The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.
Friedrich Nietzsche
The next New Moon, which falls on December 14th is placed in the last decan of Sagittarius, beginning the next lunar cycle which will culminate in six months on the 26th May 2021. For this Lunar phase, the card that I drew was from the story of “The Aeon” or “Judgement” as it is also known, from the upcoming deck “The Oracle of Change“. This card, which is the penultimate in the Major Arcana sequence, speaks of the recognition that a new situation is dawning for you, one that is a result of all that has gone before. Whether this is a positive moment or a more difficult realisation, very much depends on the events that have preceded this time, as well as your reactions to these events. The journey to this place is likely to have been long and difficult, with many smaller decisions playing their part in the process. It is unlikely that you would have imagined yourself standing where you are now, all those weeks, months or even years ago; it is difficult to mark where it all started, but here you are, nothing you can do now will change the outcome. A new world beckons.
Images of card ‘XX. The Aeon’ from the oracle of change
At this New Moon, take a moment to pause, to reflect, to look within. Sagittarius is a sign of questing, the Centaur imagery portraying a hybrid between the forces of nature, portrayed by the horse, and the rational, upper, human half. The energy of Sagittarius has passed through the depths of Scorpio, but seems to have found a way to the other side, into a world which is full of the everyday miracles and tragedies of life. Sagittarius typically sees life as a fascinating journey, and is not especially interested in arriving at the destination – there is so much more to see on the move. Very much at home while travelling, whether in reality or in the mind, adventure lies at the heart of Sagittarian purpose, with the physical and mental landscapes through which it travels, being essentially about the search for meaning in life. While the pursuit of a true sense of faith is likely to be an enduring one, there is a danger of dogma for Sagittarius, as the desire to believe in something may lead it to a heavily biased sales pitch to those around. Typically, this firm conviction will be replaced by a new absolute some time afterwards.
Image: Leader- by Stuart Littlejohn from the Quareia Magicians Deck.
NEW MOON BLESSING:
I am the power of the bursting seed, dancing in the beckoning void, ripe with limitless potentials. A kaleidoscope of outcomes seduces, invites and tempts you, but be still in the darkness of the Moon. Sense the power of her black womb, and wait. Trust that in the stillness that I, the right “seed” for now, will find you, a vision for your soul to nurture…… In Sagittarius-I Seek: to know all that I can, to experience distant places, in all realms. I am a traveller of far off lands, which exist in earth, in fire, in air and in water. I learn, I gather, I expand my awareness; I delight in all new experiences. I constantly add to my store of knowledge and experience, bringing back tales of adventure and teaching. ©JKG
The Astrologers Diary
The New Moon every month offers an opportunity to sow new seeds, and as an Astrologer, I find it to be a useful exercise for myself and in working with others, to use the energy of each particular New Moon, according to the Sabian Symbol that it falls on, together with the position in which it falls in the Natal Chart. Such considerations can be invaluable in steering through ups and downs, and in becoming “easy” with the ebb and flow of what life brings.
This particular New Moon falls in the 24th degree of Sagittarius, which Dane Rudhyar describes as follows:
PHASE 264 (SAGITTARIUS 24°): A BLUEBIRD PERCHED ON THE GATE OF A COTTAGE.
KEYNOTE: The reward which meets every effort at integrating into a social environment for those who remain true to their own selves.
The bluebird is a symbol of happiness, but also it refers to what one might call a spiritually oriented mind – to which the color blue relates, especially when a ‘bird’ is mentioned. A cottage is normally a part of a community, and the implication is that its inhabitant are well-adapted, either to the life of the community, or to their’ more or less isolated togetherness. This is a fourth stage symbol, and it suggests that the essential technique for successful living is the development of a consciousness in which peace and happiness dwell. There is also a hint that GOOD FORTUNE is going to bless your life.
I love this image from the Sabian symbols, of the need to remain true to the self, whilst also integrating into the society that surrounds you, something which can be extremely challenging for many people. The Tarot Card that governs this particular Decan is The 10 of Wands, a card that indicates that we are drawing close to the end of a cycle… the burden has become heavy, can we make it through to the end? or must we give up whilst just in sight of the finish line. This card often suggests the idea of battling on, when the reason for the struggle has been lost, when belief has waned, and it is the habitual response that keeps up the momentum. This New Moon is a good time to examine where our actions may be outdated, where we might be adhering to behaviours just because that is what has been occurring for so long. Is this really what is wanted, do we still believe in our cause?
I really feel the burden personally at the moment…. with the “Finish Line” in sight for the physical arrival of our Book/Deck project, things have been held up again and again at the printers… between one thing and another… mainly it seems, to do with covid. My belief though, has not waned… it will come, and it will be worth the wait I am sure.. like the bluebird on the fence, it will arrive soon enough, a happy, creative event, winging its way into the community.
New Moon Blessings, And may the goddess watch over you ❤
My name is Joanna Grant, I am an Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Writer, who lives on the beautiful Beara Peninsula in the South West of Ireland. I can often be found at home, deep in arcane research, or practicing some new form of divination whilst burning the dinner! My children probably wish that I was “normal” but may well remember my eccentricities fondly when they come to face the challenges of their own paths. My long knowledge of Astrology leads and informs my practice, in offering guidance, empowerment and healing, helping others to lead a more authentic and magical life. You can read more about me here.
Joanna-Kate Grant 