This is not a typical moment in history.
But you already knew that, didn’t you, love? You can feel the discord rattling our Earth as the tides swell and our transitional seasons shorten. Our planet is no longer given the luxury of a leisurely unfolding between our extreme summer and winter seasons. And neither are we.
This moment in time calls for a different kind of strength, a more grounded type of existence. It calls for a collective, grassroots approach to leadership, instead of the top-down hierarchy that has never truly included all of us.
To be a leader at this moment means to be a communicator and a listener, creative and receptive. And it requires that we finally face our collective wounds that have refused to heal.
The Universe has spent the past year (years, if we’re honest) showing us just how deeply broken our current leadership is, as well as the systems within which our leaders have clung to power. It’s no coincidence that 2018 has been riddled with challenging retrogrades and chaotic eclipses. This has been the call to bring our collective flaws to the light so that we can adjust accordingly.
It’s also been a call for us to see that many of our leaders do not deserve the pedestal we’ve placed them upon. To paraphrase the words of Alice Walker, “We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for.”
Within each of us lies the potential to step into our power and lead.
It means digging deep and listening to not only what lights us up, but what enrages us. We’re called to accept and align with both our joy and pain and then to act on them both. It’s using our joy to transform our share of the bone-deep traumas that prevents us all from rising. For some, this may look like creating stunning graphic designs, or deeply nurturing children, or working to secure a more equal and just world in the future. For me, it looks like using my knowledge and appreciation of astrology and coaching to remind womxn just how damn resilient they can be.
The idea of examining the world’s pain and using our grit, intuition, and skills to help us all ascend is where leadership at this moment differs from some of the leadership models of the past. This will require us all to consider what part we’ve played in our current situation and to course-correct using our strength and personal power.
Develop Your Vision for Leadership This New Moon
As you embrace the new moon in Sagittarius, which will perfect on December 7th at 2:20 am, it’s time to develop your vision for the future. Sagittarius, one of the most visionary signs of the zodiac, alchemizes thoughts into actions. So paying attention to how you are being called to lead proves extremely fruitful now.
A Note on Leadership: The Crucible
“The process of becoming a leader is much the same as the process of becoming an integrated human being.”
– Warren Bennis, leadership expert
Or to put it in another Bennis phrase: “Leadership development is personal development.”
If you follow my work, I know you take your personal development journey seriously. I do, too. I bet we agree that personal development is an intricate part of a successful life; a life comprised of both meaning and pleasure. While often categorized as “self-care,” personal development goes deeper than that, and works on the nooks and crannies of your becoming. It often feels hard, sometimes even hard AF. And the point of all this hard work? To develop your capacity to contribute in meaningful ways to the unfolding of the future our generation is responsible for creating.
I want to share a bit more about Warren Bennis’ work to support understanding why personal development and leadership development are so intertwined.
Alongside Warren Bennis, Robert J. Thomas wrote the book Geeks and Geezers. These two leadership tycoons identified a crucial factor in the story of many highly regarded leaders; they all went through intense periods of hardship, what they define as a “crucible.”
“We came to call the experiences that shape leaders ‘crucibles,’ after the vessels medieval alchemists used in their attempts to turn base metals into gold. For the leaders we interviewed, the crucible experience was a trial and a test, a point of deep self-reflection that forced them to question who they were and what mattered to them. It required them to examine their values, question their assumptions, hone their judgment. And, invariably, they emerged from the crucible stronger and more sure of themselves and their purpose—changed in some fundamental way.”
Contending with a “crucible” or a challenging life experience often galvanizes leadership.
And not just any leadership, truly impactful and effective leadership.
So, with 2018 in wrap-up mode—a year that had so many hairpin turns, and gut-wrenching moments—I encourage you to consider how your crucibles have and continue to contribute to your becoming an effective and impactful leader. As a society, we face a collective crucible, too. Thankfully, 2019 brings a much different astrological year. Sandwiched between 2018 (with its abundant retrogrades and palpable eclipses) and 2020 (which will be a time of crazy-intense astrological transits), the year ahead asks us to own our truth. After all, truth is quintessentially Sagittarius! Now is the time to embrace the truth of who we are, our vision for the future, and step into our greatest leadership capacities.
