How to survive December’s chaotic yet exciting new moon

The last new moon of the year will arrive on December 12, 2023 at 6:32 a.m. ET (3:32 a.m. PT) as it rises in the thrill-seeking sign of Sagittarius. The bittersweet new moon is the perfect time to reflect on the past 12 months and stay optimistic about the future. But like most things in life, it's not always that simple.

That's because the December new moon coincides with the last Mercury retrograde of the year (December 13-January 1), forcing us to reexamine the past. You may be ruminating on painful memories or seeing the return of your ex. do not be afraid! Sagittarius always goes all-in on what they want, so this new moon is still a good time to focus on attracting good vibes.

"Sagittarius energy brings excitement, possibility, and the courage to expand and absorb new knowledge," says astrologer Imani Quinn. "As the year comes to an end, celestial systems are giving us a dose of energy to propel us forward."

Sagittarius drives our curious minds and hearts, and there is much to learn during this new moon. Follow these considerations for the December 12 new moon to keep your head above water.

DO: Listen to your gut

Neptune, the planet of dreams and fantasies, will be squaring the Sun and Moon, which can create challenges between our perception of a situation and what our gut is telling us. That, combined with Mercury retrograde, "will test your ability to differentiate between hasty impulse and intuition," Quinn says.

This new moon is the perfect time to clear your mind and take in the clues of the universe.

Don’t: take chances

Jupiter is in the final stages of its retrograde period, which could present unexpected opportunities—but with Mercury retrograde looming, it might not be a good idea to up the ante higher than it already is. Instead, sit back and think about how far you have come.

"This may teach you some final lessons on how to hold back your blessings and abundance so that when Mercury goes direct, the work you put in during the new moon can pay off in the new year," Quinn said. forward development.”

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Do: Take your time

New moons are naturally a time to rest and recharge, and with Mercury retrograde keeping us stuck during this new moon, now is the perfect time to relax.

"Be careful and proactive about travel delays, miscommunication and clarity issues when signing new contracts, and perhaps wait until the holidays are over before signing any contracts," Quinn said.

Jupiter's presence creates a wealth of opportunities, but don't rush - trust the process!

DON’T: Make hasty decisions

One of the strengths of Sagittarius is that they are committed to pursuing their goals and dreams, but the flip side is jumping into things too early, often without weighing all the options.

"Impulsivity can create more challenges," Quinn said. One of the difficulties can be getting stuck in a commitment that you can't get out of.

DO: Look for the silver lining

Of course, there may be miscommunications over the next few weeks (thanks to Mercury retrograde), and inevitable mistakes may be made at work. But Sagittarius is very good at solving problems, even in the face of adversity.

“Crescent is the hopeful promise of our vision,” Quinn said. By maintaining a positive attitude, you may find that luck is on your side.

Don’t: Overcommit yourself to things

Noncommittal Sagittarians are less likely to make promises they can't keep; they see the beauty in saying "no" to invitations or responsibilities they don't have the energy for. That said, pay extra attention to things that interest you, whether that's a work project, volunteering, or a creative endeavor.

“Write down action steps to hold yourself accountable for how you actively work toward your intentions,” Quinn said. “These steps are important in laying the foundation for energy moving forward.”

DO: Plan your 2024 aspirations

Looking ahead is appropriate for this new moon, which reminds us not to squander our inner potential. Inspire Sagittarius' confidence, create a vision board, and dream big without limits.

"Think of your intentions as holiday wishes," Quinn says. “Write them down and recite them out loud as you light the candles.”

expert:

Imani Quinn, astrologer and co-author of Astrology SOS