New Moon in Ophiuchus/Sagittarius
Release and Renewal
Niki Tennessen | niki@siderealinternational.org
The seeds of December’s New Moon cycle will be planted in one of the most condensed areas of the sky this month. Between Ophiuchus and Sagittarius, the Sun, Moon, Venus, and Mars meet at the Galactic Center; a vibrantly massive and powerful area of the sky. This is a concentrated environment that functions as a gradual purifying influence, symbolically associated with cycles of release and renewal. Mercury isn’t traveling far behind the armada, conjunct Antares, and squaring the lunar nodes in (N. Node) Aquarius and (S. Node) Leo. This lunar cycle is challenged by Saturn and Neptune in the western fish of Pisces, applying pressure to release what no longer serves you spiritually, and in the physical world.
New lifepath trajectories are emerging vividly as Mars is the first to forge through cosmic rays and gamma bursts to initiate what Saturn and Neptune have already been dissolving beneath the surface.
Venus and Mars are about to close out a roughly two-year cycle that began in February 2024, in the first degrees of Capricorn. Their cycle spellbinds the rise and fall of attraction, and its balsamic phase is a signature of closing out the last of the lessons planted in a constellation of devotion, service, and commitment. The movement of this month’s cycle adds even more deep-felt emotions and energies that have been building over past cycles. This cycle is asking us to confront our karmic weight and approach our challenges with strength, maturity, and, most importantly, patience.
Influence of the Galactic Center
The Galactic Center is a supermassive black hole that acts like the engine room of the Milky Way galaxy, full of cosmic rays, collapsed stars, and even radio emissions. Our ancient ancestors had the most incredible views of bright, bulging stardust plumes and star-forming nurseries. To them, this stretch of the sky was the womb of creation that opened up to reveal the subliminal boundary between the spiritual and physical world. Its myth and lore describe it as a channel, whether river or road, that the gods, spirits, and messages of fate traveled. The planets passing over the GC become agitated, exposed, and intensified by that energetic force alone, and not exactly in the gentlest of ways.
Mars guides the convoy of Venus and luminaries out of the underworld, gathering at the peak of the arrow of Sagittarius. Mars becomes the fuse that sparks a new trajectory, making necessary changes visible (Sun/Moon), emotions undeniable (Venus), and quiet introspection of what it is you truly desire (Mars).
The planet that rules our thoughts, learning patterns, speech, and communication style is sitting in the heart of the Scorpion squaring the lunar nodes. Mercury on Antares evokes deep psychological self-reflection, shadow work, and pulls sensitive information long-kept secret to the surface. Its contact with the lunar nodes can look like receiving information that forces choices, like reassessing beliefs, or finally making decisions on issues you’ve been avoiding. Long and emotional conversations with family or other close connections could take place that may resolve disputes, or rehash them.
Mercury is giving us a chance to learn from the past and break the emotional scripts we’ve been feeding ourselves. Mundanely, this could have the collective revisiting or reexamining past events through a whole new lens of perspective. It’s been my experience working with Antares that you find out information that you can never un-know. Being square the lunar nodes means that what you do with this knowledge can drag you back to the past, or catalyze you into the future.
Mars-Venus Cycle
Mars and Venus begin a new cycle combust with the Sun after the Full Moon on January 3rd, in the later degrees of Sagittarius around January 6th, 2026. The closing out of this two-year cycle reinforces this current lunar cycle theme of reflecting on what works, what burned out, and what needs to be released before the next new cycle begins. This conjunction just means that when the two bodies meet, they reset the balance between what you desire and what makes you feel fulfilled. Think of things that you feel and experience like love and action or attraction and pursuit. The cycle as it unfolds stirs up new passions and creative endeavors. Just like any new planetary cycle, we only see the seeds planted at this time, and it will be interesting to watch unfold. Though the conjunction may feel uncertain or shaky at first, Sagittarius seeds produce something wildly independent, belief inspired, and undoubtedly prophetic.
Taking a sneak peek ahead, the Moon will pass over power couple Saturn and Neptune in the western fish of Pisces December 27th, for its first quarter phase. This could be a time we become better aware of our limits and attend to any neglected issues, especially related to health and wellness. I recommend lots of rest and recuperation as one of the challenges this pressure could bring is emotional exhaustion.
A Pisces Moon loves some time alone for psychic decompression after all the socializing the holidays bring. The Full Moon in Gemini, a constellation better known for its Mercurial nature and less of its original Martian associations, happens January 3rd, 2026. The peak of this cycle should stimulate our nervous systems and create some excitement!
Transformation and Manifestation
The world has been experiencing loads of unprecedented events, messy change, and uncomfortable transformation with no end in sight. This cycle is asking us to keep it real, stay in touch with what really matters, and remember that everyone as a collective is going through it right now. Not one of us is exempt, so show some love when you can! The economy might be tripping, but it’s absolutely free to be kind. It is my wish that all of you move into this new year with the power to manifest a life you would never want to escape from!
Much love and peace, Star Family, and I’ll see you in 2026!
About the Author
Niki Tennessen a 13-Sign Constellational Astrologer, and President and co-founder of the International Sidereal Astrology Association (ISAA). A lifelong student of the mystery traditions and dedicated researcher of esoteric wisdom, Niki is passionate about restoring astrology to its true astronomical roots. Her work blends ancient sidereal teachings with a rebellious spirit of truth-seeking, empowering others to reclaim their cosmic sovereignty through soul-aligned insights and real star connections.
Website: RebelutionAstrology.com | Instagram: instagram.com/nikitachik_
Love your description better than my pre party parade- Aramada- Fabulous insights thank you .
I’m glad it’s helpful!!!