Sagittarius New Moon: Changing Perceptions

From fake news, inflammatory tweets and breathtaking roll-backs on vital policies to devastating floods, earthquakes and fires, at first glance it might seem that 2017 was a bust. Yet consider how far we’ve come:

• After years of pressure by environmentalists, the World Bank  just announced it will cease all investments in oil and gas exploration over the next two years. And France’s recent offer to fund climate research attracted 1,822 applications, nearly two-thirds of them from the U.S. (the only country to not sign the Paris Climate Accord.)
• Women’s rights grabbed the spotlight as high-profile sexual abusers were outed and held accountable.
• Demand for healthier, non-GMO food and clear disclosures on labels reached critical mass.
• Public attitudes about animal rights took a quantum leap.  For instance, dolphin captivity in parks like Sea World is becoming far less acceptable. Dolphin Project founder and former dolphin trainer Ric O’Barry, who  began his efforts to help cetaceans in 1970, recently said, “I have never felt more positive about the progress we’ve made for dolphins as I do now. We’ve gained tremendous momentum worldwide as people are realizing that dolphins do not belong in captivity, nor should they be hunted, abused or slaughtered.”

Clearly, perceptions are changing. What has turned the tide? For the last three years, taskmaster Saturn, traveling through truth-telling Sagittarius, has been shining a spotlight on hidden beliefs and corrupt practices. Some of the revelations have been painful, but at least we now know what we’re dealing with. This is true in our personal lives as well. Whichever part of your chart Saturn has been excavating is ripe for lasting change. On Dec. 19, Saturn marches into Capricorn (the sign it rules, in which it is extra powerful and resourceful) for the next three years. This down-to-earth, businesslike cycle will help give our dreams and course-corrections a solid underpinning.

Saturn leaves Sagittarius in grand style, as befitting that royal sign. At the Dec. 17 Sagittarius New Moon (10:30 p.m. PST), the ringed planet will impart wisdom that can set us free (if we’re not partying so hard that we miss it).  Set aside some quiet time to listen for revelations, as the New Moon and Saturn activate the Galactic Center (GC) – a massive black hole and source of cosmic wisdom around which our Milky Way revolves. During its retrograde cycle in Sagittarius, curious Mercury has also been investigating the GC (exact Nov. 27, Dec. 6, Jan. 12). You’ve probably received some sobering but essential info. Once Saturn enters Capricorn Dec. 19 and Mercury turns direct on Dec. 22, a plan of action should start to take shape – with Jan. being a good month to launch it.

Meanwhile, Venus also transits Sagittarius through Dec. 24, so be sure to get out into nature and connect with your inner spirit. Rather than exchanging expensive gifts, go for a family hike. Treat your weary body to a nice massage. Review the last three years and see what perceptions have changed for you. Give thanks for all you’ve learned and accomplished, no matter how small, and set some realistic goals for 2018. You might want to make a vision board at this New Moon for what you wish to create.

Above all, have a blessed holiday and New Year! And be sure to contact me for a consultation to find out what 2018 holds for you. My special offer, which expires Dec. 15, gives you half off on a Power Consultation for someone you love when you order one for yourself. Email me at simone@astroalchemy.com to find out more.