Something Greater: New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius 2020

Stephan Sprinz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

New Moon/Total Solar Eclipse @

23 degrees tropical Sagittarius 08'

December 14, 2020

8:17 AM PST

11:17 AM EST

As 2020 nears its end, we're greeted by a total solar eclipse in tropical Sagittarius. As the last New Moon of the year, this eclipse is a potent new beginning preceding Saturn and Jupiter's epic Dec. 21st conjunction (on the winter solstice). While the Saturn/Pluto/Eris tension will not fully wane until the end of next year (the apocalyptic slog we've been treading through all year), we are about to pass through much lighter (and substantially different) astrological terrain.

Firstly, the eclipse will be visible for southern portions of South America and somewhat for western parts of Southern Africa. The path of totality will pass through Chile and Argentina. The rest of the world will not see the eclipse, but we will all feel its symbolic correlations. Sagittarius is an expansive sign, ruled by the planet Jupiter--god/goddess of optimism, good fortune, and unceasing horizons. Feel that sense of expansion rising in the collective. It is wholly antithetical and out of place in the beleaguering field of 2020's heavy astrology.

Yet, it is happening, and it adds to the archetypal field of the Saturn and Jupiter conjunction, set to temporarily fuse into one archetypal being at the Sun's passage over the winter solstice. The symbolism here is stunning. The winter solstice is the darkest moment in the Sun's seasonal journey in the northern hemisphere, yet it also a moment of hope, the return of the light, and the Sun's inevitable rise toward spring. Yes, while things have been heavy, brooding, and terrifying, the clouds are slightly parting and revealing new opportunities.

Faith, belief, hope, and the enduring quest for the bigger picture are some of Sagittarius' archetypal motivations. Perhaps those are taking precedence for each of us somehow, especially a sense of finally seeing a way out, forward, onward, or upward. Mercury's conjunction with the eclipse signifies the powerful emergence of information, data, conversation, insight, or perspective, especially pertaining to past, unresolved situations or dynmaics. At the south node of the Moon, this eclipse also impulses us to release and surrender to make space for the future.

A trine from Mars in Aries adds more to the fire element contained in this eclipse. While Mars' hard aspects to Saturn, Pluto, Jupiter, and Eris this year made us confront Mars' more difficult side, this trine is a refreshing boost of Mars' willpower, motivation, and confidence. Charging ahead onto new paths, planning for a new beginning, and pondering new challenges and arenas for expansion are all favored by this eclipse.

However, there are some cautions to be mindful of. Mars' trine and the Jupiter/Sagittarian tendency toward busts of impulse can lead to inflated confidence and poorly planned leaps of faith. Neptune's square can also cloud judgment, obscure critical details, inundate with disinformation, or blindsight us with insubstantial, glamorous facades. And we may see some examples of extreme fanaticism, dogmatism, and overly audacious zeal.

The rapid pace of internal and external changes can make decisiveness a challenge. Reflect on and take time to digest all that's coming to you now. Neptune's square to this eclipse suggests utilizing this rising passion and enthusiasm toward attaining a new vision of what's possible, but be cautious in carrying it out hastily. Challenge yourself to see above the surface of events, and beyond the façade lies extraordinary possibilities and renewed hope for something greater.

Mercury, Sun & Jupiter

Kwhisky [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

Within the next 24 hours, Mercury exacts two conjunctions, first with the Sun and then Jupiter while in square aspect to Mars. The Sun's conjunction with Jupiter over the weekend could have inflamed confidence, enthusiasm, or optimism. With Neptune's station, and Sun/Jupiter still in orb, be cautious about going overboard with dominance assertion, willfulness, or dogmatism.

Mars is still in orb of squaring all three planets in early Sagittarius. There's a need to think carefully before executing a strategy, or reacting to external agitations without some reflection. Mercury retrograde until Dec. 6 suggests taking your time in resolving glitches the next week. The negative face of Sagittarian energy can devolve into fanaticism or an unquestioned faith in a belief, cause, or purpose.

While the astrology this week can serve to inspire or motivate, it can also lead to foolish actions. So yes, be hypervigilant in thoroughly assessing developing matters--fact-checking, getting second opinions, or seeking alternative perspectives. Be mindful of debating for the sake of it, or creating a problem where there isn't one.

The evolutionary strategy lies in strengthening a viewpoint or belief. Throwing around an opinion or perspective is likely to receive some pushback, but through the tension, solutions can emerge. Mercury's conjunction with the Sun early this week represents the peak of the retrograde cycle--a dynamic point of reflection and review of the past.

Mercury's subsequent conjunction with Jupiter can bring on solution-based ideas, positive/constructive criticism, or the motivation needed to communicate a message more effectively. With Mercury combust the Sun, new insights, news, and information are forthcoming. Think big and work to more effectively communicate your truth. The current archetypal field is fertile ground for inspiration and new ideas.