The Moon meets the Sun at the beginning of Sagittarius, in the lunar mansion Mūla. Mūla means 'root', pointing both to our cosmic origins (the galactic centre viewed through this sign), and to our personal and collective roots as a family and as a species. These themes often rise to the surface as we enter the holidays and reconnect with relatives we may not see all year.

Mūla helps us get to the root of things, revealing long-held beliefs that need to be released. Its symbol, a bunch of roots, also speaks to healing, especially through herbs. This is a time when family wounds can be healed, but the process can cut deep as buried issues come to light.

Mūla is ruled by Niritti, the 'goddess of destruction', reminding us that anything standing in the way of truth must be cleared. At the Christmas table, remember that everyone holds their own version of the truth, especially with Jupiter retrograde in Gemini amplifying opinions!

With Mars in combustion and Venus crossing the Scorpio–Sagittarius juncture, tensions may rise, and arguments can break out easily. To maintain peace, avoid discussing sensitive topics and simply enjoy your meal - unless you need to clear the air.

The New Moon occurs a day before the Solstice, which is itself a turning point, and with Jupiter, the New Moon's ruler, bright at the mid-way point of its retrograde phase. Ultimately, this period is about reconnecting to the truth within, so you can meet the truth within others with more grace.