As the end of the year approaches, we are greeted with one final new moon, and with it, an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and leave the past in the past before 2024 begins. The new moon in Sagittarius takes place on December 12 at 6:32 p.m. EST, ushering in a wave of Sagittarian optimism and a desire to act now. It’s a potent reminder that your comfort zone is an illusion, and life is meant to be experienced.

As the sage of the zodiac, Sagittarius has ample wisdom at its disposal, which it yearns to share far and wide. The sign is not afraid to contemplate the meaning of life—and you won’t be either during this Sagittarius new moon. It’s a lunation that can shake up your personal belief system and perspective, and bring on feelings of expansiveness and hope when it comes to contemplating the next steps on your path.

While you explore new avenues and follow your curiosities, consider that many truths may be possible. After all, Sagittarius is a mutablefire sign, known for both its passion and adaptability. Don’t be discouraged if your interests feel varied around this time—Sagittarius energy knows that there is always some sort of synchronicity and deeper meaning for everything you encounter on your path.

What is a new moon, and what does it mean in astrology?

A new moon occurs when the sun and the moon align in the same zodiac sign, and the moon sits directly between the Earth and the sun. It happens once a month and marks the beginning of the monthly lunar cycle, giving the lunation its association with a period of renewal.

The new moon is also the time when the night sky is the darkest (the moon is nearly black, blocking the light of the sun), and as such, we’re asked to embrace our instincts and intuition. Energetically, you may feel more tired or self-reflective than usual. As the new lunar cycle begins, we’re also closing out an old cycle and releasing what no longer serves us. This can be an exhausting and emotional process as we learn to surrender, trust, and let go.

As we release, we also create space for new opportunities to find us. Because of this, new moons are considered auspicious times to set intentions, perform rituals or spells, or call in desires or manifestations. When you do so, visualize where you would like to be six months from now (when the full moon in the same zodiac sign will occur). Get specific: What and whom do you see around you? What are the habits you keep as this future version of you? As the moon’s light continues to grow over the course of the next few weeks, your intention will grow, too.

Since a new moon is all about listening to your intuition, there is no wrong way to work with this energy. Turn inward, and ask your spirit team for a sign (in your dreams or waking life) about your next step. Trust that the universe will show up for you in divine timing, remain curious, and get ready to be surprised as your intentions come to life over the coming months.

It’s important to note that every new moon carries a different energetic signature based on the sign in which it occurs and the connections it forms with the other planets in the sky. Some new moons are ideal for manifesting abundance and love, while others are powerful for releasing old and outdated patterns or behaviors. You’ll want to read your new moon horoscope to learn more about the specific energy of each new moon with which you decide to work.

What is the meaning of the new moon in Sagittarius in 2023?

This year’s new moon in Sagittarius may feel like you’re caught in the middle of a tug-of-war between acting now and slowing down. While most new moons are auspicious times to initiate new beginnings, this one occurs at the same time as Mercury stations retrograde in Capricorn, which can stall some of our plans. You may be hit with a wave of inspiration—after all, Sagittarius is an active fire sign that craves momentum—but ultimately feel unclear about the path forward.

Adding another layer of confusion is the fact that Jupiter, Sagittarius’s planetary ruler, will be retrograde when this new moon occurs. We will need to re-evaluate any ideas, beliefs, and goals before charging after them. The good news: Jupiter’s retrograde ends on December 30, bringing an end to any aimlessness that’s been plaguing you and allowing you forward movement for a goal or idea formed around this new moon.

Patience is a theme with this lunation, as is learning to surrender and trust the universe’s timing and process.

In turn, patience is a theme with this lunation, as is learning to surrender and trust the universe’s timing and process. Rest and slowing down are necessary for growth, co-creating, and manifestation. This can feel counterintuitive, as we live in a society that tends to equate our worth with our productivity. But this new moon reminds us that reflection is key for recognizing what’s no longer working, what could use refining, and how we can set ourselves up for success when motivation and clarity return.

Indeed, such reflection is doubly important under these moonbeams as the new moon forms a harsh angle toward illusive Neptune, which can stir up insecurities and sensitivities. Know that miscommunication and misunderstandings are possible; you’re not able to see the full picture just yet. Themes of sacrifice, creativity, and deep inner healing work can also pop up thanks to Neptune’s influence.

