“Dawn’s Water” photograph by Julia Heemstra
Overview
Happy New Year ~ and welcome to the New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Sagittarius happening as Chiron, the magical healer, turns direct! Each new Cycle expands on the events of the previous Cycles so I refresh your memory that at the last New Moon on November 23, Jupiter was turning direct, bringing expansive energy and opportunity. I hope you experienced some of that along with the joy, good cheer and prosperity Jupiter often brings. Jupiter spirals us to the next level so deaths and completions can occur as well. This time the New Moon in Sagittarius, a sign linked to adventure, education and exploration, is in a tense, decisive square to Jupiter which brings pressure to make important decisions or be pushed out of our comfort zone as we step into new opportunities presenting themselves. Additionally the square to Ceres in Virgo urges us to pay attention to our health, how we wish to serve in the world, and to be more discerning in the choices we make on all levels about what is truly nurturing to us now. And don’t be surprised if you are surprised to discover your preferences have changed! All good.
Chiron turning direct at the exact moment of this New Moon brings powerful healing, deep sharing even forgiveness to all HolyDay gatherings. It can also mark a time when you feel complete with therapeutic processes and helpful guides you utilized to help you navigate the challenges of 2022, ready to move forward, a comforting awareness as we enter 2023 ~ a year of new beginnings.
Other key events taking place in the next four weeks are Mercury turns retrograde on December 29 2022 – January 18 2023 and Mars turns direct January 12 2023 from its retrograde of October 30 2022. The Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon of January 6 2023 takes place as Sun and Mercury conjunct exactly, amplifying the mind’s power, speed and intuition. You may come to know things by an odd coincidence or a flash of insight. Welcome 2023!
Thank you beloved friend, Julia Heemstra, for the use of these serene and beautiful photographs taken on a few of your truly epic adventures. Julia is a world-class athlete, and in her work as a humanitarian and a dual citizen with South Africa, she recently launched her organization, AMANZI:Water2Schools, which I highlight in the Endeavors to Nurture section at the end of this post.
Sidereal Astrology Mentoring and Readings
My posts are based on the true astronomical alignments of the planets with the constellations, also referred to as the sidereal zodiac. I use the phases of the Moon as the scaffold for my posts because the Moon functions like an energetic portal mediating between the heavens and our wondrous Earth. My entries are based on the aspects occurring each week as they crescendo, crest and dissipate over the course of their influence. As you work with and within the natural flow of time and the supportive cosmic energies that each unique SolLunar Cycle brings, life can flow with more ease, grace and understanding.
I delight in mentoring students—individually, with families or groups, and via workshops and conferences—who want to learn more about how to use sidereal astrology as a helpful tool for insight and awakening. Consider booking a mini-reading with me for $44 or $88, the numbers of living your Mastery on Earth. In these short readings, I discuss key personal transits that are happening for you in 2022 and beyond. Send me an email if you are interested in those options, or a full Natal Map, Update, Relationship Map, Young Adult or Child’s Map. Thank you!
@2022 – 2023 Lyn Dalebout ~ EarthWordSkyWord.com ~ All Rights Reserved
New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Sagittarius
At the New Moon, you are sprouting like a seed with new creative inspiration. Receive your unique insights by sitting in mediation or just be open to new possibilities arising within you from the sea of infinite creation.
New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Sagittarius: December 23 3:16 am MT: Sun/Moon conjunction in Sagittarius square Jupiter in Pisces/Ceres in Virgo ~ Chiron turns direct:
Happy New Year ~ and welcome to the New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Sagittarius happening as Chiron, the magical healer, turns direct! Each new Cycle expands on the events of the previous Cycles so I refresh your memory that at the last New Moon on November 23, Jupiter was turning direct, bringing expansive energy and opportunity. I hope you experienced some of that along with the joy, good cheer and prosperity Jupiter often brings. Jupiter spirals us to the next level so deaths and completions can occur as well. This time the New Moon in Sagittarius, a sign linked to adventure, education and exploration, is in a tense, decisive square to Jupiter which brings pressure to make important decisions or be pushed out of our comfort zone as we step into new opportunities presenting themselves. Additionally the square to Ceres in Virgo urges us to pay attention to our health, how we wish to serve in the world, and to be more discerning in the choices we make on all levels about what is truly nurturing to us now. And don’t be surprised if you are surprised to discover your preferences have changed! All good.
