Less than one day after the New Moon in Sagittarius on December 12th, Mercury stations for its retrograde phase which lasts until New Year’s Day. It may seem that Mercury is holding us back, keeping us from moving forward...
December 8th ~ 15th
“Sagittarius” by Johfra Bosschart
Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it may bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country. ~ Anais Nin
On Tuesday, December 12th, we have a New Moon at 20º Sagittarius 40’. Optimistic and hopeful, the New Moon feels like an opportunity to look to the future with a sense of hope and possibility. Entering the halls of Sagittarius is like coming out of a cave, and opening up a door on to a vast untrodden vista. We can go anywhere and do almost anything through the adventurous doors of Sagittarius, where the next step is truly the first step of the rest of your life. Inspired by the vastness of our prospects, the is a sign of High Hopes and Big Dreams. But no sooner do we cast our dreams into space, and then Mercury stations, beginning its retrograde phase.
It may seem that Mercury is holding us back, keeping us from moving forward with our plans. But that is not actually true. In fact, Mercury’s retrograde phase may in fact be something of an advantage. And any delays or detours may also turn out to be fortuitous in the end.
Jupiter, the ruling planet of Sagittarius, is also in its retrograde phase, which comes to its conclusion on the last days of this year. But as Mercury stations on December 12/13th, it does so with a supportive trine aspect to Jupiter and a sextile to Venus in passionate Scorpio. We are moving into the retrograde phase of Mercury with high hopes, big dreams, and a heart that is growing 3 sizes too big. Know that you are not alone. There are others here with you. And we are all traveling on this journey together.
It may feel for many that they are going into retreat with the retrograde journey of Mercury. But we are not going into retreat to avoid our dreams and our hopes and our vision for the future. We go into retreat in order to have the objectivity and strength to enter 2024 with the resolve to make our Hopes and our Big Vision a closer and more achievable reality. And whereas Jupiter ends its retrograde phase at New Year’s Eve, Mercury ends its retrograde phase on January 1st. Which seems a hopeful way to start the New Year.
Note also that the New Moon is making a square aspect to Neptune. And for much of the retrograde phase of Mercury it will also be square Neptune. We are casting our dreams into space in the face of vast uncertainties. We simply do not know what the outcomes are going to be, or where we are going to land when the dust settles and the fog lifts. And so we are being asked to take that first step into the rest of our life with the faith that we are going to be precisely where we need to be in order to fulfill our dreams. And that is true even if it does not look like it is.
What the retrograde phase of Mercury can be useful for:
reassessing your goals. On the heels of the Sagittarius Moon, you may be exploring your options. This may not be the best time to make any definite decisions, but it is when you are being asked to reassess. At first practically and objectively, and then thinking in terms of vaster possibilities as Mercury also moves back into Sagittarius on December 23rd.
reflecting on the year that was. For many it could feel like you will be needing to create new goals, new schedules, new routines and new expectations when Mercury and Jupiter end their retrograde phases at the New Year. But in the mean time you are being asked to reflect on what you have accomplished, what you have learned in the year that was.
slow down. Sometimes you have to get a little lost, or take some time off, in order to find yourself again. This allows you to gain objectivity, and see things from a whole new perspective.
process. The retrograde phases of Mercury are very important times in the year that allow us to process and assimilate the experiences of the past. This is precisely how we learn and are able to make sense of our lives, and give it deeper meaning.
This does not mean that we are not going to encounter the usual denizens of the retrograde phases of Mercury. It is still wise to be mindful while traveling, and to re-read and re-check lists. There is an adjustment phase as we approach and then enter the retrograde period, where it almost seems as if we are turning within, become more reflective and introspective. We do so, in order to do the important work as stated above.
Do cast your dreams into space with the New Moon in Sagittarius. Do make intentions, even in the face of uncertainty. With the New Moon square Neptune, our wishes may not be fulfilled or come in the way that we expect them to. Therefore ask that they be fulfilled in the best ways possible.The best time to make intentions would be after the New Moon on Tuesday, December 12th (after 6:32 pm here on the East Coast of the US; 12:32 AM on December 13th in the UK; and 3:32 pm Pacific Time).
Some positive intentions or affirmations for the New Moon in Sagittarius might be:
I am the pathfinder on the road to unexplored adventures, and ever-expanding horizons.
I am vast and can
see myself opening up to a whole new world of possibility.
I want to see myself filled with the confidence that things will work out in the best way possible.
I know the joy that comes from generosity and giving with an open heart.
My optimism and belief in the future knows no bounds
May I be led to a clearer understanding of the purpose and meaning of my life
For this week’s horoscopes, click below: