Moons

AQUARIUS NEW MOON / YEAR OF THE WOOD SNAKE - 29 January 2025

1/26/2025

Exact at 12.35pm UK time (GMT)

This is a very big New Moon indeed, as it has some very powerful planetary alignments, not to mention that it heralds the beginning of year of the Wood Snake. It could be a very important time to set some intentions for our hopes and dreams for our ideal life, not only for ourselves, but also for the collective. Aquarius is a humanitarian sign that likes to connect with other like minded souls to help make the world a better place to live. This Moon is a very powerful moment in time, with the potential to bring in profound transformation for us all. It is important to be mindful of our thoughts during this time, as they hold particular power to create our reality. It can help, between now and the New Moon, to clarify what we truly wish for ourselves, and to remember that Spirit can take us very literally. Watch what you ask for!

We have the Sun, Moon, Mercury and Pluto all sitting in Aquarius for this Moon, bringing the potential for change, revolution, transformation and new perspective. We are invited to shed old skin and liberate ourselves from our conditioning and any outdated beliefs, attitudes, relationships, situations, goals, aspirations and concepts of ourselves that no longer serve the person that we are becoming. This is a powerful moment of personal and collective transformation, both in terms of our own lives and the antiquated societal structures that are in desperate need of an overhaul. Aquarius calls for us to embrace the new, thinking outside of the box and contemplating a way of being that might have seemed impossible before now, but why does it have to be?

Aquarius reminds us that it isn’t all about us and that we are all in it together. This New Moon invites us to not only contemplate our own vision for how life could ideally be, but also to contemplate how we can contribute to the greater whole. How do we relate to the group and community and are there ways we could become more involved? How can we connect more with like minded souls who have a similar vision for the way things could be? Are we surrounded by our tribe, those who truly understand where we are coming from? What needs to shift for us to be living our ideal life, and what does that look like? What needs to fall away for us to become a more authentic version of ourselves? What needs to change for us to be absolutely true to the person we truly are versus the person we have always been programmed to be? What rules need to be questioned, broken and released for us to feel free?

Pluto and Mercury and joining forces in Aquarius, exact the morning of the New Moon, which brings the potential for some profound revelations and shifts in the way we think and communicate. We could have some intense, revealing conversations around this time that bring penetrating insight, startling clarity and a change of perspective. Pluto has the power to uncover truths and secrets and calls for us to be brutally honest with ourselves and others even if it makes us feel vulnerable or exposed. Pluto isn’t afraid to peer into some dark corners and to sweep the debris and detritus out from under the proverbial carpet!

This could be a thought provoking, deeply introspective time that helps us to think outside the box and come up with new solutions to old problems. We could have some realisations that are not exactly comfortable, as we become aware of aspects of ourselves, others and life that are not easy to face. However, face them we must, because then we will reach a greater understanding and insight which could help us to grow and evolve. Pluto promises us gifts of buried treasure if we are brave enough to delve beneath the surface and see what lurks there! Those of us with personal planets or angles around 1° of a sign, especially the fixed signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius, will feel this energy most acutely.

A most beautiful, rare, extraordinary and powerful alignment of planetary energy is occurring around this New Moon, which feels quite magical! We have Venus, the planet of love and relating, Neptune the planet of oneness and unity, and the North Node, which represents our collective soul growth, all gathering together in sensitive, compassionate Pisces. The Nodes of the Moon, which represent the potential for personal and collective soul growth, have recently moved into Virgo and Pisces, which is the healing axis. We are invited to let go of any of the more challenging Virgo tendencies, such as being hard on ourselves, wanting everything to be perfect and in order, being overly purist, over-analysing, worry and anxiety and being overly critical of ourselves and others, and to work on embodying more of Pisces qualities.

The Pisces North Node calls us forward, encouraging us to simply be in the moment, surrendering to the flow of life and allowing things to simply be as they are, in all their imperfect beauty. With Neptune, the ruler of Pisces, sitting on top of the North Node (exact 7 February), we have the potential for dissolving ego and for finding true compassion and acceptance of all that we are and all that has happened, and finding true forgiveness in our hearts for ourselves and others. None of us are perfect but merely doing the best we can with the tools we have been given. This alignment can help us to connect to spirit with greater ease, and we are invited to trust the inner voice that guides us on our journey.

This is the absolute perfect time for any practices that help us to connect to the divine, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, heartfelt prayer, healing work and any form of creativity, as we have the potential for greater connection, inspiration and for Spirit to flow through us. We are reminded that ultimately, we are not in control, so it is better to simply let go of the reins and stop trying to make everything perfect, as life can be much easier that way. With Venus and Neptune joining together (exact 1 Feb), we have such potential for heart to heart connection and for truly seeing one another’s inner beauty, without the usual walls or defences.

There is the potential, with the North Node involved, for much soul growth and aligning with our true nature and our spiritual mission. There is something very fateful about this alignment, as people could come into our lives that have deep spiritual significance, as well as a deepening of the bonds we already have. Of course, all this Pisces can have its drawbacks, as we could find ourselves much more sensitive, open, vulnerable and thin-skinned than usual, not to mention feeling a bit more overwhelmed, in helpless victim mode and potentially having the urge to escape reality! However, being more sensitive is not such a bad thing, as it increases our empathy and compassion for others. There is something very “softening” about this alignment, and bear in mind that we will already be feeling it now, although the energy will be getting stronger and peak early February.

Those of us with personal planets and angles around 27/28° of Pisces will feel the sensitive, spiritual, ego dissolving energy of this alignment the most strongly, especially in the mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces, as well as the other water signs of Cancer and Scorpio. If we can put our egos aside for this moment in time and relate to ourselves and each other from a softer, kinder, more forgiving place, with greater acceptance of any human flaws and idiosyncrasies, it could really help us to let go of our gripes and grievances and see each other as we really are, as beings of light and luminescent beauty. We are invited to simply be here now with each other, in the present moment, as ultimately that is all there is.

We do also have Chiron the Wounded healer forming a dynamic square aspect to Mars, exact 4 Feb, which balances out the energies somewhat! Hear we are called to address and heal any childhood wounds around anger, masculinity, sexuality, the physical body, asserting our will and the right to exist. We could find ourselves more easily triggered and might need to watch out for being more reactive, defensive and even aggressive, but this does bring potential for healing these parts of ourselves that are more sensitive and reactive. Luckily, we have the Pisces alignment to soften the whole thing! This could also help give us the courage to bring thorny topics out into the open that need to be addressed, which could also be healing.

Those of us with personal planets and angles around 19° of a sign will feel the energy of Mars and Chiron the most acutely, especially in the Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. This combination can also bring an upsurge of illness, surgery or physical injury, although this is by no means inevitable! It does, however, bring an opportunity to work on the way in which we deal with our anger. Do we lash out, or suppress it, or direct it inwards, or are we passive aggressive? This certainly could be a good time to work on and heal unresolved childhood wounds, as they could be closer to the surface than usual!

Jupiter, the planet of growth, faith and expansion that helps us to broaden our horizons, is supporting this Moon, which could bring a sense of optimism and hope to the picture! Jupiter is currently in Gemini, which could help us to share our visions, hopes and any ideas about what we can do to change our lives and help make the world a better place to live in. Aquarius is the rebel, the revolutionary, the humanitarian, and helps us to question the status quo. Jupiter could help us to express our thoughts and opinions, helping us to connect with others to contemplate potential answers for whatever we are currently facing, both personally and collectively. Indeed, we could find that there is an abundance of preachers on the pulpit, sharing various progressive perspectives, ideas and solutions.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon, at 10° Aquarius, is an interesting one, considering all this Neptunian Pisces energy, which does bring the potential for wearing the rose-tinted spectacles! : “A man who had for a time become the embodiment of a popular ideal is made to realise that as a person he is not this ideal” which Dane Rudyar goes on to say “The need to deal with human beings as persons, rather than as screens upon which one projects one’s dream and ideal. Here we have a statement on the relationship between mental-spiritual vision and living reality, between persons and the ideal they appear to incarnate. Between the “great lover Image” and one’s need for love – a love his presence stimulated and aroused. The “star” on the movie screen is not the actual person. The star’s popularity fades away, the person remains. What has this episode of popularity actually done to the person? This is a question that can be applied to a great variety of circumstances. This symbol brings to our attention an issue that is basic and may confront us in various forms. Person versus archetype. This can mean a critical need for SELF-REVALUATION.”

