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As the year winds down, a new moon in Sagittarius on December 1 calls us to pause, reflect, and set our sights on brighter horizons. This lunation comes as a gentle yet powerful reminder that even as one chapter closes, another is always beginning. The new moon phase, as you may remember, marks a time of fresh starts—an opportunity to plant seeds of intention that will blossom in the months to come. Embrace the unknown with an open heart, trusting that the path forward will reveal itself in time.
In Sagittarius—a mutable fire sign governed by worldly Jupiter—the planet of abundance, wisdom, and spirituality—this new moon carries an especially expansive and optimistic energy. Sagittarius inspires a longing for growth and exploration, whether that means embarking on a physical journey or exploring a new area of study. It’s a sign that thrives on carpe diem energy, always seeking the silver lining and urging us to think bigger, dream bolder, and trust in the magic of possibility.
Renewing itself on December 1 at 1:21 a.m. at exactly 9 degrees of Sagittarius, this lunation invites you to envision the life you want to create. Sagittarius, with its overflowing enthusiasm and philosophical outlook, encourages you to stretch beyond your comfort zone. It’s a time to really ask yourself: What am I ready to embrace? What lessons have I learned that will guide me forward? How can I grow in ways that honor my authenticity and truth?
However, as bold and hopeful as this Jupiterian energy could feel, this new moon arrives with a more complex undercurrent, thanks to the astrological backdrop. For instance, in addition to its ruler, Jupiter, currently retrograde in Gemini, Mercury—Gemini’s ruler—is also retrograde, not to mention in its detriment sign, Sagittarius.
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Jupiter, Sagittarius' ruling planet, is a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and boundless exploration. When retrograde, however, Jupiter's outward push for expansion turns inward, encouraging a period of self-reflection. In Gemini—a sign associated with communication, curiosity, and the exchange of ideas—this retrograde inspires a reevaluation of how we think, learn, and share information.
Meanwhile, as Gemini's ruler, Mercury plays a pivotal role in this lunation. For instance, while retrograde in Sagittarius—a sign where the messenger planet struggles to function in its default detail-oriented and analytical ways—Sagittarius’s big-picture thinking and hopeful vision for the future can easily overwhelm Mercury’s strategy and precision. This can lead to miscommunications or commitments being overpromised.
With all of that being said, it's important to remember that despite the excitement of setting new moon intentions, the influence of Jupiter and Mercury retrograde suggests that progress may not come as swiftly as we hope when manifesting under this new moon. Nonetheless, these energies aren’t here to discourage us but to remind us that timing is everything.
Trust that any delays or detours are part of a larger process, allowing your intentions to mature and align with the opportunities truly meant for you. Ultimately, the retrogrades are working behind the scenes, helping us refine our vision and affirming the path we’re embarking on, especially when it’s one rooted in integrity and purpose.
Adding to the energy of this new moon is a harmonious trine between Venus in Capricorn and Uranus retrograde in Taurus, which becomes exact just hours after the lunation.
Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and values, is deeply pragmatic and goal-oriented in Capricorn. This placement emphasizes responsibility, long-term planning, and a desire to build relationships, finances, and art on solid, reliable foundations. In contrast, Uranus retrograde in Taurus stirs up change and unexpected shakeups when it comes to matters of stability and self-worth, though its retrograde energy can suggest that these changes unfold within us, as opposed to externally.
All in all, this trine encourages us to embrace change with intention and trust that the shifts we make now contribute to the future we seek.
Read on for your new moon in Sagittarius horoscope and affirmation, according to your zodiac sign.
Aries
The new moon in Sagittarius energizes your ninth house of travel, learning, and personal philosophy. You’re being called to dream bigger and broaden your horizons, but with Mercury retrograde in this same house, progress may feel delayed. Reflect on what truly excites your soul before committing to big plans—there’s wisdom in waiting. Meanwhile, Jupiter retrograde in Gemini influences your third house of communication and ideas. Revisit old conversations or projects that could now hold fresh potential. New moon affirmation: I embrace the pause, trusting that clarity and wisdom guide my path forward.
Taurus
This new moon highlights your eighth house of transformation, intimacy, and shared resources, encouraging you to dive deep into matters of the heart. With Mercury retrograde here, financial discussions or emotional connections may require extra patience. At the same time, Jupiter retrograde in Gemini influences your second house of values and self-worth, inviting you to reflect on how you define security—both emotionally and financially. Are your current priorities aligned with your deepest needs? New moon affirmation: I welcome transformation, knowing it brings me closer to my true worth.
Gemini
The new moon is activating your seventh house of relationships and commitments, creating opportunities for a fresh start in your one-on-one partnerships. Mercury retrograde here asks you to take a closer look at the dynamics in your closest connections—old themes may resurface, giving you a chance to heal and realign. With Jupiter retrograde in your first house of self, this is also a time for personal reflection. Who are you in these relationships, and are you showing up as your most authentic self? New moon affirmation: I honor my relationships by first embracing my true self.
