Monthly Astro Forecast; New Moon in Capricorn
So, the first new moon of 2021. In Capricorn, an energy we've become very familiar with over the last year. So how does this new moon relate to our experience so far and to this new Capricorn season? There's an awkward semi-sextile between Venus in Capricorn and Jupiter in Aquarius on the same day as the new moon and for me, this shows how we haven't figured out the balance just yet between the hard work and strict rules of lockdown and high Covid cases (Capricorn) and the potential and possibility of the shift into stronger Aquarius energy (Jupiter). There's a wide (for a new moon chart) conjunction between the new moon and Pluto in Capricorn, a reminder that we are still in the underworld, as recent events in the USA have also proved.
So the new moon in Capricorn brings a new beginning, a new way of using this familiar energy and putting it to work. In our house at least, lockdown is more structured this time around, with remote learning for the children and getting up at 6am for me to get some work in before spending my day facilitating learning as well as working. I'm not sure if it's more natural or more difficult to be in lockdown in winter than it was in spring. The days are grey and even gloomy but at least hibernating at home feels a little more natural. We are still doing the work, and the Work, still sowing the seeds of new structures, both inner and outer. By Work I mean the daily discipline, the taking of action to create change, to do the work which embodies our purpose in this lifetime - or of finding that purpose.
Capricorn energy is cardinal earth, taking the initiative, making plans happen. We are still in root time here in the UK. Nature still sleeps, although the buds already waiting in the trees are ever more visible. We see the bare bones of nature in Capricorn season, frosty trees against pale grey skies. There is still not much daylight. The plans we have nurtured in the quiet dark of winter, this winter when we have been forced to honour the dark and the quiet whether we like it or not, can begin to manifest with this new moon in Capricorn. The path may seem rocky and steep, there is still a long way to go. But look how far we've already come. This new moon marks a year and a day - always a magical time period - since the Saturn Pluto conjunction which is the astrological root of all the suffering, restriction and transformation of the last year. We've all climbed mountains in that time, some steeper and more painful than others. But as ever the great lesson of astrology is that life, and the cosmos, is cyclical, always spiralling around to new opportunities to connect with the energies and archetypes which drive us. The new moon in Capricorn also reminds us that climbing a mountain takes time, needs preparation, just as the process of transformation and growth takes time.
This is a new moon which counsels patience, regular action and steady progress. We've also got Mars squaring Saturn on the same day as the new moon, symbolising action within limits. Capricorn is realistic and the new moon brings an opportunity to set realistic goals, to work with whatever restrictions are around us. Even if our dreams and plans are on hold, we can work with what we have, and where we are, to prepare, to plan, to go virtual, whatever we need to do. Its time to let go of frustration and fear and focus on what we are able to control, however little that might seem.
As we move into the new lunation, we see these energies begin to shift. The day after the new moon, the Sun meets Pluto in Capricorn, illuminating that journey through the underworld. The Sun moves on into Aquarius on January 19th, meeting Saturn there on the 24th. Aquarius energy is building, hopefully inspiring a more inclusive worldview and that tangible change I keep waffling on about.
Uranus also turns direct the day after the new moon, bringing the possibility of change more clearly out into the open. The Jupiter Uranus square opens up possibilities of freedom on 17th January but also brings the risk of exaggeration, as always with Jupiter. Mars is also active, meeting Uranus in Taurus on January 20th to break us out of old ways of acting. There might be some surprises around that time so be prepared for sudden change. Mars square Jupiter on 23rd January is another powerful boost of energy when taking risks may be easier than usual.
And if it's all a bit overwhelming, or you just want some clarity on what it means for you, my friend Liz and I are running a workshop on February 13th. Held online, we'll look at the astrology and use both astrology and Life Coaching techniques to explore what it means for you and how you can best work with it. Only £25, email me on starlys@starlys.com if you're interested!