A new moon occurs when the moon is between the sun and the Earth. From Earth, we don’t see the part of the moon illuminated by the sun, and therefore it appears to be shrouded in darkness and isn’t visible in the sky.

In astrology, when two planets (or in this case, luminaries) are aligned, they form a conjunction. From an astrological perspective, conjunctions are times of beginnings and commence new cycles. The sun in astrology represents the self and our vitality, and the moon represents our emotions and inner lives. New moons that are not eclipses are generally considered to be a time to take stock, consider next steps, and initiate the first steps toward making plans and achieving goals. Think of the darkness of the new moon as a time for thoughtful contemplation on new phases and resets.

On November 23rd, there is a new moon in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the greater benefic planet, which is associated with luck, success, expansion, and growth. This new moon takes place on the heels of a Sun-Jupiter trine and a Mercury-Venus conjunction, also in Sagittarius, earlier in the week. Sagittarian energy is rangy and fiery and is often focused on learning and teaching, traveling, philosophizing, and socializing. It’s the anthropology student of the zodiac. It can also be flitty, flirty, and flaky. But since new moons are about beginnings, this is a good time for contemplating and laying the groundwork for new areas of growth, spirituality, writing, teaching, learning, or traveling that you want to pursue.

Below are some quick notes on how this may affect you based on your sun and rising signs.

Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising: New moon, new you. What have you been thinking about lately? Have there been any parts of yourself that you have been wanting to change? Take this opportunity to think about yourself and your identity and to take a leap that you have been considering. You may decide to mix it up with a new haircut or change up your style or to do some self-exploration.

Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: This is an auspicious time for contemplation, embarking on new tasks behind the scenes to work toward what you want, or starting some inner emotional excavating through therapy. For you, this new moon is the 12th house of things unseen. Taking up a new meditation practice may be especially helpful to you now.

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: This new moon is in your 11th house of friends, community, and hopes and dreams. You may feel called to journal, vision board, or manifest. Where do you want to be in the future? This is also a great time for getting involved in a community group or association that does work you admire or for starting a book club with friends.

Pisces & Pisces Rising: This marks a great period for you to think about your career and/or the long-term imprint you want to make. Sagittarius season is prime time for learning, so if you have been ready to make some career moves, this would be a good time to take a resume-writing workshop, read advice about asking for a raise and/or promotion, or combing through job boards to see if anything calls to you.

Aries & Aries Rising: For you, this new moon is occurring the the 9th house, which governs many of the same themes that are associated with Sagittarius, making it an especially advantageous time to start new writing projects, sign up for classes, and indulge yourself by reading and learning more about the topics that pique your interest.

Taurus & Taurus Rising: This new moon is lighting up (through darkness) your 8th house of other people’s money, sex, trauma, and baggage. If you have been considering paying off some debts or loans, go for it. You may also find yourself receiving some money or goods from other people unexpectedly. This is also a great time for energy work and talk therapy or therapeutic practices that may help you start to work through an emotional subject that you may be hung up on.

Gemini & Gemini Rising: What seeds do you want to plant when it comes to new or existing relationships or partnerships? This is a great time to think about what you want in a relationship and to manifest that. Geminis do not shy away from being social, so strike up conversations with anyone who you may have your eye on, or if you are in a relationship, engage in both flirty and meaningful discussions with your partner.

Cancer & Cancer Rising: This is an excellent time for thinking about your daily routines and setting intentions for things you want to change or refresh. You may be interested in learning some new Excel skills for work or enrolling in a new exercise class, and this is a good time to do those things. Good habits you form now will have a good chance of sticking.

Leo & Leo Rising: Do things that bring you joy. If you love to write, start your novel or even just your morning pages. If you love to listen to music, or watch Netflix, or try new recipes, indulge those interests. This can also be a time for new romance, or for making time to have really great sex with your partner.

Virgo & Virgo Rising: It’s a good time to call your mom or mothering figure (or, if that person is not reachable, to call on the legacies they have left behind). You may find yourself becoming interested in your family history or lineage and this would be a great time to create your ancestry.com account (#notanad). You are also likely to have success with home projects or home moves initiated now.

Libra & Libra Rising: The new moon is providing helpful circumstances for any communication you want to initiate. Consider starting a blog or newsletter, or just reaching out and connecting a disparate group of friends via a new text chain. Socializing could be especially fruitful at this time.

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: This new moon is taking place in your 2nd house of money, income, and resources. This would be an auspicious time to take stock of your financial portfolio and think about your long-term goals and what milestones you can hit to help you achieve those. Plant the seeds for your future financial sustainability. Check out Suze Orman.

(As I’ve said before, please keep in mind that astrology is all about interpretation. It’s not fortune telling. So take everything with a grain of salt, and if something doesn’t resonate, discard it.)