26 NOVEMBER 2019 15h06 GMT – 4 DEGREES SAGITTARIUS
Philosophy, spirituality, beliefs and higher wisdom. Walking one’s talk. Living in accordance with ones’s ethics and beliefs – these are all likely to be major themes this month, thanks to the Sagittarius New Moon on 26 November.
The Sabian symbol for this particular soli-lunar phase is an owl perched high in a tree. This wise animal is not only able to see in the dark but also has a big picture, or ‘bird’s eye view’ of situations, allowing for connections to be made between seemingly random or unrelated events. It is these inner qualities, which enable us to see beyond present circumstances and gain a sense of perspective, that we need to cultivate and/or call on over the next 28 days.
This particular New Moon, with it’s emphasis on healing (Sun and Moon trine Chiron) and elevated perspectives, will be all about finding answers. With Neptune set to turn direct within a few days of this New Moon, it’s possible that you could also find yourself coming out from under a cloud of doubt and/or confusion during this lunar cycle. Matters of the heart, domestic or family issues that may have been haunting or preoccupying yousince Neptune’s station around the time of the July solar eclipse, may now finally begin to make sense.
As we head towards the Capricorn solar eclipse on December 26, which will begin a brand new six month soli-lunar cycle, it’s a good idea to use the next few weeks to wrap up any loose ends and start thinking about your goals for 2020.
SIGN
December 2019’s New Moon takes place in the sign of enthusiastic, adventurous, expansive and freedom-loving Sagittarius. During the next month or so, many of us will be seeking answers to some of life’s big questions.
Finding Meaning in Matters of the Heart
This particular Sag Moon, with it’s emphasis on healing (Chiron) and wisdom (Saban symbol) will be all about finding answers to anything that may have caused you to worry or have doubts since Neptune’s station in July. Since then, we have had TWO Mercury retrograde spells in water signs, resulting in tons of emotion confusion, as well as a strong desire to go over past events and rewrite your script in order to move forward.
Sagittarius is a sign that is all about the big picture. While water sign Scorpio is concerned with plumbing the depths and still waters that run deep; fire sign, Sagittarius is all about reaching towards the heavens. This is the Archer with his head (and bow) aimed towards the heavens – the eagle that arises from the ashes of the phoenix, which soars high above the earth, seeing things from a ‘bird’s eye’ perspective. The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is all about cultivating this type of mentality, perhaps as a way of making sense of painful past events or difficult memories.
Sometimes what is required to heal and finally move on from a situation is to understand WHY it happened – to see it (and the potential lessons it had to teach) – within the context of the bigger picture. This New Moon, with it’s emphasis on the wisdom of hindsight/bird’s eye perspective, together with a healing trine to Chiron, allows opportunities for just that.
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Grass is Greener Syndrome
Like Aquarians, Sagittarians value freedom a great deal. They are also always chasing after the next big thing – each goal loftier than the next. This is the sign of the Archer after all. The centaur is swift of foot (Sagittarians are always in a hurry) but also a hunter (one must never forget the bow and arrow.
A change is as good as a holiday. Or so the saying goes. However, while it’s good to keep things fresh and be open to discovering new people, places and things, one also has to guard against ‘grass is always greener’ syndrome. If you’re not careful, and don’t direct your curious energies onto a specific target (like the archer), you could find yourself feeling bored and restless during this period.
Overreactions
As I have said elsewhere, the Moon here can lead to an excess of emotion, whether this be hysteria or over-excitement.
It’s therefore important to guard against overreactions to family or domestic situations or relationship matters. Instead, try to pause and take a step back before responding. Being a little too keen, brash or naive (think Page/Knight of Wands) is also possible when the Moon is here. Instead, take heed of the advice provided by this month’s Sabian symbol – it’ll help cure you of that famous Sagittarian ‘foot in mouth’ syndrome.
Rushing: Moon in 1st Decan of Sagittarius
Sagittarius 1 is represented by the 8 of Wands tarot card, known as ‘Swiftness’ in the Thoth deck. These subjects burst out of the gates leading out of the darkness of the underworld, in search of more light.
According to Marina of Darkstar Astrology:
This is a fresh and urgent place for the Moon, but at the same time, it is not blindly impulsive. Moon Sagittarius 1 will not strike until it is utterly sure of its target and then it will hit the bull’s eye straight off.
Yes, the Moon here is swift, graceful and to the point. It is also more likely to be competitive in a less physical manner than you would expect from a sign with hooves.
Darkstar Astrology
MOON IN SAGITTARIUS THEMES
This New Moon will emphasize Sagittarius themes over the next 28 days or so. These include:
- The urge for greater emotional and relationship freedom.
