The Sagittarius New Moon

Astrology by Lisa Stardust

The Sagittarius New Moon is a magical time that allows us to embrace our innermost desires. Being that we are dealing with pure Sagittarian energy, we can hone in prosperity, autonomy, and self-discovery. Our thirst for adventure and knowledge will be high as we seek out new and inventive ways to express ourselves and live our best lives. 

Five minutes after the New Moon occurs, Jupiter, the planetary ruler of Sagittarius, ends its retrograde journey that began July 28. With Jupiter now moving forward in the zodiac sign Pisces (Jupiter is the traditional ruler of Pisces), we are able to fully lean into the positive, thrill-seeking, happy vibes that this lucky and expensive planet brings to us. This adds power and optimism to the glow of energy coming our way—making it a prime time to manifest our visions. 

Two days before the New Moon, on November 21, Mercury and Venus form a conjunction in Sagittarius. When these two planets link up, it’ll create a buoyant and beautiful atmosphere in our personal lives and on a global level. Enjoy the lovely cosmic energy that aims to uplift our spirits. 

THE NEW MOON IN SAGITTARIUS OCCURS ON NOVEMBER 23 AT 2:57 P.M. PST AND 5:57 P.M. PST.

WHAT TO MANIFEST DURING THE NEW MOON:

• Seek out a new adventure by engaging in an activity that you’ve never done before. You may find that exploring creates excitement and joy, as well as giving you the chance to enjoy the world in a fun way.

• You can bring in abundance by placing a bowl of bay leaves under your bed while you sleep at night with a letter of intention written underneath it. This will help in bringing in money and prosperity. If you wish to burn it, do so safely over a bowl of water while stating your desires out loud.

• Release all the negativity that’s been weighing on your mind by lighting a purple candle (the color of Sagittarius and Jupiter) and making a list of the positive attributes you want to call into your life at this time.

NEW MOON MANTRA, BASED ON YOUR ZODIAC SIGN:

Aries: I will embrace a new perspective and mindset.  

Taurus: I will manifest abundance and prosperity on my own terms. 

Gemini: I will lean into relationships that benefit my well-being.

Cancer: I will live my life one day at a time and remain present. 

Leo: I will satisfy my artistic desires by investing my time in creative endeavors.  

Virgo: I will give myself more TLC and work on building up my confidence. 

Libra: I will speak my truth and be honest about my innermost sentiments.

Scorpio: I will pay it forward to those in need and to charity. 

Sagittarius: I will give myself the opportunity to express myself freely and with love. 

Capricorn: I will allow myself to rest and relax at this time. 

Aquarius: I will connect with friends and family to create a strong foundation with them. 

Pisces: I will expand my professional horizons and objectives.

ARIES NEW MOON

Astrology by Lisa Stardust

The Aries New Moon is asking us to be bold. Standing face to face with our deepest fears will require us to act boldly. If we are willing to be honest with ourselves, then we can squash the talk and doubt in our heads that’s been holding us back and attain our best lives. 

The New Moon and Venus share an opening square with Pluto, allowing us to make changes that will be the beginning of the journey we’re committing to. The caveat is that we may let the negative vibes of Pluto stand in the way of attaining our goals, as we are scared of evolving and moving forward. Change is hard. After all, we are creatures of comfort. However, it’s essential to move towards newness and allow ourselves to feel new emotions, passions, and desires. 

The opposite sentiment can lead to stagnation, which can make us feel stuck and frustrated. Don’t fight or rush the process. Move in flow of the cosmos. But, take your time towards achieving growth. The other side of this aspect can lead to a deep healing and to an attainment of spiritual transformation.

 Jupiter and Mars lend a helping hand to this energy, by allowing us to discuss our plans for the future. Mercury and Mars, who are in mutual reception, are giving us the motivation to resolve the past by moving into the next vision and committing to a new journey. A new cycle is beginning. Are you ready? 

*The Aries New Moon occurs on April 11th at 7:31PM PST and 10:31PM EST. 

New Moon Ritual

This luminary will force us to embrace our shadow side in order to move forward without fear. In order to do so, we’ll have to do glamour magic to encourage confidence and power (both are descriptions and elements of Pluto) to attain our desires. 