The presence of Mars, the planet of motivation and anger, next to this new moon in Sagittarius could make you feel like you need to act now—but heed the above warning to slow down before taking any irreversible action or severing ties with any people or situations. Once Mercury and Jupiter clear their retrogrades, clarity will arrive, and you’ll feel more sound and solid in your decision-making.

To get a better picture of how this action-oriented energy will affect you, read on for your sun, moon, and rising signs. Then, pick up a unique self-care practice to help you move through this lunation with a little more ease.

What the new moon in Sagittarius means for your zodiac sign

Aries

Expansive ideas are emerging from within, Aries, as the new moon moves through your ninth house of education, perspective, and travel. You may find yourself feeling divinely guided as the moon clashes with mystical Neptune in Pisces. Intuitive messages and symbols from your dreams may inform the next steps on your path.

At the same time, you may also be embarking on a new educational journey or otherwise beginning a new cycle for your personal beliefs and mindset. You feel more confident shaking outdated, limiting beliefs and replacing them with healthier truths.

Your new moon self-care practice: Disrupt your regular routine by leaving your comfort zone. Even if it’s as simple as shopping at a different grocery store, inviting in new experiences will expose you to new people, ideas, and inspiration.

Taurus

Did someone say entanglement, Taurus? The new moon lands in your eighth house of shared resources, expectations, debt, and intimacy. You’re rethinking where—and into what and whom—you want to invest your time and energy.

If there are any connections or contracts in your life that leave you feeling depleted, it’s time to let go of them, and clear space for new people and opportunities to find you. This is also a powerful time to sever ties with the past and make a dent in any debt you owe. You could be reworking your budget and cutting down expenses, too.

Your new moon self-care practice: Every time you pay a bill or buy groceries or a public transportation ticket, take the time to stop and express gratitude. Don’t just acknowledge it, but feel it, too. Appreciating the little things will lead to more abundance in your daily life.

Gemini

Watch out for gaslighting, Gemini. The new moon in Sagittarius activates your seventh house of one-on-one relationships and contracts, bringing your attention to your partnerships. With this lunation’s close angle toward Neptune, it’s easy to believe in opportunities that sound too good to be true. You’re being invited to use discernment: Which connections could use stronger boundaries, and which have you outgrown?

As you step away from the people who no longer serve you, you’re creating space for new partnerships to flourish. You may also be initiating a new creative project around this time.

Your new moon self-care practice: Consider the sacrifices you’ve made in your important relationships. Is there reciprocity? If you find that you’re veering toward martyrdom, consider setting stronger boundaries and prioritizing your time with people who invest as much in you and your dreams as you do in them and theirs.

Cancer

You may be ready to reject a long-held belief, Cancer. The new moon moves through your sixth house of daily routine, well-being, and responsibilities, opening your eyes to the thought patterns that have kept you at a distance from your dream life.

You feel more capable of cutting through any previous delusions, and you may be making a new long-term professional or personal commitment that requires much of your effort or dedication. Know that your hardwork will pay off in due time.

Your new moon self-care practice: Make a list of limiting beliefs—all the things you say to yourself that keep you small. One by one, cross out each belief, and rewrite it as a positive affirmation. Re-read this new set of affirmations each morning for the next month.

Leo

You’re ready to reprioritize joy, Leo. The new moon lands in your fifth house of pleasure, creativity, romance, and hobbies, reminding you that your inner child still lives within you and can call the shots. You may be bringing a new creative project into this world or dedicating time to an activity that makes you feel young and alive again.

Romantically speaking, if you’re single, you may form a new passionate relationship, and if you’re partnered, you may need to reassess the give-and-take in your connection.

Your new moon self-care practice: Carve out time each day for an activity or hobby that makes you feel fully present in the moment. Scheduling a time to reconnect with your pleasure on a daily basis can keep you grounded.

Virgo

You’re cutting right to the truth of it all, Virgo. This new moon illuminates your fourth house of home, family, and the past, bringing a fresh start to your personal life, living situation, and/or family dynamics.

