While the Sun has just on the 22nd of November passed into the sign of optimism and generosity of spirit, this New Moon is also in that sign. For the next month, the Sun’s position in the sign of the centaur and archer, would seem to promote broadening our knowledge in all areas of life. Jupiter, the planet that rules our optimism and expansiveness, has been in Sagittarius since last November, but the drums of change are thrumming in the background of all this optimism. Jupiter only spends about a year in each sign, and so will be moving out of Sagittarius and into Capricorn on December 2nd. This placement of Jupiter astrologically is in a sign that is opposite to where Jupiter is “exalted” (the most beneficial use of its energy) and its placement here is referred to as its “fall”. What will “fall” when Jupiter spends a year in Capricorn? Typically, economies and governments are ruled by Capricorn, and Jupiter in this sign often presages a kind of fall that is about “fall back and regroup.” Last in Capricorn in 2008, we went through the mortgage crisis and resultant recession, with 9 million jobs lost.* That was the lesson given to us by Capricorn’s native ruler, Saturn, the giver of karma.

Also creeping up toward a conjunction in January 2020, are Saturn and Pluto, coming closer to their exact pairing on the 12th of that month. Jupiter will also join the Capricorn “in crowd” as these three will be doing a trio dance throughout the year 2020, signifying great changes in our societal structures.  “Fasten your seatbelts…”

This New Moon is conjunct the asteroid Pallas/Athena, the warrior goddess, keeper of intellect and wisdom. She reminds us to honor and engage these aspects of our archetypal feminine energy, that of staying in tune with the facts, with what is true, but also keeping in mind timing, forbearance, tolerance and restraint in times when we are likely to fly off the handle, especially as Mars (action) opposes Uranus (revolution) at this New Moon. Venus has just entered Capricorn also, which places a sobering effect upon our relational interactions. We may prefer more the closeness of those who are the most trusted of our friends.

Mercury, now direct, trines (makes a harmonious angle of 120˚) Neptune at this beginning of this cycle, and Neptune will also be going direct the day after this New Moon, having been retrograde since June. Neptune governs our ideals, our dreams, our fantasies, our self-deceptions as well. As it moves into direct motion it offers us the energy to put our ideals into action, and with Mercury trining it we may receive some fortunate insights which may guide us in our relationships and in our emotional life (Mercury being in Scorpio) as well as in our spiritual path. Pay attention to your dreams especially around the 28th when the trine is exact, and Venus also trines Uranus.

That day, the 28th in the US is a day of giving thanks to what we are grateful for, and also a day often of family gatherings. My teacher Michael Sieck used to say, “if you think you’re enlightened, go home for Thanksgiving.” With the aspects being what they are, providing the possibility of emerging insights, we may find that consulting with our higher selves on that day and night will be extremely helpful in navigating whatever relationships or even memories that arise. It would be well to turn off one’s internal dialogue and simply notice what’s happening in the present moment. When we’re quiet is when we can hear the soul’s voice within.

This Moon cycle can be a time of seeing beyond our limitations, as the Sagittarius energy provides for us a look above and beyond our previous experiences, to look toward how our lives can be enriched by engaging with others in meaningful and rich interactions. It’s a time to dare to open our hearts, to establish connections with others that are not canned responses, but are authentic and genuine.

Sun in Sagittarius asks us to explore our hearts, move beyond our present horizon, whether that be physical or emotional, and seek out new vistas of inspiration and meaningful friendships. We need, more than ever, the inspirational quality and support of good-hearted relationships. The times are certain to change drastically in the coming year of 2020, at least the planets strongly indicate it, and if we allow ourselves to be guided by and trust our soul’s intent, (which is essentially about the desire to create and connect) then we will be provided for in ways we perhaps had not counted on or imagined could happen in our lives.

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subprime_mortgage_crisis