagittarius might be: 

• I am the pathfinder on the road to unexplored adventures, and ever-expanding horizons. 
• I am vast and can see myself opening up to a whole new world of possibility.
• I want to see myself filled with the confidence and faith that things will work out precisely the way they are supposed to. 
• I know the joy that comes from generosity and giving with an open heart.
• My optimism and belief in the future knows no bounds.
• May I be led to a clearer understanding of the purpose and meaning of my life

For this week’s horoscopes, click below: 

HOROSCOPES

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