Directions

Take a mirror and lay it by the windowsill under the New Moon. Let the moon’s energy radiate and ignite the mirror with passion. After you’ve meditated on your personal affirmation and when you’re feeling ready, write down your mantra on a piece of paper. Affix it to the mirror. State the affirmation five times while staring at yourself in the mirror. When you’re done, state one thing, habit, or phobia that you would like to rid yourself of. Then, write it on a piece of paper and bury it in the dirt, flush it down the toilet, or burn it to ensure that you never hold onto that sentiment again. Practice your affirmations every morning and night to make sure that your visions come to fruition swiftly. 

Manifesting With The Gemini New Moon

Astrology by Lisa Stardust

It’s been a long and intense few weeks. Now, we are at a pivotal point of the madness, where we can truly embrace ourselves and let our freak flags fly high. For the past few months, we have literally been locked in cages (understandably, due to the current state of the world). While it’s been fun catching up with old friends and making new acquaintances we are longing for human interaction. This luminary acts as a kind of divine intervention to us all. While we cannot “touch” others. We can certainly have fun with sex magic and connecting with others virtually. 

Mars and Saturn retrograde are the planetary key figures. They are urging us to make action around implementing our desires. The caveat is that we may have trouble finding the vision we wish to embrace, as the planetary ruler of the New Moon in Gemini is Mercury. During the day, Venus retrograde and Neptune will aspect the Moon creating confusion around our hopes and dreams. The good news is that this lineup will help us embrace our fantasy life which will serve to intoxicate our minds and act as a catalyst for emotional, mental, and sexual release. We can be who we want to be to ourselves and others without judgement. Our desires and passions will be ignited, calling for us to use sex magic to manifest our dreams. 

The Sabian symbol for this luminary is “The Garden Of The Tuileries In Paris.” This means that the New Moon will serve as our sexual spring awakening, as all of our flowers are now in bloom. 

The fixed star Alcyone aligns with the New Moon, heightening our sexual cravings and yearnings. 

*The New Moon occurs on May 22 at 10:38AM PST and 1:38PM EST. 

Ritual

-Meditate on your intention. Think of your ultimate fantasies — this can include who you want to be or what dreams you want to accomplish.

-Write it down on a piece of paper.

-Cross out all of the vowels to create your personal sigil.

-Run a hot bath with Epsom salt, Himalyan sea salt, or Kosher table salt. 

-Soak in the warm bath. 

-As you begin to pleasure yourself, concentrate on words of the sigil.

-Think about your intention as you begin to orgasm to ensure it happens in reality. 

-Release, restore, and rejuvenate.  

Accessing the Third Eye Under the Pisces New Moon

Artwork Muzli design

Astrology by Lisa Stardust for The Hoodwitch

The Pisces New Moon on February 23rd is a wonderful time to embrace our past dreams, intuition, and selves. It’s important to reconnect with the parts of ourselves that we’ve forgotten, in order to find out what our truest passions are and what our deepest desires are for the future. 

Mercury, who’s currently retrograde in a Pisces, will connect with the Moon shortly after the luminary occurs. This means that it’s time to dive deep within and awaken  our subconscious. Old visions that we’ve put on the back burner are more prone to take flight now, if we let them. Also, it’s a great time to make amends with those who we’ve recently got into arguments with — or we may decide to cut them loose permanently. Mercury is allowing us to see matters from an emotional perspective, rather than an analytical viewpoint. Mars activates the New Moon by adding action. We all want to move forward and take control of matters and relationships, even if it’s hard. Uranus sprinkles in a grounding energy, which will make us ask ourselves if we are valued and respected by others with whom we are making decisions about. The Nodes of Destiny give today a fated vibe. Venus and Jupiter (who is the planetary ruler of Pisces) square off today, making us open to all possibilities. If we have a clear mind and access to our clairvoyance skills, then we can move in the best direction possible with an open heart and mind. 

With all this cosmic action happening during the Pisces New Moon, it’s important to trust our intuition. Evoking and embracing the third eye chakra may be difficult for some (due to Mercury’s current moonwalk), which is why it’s imperative that we listen to the visions our dreams bring to us. Igniting the third eye will open us up to all possibilities, as we will be able to see and understand the right choices that should be made. We will also be inspired to move forward and make clear decisions that will bring us a bright future. 

*The New Moon occurs on February 23rd  at 7:32AM PST and 10:32AM EST.  

New Moon Ritual

 Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon of Dried or Fresh RosePetals

1 Teaspoon of Dried or Fresh Lavender 

1 Cinnamon Stick 

1 Teaspoon of Mugwort 

1 Amethyst Crystal 

1 Sachet Bag 

Pen and Paper 

Directions:

• Write down your intentions on a piece of paper. Take note about what past situation or relationship you wish to gain clarity on.

• Place all ingredients in a sachet bag. 

• Leave the bag under your bed or pillow.

• Let your third eye connect with your dreams.

• Write down your dreams and visions over the next few days to see if you’ve tapped into your subconscious and gained new insight on such matters that have been on your mind for a long time. 

• Write them down and take note for your dream records. 

NEW MOON IN AQUARIUS

Artist Fabian Oefner

The first New Moon of 2020 occurs January 24th in airy Aquarius. Known for its quirky nature, Aquarian walk their own path and have a unique sense of self. Under this luminary, we will be cosmically pushed to embrace our evocative nature (that not many see) and take a walk on the wild side. 

The New Moon squares off with Uranus, who is currently in Taurus. Coincidentally, Uranus is the modern planetary ruler of Aquarius (the traditional ruler of Saturn). This will aspect will bring sudden changes and losses our way — all of which we did not see coming. It’s also a celestial call for us to let our freak flags fly. 

The fixed star Dabih connects with the New Moon and adds fear, reserve, and mistrust in the process of our evolutionary goals — particularly through friends, Those who do not understand our sentiments and desires will fall to the waste side, as our hearts yearn to be free and seen. Although letting go is hard, it’s essential at this time for our personal growth. 

The Sabian symbol for this luminary is “A Council Of Ancestors Is Seen Implementing The Efforts Of A Young Leader.” Therefore, it’s necessary for us to acknowledge the past and present. Blending these energies together will help us become our own individual in the world and become the person of our dreams. Our ancestors are supporting our growth, which is a blessing. 

Lean into your fabulous unique self! Let go of the restraints and norms that hold you back. Like a butterfly, we are in the midst of a personal metamorphosis towards change. Spread your wings and fly!

*The New Moon occurs January 24th at 1:41PM PST and 4:42PMEST.

New Moon Ritual:

For this ritual, we will be working with the modern planetary ruler of Aquarius — which is Uranus. The reason being is that we are all going through major shake ups and transformations. We need to honor change, instead of working against it, in order to ensure cosmic protection during these turbulent and erratic times (also, to protect and give strength to our relationship with ourselves, as insecurities may flair up) This will allow you to embrace and bring luck to your unique thoughts and notions, rather than work against it. 

Use a Blue-Green (if you don’t have this particular hue, you can use Blue or Green) candle. 

Make a sigil with your intention by writing out your New Moon goals and deleting the vowels and striking out the duplicate consonants. Carve your zodiac sign into one side of the candle, your name, your personal sigil, and the glyph (astrological symbol) of the planet Uranus.

Place cloves, nutmeg, and the juice of half of a lime (all of these are essences of Uranus) into a mixing bowl. 

Rub the blended essences on the candle.

You can add blue or green glitter for decorations. Also, a butterfly to mark the transformative nature of Uranus. 

Meditate on your intentions. Breathe deeply and exhale. 

Light the candle. 

New Moon Guides Through Animisim

Artwork by Cerenbulbun  

Written by Lisa Stardust

The Gemini New Moon, occurring June 13th, presents us all with an opportunity to seek out knowledge, enabling us to connect to new philosophies and perspectives. As the New Moon falls close to the constellation Taurus, activating fixed stars found on the Bull’s Horn and Orion’s Belt, we are strongly urged to let our animal instincts out to play with our keen intellectualism.
 

What better way is there to connect one's body, mind, and spirit than to learn about old beliefs that nurture faith in the natural world? Animism is an ages old concept that connects humans to the elemental beings (fire, earth, air, and water), with the understanding that we are all one with the living body of the earth and its spirits. The belief of animism was studied and introduced to modern Western society by the anthropologist Sir Edward Tylor, but it dates back to the beginning of humankind as indigenous people in many parts of the world have always believed that, in one way or another, humans are one with their maker and their surroundings. In Animism, the earth is a living god.