The New Moon in Sagittarius: Own the Truth of Who You Are
With Jupiter, the planet of good luck and good fortune traveling in the sign of the archer for a whole year, this new moon activates Jupiter’s potential. Jupiter loves being in Sagittarius. Why? He’s in his home sign there, amplifying his impact. And more good news! This new moon, happening at 15 degrees of Sagittarius has a loose conjunction to good luck Jupiter (currently at 6 degrees). This combination not only encourages an in-depth look at who you are, how you lead, and ways you can not only develop your vision… but! also backs it up with the commitment to action required to make it happen.
In the most simple terms, the new moon in Sagittarius asks you own—and live from—the truth of who you are.
With Mercury wrapping up his final retrograde cycle of 2018 on December 6th, we might feel like a piece of sand inside of an oyster shell that’s finally ready to emerge as a pearl. This was a rough-and-tumble year that tossed us back-and-forth and side-to-side. But finally, we’ve completed our last inner-planet retrograde cycle of the year. Halle-fucking-lujah.
Tune in and see what clarity emerges now, as it might feel just as ripe as a late August peach. Though also please note: true soul direction needs to take as long as it takes. So, don’t rush anything or feel bad if it doesn’t become crystal clear right away.
Mainly because there are still some mild challenges at the time of the new moon in Sagittarius. Active Mars travels in Pisces, very close to dreamy Neptune, and makes a hard and harsh angle to this new moon. Mars and Neptune (both in emotional Pisces) square the sun and moon (both in blunt and bold Sagittarius), indicating that direction may still feel cloudy, in spite of Jupiter’s auspicious alignment and Sagittarius’ fire.
So, don’t rush clarity. If it’s not there right away, embrace slowness.
Let clarity come from the truth within your heart, not a sense of urgency or impatience in your head. (Often, truth requires going painfully slow—and that’s ok. Success isn’t a race, it’s a rhythm.) Remember: to be a leader at this moment means to be a communicator and a listener, creative and receptive. So start with listening to your own heart. Learn her language and stay patient with her pace. Decipher and decode her messages. Nothing else matters more.
Besides, long gone are the days of performative self-care. (If you haven’t checked out Well+Good’s 2019 wellness trends you gotta!) This new moon isn’t about snapping a pretty pic of your new moon ritual for Instagram or rushing through a ceremony because you feel like you “have to.” It’s a critical opportunity to tune in and access your inner truth to guide you as you step into the next year. And yes, this might take the whole damn lunar cycle! So, chill out and let it emerge as it will. It’s your job to hear it. That’s it.
Resilience Is The Key To Both Personal Development and Leadership
Listen, if leadership is born in the ability to find meaning amidst our most difficult moments (aka, our crucibles) leadership is genuinely about resilience. Furthermore, I believe our survival is, too.
When we acknowledge the punches life throws at us, we learn to bob, weave, recover, and rise, instead of pretending we aren’t getting hit in the face on repeat. By accepting our reality, we develop our resilience.
Our resilience is our empowerment.
As we become more resilient, we learn to move through stress quicker, to accept and let go, and appreciate our experience for what they are instead of what we wish they could be. We become the highest version of ourselves, and only then do we begin to create a reality that’s not only in our best interest but in the best interest of all.
Now over to you. What is calling you to rise as a leader? How can you use your strengths to serve a broader community? How can you develop your resilience so you can keep going? Have you been through a crucible that’s empowered you as a leader? What’s your soul-driven vision as you step into 2019? Let me know in the comments.
37 Comments
Kristen 12/06/18
So I have to confess, I just discovered you on social media this week and immediately went to your website, diving into all of your blogs, love it all!! And then I read this and I can’t stop nodding in a agreement. I work in an female empowerment industry and I just challenged everyone to own their power, to stop playing small and fall in love with the magic of what’s possible when we accept our greatness. and all the while, realizing that I’m speaking to myself too. But yet, finding the balance between the ambition & rallying people, but trusting the process , letting change happen and releasing expectation. So everything you said above makes perfect sense and helps me feel validated. Super excited for this New Moon – so ready for the rise of women, their leadership and the changes that are coming. But I will confess to being tired. not sure if that is a part of all this, but hoping it doesn’t last until the solstice! Thank you for all of this — such a gift to stumble upon!!
