“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” Jack Kerouac, On the Road

The New Moon this month occurs in the sign of Sagittarius (0°) on Saturday November 22nd, at 4:32 am (PST).  Sagittarius is a Mutable Fire sign, meaning that it is a threshold sign, bridging one season into the next, and resonating with the visionary element of Fire.  Sagittarius is the hero/ine searching for the Quest that will bring not only individuation, but ultimate meaning.  Sag embodies enthusiastic, looking-to-the-future, outward moving energy after the inward directed flow of Scorpio.  The mood is now noticeably lighter, and we are compelled to make sense of the truths that were unearthed while the Sun transited Scorpio.  

The bow and arrow associated with Sagittarius exemplifies this release of the Self out into the world to experience what’s “out there” in order to define what’s “in here”.  Sagittarius comes to the conclusion that the meaning of life is to make life have meaning.  World religion, metaphysics, law, higher learning, and pilgrimage all fall under the quest for individuation in Sagittarius.  Many of us sleepwalk through life thinking we have all the time in the world, that death is an abstract concept that happens to other people.  They think, one day I will pick up my paintbrushes again and get back to my art.  Or, some day I will walk in the footsteps of my ancestors through the Irish countryside.  Eventually, I will have the time to focus and write my book. The gift of Sagittarius is the ability to grab the bull by the horns with the unshakeable faith to make it happen; to just go for it, now.  The New Moon in Sagittarius is an optimistic fresh start for all of us, and the time to make intentions around personal individuation.  Seize this energy to plant your new seeds for radical personal growth and expanding your possibilities.

Sagittarius has the heart of the Nomad, the mind of the philosopher and an unquenchable thirst for the next horizon.  Theirs is the the unfolding royal road of the Journey, and they are prepared to travel both the inner and outer worlds to see what's around the bend.  They are intoxicated by the mysteries of faraway lands, the scent of exotic spices, and the haunting melodies of undiscovered cultures.  They are the sign that throws a few belongings into a backpack and hitchhikes across Europe, staying on the couches of friendly strangers along the way.  Sometimes, when acting from its Shadow, the Archer can be hedonistic, throwing caution to the wind and jumping in over their head.  Sure, it can sometimes get them in trouble, but, oh, the stories they collect!  And, how deeply, fiercely, madly do they actually engage with life.  And, if they manage to develop some consciousness along the way, the Sage is another of Sagittarius’s archetypes for a reason.  They are learning the tight rope balance of shouting a resounding YES! To life, and the wisdom of moderation, so they don’t end that life prematurely.  Sure they are known for being blunt, opinionated, and sometimes annoyingly self righteous, but their affable nature, optimistic outlook and genuine friendly approach keeps the balance.

My own son is turning 23 next week, and he is on his own Sagittarian Odyssey as we speak, making his way across the country, like the bon vivant I always knew he would be.  He is having his Jack Kerouac On the Road experience ( a book he smuggled out the library in third grade, incidentally). Am I worried about him? Sometimes.  But it was me who bequeathed the Big Red Back Pack to him - that I bought in my own wanderlust days - for just this reason.  My wish for him has always been to be a Seeker of Life's Mysteries.  To turn over every rock, and peek around every corner.  To drink deeply of this world, and suck the marrow out of life.  I instilled into my tiny Sagittarius from a very young age, that travel and pilgrimage were next to "godliness".  And, as every parent of a Sagittarian child can attest, there are certainly some high wire moments along the way that scare the living shit out of you.

Every New Moon is Unique

Although the New Moon occurs in each sign once a year, each New Moon is unique.  The closest aspect to this New Moon is a square from otherworldly Neptune, casting an ethereal glow on the Sun/Moon conjunction.  This is a New Moon that is infused with the spiritual, the creative and intuitive.  Venus is up close and snugly as well, adding a liberal splash of sacred feminine energy to this Moon.  The Goddess of Love herself, also in Sagittarius, is moving up to make a trine with Uranus in Aries, enlivening and surprising with some fresh inspiration and shaking up the way we look at love and relationship.  

Guiding Goddess Archetypes

All of this Sagittarius energy demands a deity that shoots from the hip, values freedom, and tells it like is.  Artemis, from the Greek pantheon.

New Moon in Sagittarius Affirmations

• Freedom is my birthright, and I do as I will, harming none
  
• The time is now to focus on my dreams.  Time waits for no one.
  
• I look for the higher meaning in everything that happens
  
• I now honor my thirst for knowledge and fill my well with whatever my spirit requires
  
• I am open minded, and embrace new experiences, people, and situations
  
• My faith in Life is unshakeable.  I trust in the grand plan of the universe
  
• I bounce back quickly from adversity, and set my sights on the next horizon
  
• I trust that my own bright spirit is leading me where I need to go
  

New Moon in Sagittarius Activities to Focus the Energy

• Investigate a new spiritual path that you are unfamiliar with.  If you are Pagan, try a Buddhist mindfulness meditation.  If you identify as Christian, check out the philosophy of yoga
  
• Go somewhere new.  Not all of us can afford to hit the road to Nepal, but we can all check out another neighborhood, or drive to a nearby city or town.  Bonus points for chatting with a local.
  
• Plan a pilgrimage.  Read everything you can on one or all of the following: Glastonbury UK, the Camino Trail, Machu Picchu
  
• Eat something exotic (to you) 
• Visit a natural history museum
  
• Get outside!
  

Eye on the Target: New Moon in Sagittarius Ritual

What You Need:

• Sage smudge
  
• Small blue candle
  
• Sense of adventure
  

Go somewhere Sagittarian: It could be the wild spaces associated with the Archer - a mountain hike, a walk down a windy beach, or through the park.  Or, go to one of the places of the expansive mind - stroll through a natural history museum, a gallery or university campus.  Spend some time reflecting on an experience, pilgrimage, or quality that you want to bring into your life.  Be bold and daring in your aspiration.  Make sure it something that inspires you and gives you chills when you visualize yourself doing it, being there, or having it.  Find a visual symbol for your quest, and go home and place it on your altar.  Alternatively, if you are outdoors, you can make a temporary altar outside. 

Smudge your space, ground and center.  Light a blue candle, and say: "This flame is the spark that ignites my vision."  Blue (especially deep sapphire) is associated with Sagittarius.  It helps us to see clearly, focus our intent, and speak our truth. 

Sagittarius is sign of action.  Once your candle burns out, do one thing to actualize your intent.  If you desire a pilgrimage, get online and look at airfares and places to stay in the area.  If you want to broaden your mind, check out college calendars, or make an appointment to talk to an Advisor.  Maybe it's improved health you're wanting to manifest - find your gym clothes and put them somewhere you can see them.  The idea is get your vision out of your head, and into the world of form.  This starts the ball rolling, and as said in one of the greatest literary adventures of all:

"You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” J.R.R. Tolkien Fellowship of the Ring