The New Moon in Capricorn comes exact on December 21, 2014 at 8:36 PM EST
Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Capricorn.
Every New Moon falls in the same sign as that of the Sun. This is precisely what makes it a New Moon. On the same day that the Sun moves into Capricorn, the New Moon rises dark and silent in the sky. The Full Moon falls in the opposing sign. Capricorn’s opposite sign on the zodiac wheel (180 degrees across) is Cancer, so this month’s Full Moon will fall here. Quarter Moons land in between on the squares; cycles always fall together in either the fixed, mutable or cardinal signs. The Moon phases this month will all be in the cardinal signs.
The Saturn cycle
The New Moon in cardinal earth sign Capricorn marks the kickoff for the coming month and the official end of the Sagittarius cycle. In classic astrology, Capricorn concerns structure, tradition and society. You might already be feeling a shift from busybody Sagittarius energy. It’s quite fitting that the Western holiday Christmas falls during this transit: a time to relax, eat lots of food, indulge in materialism and enact a series of beloved rituals. Capricorn energy is rather serious and conventional, with plenty of exceptions of course. This cycle usually heralds productivity, so get ready to work. Your New Moon mantra might focus on a specific project or plan that you’ve been meaning to finish.
Connecting to our bodies
The New Moon is a chance to recreate, to start anew. This phase is like an infant: impressionable, vulnerable and wide-eyed. How will you set the tone for the coming month? What projects have you been meaning to launch? What changes need to be made? This is a time of beginnings, or perhaps going back to the start. Words, thoughts and actions that happen now are seeds planted for harvest at the Full Moon in two weeks.
The sea goat is not as adventurous as Sagittarius, but rather more disciplined. Capricorns are often kinesthetic learners; as earth signs, they need to touch and feel in order to grasp a given concept. Energy here is sourced from our physical bodies and the labor that we do. Many Capricorns derive a great sense of fulfillment from their vocations. Although they are just as creative and visionary as the next person, Capricorns tend to devalue their artistic side. They are more likely to be proud of their work ethic, degrees or social status.
The no-nonsense approach
Capricorns can be just as social as the archer, but in a different way. The sea goat understands the importance of networking. Even your more personal relationships may take on a businesslike tone at this time. We are no longer seeking to expand our mind or reach a new level of spirituality, but rather discern who can do what for us and when. When imbalanced, you can see why Capricorns have a reputation for “using” others or acting manipulatively. However, most of the time this is just pragmatism at its utmost. In any case, make sure that you continue to tune in to mind, body and spirit.
Real world application
The Sagittarius cycle encouraged us to jump off into the unknown. Armed with new inner wisdom, we’re ready to apply it to our daily, external life. Unlike the archer, the goat has no problem moving slowly and deliberately. The work you do now will be thorough, efficient and sound. If it weren’t for the holiday season here in the West, I expect that this transit would be pretty sobering. After all the mingling and partying we’ve just done, it feels so nice to quiet down and turn inward again. Recognize that your inclination to stay home and meditate is perfectly natural!
Moving with purpose
The cardinal nature of this phase manifests as patriarchal undertones. Like an uptight father figure, Capricorn often has issues letting go, living spontaneously and breaking the rules from time to time. The Moon asks now: where in life do you need more self-control? Use this earth energy to get some good work done, but keep in mind that earth is, by nature, heavy and resistant to change. For a helping hand, visualize instead new sprouts growing in a fire-ravaged forest, pushing up to reach the sunshine. We can connect to the earth and still be light! If imbalanced, you might feel stuck, stubborn or lazy during this cycle. Remember all that we have learned from Sagittarius about the importance of an open heart and easy laughter.
If you would like to learn more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.
Mantra: self-control