This is also the beginning of Year of the Wood Snake beginning, which has the potential to bring about deep inner transformation on a personal and collective level, helping us to shed skins, in the form of patterns, programming, beliefs and systems. The Snake is a mystical, sensitive, introspective, spiritual, wise, intuitive sign that tends to move deliberately and avoid unnecessary risks, so this is a good year for strategic long-term planning and small, deliberate, intentional steps that bring growth. It can help us to face any shadow material, explore the unconscious and work on our emotional intelligence. The Wood element brings growth, vitality, flexibility, strength, perseverance, expansion, new vision and helps us to reach upward to our higher purpose. This could be a year of emotional depth, inner transformation and renewal. Happy New Year!

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Painting: Snake Medicine by Amy Bird

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AQUARIUS NEW MOON / YEAR OF THE WOOD DRAGON BEGINS - 9 February 2024

2/6/2024

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Exact at 10.59pm UK time (GMT)

This feels like an incredibly significant New Moon, with the potential for big shifts and surprises. It is also a Supermoon, which means that the Moon is closer to earth and will have a stronger impact on our minds, bodies, spirit and emotions. It is also the beginning of the Chinese year of the Wood Dragon! New Moons always bring the potential for shedding old weight and planting seeds for something new to come in, and this Moon is no exception! Aquarius is the sign of change, progression, innovation and questioning the status quo, so this Moon could help us to breathe fresh air into our lives and embrace a new perspective. This is the kind of Moon that could help us to recognise where we might be stuck in a rut and jolt us into a greater awareness of what needs to change and what needs to be released. Change is in the air!

With the Sun and Moon joining forces in eccentric, quirky, humanitarian Aquarius, we are called to think outside the box and look at our lives from a different angle. Aquarius is a very objective sign that helps us to detach, stand back and see ourselves with greater clarity and insight. It encourages us to question the rules and liberate ourselves from the layers of programming and conditioning that have built up since we were born, so that we can reveal our original, unique spark that is the true essence of who we are. Aquarius is the rebel, the revolutionary, the maverick, and so this Moon could bring out the part of us that questions authority, questions any rules that don’t make sense and questions what we are being told by those in authority. Aquarius helps us to see another way of doing things and isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd and be different.

Uranus, the planetary ruler of this Aquarius Moon, is forming a dynamic square to the Sun and Moon, which definitely spices things up a bit! Uranus is the planet of sudden wake up calls, shocks and curveballs that forces us out of stagnation and can bring massive insights, realisations, epiphanies and profound clarity. Expect the unexpected with this particular Moon! On both a personal and collective level, things can easily change in the blink of an eye, and Uranus reminds us that you never know what lies around the next corner. This is the planet that brings breakdowns that can then lead to breakthroughs. It clears away the cobwebs with a massive blast of fresh air. So often we know exactly what needs to change, but tend to resist facing the inevitable, not wanting to upset the apple cart and unsettle our lives. Uranus, however, isn’t afraid to upset the apple cart for the sake of positive change and growth.

Uranus is in Taurus, the sign that represents survival, the economy, material comforts and our values. There is the potential for some kind of breakdown of the financial system while Uranus is still in Taurus, which will be until 2026. However, as mentioned, breakdowns can lead to breakthroughs, and Uranus is an innovative, progressive planet that has the potential to bring much needed change to an antiquated system that is in very much need of an overhaul. Taurus is also the part of us that resists change, often because we don’t want to face the discomfort that it brings and because we fear the unknown.