Under these moonbeams, you may be tasked with setting stronger boundaries between your work and personal lives. And with your B.S. meter at an all-time high, you’re also able to detect which family patterns are better off left in the past and ditch any sense of guilt or shame in doing so. This can be a sensitive yet cathartic time as you’re clearing out old attachments and previously held beliefs.

Your new moon self-care practice: Clear unused items from your home, associating every item you decide to donate or toss with something in your life or mindset that you’d like to release, too.

Libra

Your schedule is about to get a refresh, Libra. The new moon activates your third house of daily environment, communication, and learning. You may be either beginning or ending a contract or project around this time.

If you’ve had to sacrifice much of your time for a personal responsibility, setting boundaries as you move forward may be necessary. You may also feel called to learn something new or otherwise expand your mind.

Your new moon self-care practice: Try some stream-of-consciousness style writing. See what ideas, thoughts, and feelings live rent-free in your mind. Which ones are worth bringing into this world and discussing with others? You may be surprised by what pours out of you once you get started.

Scorpio

You’re renegotiating your relationship with your sense of security, Scorpio. The new moon moves through your second house of income, possessions, and comfort, asking you to cut through the fog and be honest with yourself about your budget. Which monthly expenses are necessary, and which could you live without?

You may also be ending or beginning a new work contract or project around this time, reminding you that money comes and money goes. Watch out for the urge to overindulge; treating yourself is well-deserved, but it isn’t worth leaving yourself in a lurch.

Your new moon self-care practice: Reacquaint yourself with items in your home. Is there anything that you’ve purchased in the past year that you wish you used more? Weed out any belongings that are just taking up space, and give forgotten items a second chance.

Sagittarius

You’ve had enough, and you’re ready to let everyone know it, Sagittarius. The new moon activates your first house of self, identity, and new beginnings, pushing you to advocate for your needs and desires—despite what anyone else may think.

There may be some drama in your personal relationships, in which you may need to set new boundaries. Watch out for projection, and stay focused on whatever new beginnings you’d like to initiate. This is your yearly reset that allows you to step into a more authentic version of you—to present yourself to the world in a new way and reorient your focus.

Your new moon self-care practice: Test out some mirror work. Write 10 statements about the future you desire, and phrase them in the present tense. Look at yourself in the mirror each morning, and repeat these affirmations. Pretend your reflection is the future-you, and you’ve already embodied these new beliefs, goals, and habits.

Capricorn

You’re moving through a murky moment, Capricorn. The new moon lands in your 12th house of closure, healing, spirituality, and the subconscious mind. You may be wrapping up a cycle or learning to surrender or release unsupportive habits under these moonbeams. The more you let go of self-destructive behaviors—no matter how intertwined with them you may feel—the closer you’ll get to a deeper sense of peace.

Your new moon self-care practice: Keep a dream journal this month. Your intuition is heightened under this moon, and important symbols and synchronicities could show up in your dreams. Look out for any overlap between the experiences of your dream and waking lives, and don’t be afraid to ask your spirit team for guidance on next steps.

Aquarius

You’re ready to bring your dreams to life, Aquarius, as the new moon illuminates your 11th house of hopes for the future, friendship, and support. This is an aligned time to reach out to your network, and go all-in on a personal goal that you’ve been dreaming about for quite some time.

You may also be renegotiating boundaries or relationships with acquaintances or groups. If you’ve outgrown a friendship, don’t be afraid to save your effort and put it into a more meaningful connection.

Your new moon self-care practice: Dream up a budget to finance one of your goals. Whether your dream is attainable in five weeks or five years, having a plan laid out in front of you will bring you one step closer to witnessing how this dream may come to manifest in the real world.

Pisces

You have your sights set on a new horizon, Pisces. The new moon activates your 10th house of career, legacy, milestones, and accomplishments. You may be taking on a new project or role in your professional life, or feel called to set new boundaries in the workplace—especially if an offer requires you to make a personal sacrifice.

You’re also feeling more courageous and willing to show the world a new side of you. An accomplishment you achieve around this time could lead to new opportunities that expand your public reputation and help to shape the legacy you leave behind.

Your new moon self-care practice: Share your most recent accomplishments with the world today. Practice taking up space and celebrating yourself (yes, even if it feels cringe). You deserve to soak up all the recognition for how far you’ve come.