Christmas Eve - New Moon in Sagittarius & Christmas Day - Jupiter Direct

Just a couple days after the winter solstice, we begin a new lunar cycle when the Sun and Moon conjoin in the early degrees of Sagittarius. This occurs at about 8° Sagittarius, in the lunar mansion called "Mula" which translates as “root.” Thus the theme of this new Moon involves penetrating deep places. Mula is ruled by the goddess Niritti, who rules destruction, calamity and the path that they open toward rebuilding and new growth.

The Moon's energy ebbs considerably as it wanes, and is at a most vulnerable, receptive state when new. Having come from a full eclipse just a fortnight before, the Moon enters Sagittarius and joins the Sun in a weakened state. The beautiful aspect of this is that Moon symbolically reaches a state of emptiness and openness to the Sun's energy, allowing for the filling of the vessel with the reflected energy of the Sun as the Moon waxes.

The day of the new Moon is generally best for withdrawal and consolidation of energy. Try to make this period of time between the solstice and Christmas day very easy and nurturing. Aim for getting major activity done by Wednesday, December 21, so that you are able to settle in for a good reboot through the solstice and new moon.

Jupiter, so bright in the early morning sky, stations for a moment on Christmas day, and resumes direct motion. Jupiter, the planet of joy, spiritual pursuits, positivity and expansiveness is known as “Guru” in Sanskrit, which translates as "guide/teacher.” Jupiter has been following an apparently retrograde course since September.

When planets are retrograde, especially ones with positive associations, like Jupiter, we can sometimes feel the repression of positive movement and growth. With Jupiter's retrograde status compounded by Saturn's entrance into opposition with Jupiter, things feel especially hard to move and initiate. The ideas are there and possibilities can be sensed, but initiation has not been realized. With Jupiter resuming forward motion in Mars' fire sign, Aries, we may meet with new possibilities and cleared paths toward goals. Not that obstacles will disappear or be removed, but our ability to surmount them will become more powerful.

With the triad of fire signs currently being occupied by Mars, Sun and Jupiter, all in forward motion for now, as we move into the new year we are boosted by a powerful, fiery energy.