Moon into Capricorn: Captaining Our Own Ship

Saturday morning through Monday afternoon
Eastern Standard Time

Saturday, December 24

Jupiter turns direct!

Moon enters Capricorn 8:46am
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 9:23am
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 10:01am
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 11:25am
New Moon in Capricorn:
Moon conjunct the Sun (Capricorn) 1:07pm
Moon semisextile Venus (Aquarius) 5:26pm
Moon conjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 8:43pm

Sunday, December 25
Moon semisextile Mercury (Sagittarius) 4:23am
Moon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 7:19am
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 4:12pm
Jupiter turns direct (Taurus) 5:07pm

Monday, December 26
Venus (Aquarius) semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 8:17am
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 8:35am
(begin void of course)
Moon semisextile Neptune (Aquarius) 10:02am
Moon enters Aquarius 12:15pm
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 12:53pm
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 1:34pm
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 3:11pm
Moon semisextile the Sun (Capricorn) 9:00pm

The Moon is now in steady, patient Capricorn, moving toward the New Moon that arrives just after 1:00pm Eastern Time. This New Moon, coming during the time of Solstice, is another sign we're in the midst of a large shift of energy and focus. Many planets––Pluto, Uranus, Venus, Chiron and Jupiter––join the Sun and Moon in the early degrees of their signs, with Saturn and Neptune in the closing degrees lending their energy as well. Seeds of intention planted with this New Moon will grow for a long time to come.

NORAD reports that Santa has already begun his journey delivering gifts to children of the world––we are likely to feel the grace and benevolence of the season more fully tomorrow, when Jupiter turns direct in Taurus. For this reason, I suggest we all wait until after 5:00pm tomorrow, December 25, to make our wishes and set intentions for this New Moon. That way, Jupiter can add his good luck to our efforts.

The Ghost of Christmas Present, Dickens' larger-than-life bringer of all good things, is a wonderful embodiment of Jupiter, especially resonant this year when Jupiter turns direct in abundant Taurus on Christmas Day. The syncretic links with many religious, spiritual and mythic traditions make it possible for all of us to welcome extra blessings and gifts arriving at this time.

What of the New Moon itself? Capricorn can feel a bit Scrooge-like, focused on getting and having, emphasizing hard work and scorning ease and pleasure. Any tendencies to work too hard, or take too dour a view of the world, can be released at this New Moon.

Who's at the helm?

And yet, let's not take a narrow view of Capricorn. This is the sign of the senex, the archetype of the old man and old woman who has lived much, survived much, and knows much. Yes, the senex can be harsh, narrow, authoritarian, rigid, and unhappy. The senex can also be the wise mentor, the scholar, the keeper of ancient lore, the contemplative.

Each of us has the archetype of the senex within us. This figure can feel critical, negative and controlling––or protective, supportive, and warm. At this New Moon, we look within. Who is our senex? How do we relate to tradition, structure and authority?

If the relationship is an unhappy one, now is the time to shift it. Who are the wise elders we most want to connect with? Reach out to them. Imagine their presence and advice.

Ultimately, of course, we embody the senex ourselves. Capricorn is a sign of leadership. At this New Moon, we can take the helm, becoming the author of our own story and the hero of our own life.

We live in times of great change, as this New Moon reminds us. Aligned with Pluto the alchemist, the New Moon squares Uranus the transformer while trining Jupiter the philosopher and sextiling Chiron the mentor and Neptune the visionary. Once again, everyone is at the table. The Nodes of the Moon are aligned with the Great Attractor, reminding us we're hurtling at tremendous speed toward an unknown but immensely powerful place.

We can respond to the tumult of these times by channeling our inner Scrooge, hoarding whatever we can get our hands on to ward off harsh times to come. Or we can step into another kind of authority, in which we take responsibility for piloting our own vessel, understanding the limits of our influence while pushing off into the deeper currents. Welcome to the New Moon in Capricorn!