FEATURE — While new moons are known to trigger new beginnings, this week’s new moon is supercharged with enthusiastic optimism to take off in a new direction.
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 4:31 p.m. MDT, the sun and moon will align at 20 degrees Sagittarius, marking a new moon. In the mutable, fire sign of Sagittarius, this moon initiates a new two-week cycle where we are pushed to expand our horizons in the area of life in which the moon activates.
Less than eight hours after the sun and moon align, shortly after midnight on Wednesday, Mercury will station retrograde in Capricorn. Mercury retrograde is a time when trouble with communication, transportation and technology are more likely. And it’s on the days that Mercury stations retrograde or direct that tend to be the wonkiest.
In this case, those dates will be Dec. 13 and Jan. 20, 2024. It’s a good time to backup data, triple-check text messages or emails before sending, check the oil and tires before taking off on a road trip, and plan for unexpected delays at the airport.
On the bright side, Mercury retrograde offers something unique. It’s a time for reflection, review, revision, rethinking, remembering and reconsidering. And during the holiday season, it’s this reflective influence that could help deepen the meaning that comes at the year’s culmination.
So what does all of this mean for you? Find out below.
Aries
March 21-April 19
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This new moon is bringing you a fresh new perspective with plenty of optimism, dear Aries. You could be feeling some restlessness and an urge to shake things up now. New projects are favored at this time, and you’re likely to pour enthusiasm into any endeavors you take on. This influence is meant to help you expand your horizons and crank up your adventurous spirit. Mercury turning retrograde in your 10th house of career could bring some need for refinement in the professional sphere. This is a time to refocus.
Taurus
April 20-May 20
This week, a new moon hits your eighth house, dear Taurus, bringing fresh beginnings to matters of finances, intimacy and power. It’s time to take stock of your cash flow and perhaps draft out a budget. In the grand view, a new moon in this sector is about empowerment, and having a solid financial plan stands central to self-empowerment. If you’ve been wanting to bring in some money on the side, you may figure out the way now. Mercury turns retrograde in your ninth house of spirituality and beliefs. Perhaps you’re rethinking your philosophical outlook.
Gemini
May 21–June 20
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It’s a brilliant time for new beginnings in relationships, dear Gemini, as this new moon activates your seventh house of partnership. Past issues may find easier routes toward resolution now, as you are more willing to let go and adapt in the way that best suits both people. For some, this could be a time when your relationship evolves to the next level. If you meet someone now, you may change your mind about them, due to your ruling planet Mercury turning retrograde hours after the new moon reaches its peak. Over the next month, you may be reconsidering how you spend money.
Cancer
June 21–July 22
This new moon is energetically charging you to clean up your habits, dear Cancer. In the sixth house, the new moon turns your focus to work, health and your daily routine, empowering you to make any needed changes to help you refine your day-to-day life. It’s a good time to start a new workout routine or implement healthy changes to your diet. The optimistic influence will make these changes feel much less of a burden. Mercury will then turn retrograde in your sector of partnership, prompting you to reexamine your relationships. This could be a time when miscommunication is more likely, so it’s worth taking the extra time to choose your words carefully. If you meet someone during this period, they may not be who they seem when Mercury turns direct in January.
Leo
July 23–August 22
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A new moon in your fifth house offers new beginnings in matters you hold close to your heart, dear Leo. Creative self-expression, games, pleasure, hobbies, children and romance all fall within the fifth house and will be highlighted under this influence. You might pick back up a beloved hobby you let fall by the wayside and now see its potential with a more optimistic outlook. This also serves as an optimal time to reignite the romance with someone special or step back out in the dating scene. Mercury then turns retrograde in your sixth house of work, health and daily routine. This could be a time when your daily routine takes on a different look. Be prepared for changes on the day-to-day. You may be reflecting on what comprises a day and whether it’s ultimately benefiting you as a whole.
Virgo
Aug. 23–Sept. 22
This new moon is happening in a foundational part of your sky, dear Virgo, prompting new beginnings related to fourth house matters of home, family and your inner security. For some, this could indicate home renovations, deciding to move or moving into a new place. For others, this influence could manifest at a deeply emotional level, prompting you to establish a deeper sense of self-reliance. The fourth house is one of nostalgia, and it may be through reflecting on your past that you discover a new way of merging into the future. Just hours later, your ruling planet Mercury stations retrograde in your fifth house of self-expression, children and romance. Playful creativity is on hand for you, just be willing to let the creativity take its own course. This is a time to follow what shows up, rather than trying to take the reins.
