The Astrology Behind This Month's New Moon + How To Work With It

It's hard to believe 2023 is almost at a close—but not without one last new moon first. This moon, in the sign of bold and brash Sagittarius, finishes off a 6-month lunar cycle that began with the Sagittarius full moon back in June, offering us some refreshing energy to bring into the new year.

This month's new moon arrives in the sign of Sagittarius on December 12, at 6:32 p.m. EST.

With a new moon in Sagittarius, we're all encouraged to embody the Sagittarian spirit of adventure, optimism, and expansion. As astrology expert and author of Astrology SOS, Imani Quinn tells mindbodygreen, it's a time for renewed hope after a less-than-light Scorpio season, as well as daring to see the possibilities in front of you.

Of course, Sag is also known to be a traveler, so if you've been wanting to book a trip, Quinn says, go for it. Your "travel" could also be more figurative, such as expanding your mind, visualizing the year ahead, or starting to move a project forward.

"This new moon is an invitation to move forward to use that spark of energy for hope and manifesting your dreams," Quinn notes, adding that with Jupiter as Sag's ruler, we've got luck on our side as well. "If we put in the work and really dare to try, that spark of luck will hit us," she says.

And speaking of Jupiter, it is retrograde in Taurus until the end of the month, so Quinn says time is a chance to reflect on the final lessons Jupiter has to teach us, as well as think about how we can prepare for the blessings it will soon bring.

If that retrograde wasn't enough, Mercury comes in as a star player the same day as the new moon. But don't let that scare you! According to Quinn, rather than fearing Mercury retrograde, it can actually offer us a great opportunity for a mental reset before we start a fresh calendar year.

As the last new moon of 2023, this is an excellent time to think about the energy you want to bring into the new year. Set your intentions, Quinn recommends, and don't be afraid to dream big. Sagittarius never shies away from a challenge, and neither should you!

As this is a new moon in fiery Sagittarius, Quinn recommends working with the element of fire through candle magick. Using the aforementioned intentions you came up with, light a candle and recite your intentions out loud.