Chiron turning direct at the exact moment of this New Moon brings powerful healing, deep sharing even forgiveness to all HolyDay gatherings. It can also mark a time when you feel complete with therapeutic processes and helpful guides you utilized to help you navigate the challenges of 2022, ready to move forward, a comforting awareness as we enter 2023 ~ a year of new beginnings.
This crescendos Thu December 22, crests Fri December 23, dissolves Sat December 24.
Mercury in Sagittarius opposite Pallas Athene in Gemini: Sun December 25
This communicative, game-loving aspect feels nice for Christmas Day activities if you are celebrating the holiday. Travel is highlighted as well as sharing ideas and books.
This begins Sat December 24, crests Sun December 25, dissipates Mon December 26.
Neptune/Juno conjunction in Aquarius: Tue December 27
This longer-range aspect is helpful for those calling in a beloved or new colleagues to collaborate with on projects. It brings compassion and the ability to ‘stand in another’s shoes’. It helps identify manipulative patterns or habits of denial in relationships so you will no longer allow yourself to be deceived. Some of you might reignite the romance and magic you first had when you fell in love.
This crescendos Fri December 23, crests Tue December 27, dissipates Sat December 31.
LUNAR HIGHLIGHTS
Moon/Venus/Mercury/Pluto conjunction in Sagittarius: Sat December 24
This aspect is full of high energy, good cheer and leads to enthusiastic, super-focused conversations given potent Pluto’s drive to reveal the truth.
Moon/Saturn conjunction in Capricorn: Mon December 26
This can bring a more serious tone to the day. Feeling tired after the weekend’s activities is possible. Move with caution and be okay if you want to go at a slower pace.
Moon/Neptune/Juno conjunction in Aquarius: Wed December 28
This is a social, friendly, caring planetary sharing. Enjoy and heap appreciation on others and yourself!
First Quarter Moon
At the First Quarter Moon, you are called to action. The need to move forward with your recent insights can come via making a conscious choice or by challenging circumstances that require you make a move.
First Quarter Moon: Sun in Sagittarius square Moon in Pisces: Thu December 29
With this run-of-the-mill take-action phase of this Cycle, do something, explore something — Sagittarius — feel, even grieve something deeply — Pisces. Balance activity with rest if possible especially since Mercury turns retrograde today!
This builds Wed December 28, crests Thu December 29, dissolves Fri December 30.
Mercury in Sagittarius turns retrograde: Thu December 29 2022 – January 18 2023
So soon, some of you groan? No need to fret, even though, truth be told, travel plans can get messed up, appliances break down or explode, vehicles need repair. But it can be a relief when Mercury, our planet of communications and mental health, is asking us to take a breather at the turn of the New Year. This retrograde encourages more rest, reflection, and finishing up year end business. Given the influence of Sagittarius, it is an excellent time to investigate trips, educational opportunities, meditate or focus on and intend what you want to explore in 2023 and beyond.
This begins Tue December 27, crests Thu December 29, dissolves Sunday January 1 2023.
Sun in Sagittarius quincunx Mars retrograde in Taurus: Fri December 30
The aspect of a quincunx often requires you make a subtle course correction or a change in plans. With Mars still in go-slow retrograde you may need to adjust your expectations about the timing of how something is manifesting be that a construction project or a relationship.
This crescendos Thu December 29, crests Fri December 30, dissolves Sat December 31.
Venus/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn: Sat December 31
New Year’s Eve could be a wild, creative time for celebrants as Venus rules love and art and Pluto brings a driven, willful even obsessive energy. Another way to work with this gift is through prayer and intention. Get clear about what you desire and seek to create and ask wise Pluto to help you release impediments or fears you may have about getting what you truly desire.
This builds Thu December 29, crescendos Sat December 31, dissipates Mon January 2 2023.
Sun in Sagittarius square Chiron in Pisces: Sun January 1 2023
Challenging aspects like this square to Chiron make you feel vulnerable, ungrounded and out-of-body but that can be because you are tapped into spiritual, invisible forces. This is both a magical and healing transit. Pisces encourages rest and reflection if you are called to do so.
