The New Moon takes place at 21.42 GMT, 4 degrees 21′ Aquarius on January 24th.
The New Moon is square Uranus, the modern ruler of Aquarius, and is also sextile Chiron.
The New Moon indicates change, a breath of fresh air or a gust of wind whipping up and blowing away the cobwebs. For some, the New Moon may induce some anxiety about what exactly is altering, but, essentially, in the long run it may prove refreshing and stimulating in all the right ways. This New Moon is paving the way for Saturn’s entry into Aquarius on March 22nd and the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction at 0 degrees Aquarius on the Winter Solstice.
New Moon Meaning
The Sun and Moon are conjunct at the start of a new cycle. A New Moon indicates we could be initiating, putting in place changes – either by commencing something new or refreshing, spicing up a habitual routine. It’s a time seeds are sown – new ideas, goals or approaches in life.
Aspects
The New Moon square Uranus is all about change, it is likely sowing seeds, setting the scene for the future – whatever occurs is necessary and will be an evolving story, with Jupiter and Saturn meeting up at 0 degrees Aquarius, to put plans and details in place for the next 20 years.
Uranus is in Taurus, Venus rules Taurus and also the 1st decan of Aquarius where the New Moon occurs. At the New Moon Venus is in Pisces, where she is exalted and – Venus is square Mars and sextile Jupiter. Venus is in a sign she flourishes in and noticeably influential to the New Moon.
Mercury is in Aquarius and is also sextile Mars – thoughts and communications are going to have an Aquarian flavour, new ideas and fresh approaches that adjust or sway what steps or actions are to be taken.
The New Moon is likely to encompass change or new starts around money, jobs, how to improve our future security (Uranus in Taurus) but also relationships with friends and society (Aquarius) – a new perspective is coming into view. With Venus square Mars, some conflict or drama is certainly possible, but Venus sextile Jupiter encourages harmony and Mercury sextile Mars, perhaps inspires a creative approach to working around any tension.
Globally we can possible expect to see fresh ideas or approaches around the climate emergency, monetary systems (maybe cryptocurrencies) and technology.
Fixed Stars ~ Dabih ~ Giedi
The New Moon is conjunct the fixed stars Dabih and Giedi, both located in the Constellation of Capricornus, marking the head of the Goat – Dabih – and the right horn of the Goat – Giedi Prima and Secunda.
constellation capricornus
“The constellation Capricorn has a great influence over human affairs portending major changes in such areas as climate and political customs.” ~ Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, by George Noonan, page 36
stars
Dabih – With Sun – “Reserved, suspicious and mistrustful, loss through friends, responsible public position of trust and authority.”
With Moon – “Successful in business but retires under a cloud, favourable for wealth, influential position but scarcely realizes ambitions, trouble through opposite sex, deserved criticism and censure.” ~ Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, by Vivian E. Robson, page 157
Giedi Prima – With Sun – “Peculiar events, unexpected losses and gains, sometimes great good fortune”
With Moon – “Peculiar and unexpected events, eccentric, public criticism, new and influential friends, valuable gifts, love of respectable women but difficulties and sometimes platonic marriage.” ~ Robson, page 16
TAROT ~ 5 of SWORDS
The New Moon takes place in the 1st decan of Aquarius ruled by Venus (Saturn by triplicity). The corresponding tarot card is the 5 of Swords.
Venus loves peace and harmony, and is generally thought of as bestowing that influence. But, her origins lie in Babylonian mythology as Ishtar a goddess of love and war, beautiful, sensual but if her temper was ignited, fiery and vengeful.
Aquarius is a sign that loves humanity but equally will stand up and fight for its vision of righteousness, even if it creates distance, and isolation from the group. However, at heart both Venus and Aquarius wish for everyone to be contented and supported.
Book T calls this card “Defeat”.
The Rider Waite Smith card depicts a man holding three swords, relishing victory, as two defeated rivals, their abandoned swords lying on the ground, walk away. A squabble, a skirmish has occurred, but it’s impossible to tell if the battle was fair or justified.
However, the stormy clouds and choppy water illustrate that, sometimes, winning leads to further unrest, perhaps the loss of something equally cherished. A consequence that was possibly overlooked or not considered.
In a reading the 5 of Swords is a complex card to read, as it depicts both winning and losing. It can be finally standing up to those who have taken advantage of us – or – being taken advantage of by others. Situations are unsettled, tempestuous, and there can even be a hint of deception involved.
The 5 of Swords leads to questions about the true cost of victory, was the battle and the force used necessary? are the gains worth it? The 5 of Swords also clearly illustrates the potential that being overly competitive or covetous of what others have can lead to being deserted – left solo.
“On one level, this card deals with competition and the feelings of victory or defeat that accompany it. The momentary kick of outdoing someone else can be used as a substitute for developing our potential; however, it often reflects low self esteem. Competitiveness is related to our inner struggle for approval and affection. But neither the need to win nor the fear of defeat promotes inner growth. Thus, the Five of Swords, which looks like some kind of victory, is, in fact, an impasse.” ~ Spiritual Tarot by Echols, Mueller and Thomson, page 154
all in all
The New Moon indicates change, it could be an unexpected shake up or an anticipated, anxiously awaited, up in the air decision or outcome finally arriving – a turning point – either way it could be accompanied by a sense of gratification, triumph or be a setback, bring a briefly subdued state of mind. Whichever – adjusting thoughts and actions to smoothly flow with the turn of events, seeking the positives and looking to the future, is favoured by Mercury sextile Mars and Venus sextile Jupiter.
Top Image by Mohnish Landge
5 of Swords from The Aquatic Tarot