“Late Fall Fragmented Sketch with Day Moon Over Misty Ocean,” by Maria Theresa Maggi
The moon is new at 20 degrees Sagittarius of the tropical zodiac on December 12, 2023 at 3:33 PM Pacific Standard Time. And as I begin writing this newsletter, I ask that the forces of love and light surround us, and bless our communication.
Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the tropical zodiac and it’s the doorway to the Winter Solstice. It’s the third fire sign, after Aries and Leo. This triplicity is also called the Life Signs or their houses are called life houses. With Aries, we have the instinct to begin life. In Leo, we open our hearts to the delights of childhood and romance and to our creative impulses. Both Aries and Leo are under the horizon in the zodiac, so their emphasis is self-generated and often deeply personal. Sagittarius, on the other hand, belongs in the half of the zodiac that is above the horizon—the spaces in which we respond to partners and to the world at large. Sagittarius lights a fire within us to understand ourselves in a broader context, and thus philosophy, spirituality, education and the law all fall under its influence. Its broad and adventurous approach to life gives us the gumption to take big chances on a hunch or a gamble that things will get better if we do. Sagittarius also ignites the fire of righteousness in us. It is the energy that draws us to subscribe to a larger belief system and to make the case for why it is the one that shapes society for the better.
Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, often called “the generous planet,” or “the gift bringer.” Jupiter’s largesse can also take the form of excess, and it rules the liver, so as the holidays heat up, this sign and its planet can compel us to overdo and overeat and drink, all in the name of a good time. Or we might spend more than we should. But these planetary and astrological forces tend to take whatever comes with a philosophical shrug of the shoulders and a sense of humor. The sense of adventure outweighs the potential danger pretty much every time.
The symbol for Sagittarius is the arrow, pointed upwards, as if it’s drawn tight by an invisible bow about to send it far and fast. And indeed, Sagittarius does not belabor the details or sometimes even the destination. Its emotional instinct is geared to explore and discover. The best-case scenario is one in which Sag and Jupiter’s exploratory impulses help us develop a deep sense of gratitude for life in general.