This is the kind of Moon that can force us out of our comfort zone, but as we do so we have the potential to experience such a sense of freedom as we liberate ourselves from anything that has been weighing us down and holding us prisoner, including our conditioning. “To thine own self be true”, says Uranus. To be true to ourselves can feel very uncomfortable indeed, as it is often much easier to simply conform to others’ expectations of us, or the societal norm. This is the kind of Moon that could make things so intolerable that we simply have to make changes. Indeed, it can bring a sudden event that changes everything. It can also bring sudden insights that come out of thin air and change our perspective completely. And once we see with such clarity, there is no “unseeing”.

Those of us with personal planets or angles around 19° of a sign, especially the fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius, will feel the liberating, enlivening and potentially shocking energy of Uranus the most acutely, although this Moon does hold the potential for some kind of collective shift. As Pluto has recently moved into Aquarius, which is Uranus’s sign, this links Pluto, the planet of transformation with Uranus, the planet of shifts, progression and change. It does seem inevitable that some kind of change is coming within the next couple of years, and we can only hope that it will be based on Aquarian values of equality, freedom, brotherhood/sisterhood, benefiting the “People” rather than the plutocracy. We shall see.

Chiron the Wounded Healer is moving closer and closer to the North Node in Aries, exact on 19 February. It is not surprising that rumours of war grow stronger and stronger, as this is a fateful pairing in Aries, the sign that represents war and conflict. This brings up masculine energies to be healed, and brings up the question – does change, progress and conflict resolution have to result in violence and war? On a personal level, we are being called to address and heal any issues we may have around the masculine, including how we assert and stand up for ourselves and the way we handle our anger. This is a powerful configuration that can help us to find the courage to face our core wounds and heal any issues around “I am”, the right to exist, our identity and the capacity for self-love. We are called to embrace all that we are, and to make ourselves a priority, although this could be difficult for some. Self-care is imperative during this time, because it helps us to deal with whatever else is occurring around us. As we each heal ourselves, we help to heal the world.

Uranus is also forming a harmonious, supportive trine aspect to Venus, the ruler of Taurus. Venus is the planet of love, relationship, self-worth and money, so Uranus could bring about a shift of perspective in all of these areas. It can breathe fresh air and excitement into our relationships and finances, and can also bring great clarity and insight, so that we can see more objectively what might need to change. This trine aspect is exact on 7 February but will still be strong during the New Moon.

Jupiter is also forming a dynamic square aspect to Mercury, exact on 10 February. We may feel that we have a lot to say during this Moon, as if we have something very important to communicate! People could be more opinionated than usual, as they feel the need to express their truth. There is the potential for jumping to conclusions before knowing the full picture. It is important to listen to people’s feedback and to be mindful of what comes out of our mouths. Those of us with personal planets and angles around 8° of a sign, especially the fixed signs, will feel this energy most strongly.

The Sabian symbol for this Moon is interesting, especially in the light of the other planetary energy surrounding this Moon, at 21° Aquarius: “A disappointed and disillusioned woman courageously faces a seemingly empty life”, which Dane Rudyar describes as “The capacity to meet emotionally upsetting experiences in human relationships with strength of character and personal integrity. The man who manages vast and complex business enterprises most often reaches power and achieves success because of his ability to deal with crises and temporary reverses of fortune. At the emotional level we now see a “woman” confronted with sharp disappointment and forced to face the vanishing of cherished illusions, presumably in terms of a close personal relationship. She has to learn to manage such crises, which are really tests of inner strength and perhaps compassion. We all have within ourselves the power to learn through emotional crises. But like any other faculty, it needs development. This symbol urges us to develop RESILIENCE under adversity.” Hmm. Interesting indeed.