This crescendos Fri December 30, crests Sun January 1, dissipates Tue January 3.
LUNAR HIGHLIGHTS
Moon/Jupiter conjunction in Pisces: Thu December 29
The monthly union of the ruler of our emotions, Moon, with excessive, exuberant Jupiter can drive us to take risks, feel confident, or engage in extreme behaviors. This aspect happens the day Mercury turns retrograde so its influence might be even more pronounced.
Moon/Uranus/North Lunar Node conjunction in Aries: Sat December 31 2022 – Sun January 1 2023
How timely that this aspect which encourages us to take a next step toward our future happens as we exit 2022 and enter 2023. Shocks, accidents, awakenings often happen when Uranus grabs hold.
Moon/Mars retrograde conjunction in Taurus: Tue January 3
You might feel agitated, on edge or super-energized with this monthly pairing. Taurus can bring a more steady, calm energy and loves to nurture others. Channel your passions toward touching, caring or cooking for your beloveds.
This builds Mon January 2, crests Tue January 3, dissolves Wed January 4.
Full Moon in Gemini/Sagittarius
The Full Moon is the birth point of the current SolLunar Cycle. This can be a time of celebration or crisis, depending on your life circumstance. Feel the joy and relax into new discoveries and directions.
Full Moon in sidereal Gemini/Sagittarius: Sun/Mercury retrograde conjunction in Sagittarius opposite Moon/Pallas Athene conjunction in Gemini: Fri January 6 4:07 pm
Go outside and locate the Moon in astronomical Gemini so you can experience directly its high-energy, curious, gregarious joy. Geminis can talk to anyone so give it a try. The Moon is also paired with strategist Pallas Athene bringing good planning and organizing energy. Last amazing fact about this lunar portal: Sun and Mercury retrograde conjunct exactly amplifying the mind’s power, speed and intuition. You may come to know things by an odd coincidence or a flash of insight.
This crescendos Wed January 4, crests Fri January 6, dissolves Sun January 8.
Venus in Capricorn trine Ceres in Virgo: Fri January 6
This aspect, happening the same day as the flighty Full Moon, brings grounded earth energy — nice. This trine likes to tidy up spaces, clean, cook nurturing meals for your people. Check in on someone who needs tender loving care.
This builds Wed January 4, crests Fri January 6, dissipates Sun January 8.
Mars in sidereal Taurus turns direct: Thu January 12
It is a day to celebrate when Mars turns direct, completing the most challenging part of this every-other-year retrograde. In the past seven weeks, you may have had to slow down or halt certain activities, engage in therapies that purged the past. Perhaps you were guided to research or reevaluate an upcoming decision or chose to give yourself more time for rest and reflection. Now as Mars moves forward again, we can have more clarity of purpose and confidence in what lies ahead as we navigate the completion phase through early March 2023.
This crescendos Tue January 10, crests Thu January 12, dissipates Sat January 14.
Sun in Sagittarius sextile Neptune in Aquarius: Fri January 13
This aspect encourages creativity to bubble up so make space for inspiration and exploration today. It brings a sense of cooperation, harmony and spiritual peace to meetings or gatherings.
This builds Thu January 12, crests Fri January 13, dissolves Sat January 14.
LUNAR HIGHLIGHTS
Moon in Cancer opposite Venus/Saturn in Capricorn: Sun January 8 – Mon January 9
Here are some options for this aspect: the Cancer Moon is a homebody Moon, seeks comfort food, loves to nurtures others and Venus in Capricorn likes to beautify things, do projects, accomplish tangible goals.
Moon/Ceres in Virgo opposite Juno/Jupiter in Pisces: Thu January 12 – Fri January 13
This aspect happens as Mars is turning direct so this promises to be a make-things-happen couple of days. Focus on cultivating relationships—Juno—and honoring caregiving roles—Ceres. Virgo’s influence can bring a healing crisis/opportunity for some.
Last Quarter Moon
With the Last Quarter Moon, you release what has been and simultaneously prepare for what will be as new desires perpetually arise in the next SolLunar Cycle.
Last Quarter Moon: Sun in Sagittarius square Moon in Virgo: Sat January 14
This is the last day the Sun transits astronomical Sagittarius, entering Capricorn tomorrow. Review goals or visions you may have set for yourself or reflect on events from the past, making peace with a recent step you took if need be. Take care of your health and the needs of the body under Virgo’s influence.