Nicole 12/07/18
Thank you Kristen for sharing your thoughts. I totally agree with you – I feel it the same way and its amazing to see and feel that there are so many other women out there thinking and acting like WE!!
jracioppi 12/08/18
Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing with us, Nicole. So much love.
Maria Blakley 12/08/18
I too work in female empowerment but did the energy sector. This really resonated with me.
jracioppi 12/08/18
Thanks for being here, Maria, and doing your work. All of my love.
jracioppi 12/08/18
Kristen, Thanks for being here. The ambition vs. trust issue you describe here is very common for the women in my community. Thanks for sharing with us how you are currently experiencing this. Take time to rest and nourish yourself. It’s so important. Thank you, and so much love!
Tatiana 12/06/18
This is going to be a year of transformation for me. I’m already feeling it. I aspire to transition from my corporate job to doing coaching and working with women full time, while going back to school to get my Masters in Counseling.
Lena 12/07/18
Tatiana- in this new moon I have been given the gift of what I have been saying I want- a separation package from my company. It’s been an up and down process in my head as to how, and what this would look like. And, like you, I am in business with myself, I have a company, and I am changing lives of women for the better. I am feeling a state of relief of not having to fake it anymore at my corporate gig, and a sense of joy I had no idea I would feel. I created all of this with my thoughts, and on this new moon, I create the bright future of abundance and service, wealth and health in business and beyond. Cheers to you and your journey!
jracioppi 12/08/18
Lena, So many blessings on your journey forward. Please keep us posted. (And, thanks for sharing.)
jracioppi 12/08/18
Tatiana, So cool. Excited for your journey ahead. Thanks for sharing and keep us posted! All of my love.
Katelyn Alain 12/06/18
This is a powerful post that is rich with relevant info. It gives me new avenues to consider as I ponder how I use and express my ‘voice’ in my work (and life). So much has surfaced recently that points to new creative freedoms, new directions and expansive exploration. Thank you for your leadership and also for providing the space for personal expansion through what you share- your work and words give such momentum.
Madison Barry 12/06/18
Jennifer- I resonate so deeply with this and I just love reading your posts to gain clarity, insight and reassurance. I’m a stay at home mom of 5 trying to transition to doing some different work that harnesses my passions of multidisciplinary movement, embodied meditation, postpartum wellness, pelvic health and breath awareness. I’ve had a crucible year of learning, absorbing and exploring how to meld and share all the new information I’ve gathered. I’m focusing on staying curious about the unknown and accepting that being present with the process offers the greatest potential for growth. This is where the magic happens. Feeling empowered and ready to engage and create community. Thank you for your guidance.
jracioppi 12/08/18
Thank you, Madison. Such a powerful share. I am excited to see where you go from here. Big hugs and keep us posted.
jracioppi 12/08/18
So much love to you, Katelyn. Excited to see where you go from here. Keep us posted.
Crystal O'Gorman 12/06/18
I feel like you’re speaking directly to me, because this is exactly where I am right now. Building resistance by obtaining awareness of my resistance! Feeling out my purpose which includes bringing peace, empathy and clarity to the world.
jracioppi 12/08/18
We will discuss all when we connect. Big hugs!!! And, so much love.
Cindy W. 12/06/18
Love this article speaking of the leadership roles. I will be awaiting the purpose of my leadership direction, as I’m not sure what that might be. I also will be journaling along the way so that I can understand my journey. Thank you for your insight
jracioppi 12/08/18
So much love, Cindy. So much love. Stay patient and open. Keep us posted.
Crystal Aqua Sun Leo Moon 12/06/18
Thanks for this Jennifer. There is going to be great transformation for me coming up. And it’s all about letting go of the fear and just going for what I know is right. I fear the time it will take. But I am know in my heart of hearts that my mission will only bring me to a better place. Let’s do this!
jracioppi 12/08/18
Trust your mission more than your fear! It won’t steer you wrong.
Krissy 12/06/18
Wow. Thank you forever and from the endless depths of my heart for this.
jracioppi 12/08/18
Right back at ya, Krissy. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Iana Amiscaray 12/06/18
Thank you so much for this — truly affirming of all the energy that I’ve been attuned to lately, especially during this Sag season. I’m appreciating the message of taking our time with all the power that is emerging for us. It’s reminding me, as a Sag sun, to shoot my arrow but to do it patiently and skillfully.