On top of all of this powerful energy, we have the beginning of the Year of the Wood Dragon! The last two Dragon years were 2000 and 2012, both notable and memorable years. The Dragon is a mythical creature, and they truly are dynamic, transforming forces of nature! A Dragon year brings the potential for transformation, passion, enterprise, creativity, innovation and problem solving. Dragon years often produce strong, powerful, charismatic, visionary leaders, so this year could certainly be a year to remember in that sense, when some of our leaders become stronger and more powerful, and some could fall. Dragons can have a very strong ego and know exactly who they are. The Wood element brings the potential for profound growth, building on what is already there, and regeneration. It is very interesting that the Dragon Year begins with such a potent New Moon that brings such potential for shocks, change and new vision. What a powerful start to a powerful year!

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

For personal readings, my website: https://www.amybirdartandastrology.com/astrology.html

Painting: Wooden Dragon, by Tatiana Kozhevnikova

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AQUARIUS NEW MOON / CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE RABBIT - 21 January 2023

1/18/2023

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Exact at 8.53pm UK time (GMT)

This is no ordinary New Moon, as it is also a Supermoon, which means that it will have a bigger impact on us, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It also heralds the beginning of the Yin Water Rabbit, which could feel like a welcome relief after the Yang Water Tiger year! We may feel the need to slow down and get some rest this year. Yin Water is softer and more flowing, and the Rabbit is known for being gentle, sensitive, tender, elegant and refined. That being said, Rabbits can sometimes be a bit fearful of predators, so while we are encouraged to be creative this year, we could feel a little stuck at times, as we struggle to find the courage to put plans into action. However, Rabbits do intuitively know how to get ahead in the world and can be quite quick and alert.

This does feel like a very potent and energised New Moon, and Aquarius asks us to contemplate our hopes, dreams and visions for a better future, setting positive intentions that come from our heart. The Aquarius part of us truly believes in community in the truest sense of the word, and genuinely wants to make this world a better place for everyone. An Aquarian Motto could be “All for one and one for all!” Aquarius is also the part of us that questions the rules and is willing and able to stand up to authority if needs be. As such, Aquarius season, which begins with the New Moon, can bring the activist, rebel and revolutionary out in us, bringing the potential for more uprisings, marches, protests and revolutions.

There is an unpredictable, electrical energy to Aquarius, which is quite a contrast to the more cautious, realistic, disciplined and responsible energy of Capricorn season. Aquarius is the part of us that is a good friend and likes to gather in groups with like-minded people. Our relationship with our friends is slightly more detached, less intimate than with our lovers and family members, and so we are able to see each other more clearly, giving our objective feedback when our friends are in need of advice or support. The closer we get to someone, the harder it is to be objective! Aquarius is a friendly yet slightly cool and aloof kind of energy – friendly but not too familiar.

This could be a good Moon for taking a step back from whatever we are going through and seeing things from a different perspective, which could help bring some insight, understanding and clarity. Indeed, we could experience some kind of shift that brings much needed change, setting us back on the right path. Aquarius and its planetary ruler, Uranus, are the kind of energy that shakes things up somewhat, dusting off the cobwebs and helping us get out of whatever safe, secure but stagnant rut we may have inadvertently fallen into. Change can be a scary thing to contemplate, so we tend to put it off until things have become so intolerable that we have no choice in the matter. This could be a very good Moon to instigate healthy and positive change, rather than waiting for something to come along and force it on us.

Luckily, we have Mars and Jupiter forming supportive and helpful aspects to the Sun and Moon, which could really help us to find the courage we need to either take a stand or initiate change. Jupiter in Aries is such brave and enthusiastic energy, helping us to feel the fear and do it anyway! Jupiter is the planet of growth and expansion, while Aries is the pioneer and brave warrior, so this Moon could help us to have the courage, confidence, faith and motivation to move past obstacles, rolling any boulders out of our way with ease! Jupiter will be exactly sextile the Sun in the early hours of Wednesday 25 January, so the energy will be building in strength during this Moon.

Mars in Gemini is also forming a helpful trine aspect to the Sun and Moon, although it is not as strong because it won’t be exactly trine the Sun until 30 January. However, it is still significant and could help us to make decisions and to have the courage to act on whatever we decide. Gemini is the sign of the mind and communication, so Mars can help us to say what needs to be said and to confront some thorny or challenging material. Mars helps us to not waver once we have decided upon a course of action. As Mars approaches the trine with the Sun in the next week or so, we could feel a much-needed boost of courage, motivation and energy.