This builds Fri January 13, crests Sat January 14, dissipates Sun January 15.
Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius quincunx Mars in Taurus: Sun January 15
Bringing a vision—Sagittarius—down to Earth—Taurus—is not always easy to do. This aspect helps you make a subtle adjustment to previous designs or plans so all can work out better in the long run. Confirm upcoming reservations and travel plans so you trust all is booked properly.
This builds Sat January 14, crests Sun January 15, dissolves Mon January 16.
Sun/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn: Wed January 18
When a Pluto portal opens, like today with this annual conjunction, big changes, catharsis, general intensity are always present. For some changes are welcome but for others, not what one had hoped for. Pluto always helps us let go of past detritus/stuff that is holding us back. Clear your clutter today. As the Sun brings illumination, it can be a good day for setting in motion shifts that will lead to greater vitality in your life.
This crescendos Mon January 16, crests Wed January 18, dissolves Fri January 20.
Mercury in Sagittarius turns direct: Wed January 18
Good news arrives or something is ready to be set in motion with this turning. Book tickets for a journey, glean insight into how a storyline is unfolding, be that in the novel you are writing or the life you are living. Let go, dance wildly, celebrate with others.
This crescendos Mon January 16, crests Wed January 18, dissipates Fri January 20.
LUNAR HIGHLIGHTS
Moon/South Node in Libra opposite Uranus/North Node in Aries: Sun January 15 – Mon January 16
This dynamic planetary quadruplet brings a sense of revelation and release regarding where we have been and where we are going. Go with the flow without overthinking things. State in your soul that you know unequivocally that the Universe has your back, always.
Moon in Scorpio opposite Mars in Taurus: Tue January 17
Willful battles, stand offs, taking sides can be part of this dynamic. Also feel the determination to succeed in your endeavors. Focus on finances if need be.
Moon/Mercury conjunction in Sagittarius: Thu January 19 – Fri January 20
This busy transit completes this SolLunar Cycle and brings a love of travel, teaching and learning, spiritual seeking.
Blessed New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Capricorn on January 21 1:53 pm MT, right as Uranus turns direct on January 22!
RESOURCES FOR PERSONAL AND PLANETARY WELL-BEING
ENDEAVORS TO NURTURE
AMANZI:WatertoSchools
My dear friend, Julia Heemstra, has launched her cutting-edge humanitarian organization, AMANZI:WatertoSchools bringing water and opportunities to the schools in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, her childhood home where she grew up. Julia is one of the most focused, passionate, optimistic beings I know, as an elite athlete, as a bringer of wellness and mindfulness to all ages, and now with her collaborative organization, Julia continues to expand her lifelong commitment to humanitarian service.
PLANT BASED DIET
The reality and urgency of our current planetary crises is real, as our youngest citizens know in their bones. Please educate yourself about how plant-based eating is a central component in how you can help personally restore ecological balance as well as create greater health and vitality for you and your beloveds.
The Game Changers: This inspiring movie and storytelling about vegan super-athletes and warriors educates us about the many benefits of a vegan diet and addresses the ‘meat protein myth’.
COWSPIRACY, What the Health and now SEASPIRACY are must-see movies for all humans who care about personal health, animal well-being, social justice, climate change, the health of our Earth. Become educated about the important information shared by these courageous and visionary filmmakers and activists and considering eating mostly plant-based, if not becoming fully vegan in your consumer choices.
30 Day Vegan Challenge by Collen Patrick-Goudreau
JIN SHIN JYUTSU
Health is in your Hands. Here’s a helpful tool to help you maintain health, calm, balance during these stressful but extraordinary times. I am a proponent of Jin Shin Jyutsu and have been a practitioner since 1983. This beautiful, easy-to-use book and card set teaches you the ancient Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu, the Art of Self Healing. JSJ’s premise is that by applying the jumper-cable of your hands to various points on the body, you can clear your own stress on a daily basis, freeing up stuck energy that leads to patterns of dis-ease, while activating the renewed flow of qi and vigor on all levels, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Explore JSJ and teach yourself and those you love this simple tool for centering and radiant vitality.
