Sometimes we need to explore the world to have a shift in perspective. And some explorations are best done behind closed doors, in the dark, private, corners of life.
That call for inward exploration is the invitation of the new moon in Sagittarius, the final new moon of 2025, which occurs on December 19, 2025, 8:43 PM ET in the final degrees of Sagittarius (28º24’).
The Darkest Time
Sagittarius is an extraverted fire sign, full of outward energy and optimism. Typically, this is a place where we want to explore the world, have new experiences, and go on wisdom quests. The last part of Sagittarius is described as a wild, feral place, where we act on our animal instincts.
Sagittarius is bold, active, and full of energy. It likes to move, sometimes with intensity.
On the other hand, the signature of this new moon is telling us to lay low and go within.
The new moon arrives at the end of Sagittarius, which is the final sign of autumn. So it’s not just the end of a sign—it’s also the end of a season. By the end of a transit through a sign, we are usually tired; that applies even moreso when we reach the end of a season.
The Winter Solstice — when the Sun moves into Capricorn — occurs two days after the new moon. The Winter Solstice is the “new moon” phase in the Wheel of the Year. Just as the new moon is the darkest time in the lunar cycle, the Winter Solstice is the darkest time in the solar cycle.
From here, the light will gradually increase.
The dark period is a time for going inward to dream, to imagine, to incubate, to plant seeds.
A Temper to the Sagittarius Fire
At the time of this new moon, the Sun and moon are applying to a square with Neptune in Pisces. This introduces the water element, which might temper the Sagittarius fire.
Neptune introduces a spiritual and intuitive component and mystical overlay to this lunation.
So this new moon is not only about action and boldness; we also must consider emotions, intuition, and connection.
Neptune slows things down. It creates a sluggish quality, lethargic quality. It also creates a dynamic for dreaminess, and a longing to explore imagined worlds and possibilities.
So, althohugh a new moon in Sagittarius typically might have us revved up to go out and explore, this one has a mixed energy.
The Friction of this New Moon
Squares create a friction, so you might be feeling of two minds or two bodies at this new moon.
On one hand, a yearning for freedom and exploration, but on the other hand a desire to stay in and rest.
You might be thinking “Part of me wants to go to that party but also I just want to stay in and do nothing, or escape into a RomCom.”
You might feel called to seek an escape from daily life and obligations, to connect with your spiritual practices, or to rest and recalibrate. Neptune is the antithesis of worldly ambition; it encourages you to take out your Tarot cards, deepen your intuitive capacity, and dream into new realms.
The Secrets Behind Closed Doors
Although Sagittarius is typically a place where things are out in the open, this new moon has a more secretive vibe. Neptune is the planet of illusions. Like a magician who does a trick we can’t figure out, there’s an element of mystery here.
Adding to the mysterious and mystical nature of this new moon is the condition of Venus and Mars.
Over the past month, Venus and Mars have been traveling close to the Sun and have slowly been disappearing from visibility in the sky. In January, both planets will meet up exactly with the Sun. Until then, it’s like they’re having a secret meeting that we can’t see.
In addition, Jupiter, the ruler of this moon, is currently retrograde in Cancer, which speaks to a time of inner review.
Explore Your Inner Realms and Deeper Wisdom
Sagittarius loves to explore, but this new moon is calling us to explore in a different way — by going within. This new moon in Sagittarius is an excellent time to meditate, commune with nature, pull some tarot cards, or engage in other practices that connect you with your deeper wisdom.
What you’re seeking at this time is not found “out in the world” or with gurus or teachers, but within yourself.
That’s why they’re called “insights.”
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