New Moon in Pisces: The Woman who Anointed Jesus with Oil

Pisces is a water sign, capable of emotional depth, strong intuition, deep empathy and connection. Pisces is a mutable sign, whose energy anticipates movement and change. As the last sign of the Zodiac calendar, it represents the death of one year and the rebirth of another.

A Biblical archetype for Pisces is the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, found in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 14:3-9). She beautifully captures the empathetic and intuitive qualities associated with Pisces. Her act of love and foresight to anoint Jesus for burial prior to his death resonates with the compassionate nature of this sign.

I am of the opinion that this unnamed woman is actually Mary Magdalene, which speaks to the secret/hidden side of Pisces. Jesus praises this woman saying, “Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” And yet, her name is lost to history.

In terms of personality traits, each sign exhibits positives and negatives. It’s important to be aware of both, and to notice what you want to emphasize and what energy you can focus on in this season.

High Side of Pisces: Intuitive, connected to Divine source, introspective, pull toward self-care, seeing with perspective and not being reactive

Low Side of Pisces: Secrets or hidden desires, tendency to repress the shadow parts, dis-traction (no movement/stagnant)

SUGGESTED MEDITATION FOR NEW MOON IN PISCES: You Know What to Do

Click to read more about the meditation and access the guide sheet.

WANT THE WORKSHEET?

A printable worksheet for the Pisces New Moon — the woman, a mantra, and journal prompts. This is what I use in my own circle! Free, along with all twelve months.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

1. What is a spiritual practice you want to recommit to?
2. What’s a limiting belief you hold, and who could you be without it?
3. What distracts you from flowing with life or causes you stagnation–and what can you do to gently move through that?
4. What is a dream you’ve remembered recently?

ALTAR SUGGESTIONS AND LINKS TO MARY MAGDALENE ART

• Photos of other women you love with Pisces birthdays
• Imagery that represents the Divine Feminine
• Colors: seafoam green, indigo, lavender, rose
• Crystals: Pearl, amethyst, aquamarine
• Plants: Water lily, lotus, lilac, ferns, moss, Jasmine, echinacea
• Essential Oils: Sandalwood, clove, cyprus
• Symbols
  • The Moon Tarot card
  • Fish, water, mermaid vibes

Mary Magdalene Anointing Art

• Mary Magdalen by Eric Gill
• "The Anointing of Christ" by Julia Stankova
• MARY MAGDALENE ANOINTS JESUS’ FEET Esoteric Advent
• The Anointing with Oil and Tears Sadao Watanabe

RITUAL SUGGESTION FOR PISCES

Prepare a small bowl of oil and place it in the center of your circle. Take several conscious breaths and allow your body to soften. Reflect for a moment on what in your life is coming to completion, whether it be a true ending, a grief, a belief, or a season that is ready to be released. Dip a finger lightly into the oil and anoint yourself or the woman next to you, on the forehead, heart, and/or hands, acknowledging both what has been and what is becoming. As you do, quietly say: May I honor what is ending, trust what is hidden, and move gently with the wisdom of my own soul. Sit for a few breaths, allowing intuition, compassion, and rest to guide the transition from one season of life into the next.

LOOKING FOR OTHER MONTHS?

Find all of my new moon reflections at the hub page here.

DOING THIS WITH OTHER PEOPLE?

These work alone, but they were built for a circle — that's how I use them. Here's how to host one: setting the space, structuring the evening, and facilitating so that everyone actually speaks.