Libra
Sept. 23–Oct. 22
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This new moon initiates a busy time for you over the next two weeks as it falls in your third house of communication, transportation and community, dear Libra. The third house also deals with the mind, which may increase mental activity and cause some restlessness. The best way to utilize this energy is to learn something new, work with your hands, write, embark on a mini road trip and spend time with your siblings or in-laws. Mercury then turns retrograde in your fourth house of home and family. Largely, this is about security. How easily can others rock your boat? It’s time to tap into your internal navigation system and shore up your inner foundation.
Scorpio
Oct. 23–Nov. 21
With this new moon falling in your second house, new beginnings in money and self-worth are on offer, dear Scorpio. Your five senses are highly active now, and your appreciation for the physical world is heightened. As a result of this attunement, you are tapping into a new sense of understanding and appreciating the value of yourself. Some could redefine their relationship with money, and as a result, discover a way to increase income. Take time to revel in the present moment. Also this week, Mercury turns retrograde in your third house of communication and transportation. As a Mercury-ruled house, this adds an exclamation mark on the common mishaps known to happen while Mercury is retrograde. As such, be on the lookout for technical or mechanical issues.
Sagittarius
Nov. 22–Dec. 21
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A new moon in your sign initiates a new year cycle, dear Sagittarius. This is a time when you are pushed to reinvent yourself in some way. This could include cutting bad habits, letting go of what no longer serves you and integrating new people, projects, ideas and routines that acutely align with your true heart’s desires. Take note of what comes up for you now, as you may discover new pathways that stoke your fire. Also this week, Mercury stations retrograde in your second house of finances and self-worth. It would be wise to keep a closer eye on your money now, as there could be discrepancies, such as being accidentally overcharged. Try to keep an extra bit of money as a buffer if you can.
Capricorn
Dec. 22–Jan. 19
A new moon in your 12th house occurs this week, prompting new beginnings where it comes to subconscious patterns and how you connect to the unseen, dear Capricorn. A new moon in the 12th house is a bit of a paradox, as the 12th house also indicates endings. Yet, each ending springs a new beginning. If you’ve been struggling to let go of something, now you feel empowered to move forward. Hours after the new moon’s peak, Mercury stations retrograde in your sign and first house of identity. Under this influence, you are being pushed to redefine yourself in some way. This could mean you change your mind about something that transforms the way you see yourself.
Aquarius
Jan. 20–Feb. 18
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This week’s new moon falls in your 11th house, igniting fresh new beginnings in matters related to friendships and your future, dear Aquarius. The 11th house rules Aquarius, and thus highlights characteristics attributed to your sign, such as how you connect with the world at large and engage in humanitarian efforts. This could be a time when you reconsider your social circle. As a sign known for your ability to connect with people from all walks of life, you’re also sometimes called the “loner of the Zodiac.” But this new moon pushes you toward networking and the benefits that come with social connection. Also this week, Mercury stations retrograde in your 12th house, pulling you deep into the sublayers of yourself.
Pisces
Feb. 19 – March 20
This week is all about new beginnings in matters of career and personal legacy, dear Pisces, as the new moon falls in your 10th house. You’re likely to consider your standing in society now, your wide-range achievements and goals and what you desire to leave behind. For some, this could be a time when you are shifting career paths, starting a new job or feeling a sense of renewal in the work you do. Outside of the workplace, the 10th house is about public persona. As such, you may be in a state of redefining yourself. As Mercury stations retrograde in your 11th house of friendships and future hopes, you may feel some confusion in social circles over the next few weeks. It’s best to turn inward now to find a stable sense of support, rather than leaning on others.
For a more specific outlook, read the forecasts for both your sun and rising signs. If you do not know your rising sign, use this online calculator.
It’s important to remember that astrology forecasts are not meant to be fatalistic. Rather they offer a window into current energetic influences, so we may work with them and help foster a more wise and loving spirit.
Ed. note: This information is composed by St. George News editorial staff for entertainment purposes only.
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