At first I was taken aback by the talk of leadership (it’s something that I have been apprehensive of becoming in my life after college), but as I kept reading, it really shed a light on what I’ve been lacking in. I’m excited to focus on this mentally and spiritually and apply it!
jracioppi 12/08/18
Iana, Thank you for sticking with the post and seeing how it relates to you. I love this statement; “It’s reminding me, as a Sag sun, to shoot my arrow but to do it patiently and skillfully.” Take your time, and allow your leadership to emerge from your soul. All of my love and big hugs!
Morgan 12/07/18
I turn 35 today (12/7) and i’ve been spending the past week really being quiet and detoxing (with my diet, mind and emotions). it’s been a bit lonely celebrating my birthday this way but I have this urge to get myself in alignment immediately. my business, my finances and my personal life need me to be a whole person in order to be a leader. this was great. thank you so much.
jracioppi 12/08/18
Happy Birthday, Morgan. May this year be your best year yet. Thank you for reading and commenting. Big hugs!
Micheline 12/07/18
This morning I woke up at 2:24 am, est.
I focused on my goals as a Reiki practioner and making this world a better place. I meditated and sent healing light to certain people and around the earth. Your blog has inspired me tremendously. I will impact the world and lead the world toward healing. I will hit the lottery and share the wealth.
Lovingly,
Micki
jracioppi 12/08/18
Thank you for reading and commenting. May you hit the lottery and share the wealth with those who most need it. 🙂 All of my love and big hugs!
Amanda Wright 12/07/18
Hi Jennifer!
I avidly look forward to your blogs and, I have to say, right now this is my favourite – congratulations and Thankyou!
I’m not sure if the content and subject matter was what I need to know right now or because I’m more tuned in (I have been feeling like my antenna are primed) or I’m just feeling totally ready. – but this blog resonated with me incredibly so. Incredibly!
I’ve been through a lifetime of crucibles this past 5 years and my resilience is now a strong muscle I never knew I had.
I Am So Ready and feel so on purpose – I’m not sure if it’s because my juju is changing or because of jupiter going home to Sag, or that I’m feeling hyper ‘on’ right now… I like to think it’s a combo!
Thanks again for this inspiring blog Jenn & the Luna Logic School.
jracioppi 12/08/18
Hi Amanda, Thank you so much. I am excited to see where you go from here. Keep us posted.
Amanda 12/07/18
This is so, so on point right now. As a sun sign Sagittarius, the clarity is abounding – but! Also the drive to execute that clarity and direction, which has been lacking for me over 2018. What an exhilarating way to rush toward the end of this hell-hole year – with power and energy and vision. Thank you Jenn, for confirming all these intuitive changes with your lovely post.
jracioppi 12/08/18
Power to you, sister! Big hugs, so much love, and thank you!
nadina 12/07/18
Thank you very much Jen! you do such a wonderful work of illumination. I really, really love what you do. I’m feeling very tired, for me the year has been ups and downs and a lot of lessons. And as you say I’m taking this time slowly. I need it. But I completely understand what you say about a truth leadership, a leadership with a heart. Working, feeling, owning my inner Truth!
jracioppi 12/08/18
Thank you, Nadina. I appreciate you and this comment a great deal. Big hugs and so much love.
Jess 12/07/18
Thank you for your insights. I always love your blogs but this one really resonates. 2018 for me has been filled with more challenge and sorrow than ease and joy. Your words give me hope! I’m not entirely sure what my soul driven vision will be as I step into 2019 but I plan to sit with the energy of this visionary new moon and listen to my heart.
jracioppi 12/08/18
Wonderful, Jess. Sending you so much love. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Shilpi Niyogi 12/15/18
This blog and your lunar orientation resonates and reverberates with me on many levels. 2018 has been a cruel, trying year—I lost 2 of my closest friends to untimely deaths. And now I am leaving the company I have worked at for the past 10, almost 11, years to take a much needed break and explore new horizons. I work in education. The questions you pose about leadership are exactly the ones I am contemplating.