By and large, the focus of the New Moon at 24°39′ Sagittarius on December 16 is on the last quadrant of the zodiac, encouraging us to review our place in the collective and consider carefully where we wish to apply our talents and energies for the benefit of all.

The tight sextile between the New Moon and Jupiter, the Archer’s ruler, is almost sure to bring opportunities for increasing our knowledge base, which Sagittarius lives for. Since Jupiter in Aquarius will make his last conjunction with Neptune on December 21, it will be interesting to see what we have learned over this past year about our personal truths and where we have been deluding ourselves.

December 21 is also the solstice and a very important point in the yearly cycle of dark and light. The next week or so is a very good time for contemplating our progress and setting intentions for the next cycle. This solstice is shaping up to be a powerful turning point, with Mars in Leo stationing retrograde the day before. Both Pat and I will be adding more on this subject between now and then.

Adding clarity to this New Moon is the square to Uranus in Pisces. Squares can be very good for delineating differences, and for allowing us to see them and make changes based on that information. Sagittarius is often impatient with Pisces’ fondness for “going with the flow,” because it wants a clear target to shoot for, not Neptune squishiness. Uranus is always pushing us to take the cutting edge option, but it won’t hurt to make sure you are going with the well-tested version, not the beta.

The Saturn in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn is clearly operating in full force, teaching us lessons in how to relate to others and deal with differences in opinion. I am seeing others (and myself) having to choose between compromises or ending a long-standing relationship.

For some reason, this square is calling to our attention the differences between people’s words and their actions. Pluto in Capricorn pretty much demands accountability for our actions as well as the need for honesty. Saturn in Libra is all about getting real in the way we interact with others. Between the two, we either will clean up our act or be shown the door – I do not see much leeway in this. Those with strong Libra signatures in their charts are bound to be the bellwethers for the rest, because if they are seeing these issues in their relationships and taking action, then sooner or later, it will be happening to others.

On a lighter note, Venus in Sagittarius is having the time of her life right now, with Mars in Leo right there ready to escort her to the nearest holiday party. This influence will be fading by Christmas, so all you fire signs out there better make the most of it while you can. Mars going retrograde and Venus moving into Capricorn on December 26 are sure to give us one heck of a hangover.

Mercury is in Capricorn and slowing down to station retrograde on December 26. We still have some time to take care of business correspondence and enjoy the brisk, matter-of-fact way Capricorn handles communications in general. Have you sent out your Christmas cards and letters yet? If not, better get cracking!

For the New Moon, the Sabian symbol is 25 Sagittarius, “A chubby little rich boy rides upon a hobbyhorse.” My sense is that we have opportunities for imaginative play in a protected situation, but it is important to keep in mind a hobbyhorse only goes back and forth in one place. Enjoy the moment, but remember the party always ends.

Please express your gratitude and appreciation for family and friends every day all year round as well as during this holiday season. It is easy to be generous and loving when life is upbeat, but it is critical to do so when times are tough. Be well and be kind to all who cross your path.

posted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

Image:  This is a Christmas stocking I cross-stitched for my granddaughter. It took me roughly ten months of working on it almost every evening to complete and is an example of tenacity-patience (Saturn) creating something beautiful (Libra) for a loved one.