January 16th ~ 23rd
The Fool from the Luminous Tarot Deck by Brigid Aswood
A sacred activist is someone who knows that the world’s profound crisis is challenging everyone to act from our deepest compassion and wisdom, and who is committed to ‘being’, in the face of growing chaos, suffering, and violence. In Shambhala terminology we call this the way of warriorship. – Acharya Marty Janowitz
On January 18th we have a New Moon at the very end of Capricorn at 28º Capricorn 44’. This is a pattern that has been repeating since the Solar Eclipse on September 20th at 29º Virgo, and will continue until the New Moon on March 18th at 28º Pisces. At the very last degrees of the signs we are needing to slough off what was, in order to fully embrace the new era that is now unfolding before us. Each New Moon presents itself as a new opportunity, a new motivation to gradually move on, shedding the skins of a former life, as we enter the new one.
It is in these latter degrees of the signs that so many of the outer planets are pausing in the Water and Earth signs (feeling and sustainability), in order to make their transition to the new era of Fire and Air (action and ideation). Saturn and Neptune in the last degrees of watery Pisces, will enter fiery Aries over the next several weeks, while Uranus soon stationing in earthy Taurus will enter the air sign of Gemini in April. Pluto has already made the transition to the air sign of Aquarius. Fire and Air.
As we begin the week all of the inner planets, Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are converging in Capricorn in preparation for the New Moon on January 18th. And then after the New Moon, one by one, each will cross the divide into Aquarius where they will then have to contend with Pluto waiting at the gate. Transformative in only the deepest ways, the ultimate aim for Pluto in Aquarius is to transform our relationship to power. Like an upside down pyramid, the power structure is transforming from one where all the power is consolidated at the top, to one in which the power is transferred to the collective.
But Pluto also has to do with digging deep beneath the surface in order to heal our collective wounds. With its conjunction to Pluto in Aquarius, the New Moon is shining a light on those things that had been lurking beneath the surface, festering so terribly that they can no longer be ignored. This may even FEEL a little foreboding as we approach the conjunctions to Pluto over the next 10 days. In our own lives we can have our own reckoning as we partake of some serious soul-searching. In the deep dive into our karmic destiny we are confronted with the demons dwelling there that must be acknowledged and purified.
In just a matter of days now, Neptune will leave the watery depths of Pisces and enter Aries. Saturn follows soon after in February. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and when major planets enter this sign, there is this surge of raw energy heralding a Rebirth. But from where we are standing now in the very last degrees of Pisces with Saturn and Neptune, we cannot fully see what that looks like yet. In these degrees there is a sloughing off, even a sadness and for some, even emotional despair for what was. We stand on the threshold of what will be, without knowing what that is just yet. Despite this we are being asked to take a leap of faith, that we are being brought precisely where we need to be. And to have hope, even in the face of extraordinary uncertainty.
Times of uncertainty, such as these, call for creative and alternative solutions. And an exact Saturn/Uranus sextile this week affords us just the sort of opportunities, and the insight, to adapt in the best ways we can. Saturn/Uranus combinations are traditionally associated with innovation and technological breakthroughs. But there are other sorts of breakthroughs that can occur when these two collaborate. Saturn is the struggle to find our place and position in this time of change and uncertainty, while Uranus lets us know that we are going to have to readjust our inner gps systems in order to get there.
Saturn, the ruling planet of the Capricorn New Moon, combined with Uranian innovation, is asking us to bring our personal goals and strategies for the future more in alignment with our ideals, and our vision for the future. On a societal level this can be in service to a greater cause, whether that be to humanity as a whole, or in support of social movements in service to civil rights, justice, fairness and equality.
During these junctures within the Saturn/Uranus cycle, there is often a revamping of an old order. At some point we come to realize that old ideas, old ways, are no longer relevant for where we are now. And so we are compelled to adjust to something new. The ability to adapt to the demands of the time, will determine whether or not this will proceed smoothly. But if there is too much chaos, or the changes feel catastrophic with all of its sweeping changes, then the resistance arises in an attempt to restore the order.
In our own lives, we may see ourselves wanting to restrain and resist some changes, while also willingly adapting to the demands of the time where it feels necessary to do so. The Saturn/Uranus sextile can help to facilitate this transition. In what ways can we make creative changes in our lives without upsetting the natural order of things? And without having to compromise our ideals?
One characteristic of the planet Uranus is that it can be illuminating. And it can open the door for better things to come. Therefore keep an open mind and be willing to look for solutions in unexpected corners. Simple changes in perspective could have remarkable consequences. By being open to new possibilities you can discover ideas and possibilities that you were not able to see before!
Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Capricorn is a sign of commitment. For the past several months we were being asked to connect with our most salient ideals. By distilling all that is meaningful and essential to us, we will want to bring that with us into the next era of our lives. This will be our road map, and inner guidance system. The New Moon in Capricorn is asking us to commit to those ideals that are found in our heart of hearts. Hold them. Know what your most important priorities are, what is right, what is sacred, and make an oath to protect these. Then trust that your commitment to those ideals will guide you through this potentially chaotic liminal space between the worlds.
This year’s Capricorn New Moon falls on Sunday, January 18th at 2:52 pm here on the East Coast of the United States. That’s 11:52 am Pacific time, 7:52 pm in the United Kingdom. Commitments made and initiatives begun with the New Moon in Capricorn have greater staying power and longevity, as they are invested with the sort of grit and determination that only a Capricorn moon can provide. Some advice for the New Moon in Capricorn:
Use the New Moon to tackle those projects that you’ve been putting off, and may require a little extra discipline and organization.
Look for positive ways to manage your time. What might a realistic and manageable schedule look like.
In light of recent changes or realizations, what might need to be adjusted and incorporated into your schedule or routines going forward?
Seek advice from people you respect, are more experienced, are older, wiser, and have been there and done that; or are experts in their field.
If making intentions, make them specific and realistically achievable. But also make them your own.
If you are planning to make intentions, do so during the New Moon phase which begins with the New Moon on Sunday, January 18th and ends with the Crescent Moon on January 22nd. Make them specific and make them your own. Some intentions and affirmations for this New Moon might be:
Character ~ the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life ~ is the source from which self respect springs. ~ Joan Didion
I honor memory and experience as the basis for Wisdom.
May I channel that Wisdom in order to make only the best decisions going forward.
Embracing discipline, self-reliance and self-sufficiency as I move into the New Year.
Respect for myself guides my morals, respect for others guides my manners. ~ Laurence Sterne
May I recognize, respect and fully commit to the path that awaits me as we cross the liminal path into the new era that awaits.
For your New Moon Horoscopes, click below: