Whatever events all this may be later seen to reflect, they can be expected to be dramatic enough to be of importance to the world in general, in themes that lead to transformative change.
This New Moon is conjunct Venus. On a personal level, this suggests that an immediate concern of this lunar cycle may involve relationships or finance or both. We're coming away from the major holiday season into a new year still in the throes of recession and that can be stressful. Best to talk things through and make realistic plans together. As a more uplifting focus, Jupiter moves into Pisces mid-month, and this could add support to empathy, spirituality and the arts. Focus on creating beauty whereever and in whatever you can, and other concerns may fade more into the background.
A Centering ritual for New Moon, to be repeated as needed.
To set the tone for New Moon and each new day is to set in motion a sense of inner peace and a positive attitude toward yourself, others and whatever you set out to do that day. Charge your intent for the day, the month and the year ahead. A daily practice of doing this would be even better! Visuals are good, so if you can rise early enough to face the rising Sun, do so--if not, use your imagination and visualize the gradually increasing light of each new morning.
Begin by crossing your arms on your chest and bow to the dawning light. Then, stretch your arms up as high as you can reach. Stand on your tiptoes and stretch, spreading your arms as wide as you can. Take three long, deep breaths, releasing each one slowly. Then speak to the Goddess and the God:
Mother of Life and Lord of Day
Rise at dawn, glorious sight.
I feel your presence in my soul
With energy and light.
Born again, new year, new month
Waxing light of hope, of birth
Charge my will, my mind, my heart
To serve your purpose on this Earth.
Live within me, guide my path
To be the best that I can be
To work for growth and highest good,
This is my pledge, so shall it be!
Crescent Moon, 14 Pisces 16, January 19, at 6:09 am EST
Light is increasing—both lunar and solar as we move toward Imbolc! Here where I live, I can now drive home at 5 pm in daylight, where only a couple of weeks ago it was dark. This is still the phase of the Moon to take initiative, to be spontaneous and creative. Start new projects—or you may be seeing the initial results of something you began at New Moon.
With Moon in Pisces, you and others may be feeling more sensitive and emotional. Emotional needs could demand attention, expecially when Moon moves on into Aries on Wednesday (1:36 pm EST) and aspects the ongoing Saturn-Pluto square. If so, assume your responsibility to handle it well, and your things can continue smoothly. Moon trines Mars as her final aspect in Aries.
First Quarter Moon, 3 Taurus 20, January 23 at 5:53 am EST
This is the lunar phase to "go for it"—to push forward, clear away obstacles and act decisively to move along your New Moon goal. But aspects are mixed, which may reflect inner conflicts. The final aspect of Moon in Taurus is square Neptune. It may be best to err on the side of caution here—think about it a while longer before indulging.
Gibbous Moon , 21 Gemini 58, January 26 at 7:43 pm EST
Tonight may be one for an urge for change, something new...or if you're working, your inclination may be "my way," with little or no mood for compromise. Tomorrow, as Moon moves into Cancer, emotion matters arise. You may feel needy or experience that from someone else. Try to be objective about yourself, supportive and understanding toward others. Meanwhile, Full Moon approaches , so maintain focus toward your New Moon intent.
Full Moon, 10 Leo 15, January 30 at 1:18 am EST
Moon is barely past her conjunction to Mars and heads past Sun toward oppositions to Venus, Neptune and Jupiter before her final trine Pluto just prior to the perfection of Saturn square Pluto. Relationships could be competitive. Keep in mind that this is a time for balance, in this case the Aquarian-Leo theme may be in play—a need to balance your individual creative expression with your contribution to the creative expression of a group. The Sun in this relationship is Aquarius—that group expression—and Moon's mood is Leo, so what...? Sometimes what is most needed is to give yourself permission for a few hours of solitary escape, after which you can return to others renewed. If this fits your mood, then your Full Moon ritual could fulfill it:
Ritual for Full Moon in Leo
One evening while the Moon is full, give yourself the gift of putting all other obligations and concerns aside, and just for this evening, do whatever you'd most enjoy doing—theater, a craft, a good book, a favorite hobby—just so you choose something that is relaxing and takes you out of your daily routine. If you can, weather permitting, spend a part of this evenng outdoors where you can see the Full Moon and walk in its light. Notice the fairie play of light and shadow. Stand and reach up to teh moon, cupping it loosely with your hands forming a triangle around it. Let your eyes go just slightly out of focus and when you see two Moons, capture one between your hands and draw down the light energy into your body. Feel the flow moving through you from head to toes. Chant the invocation below, and then, send some of that energy back up to the Moon in a salute of thanks for you rejuvenating evening.
In dark of night by shining Moon
My heart and soul are free
Goddess Spirit flows within me
Whispering softly, blessed be!
Disseminating Moon, 28 Virgo 30, February 2 at 6:13 am EST
This phase, as you can see, closely coincides with Imbolc. So, a lunar theme of sharing what you know, or demonstrating what you've accomplished blends with a solar-seasonal theme of emerging light. Moon is into that Saturn-Pluto square again—as she exits Virgo and enters Libra at 8:42 am EST, she moves quickly to conjunct Saturn, square Pluto. A sense of inner transformation in the midst of external change could well be a theme many will relate to now.
Imbolc (or Candlemas), Sun at 15 Aquarius 00, Moon at 19 Libra 38, February 3, 5:48 pm EST
This is the time of the actual cross-quarter aspect of Sun on the 8-spoked Wheel of the Year. In the cycle of 8 (lunar or solar), the theme is Crescent—light has become visible, a new beginning has sprouted. But it is still fragile, and will take both faith in what has begun and nurturing of it for growth to proceed.
The Greater Sabbats, Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas (Lughnasad), Samhain occur when Sun comes to the 15th degree of each fixed sign. In older times, older calendars the day was February 2, so this is what normally appears on calendars. The traditional date coincides with Groundhog Day, the popular secular holiday that has, in its way, a similar theme. If the groundhog sees his shadow (which, of course, means that the light is visible), he scurries back into his den and dooms us to six more weeks of winter (which we'll have anyway)...but that is not the point. This is a phase of challenge, the challenge to keep moving forward even when your intent may momentarily seem "dark."
Click here for my article on the lore of Imbolc, or Candlemas
Click here for Imbolc ritual.
Last Quarter Moon, 17 Scorpio 04, February 5 at 6:48 pm EST
The "crisis of consciousness" of this last quarter Moon could be intensely emotional, some expressed, for others internalized. If we're feeling a need for space, it would be well to take a walk—change of scene or activity could be good for perspective. Something is winding down at this point in the cycle. Time to let it go? Or is there potential with a changed approach?
Ritual for Last Quarter Moon in Scorpio
You'll need two candles with holders, one black, one red. First light black candle and gaze at its flame while you tap into the intense Scorpio emotional energy of letting go. Meditate on what you need to release in yourself. What emotional "stuff" are you holding onto that is sadness for you, and maybe an obstacle in smooth relating to someone else? Confront it, forgive yourself and anyone else involved. When you are ready, extinguish the candle.
Now light the red candle and gaze at its flame while you meditate on what you could do brighten the day tomorrow for someone else, or maybe several others. Open yourself to the Goddess' wisdom, and soon you'll feel inside you the message of what you can do and how you'll do it. Thank the Goddess with resolve to act on the message you've received.
Balsamic Moon, 6 Capricorn 05, February 9 at 5:56 pm EST
Complete what needs to be completed, with thanks for what has gone well within this cycle now closing. Then experiment a bit with new ideas or activities. Within every ending there are seeds of new beginnings. One of them may sprout into something interesting during the cycle of New Moon in innovative Aquarius, just ahead.