- An appetite for travel, adventure and expansion – the search for new physical/intellectual horizons and life experiences
- Gaining satisfaction from exploring other cultures, belief systems or countries. In the context of roots and family history, it may concern relatives who had the ‘explorer’ gene.
- Dealings with, or emotional ties to, foreigners/people of other cultures or nationalities. Long distance relationships.
- The need for greater honesty, openness in relationships.
- Going after what you want/desire in straightforward and direct way.
- Enthusiasm, optimism, glass half full mentality.
- A love of learning, philosophy, religion and spiritual/occult studies
- A drive to seek meaning, to see/understand things from a wider perspective – big picture
SABIAN SYMBOL: Making Wiser Choices
This New Moon takes place in the 5th degree of Sagittarius. The Sabian Symbol for this degree is:
An old owl perched high up in a tree.
Wellcome Collection.
As most of us are aware, the owl is associated with the sage-like qualities of higher knowledge and foresight, especially in the pagan traditions. In ancient Greece, for example, the little owl was associated with Athena, the lunar goddess of wisdom.
This wise animal is not only able to see in the dark but also has a ‘bird’s eye view’ of situations, allowing for connections to be made between seemingly random or unrelated events.
It is these inner qualities, which enable us to seeing beyond appearances and maintain a sense of perspective that we need to cultivate and/or call on over the next 28 days. They will help us to make better decisions.
Interestingly, there was once a constellation called Noctua, named after the species of owl associated with the Greek warrior goddess, Athena. According to Greek myth, this owl (known as Glaucus – Latin for ‘stare/glare’) sat on Athena’s blind side, allowing her to see the bigger picture – the ‘whole truth’. A lot like the figure of ‘blind’ Justice, the tarot card associated with the zodiac sign of Libra. Created by the 19th-century English amateur astronomer, William Jamieson, it perched at the end of the sea serpent, Hydra’s tail, between Libra and Spica, the alpha star of Virgo. Sydney Hall included it in his famous star map, Urania’s Mirror, where he labelled it’s tail star ‘Zuben Al Akrab’ – a star normally considered part of the constellation of Libra.
In many ways, this Sabian symbol brings together the two qualities associated with sage wisdom from the zodiac signs of Libra and Sagittarius: weighing things up in order to come to a balanced decision (Libra) and the search for deeper meaning/the desire to see things within the context of the grand design (Sagittarius).
According to Jamie Partridge,
In astrology, the constellation Noctua is fortunate, giving honor and ambition. Owls are are vigilant predators and this comes through as a killer instinct, fixity of purpose and steely determination. Wisdom, both spiritual and intellectual, comes through contemplation of their experiences.
Astrology King
Lynda Hill offers us a few more ways to interpret the lesson contained within this degree:
Keywords: Wisdom and strength. Evening contemplation. Keeping thoughts to oneself. A wise “sage” type of person. Nocturnal vision. Exalted wisdom. “Night owls”. Heightened sight and seeing. Being silent and alert for the slightest movement. The ability to see all around. The spirit of birds. Silent flight. Having acute hearing. Lofty ideals.
The Caution: Smug denial of available wisdom. Someone thinking they know it all. Not wanting to join in with others in fun activities. Acting old before their time. Excluding others as being frivolous and unknowing. Waiting for one’s prey. Black magic. Being old before one’s time. Always being alone. Remote and cut off. Sitting isolated. Saying nothing when one should be saying something. Inability to sleep soundly.
KEY ASPECTS
Sun & Moon trine Chiron: This particular New Moon has the potential to heal many old wounds and emotional scars, perhaps sustained as a result of early family trauma – dynamics that may have been affecting close relationships for years.
The Sun and Moon represent the archetypal father and mother in astrology – think Empress (Moon in Taurus) and Emperor (Sun in Aries) in tarot. As such, they can symbolise aspects of consciousness (both conscious = Sun and sub-conscious = Moon) and/or learned patterns of behaviour that you may have acquired from your parents at a very young age.
With the Sun and Moon both in Sagittarius, and making a positive aspect to Chiron in Aries, it’s time to examine your core beliefs and ideas about food, family, home/belonging and relationships to see if anything needs to be upgraded. Thanks to this trine, true healing and integration is possible now. You’re able to face the painful side of life and share your experiences with to help others in a loving and compassionate way.
Sagittarius energy is all about elevating your outlook or vibration – it is a fire sign after all. And, according to the ancient Greeks, fire is the element most suited to spiritual pursuits (flames always leap upwards towards the heavens), so if you are in need of a confidence boost or cheering up after Mercury retrograde and Scorpio season, then use this upbeat and optimistic aspect to restore your spirits.
This aspect will also enbale you to feel compassion for others’ plights. As a result, the way you express your beliefs or practice your religion is likely to become less judgemental and more tolerant of difference.
