A Sagittarius New Moon announces the Solstice
There’s a lot to say about the astrological/astronomical events of this weekend! Alas, I’ve been quite ill for the past ten days and unable to do a video about it, but I’ll post something as soon as I can.
The Sagittarius New Moon square Neptune requires a conscious adjustment around what we believe and (think we) know (Sagittarius) and what is the non-material true nature of reality (Pisces). Neptune at the end of Pisces has been reflecting this crucial point – what do you rely upon for knowledge? Is it a belief you inherited from your family or culture?
Direct perception and self-awareness should always be your primary reference. If you are stuck in rigid belief systems (politics, religion/new age spirituality, nationalism…) you are likely to miss opportunities to see the truth. Only an open mind can allow new information and realizations to seep in.
Saturn and Neptune at end of Pisces emphasize surrender – let go and get focused on what you aspire to without being sentimental about the past.
Like Pisces, Sagittarius has big visions based in faith and idealism. As first the Sagittarian Sun and then the Moon both squared Saturn in Pisces before this lunation, we may have already had a solid dose of Saturnian realism and humility that helps us remember who’s really in charge around here (i.e., spirit/the universe/God, etc.).
If not, the Sagittarius shadow tendency to jump to conclusions – similar to taking AI or other media at face value – will inevitably cause trouble at some point down the line. Beware of needing to have all the answers, and notice the peace of mind that comes from saying “I don’t know”, or “I wonder what that could mean?”
3iAtlas made its closest pass to the Earth on December 19th, and we’re none the wiser today. It isn’t a typical comet. Estimated by astronomers with no particular agenda to be 7-8 billion years old, it’s nearly twice as old as Earth, meaning it started out on its journey without us in “mind”.
I don’t have much else to say about this as I’m trying to avoid adding to the massive projections and assumptions that accompany these extraordinary events. Are you old enough to remember the tragedy of Heaven’s Gate? I am. Keep an open mind and release expectations and dreams of salvation/rapture.
Media, and especially AI, must be considered as a tool that requires a good dose of healthy skepticism before accepting the information provided. Click bait is either for feeding an ego, a bank account, or a narrative. If you are made to feel emotional about something, step away from it for a while.
For beautiful images and a humble, informed assessment of 3iAtlas, watch the latest on Ray’s Astronomy channel here https://youtu.be/TPDlQkOy2AE?si=zb48xVAFNFtbjR26
Adding to the current emphasis on change and new beginnings, this New Moon’s Lunar Family is the end of an old cycle and the start of the next. Take note of these dates to follow how they track in your life:
The previous Lunar Family phase/lunar gestation period began on 23 December 2022 at 1º32’ Capricorn; the opening square/first quarter Moon phase was 22 September 2023 at 29º32’; the Full Moon phase was 22 June 2024 at 1º07’ Cap; the closing square/third quarter Moon phase was 22 March 2025 at 2º05’ Cap.
The Sagittarius New Moon at 28º24’ (20 December 2025 at 01:43 UTC) ends that cycle and begins another one.
This new lunar family keeps our awareness focused on the Galactic Centre (known by astronomers as Sagittarius A*), the black hole at the centre of our Milky Way Galaxy. Like a fixed star point, it has a specific degree of 26º51’ of Tropical Sagittarius (precessing by 1 degree every 72 years or so) and given its extreme distance from Earth a very tight orb should be used – around 2º-3º at most.
For me, this is an invitation to expand our awareness to realms beyond our limited human mind, where there are no opinions or notions of separation. We can live in the ultimate reality without forgetting how to make a cup of coffee!
Look ahead to the opening square/first quarter Moon of 18 September 2026 at 25º57’ of Sagittarius for realizations around what needs adjusting based on today’s new beginnings.
The Full Moon phase occurs on 19 June 2027 (18 months from now) at 27º33’ of Sagittarius. This is when you will feel this cycle culminating – it’s the peak moment of the cycle, the height of awareness around whatever the cycle represents in your life.
Then the 3rd quarter or closing square occurs on 17 March 2028, with the Sagittarius Moon at 27º53’ squaring the Sun in Pisces conjunct Mars less than a degree away as they approach Cazimi at the Aries point exactly on the Equinox of 20 March 2028! Watch this space…
Beginnings and endings, endings and beginnings. The wheel of Samsara goes round and round!
The Solstice on 21 December 2025 at 15:03:07 UTC
About a day and a half later, the Sun ingresses 0 degrees of Tropical Capricorn, signalling the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the longest night of the year. After weeks of turning inward, in a matter of days the light slowly begins to return. This annual turning point isn’t a good time for taking action or announcing future plans, rather for contemplation and reflection.
Clarify and plan your personal goals and vision behind the scenes, preparing to expand it outward in the weeks ahead with steady, Capricorn determination. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn and symbolises humble determination and patience as we build something reliable and durable. With Mars now exalted in Capricorn this point is even more strongly emphasised, and with the Moon in detriment in Capricorn we need to focus on pragmatism and not get lost in nostalgia.
For many people, it’s hard not to get caught up in the commercial and social pressures of the modern Christmas season, so the opportunity to focus on personal awareness and planning can be missed entirely. If you prioritise aligning with what is vital in you now and listen to your inner directives, this is a good time to get clear about who you are/have become now, and who you no longer want to be.
If there’s a lot of stress and discord around you, explore whether your deeper sense of purpose is out of alignment with what you focus on and who you spend time with each day. Can you follow the strongest urge coming from your soul? This immediately clarifies what your next steps should be.
Near the end of this 9 year of completion, it’s urgent to acknowledge what is done, at least from the perspective of your soul.
You might still have some loose ends to tie up in the weeks and months ahead, but at least know that it’s about finishing with grace rather than dragging something on too long. 2026 is a 10 year, which reduces down to a 1 year of new initiatives, new ways of being. 2017 was the most recent 1 year, and that cycle is over now. Finish up, and move along.
Align with the person you need to be to fulfill the life you are being called to. Listen to your inner prompts, and set yourself up to move in this new direction. If you ignore your inner voice, you will start a new cycle under someone else’s authority.
These Solstice days are for inwardly listening more and outwardly doing less. The Sun is our life force, our guide and the symbol of our consciousness, and as it appears to stand still on the horizon, it’s showing us we should prepare for a change in direction.
Much love and many blessings to you all!
Susan