Sagittarius New Moon 12/1/24

Astrology

Dec 29

REAL Spirituality

Astrology is never a fixed dictate but rather a symbolic map of possibilities. It offers a lens to explore cycles, potentials, and the paths most aligned with optimum growth and balance. The Moon, for example, symbolizes our emotional world—the part of us that feels, empathizes, nurtures, and seeks inner security.

The Moon's sign shapes how these qualities are expressed, defining the how of our emotional responses. A fiery Moon might nurture through passion and action, while a watery Moon may do so through intuition and deep connection. This interplay of symbol and expression offers a dynamic guide for navigating life with greater self-awareness and intention.

New Moons signify beginnings, marking the start of the Moon's monthly cycle—a fertile moment for setting intentions and planting seeds of growth. These smaller concentric cycles unfold within larger cosmic rhythms, layering nuance and immediacy onto the backdrop of life's intricate complexity. Each New Moon invites us to pause, align with the present moment, and step forward with purpose amidst the unfolding dance of interconnected destinies.

Sagittarius then offers the specific flavor of that personal force and thus sheds light on the current time. It highlights things like Truth, justice, morality, and beliefs, both inner and outer. Sagittarius, in its highest expression, defends natural laws, the ones rooted in universal moral confines. Principles like love is better than hate. It is better to give than take. It is better to help than demand. It is better to reflect rather than blame. The golden rule applies here, too, as it is woven into every moral tradition:"'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." We can paraphrase it another way, which is more fitting to this current season. What you put out, you get back. Karma just means we reap what we sow. I expect we will see a lot of reaping in the months and years to come.

This moral high-ground also allows Sagittarius to make meaning, weaving disparate pieces of information into coherent theories or philosophies. This is why it is so deeply connected with religion—a construct of ideas aimed at understanding the unknown. Religion, at its core, represents a framework of beliefs that seeks to provide clarity and purpose in the face of mystery. With Mercury retrograde in the sign of Sagittarius, this force is at the forefront of our attention.

When combined with the concept of God or the divine, beliefs and the truths they profess hold tremendous power. In their light, they inspire faith, hope, and a sense of higher purpose, fostering unity, cooperation, and meaning that can alleviate suffering—a truly beautiful expression of human potential.

Yet, this same force is riddled with landmines. When wielded from the shadow, God-like power can spiral into control, dogma, and tyranny. Beliefs become rigid, no longer serving liberation but instead functioning as tools of oppression. This distortion creates the very intolerance and violence such ideologies claim to stand against. Shame and punitive measures emerge as weapons to condemn those outside the prescribed doctrine, enforcing conformity through fear. The doctrine itself is manipulated to justify the unacceptable, bending morality to align with the goals of power rather than the spirit of compassion. Hypocrisy is rampant. It is spiritual narcissism etched with privilege.

Shadow Sagittarius is not just found in the religiosity of tradition but in New Age spiritual movements as well. Much of this looks like the quest for perpetual states of mystical ecstasy, always chasing the next peak moment. It looks like the spiritual bypassing of toxic positivity, magical thinking, detachment, lack of empathy, superiority, victim blaming, and the like.

But true Sagittarius divinity resides in the Real itself.

Some examples of this:

"Everything happens for a reason."

The REAL: While this may provide comfort, it can dismiss or minimize the pain and complexity of someone's experience, ignoring the need to process emotions or acknowledge injustices.

"Just stay positive."

The REAL: This denies the full spectrum of emotions, implying that negative feelings are invalid or a personal failure rather than a natural part of being human and an opportunity for growth.

"Love and light will solve everything."

The REAL: This idealistic outlook can avoid addressing systemic issues, shadow work, or accountability, leaving deeper wounds unhealed and real-world problems unresolved.

"You created this reality."

The REAL While thoughts do shape perspectives, this oversimplifies complex life situations, blaming individuals for circumstances beyond their control, such as trauma or systemic oppression.

"It's all an illusion."

The REAL While this reflects a philosophical or spiritual truth, it can invalidate lived experiences, diminishing the importance of addressing real suffering or challenges in the material world.

"You need to forgive/let go to move on."

The REAL While forgiveness can be healing, this bypasses the need for accountability, justice, or time to process legitimate anger and pain. True healing involves more than forced forgiveness.

"You're being too attached to your ego/fear."

The REAL This can be used to silence others or dismiss legitimate needs and boundaries, conflating healthy self-respect or advocacy with selfishness or spiritual immaturity.

"Everything is perfect as it is."

The REAL This may deny the need for change or growth, discouraging action to improve harmful or unhealthy situations for oneself or others.

Real spirituality isn't about isn't about throwing out all spirituality or succumbing to cynicism—it's about finding the heart and Truth within it. It's not about believing in nothing but believing in what's real. It's not about escaping pain or bypassing challenges but fully engaging with life in all its beauty and messiness. This duality reminds us of the critical need to balance belief with humility and openness.

True spirituality acknowledges trauma and injustice, shows up in service, and embraces complexity over certainty. It is trauma-informed, rooted in science, open to the mystical, connected to the earth, empathic to suffering, and engaged in social and political realities.

Because REAL spirituality is not about escaping life—it's about showing up to it.

“True spirituality is not a high that leaves us disconnected from reality, but an anchor that roots us deeper into the complexity of life—including its struggles, injustices, and the work that needs to be done.”
~ Unknown

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