Interestingly enough, there is a supportive trine aspect between Uranus and Mercury that is starting to build during this Moon, which is also exact on 30 January. This could help us to think outside of the box and see things from a different perspective. It can open our minds to new information and help us to come up with ingenious solutions to anything we may be facing. It can help us to change our minds, bringing new insight, epiphanies and even an “aha” moment or two! Mercury is now direct, having been retrograde for three weeks, and Uranus turns direct on 23 January, so there is a forward moving energy around, especially as all the planets will now be direct!

Anyone with personal planets or angles around 14/15° of a sign will be feeling the liberating, exciting, changing energy of Uranus most acutely, especially those in the fixed signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Those with planets and angles around 1° of a sign, especially the fixed signs, will feel the full impact of this Aquarius Moon.

Pluto and the Sun are joining forces in Capricorn on Wednesday 18 January, a couple of days before the New Moon. Anyone with personal planets or angles around 28° of a sign, especially the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn could feel this powerful, transforming and potentially empowering energy the strongest. Power and transformation are the theme here, as well as potentially having to face something we would rather not have to deal with. Pluto will still be very close to the Sun and Moon during this New Moon, although they will have moved into Aquarius, while Pluto remains at 28° Capricorn.

The Sabian Symbol for this Moon, at 2° Aquarius, is a powerful one indeed – “The unexpected thunderstorm”, which Dane Rudyar describes as “The need to develop the inner security which will enable us to meet unexpected crisis. The symbol itself – “An unexpected thunderstorm” – could be given a very positive meaning in an arid environment, but the emphasis on “unexpected” tends to accent the sudden dangerous character of the event. Such a thunderstorm in a region of dry hills can cause a devastating flood. At any rate, it refers to an event for which one is not prepared – a menace to men’s works. This scene stresses the fact that nature may reduce to impermanence the seemingly most permanent endeavours and constructive activities of men. Under a downpour of rain, adobe brick can return to mud. All human institutions and their achievements can be washed away, even in their day of great glory. “Dust you were, dust you must become.” This is NATURE’S CHALLENGE.”

Indeed, Aquarius does bring the potential for sudden shocks and surprises that bring change. And Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius, is currently in Taurus, a sign that represents the natural world, the economy and our safety and security in a physical and financial sense. As such, we could receive some surprises in this area of our lives. However, Aquarius and Uranus also call for us to come up with solutions and can be very innovative. Sometimes we need a bit of a shock to jolt us out of apathy and stagnation. This Moon does seem to be providing us with the faith, courage and motivation to initiate change, to stand up for what we believe in and to take a step towards creating the kind of world we would be happy living in. It’s up to us to make the most of it.

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Picture: Rabbit in a Lightning Storm – Daniel Eskridge

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AQUARIUS NEW MOON / YEAR OF THE WATER TIGER - 1 February 2022

1/28/2022

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Exact at 5.46am UK time (GMT)

This is yet another potent Moon in a series of very powerful Moons! It seems that we are currently going through some kind of transformation and shift, and each Moon is another part of the process. And now we have an Aquarius New Moon, the sign of new vision, breakthroughs, revolution and brotherhood/sisterhood, which calls for us to contemplate our hopes and dreams for a better future. This Moon is especially powerful because we have Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius, forming a dynamic, challenging square to the Sun and Moon, which will intensify the liberating, revolutionary energy of the Moon. This Moon seems to be setting the stage for some change, freedom and excitement and is calling for us to step out of whatever comfortable rut of conformity we might be in so that we can live a truly authentic life.

Aquarius is the sign of equality, liberty and fraternity; the part of us that likes to think for ourselves and isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd. Indeed, Aquarius helps us to stand apart from consensus reality so that we can see it more objectively. New Moons represent a time to plants some energetic seeds for the month ahead. We are asked to contemplate what patterns and habits no longer serve us and leave them behind in the dark of the Moon, and to reflect on what we want to cultivate moving forward. Aquarius calls for us to step back and look at things from a different perspective, considering any hopes and dreams we might be harbouring in our hearts, even if they seem unusual, impossible, whacky or downright mad!

