The year’s last major lunar event is coming up on Dec. 19, and it’s ringing in the holidays in a most celebratory fashion. That’s because December’s new moon rises in the fiery and festive sign of Sagittarius, so it’s got the perfect energy to get you amped for the end-of-year holidays as well as light up some excitement for all the adventures that lie ahead. The year is coming to an end, but this lunation has your mind on new beginnings — and the spiritual meaning of Dec. 19’s new moon pushes you to look at your future possibilities from a whole new perspective.
The new moon is the initiatory phase of each month’s lunar cycle, bringing the sun and moon together in the zodiac. This union of the luminaries signifies a new beginning — both of the moon’s shape-shifting visage in the sky, which will begin waxing after the new moon until the full moon two weeks later — but it’s also a fresh start energetically. New moons in astrology are thought to be supportive of planting new seeds and committing yourself to new endeavors. Because the moon is enshadowed in darkness during this period, it’s also thought to be a time of introspection, where your intuition can give you more pertinent information than observations made with your eyes and ears.
Peaking just two days before the winter solstice, December’s new moon symbolizes a bright burst of inspiration, allowing you to look beyond your current surroundings and envision the greener pastures that might exist over the rainbow. The sun and moon are united in fiery Sagittarius — the sign of the cosmic archer — which always optimistically aims its arrow toward the most exotic and intriguing corners of the galaxy. The spiritual meaning of this Dec. 19 lunation encourages you to do the same, and connecting with it is key.
New Moon In Sagittarius Spiritual Meaning
The new moon on Dec. 19 may not be visible, but it has the power to energetically light up everyone’s spirit during this dark period of the year. At the time of the new moon, the luminaries will be joined in Sagittarius alongside love planet Venus and communication-oriented Mercury —creating a Sagittarius stellium that amps up the mutable fire energy that’s been so potent over the past month. Setting your sights on lofty goals and taking a risk is the Sagittarius way, so right now, you may feel an inherent sense of trust that the universe will be there to pad your fall should you miss your landing. Fear is a four-letter word that you’re no longer interested in giving any credence to, because you’re fully up for a challenge.
However, the new moon will be caught in a squabble with tough-love planet Saturn and illusive Neptune, so your passion-fueled idealism could be hit with some harsh reality checks. Just because the grass looks greener on the other side doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all it’s cracked up to be over there. Expanding your horizons is great, as is being open to exploring new places and ideas, but be sure to temper your expectations. Not every enticing new path leads to someplace that’s better than where you are now, no matter how shiny and sparkly it looks when you first lay eyes on it.
On the other hand, experience is one of life’s greatest teachers, so even making a wrong turn or an overly-idealistic leap of faith right now will likely yield a net positive. There’s a lesson in every hurdle, failed attempt, or dead-end road, and each of those lessons is of great value to your future endeavors. Plus, the new moon’s struggles are being softened by the infinite blessings of lucky Jupiter — Sagittarius’s ruling planet and thus the cosmic governor of this lunation — which is making a beautiful connection with Saturn and Neptune, in perfect contrast to the moon’s tough squares with these two planets. Don’t let a roadblock or letdown push you into a mindset of defeat. If you set your sights high, missing your target will still land you somewhere new and exciting.
Working With The New Moon In Sagittarius
The winter solstice hits on Dec. 21, just two days after December’s new moon, so this lunation is heavily laced with holiday cheer. Sagittarius zodiac energy is festive, fun-loving, and always in the mood for a celebration, so it’s a great time to gather with your closest crew — whether for a witchy candle-lit end-of-year manifestation session or just a pre-holiday kickback where you can casually discuss your visions and goals for the year ahead. Light candles, make a mood board, and take a first step toward something exciting.
Even if you don’t put together a formal moon ritual, you can tune into the spiritual meaning of December’s new moon by simply allowing yourself to think bigger and look beyond what’s currently within your reach. There are always going to be opportunities that lie before you, but not all of them will allow you to embody your greatest potential or your truest passions. The world is a vast place full of limitless ideas and possibilities — so why confine yourself to only what you’ve already been exposed to? Embrace your inner seeker and chase after the things that excite you now. You may not always land on your feet, but at least you’ll have experienced something new.
