The Moon has spent the last two weeks waning in light, ebbing further and further from her place of maximum illumination as she begins to return to her heavenly consort the Sun. Along the way, we have been able to rest, reap the rewards of the previous growth during the last new moon cycle, and prepare ourselves for the new lunar cycle which is fast approaching.

Each new moon gives us an opportunity for rebirth and renewal. As the Moon purges and cleanses herself of the energies and tendencies of the previous lunar cycle, we can all be reborn as well.

For this reason, wise people throughout all ages have used new moons as a time for purifying the psyche of unwanted old habits, setting new, uplifting intentions for the next cycle, and reinvigorating ourselves with enthusiasm for life. The optimism and excitement of new beginnings can permeate our entire being so long as we let it.

This new moon occurs on January 21st at 3:52pm Eastern Time. When it occurs, we will all have a very special opportunity here to be reborn alongside the Moon. Magically speaking, the obscured moon can be likened to a fallow field – an empty bed rife with possibility and potential. Old patterns and alignments become cleared and new ones are ready to take their place.

This new Moon will occur in the sign of Aquarius, the daytime, fixed air sign of Saturn. Being an air sign, Aquarius has a strong intellectual and social leanings. Aquarius is most concerned with what could be and even what should be – it sees the ideal, the platonic form, and will communicate this vision to those who can enact it on earth. These ideals often translate into humanitarianism, a trait that this sign is famous for.

The social and collective focuses of Aquarius come to the fore quite strongly when the Moon, who rules people groups and collectives, occupies this sign. For this reason, Whenever the new moon occurs in Aquarius, social and even civic responsibilities tend to come to the fore.

You may have already found yourself having to put aside your own personal needs and wants for the sake of some greater whole. The universe asks you to be of service in ways that are needed, but not necessarily personally rewarding. To learn more about the social, collective calling of Aquarius, you can read my recent Sun-in-Aquarius post here.

For some of you, this focus on duty and responsibility may seem suspiciously similar in flavor to the general bent of Capricorn. Since both these signs are ruled by Saturn, a strong sense of duty and obligation comes to the fore. In the case of Capricorn, the duty is geared towards work and labor; in the case of Aquarius, towards respecting and maintaining integrity of the commons and all the people we affect.

Saturn is also in aquarius during this new Moon. Because the energy of this new Moon is so strongly inundated with Saturn and Aquarius energy, the strongest intentions for this new moon will be ones that consider the duties and responsibilities that we have to all of humanity. You can expect that Saturn will privilege and reward intentions and desires set during this new moon that are not merely selfish.

Think of how you can change yourself and improve your own life for the sake of those around you. Elevate the whole tribe of Humanity. What can you do now that will bring joy to the people in your life and ease their lives? What kinds of intentions can you set, such that everyone benefits?

While you will be fulfilling your civic and collective responsibilities, you will also find a great deal of support and success from others. Saturn’s rays are softened by a close conjunction with Venus in Aquarius. This is a strong indicator of finding help and support from friends and romantic as you engage in the work of this lunar cycle. Moreover, you will feel a pull and stronger desire to do your work and fulfill your collective obligations. You won’t be content to sit on the sidelines and prioritize your own inner - a deeper, more altruistic basis for your actions will well up inside you.

Jupiter also forms a sextile to the Moon. Teachers and allies will be there for you if you ever need to reach out for support or advice. You won’t have to do it alone, or try and figure things out by yourself.

This new moon indicates a great call to action and a guarantee that you will find success and support in your work. If you choose not to simply make this new Moon about you…if instead you prioritize honoring your place with the network of relationships in the Cosmos…

…the heavens will reward you with blessings that strengthen you and everyone in your life.

As always, examine the house in which the Moon conjoins the Sun. If you’re Aquarius rising, it will be your 1st house of self. If Capricorn, in your 2nd house of resources. This will tell you where to expect the most developments in your life to occur during this upcoming lunar cycle.

-Merlin