With the ever-curious energy of the Gemini New Moon, it can be especially transformative to reflect on a new concept of oneness with nature, particularly for the purpose of to finding peace in this fast-paced, technology driven world. In the Celtic tradition, Brighid, the Goddess of Creativity, birthed the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. To honor her elemental children, the Celts left offerings of food, poetry, prayers, jewelry, and other gifts that uplift the spirits of the land. You, too, can honor the elements described here in during these last days of spring in order to start a new cycle around healing by connecting to the spirit elements of the earth.

By acknowledging the spiritual, philosophical energy of the Gemini New Moon, we can connect greatly to our environment. Enjoying the weather, admiring plants, rocks, and bodies of water, as well as visual art and the work of wordsmiths are all excellent ways to get connected with the elements. As human animals, we can root more deeply into our lives by reflecting on the supernatural force that the ancients and some indigenous peoples today believe is the thread tying us together with the rest of the living, breathing earth.

Trees and Plants (Earth)
Celts honored trees, in particular the mighty oak and ash in nearby neighboring villages. Honoring old trees near your home will serve as the proper way to evoke the spirit. Gather with friends and have a picnic under a tree, taking time to thank the tree for sheltering you from the sun and cleansing the air you breathe.

Animal Omens (Earth)
Used as spirit animals, the animal omens were created as the symbolism for what humans did not possess. The connection of humans to another creature represents their divine inner nature. If you’ve seen an image or animal reappear in your dreams or visions and meditations, it may be trying to teach you about qualities you hold inside, which you can work to bring forth in the world.

The Morrigan

The “Great Phantom Queen” who rules war, fate, and known as the manifestation of an earthly guardian ruler. She is feared as well as revered in Celtic lore. Crows and ravens are both symbols of the Morrigan. These highly intelligent birds are believed to be knowledgeable and powerful messengers from the spirit realm.

Cardea

The Celtic version of Mars, Cardea rules bears for their protective nature. Fierce and loyal defenders of those who honor them, bears sacrifice themselves for those they hold dear.

Cernunnos

God of the forest, Cernunnos rules the mystical deer spirit. Deers represent transformation and growth, rebirth. They are believed to be part fairy and part animal, and therefore possess magical powers.

Brighid

Brighid, the Goddess of life Celtic version of Venus represents multiple animals...
Snakes: Shedding skin allows the transformative snake to embody eternal life.
Cattle: Essence of life. Cattle are a sacred animal representing fertility and well-being.
Horse: Beauty, grace, and luxury combined with extraordinary strength.

Dogs: Loyal guardians and healers.

Rivers, Lakes, Springs, and Oceans (Water)

Collecting water from rivers, lakes, springs, and oceans for your altar can bring a fluid, nourishing energy to your home and provide relief from everyday stresses. Brighid, in particular is also associated with fresh springs, as water is considered the natural giver of life. Rivers are recognized as the great mother. Dea Matrona is the most popular goddess in Celtic mythology who gives her name to the river Marne. All rivers in the Celtic world are named after goddesses.

Weather and The Sky (Air)
 

Let your hair down or wear flowing clothes to feel the breeze upon your skin. Watch the way the wind rustles the leaves on trees, causing the light and shadows to shift in your perception. Sing, read aloud, or have a good and honest conversation in which you use your breath in ways that honor your spirit. Cailleach, the dark mother, was believed by the Celts to be the bringer of winter storms, also known as a crone or “storm hag”. In Celtic mythology, she appeared in late fall when snow would begin to fall and the blustery winds howled. She came alive in the cold months. The old crone Cailleach, with her matted hair and one good eye, would come upon a hero or young man and, if he was gracious to her, she would transform into a beautiful young woman and rewards him for his kindness. Kindness dances upon the air, transforming relationships and the world at large.

The Hunt (Fire)
Celts prayed to a deity of their choice to guide them to successfully hunt their sustenance. Animal protein was very important in ancient societies. Animals that were hunted were thanked for their sacrifice and honored in rituals. If you do not eat meat, take time to reflect on the way the earth gives us all that we need. Give back to nature: Watch animals play, share your croissant with a squirrel, walk dogs at your local shelter— anything that gets you in-tune with the animal world.