December's New Moon Solar Eclipse Heralds a Brand New Era

On December 14, 2020 (8:17 AM Pacific Time), there will be a new moon/total solar eclipse at 23°08’ of Sagittarius.

These last two weeks of eclipse season—and really, this whole year—have been a kind of portal. Each of us has had to feel our way through darkness and uncertainty, hoping it will lead us to our highest good. But at this new moon, we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Sagittarius is, after all, the zodiac’s eternal optimist. So it’s no surprise that when the moon and sun align in this mutable fire sign, faith and hope come a little more easily. No matter how difficult life has been, we just know that things will get better. Sayings like “everything happens for a reason” or “every cloud has a silver lining” rise above cliché, and resonate with spiritual truth.

Still, we shouldn’t skip ahead to the silver lining. With the moon and sun conjunct the South Node, this eclipse can also bring endings, losses, and goodbyes—which may or may not have a bright side. Honor your feelings (and those of others), even if they’re not particularly “positive.”

This eclipse’s conjunction with Mercury highlights the importance of speaking our truth. But it also reminds us that words have power: to speak our ideas into existence, and shape our experience of reality. So in conversations with others and your own self-talk, try to choose words that uplift and inspire—without sacrificing honesty, integrity, or authenticity.

As this eclipse squares Neptune in Pisces, there’s a fine line between positive thinking and wishful thinking. It’s important not to be “all talk,” or make false promises to ourselves and others. Fortunately, with the Sagittarius moon, sun, Mercury, and South Node all trining Mars in Aries, we’ve got the willpower to back our intentions up with action. The key is channeling this fiery energy toward learning, growth, and the greater good—not just indulging our own appetites.

True, with Jupiter as its ruler, Sag sometimes overdoes it. But Jupiter’s year-long transit of Capricorn has taught us to do more with less. And Jupiter’s sextiles with Venus and asteroid Juno on the day of this eclipse bring opportunities to share the wealth. As we set new-moon intentions, we might focus less on what we want, and more on what we want to give.

With Chiron in Aries stationing direct on December 15, healing is our greatest gift. As Venus moves into free-spirited Sagittarius on the same day, we’ll also want to give each other room to learn and grow.

After all, this eclipse is just the beginning. We’ve got some BIG energy shifts to look forward to this week, with both Saturn and Jupiter (December 16 and 19, respectively) leaving Capricorn for Aquarius. To top it off, their long-awaited “Great Conjunction” at the winter solstice kicks off a brand new 20-year cycle.

Read on for your sun and rising signs to learn more about what this eclipse means for you.

Horoscopes for the New Moon

Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius

Sagittarius

Follow your bliss, Sag! This solar eclipse in your sign rekindles your lust for life, and your passion for personal growth. If old ways of presenting and expressing yourself no longer feel authentic to you, it’s time to let them go. Living your truth inspires others to do the same.

Capricorn

“Sacred space” doesn’t always mean a particular place. For you, Capricorn, it’s more an inner state of mind—something you can carry with you, wherever your spiritual journey leads. And at this eclipse, it may be leading you somewhere new. Let intuition and divine inspiration be your guides.

Aquarius

Believe it or not, Aquarius, brighter days are on the way. But to see the possibilities, you must be willing to let go of old ideas about what the future is “supposed” to look like. This eclipse invites you to surrender your expectations, and perhaps envision something that surpasses them.

Pisces

Keep your eyes on the prize, Pisces! At this eclipse, you can make great strides toward fulfilling your higher purpose. Whether the calling is personal or professional, you’ll have to shed some old beliefs about who you are—and what you’re capable of—in order to follow it faithfully.

Aries

Ready to move on, Aries? After a year like this one, that’s totally understandable. Still, don’t be in such in a rush to leave 2020 behind that you forget everything it’s taught you. This eclipse reminds you to seek knowledge and wisdom through all of your life experiences.

Taurus

Free to be you and me! Taurus, this eclipse finds you shedding your inhibitions and welcoming others to do the same. You have the audacity to aim for greater intimacy, with meaningful connections on every level—physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. Just make sure that others share your noble intentions.

Gemini

The best relationships, Gemini, bring out the best in us. That’s why, at this eclipse, you’re only looking to connect with people who uplift, inspire, and energize you—and give you plenty of room to learn and grow. If friends or partners don’t, it’s time to say goodbye.

Cancer

Find your “why,” Cancer: This eclipse can make even the most mundane tasks on your to-do list more meaningful, as long as they serve some higher purpose. Being mindful of what you’re doing, and what or whom you’re doing it for, infuses your daily routines with new energy and enthusiasm.

Leo

What lights you up, Leo? At this eclipse, that’s a question worth asking… and the search for answers takes you far and wide. If you’ve lost your enthusiasm for older interests, it’s time to look for inspiration elsewhere. Pursue whatever’s sparking your curiosity—you might discover a new passion!

Virgo

Keep the home fires burning, Virgo: This eclipse is a time to rekindle connections with family, and the history and traditions you share. At least, the ones that continue to resonate with you now. Give yourself permission to release some old associations, and imbue your memories with new meaning.

Libra

Your aim is true, Libra. But in the eagerness to put a positive spin on things, you sometimes end up missing the mark. At this eclipse, it’s time to start telling it like it is. The more honest and direct you are, the greater the potential for learning and growth.

Scorpio

Count your blessings, Scorpio—at this eclipse, there may be more of them than you think! While it’s not always easy to practice an “attitude of gratitude,” the rewards it brings are well worth the effort. Donating or volunteering for a worthy cause can help you to ignite the spark.