Cancer
This new moon brings focus to your sixth house of daily routines, wellness, and acts of service. It’s a chance to rethink your habits and how they support your overall well-being. Mercury retrograde in the same house may slow progress, but it’s an invitation to create meaningful, lasting changes instead of rushing into quick fixes. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini highlights your twelfth house of rest and spirituality, reminding you that slowing down and listening to your intuition is just as important as taking action. New moon affirmation: I honor the balance between rest and action, trusting that my inner wisdom guides me.
Leo
The new moon lights up your fifth house of creativity, passion, and self-expression, encouraging you to reconnect with joy and the things that make your heart sing. Mercury retrograde here may bring old creative projects or romantic dynamics back into focus—there’s power in revisiting the past with fresh eyes. Meanwhile, Jupiter retrograde in Gemini influences your eleventh house of community and long-term goals, asking you to reflect on how your dreams align with the people and networks around you. New moon affirmation: I follow my passions, knowing they create potential for more joy and connection.
Virgo
This new moon highlights your fourth house of home, family, and emotional foundations. It’s a time to set intentions for creating greater harmony in your personal life, though Mercury retrograde here may require you to revisit old family dynamics or unresolved issues first. With Jupiter retrograde in Gemini influencing your tenth house of career, you’re also reflecting on how your professional goals align with your need for emotional stability. New moon affirmation: I nurture my roots and inner world, trusting it will provide the foundation for my dreams.
Libra
The new moon is energizing your third house of communication and learning, sparking curiosity and a desire to reconnect with your immediate environment. Mercury retrograde in this house may slow down conversations or bring back old ideas for refinement, but there’s value in revisiting what inspired you once upon a time. With Jupiter retrograde in Gemini also influencing your ninth house of higher learning and travel, you’re reflecting on how your big-picture dreams align with the way you communicate and express your truth. New moon affirmation: My words are in alignment with my truth; I trust they will influence the path ahead in a positive way.
Scorpio
The new moon in Sagittarius highlights your second house of values, finances, and self-worth, inviting you to set intentions for greater stability and abundance. Mercury retrograde here may delay immediate results but offers a chance to redefine what truly matters to you. Meanwhile, Jupiter retrograde in Gemini influences your eighth house of transformation and joint ventures, encouraging deep reflection on shared resources and emotional intimacy. This is a time to make sure your values are in alignment with your deeper desires for connection and empowerment. New moon affirmation: I honor my worth and trust in the abundance that flows toward me.
Sagittarius
Happy new moon, Sagittarius! This new moon is all about you, lighting up your first house of identity and self-expression. It’s a powerful time to set intentions for how you want to show up in the world, though Mercury retrograde in your sign encourages patience with self-discovery. Furthermore, the influence of Jupiter retrograde in Gemini activates your seventh house of relationships, asking you to reflect on how your partnerships support or challenge your sense of self. New moon affirmation: I embrace my authenticity, trusting it strengthens my relationships and purpose.
Capricorn
The new moon in Sagittarius is activating your 12th house of rest, healing, and spiritual connection. This is a time to retreat inward, reflect, and release what no longer serves you. Mercury retrograde here may bring old memories or patterns to the surface, offering a chance for deep healing. Also, Jupiter retrograde in Gemini influencing your sixth house of daily routines, which serves as a reminder to restructure and redefine your habits in ways that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. New moon affirmation: I release what no longer serves me, making space for peace and renewal; I prioritize my well being.
Aquarius
The new moon lights up your 11th house of community, associations and future visions, encouraging you to reconnect with your ideals and plans for the future. Mercury retrograde here may bring old friendships or collaborative projects back into focus, giving you a chance to reassess whether they're in alignment with your goals. Meanwhile, Jupiter retrograde in Gemini influences your fifth house of creativity and joy, reminding you to merge your aspirations with passion and authenticity. New moon affirmation: I am aware of the strength behind my sense of belonging; the power of community and creativity will help me manifest my dreams.
Pisces
The new moon energizes your 10th house of career, reputation and public persona, making it an ideal time to set intentions for professional growth. Mercury retrograde here may slow immediate progress but encourages a thoughtful approach to your goals and dreams. In the meantime, Jupiter retrograde in Gemini activates your fourth house of home and emotional foundations, asking you to reflect on how your inner stability supports your professional success, and external reality. New moon affirmation: I honor the balance between my personal foundation and ambitions, trusting that my growth is rooted in authenticity and aligned with my highest potential.
Valerie is an astrologer, writer & visual storyteller. She currently writes horoscopes for PEOPLE ~ formerly: PopSugar, StyleCaster, Elite Daily, among others. For more of her work, check out valeriemesa.com or follow her on Instagram @valeriemesa.