Aquarius calls for us to break down our programming, peeling back the layers of conditioning so that we can find out who we really are; our unique, authentic self. We are asked to let go of the need to conform or abide by the rules, especially if the rules make no sense whatsoever. Aquarius teaches us that just because someone in authority tells us something is the right thing to do it does not mean that it is necessarily so. Aquarius calls for us to question the status quo, stand up to authority, protest for our rights and make a break for freedom. Aquarius is not afraid to stand alone, if needs be, rather than blindly following the crowd. As such, this Moon could prompt us to question, rebel, liberate, individuate and to take a step back so that we can see things as they really are.

Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius, is a very big player indeed during this New Moon, as the Great Awakener is forming a tight, challenging square to the Sun and Moon. Anytime Uranus is involved we have the potential for shocks, surprises, sudden change, curve balls, wake up calls, epiphanies and breakdowns that lead to breakthroughs. As such, we could have some profound rand shocking revelations, both personally and collectively. Uranus is the planet of revolution and innovation, calling for us to let go of our programming and discover the true essence that lies beneath. It has the capacity to jolt us into a state of greater awareness, waking us up from our slumber and putting us back on the right track. It reminds us who we really are, versus who we thought we were “supposed” to be. This is the planet of freedom that liberates us from the shackles of societal and parental conditioning and helps us to find a place of greater authenticity.

Saturn in Aquarius is also involved in this Moon, bringing into focus the Saturn Uranus square that has been such a big part of the astrology of recent times. Aquarius is the sign that represents technology and the internet. It is the part of us that likes to feel free and seeks like-minded peeps to form friendships with. Saturn is the planet of structure, control, authority, limitation, discipline, commitment, reality and patience. Since Saturn has been in Aquarius, from March 2020, we have experienced a gradual curbing of our freedom and individual rights, limited social contact along with the inability to gather in large groups, more and more authoritarian control through the use of technology and censorship of those who question the prevailing narrative. There is more and more of a sense of big brother watching, which is becoming easier and easier as technology advances. People have been so willing to embrace the technological advances for the convenience it brings. However, there is a price to pay, which could potentially be our freedom if we are not careful.

As this Saturn Uranus square again comes into focus, we have the battle between Uranian freedom and Saturnian control. Uranus could break down the Saturnian structures and liberate us from our state of fear and compliance. We could also find that people are somehow liberated from judgemental attitudes, bringing about greater tolerance for our differences. Uranus in Taurus could bring about some kind of financial revolution which could bring a greater sense of freedom or could tighten authoritarian control. Uranus can wake us up from Saturnian programming, shocking us and greatly challenging our view of reality, which could potentially be quite destabilising. Uranus rebels, Saturn conforms. Uranus represents liberty, change and progression while Saturn represents structure, control and tradition. The old world is crumbling and we are being asked to find our place in a new world that is forming with a set of completely different rules.

Mercury and Venus remain retrograde, for now anyway, as Venus gets ready to turn direct on 29 January and Mercury on 5 February. Both retrograde planets are in Capricorn right now, which is giving us a heavy dose of reality as we are asked to look at the viability of our relationships and potential projects, taking off the idealistic rose-tinted spectacles. Mercury will join Pluto for the second time on 29 January, the first time having been 30 December. This combination of planets could bring about some serious, penetrating, soulful conversations that really get to the heart of the matter and bring out the stark truth. It could be quite exposing and revealing, bringing hidden information and secrets out into the light of our conscious awareness. Pluto and Mercury will conjoin one last time on 11 February and anyone with personal planets or angles around 27° of a sign will be feeling it most acutely, especially the Cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.

While Venus has been retrograde in serious, controlled and responsible Capricorn for the past 40 days, prompting us to look at our relationships and finances in a realistic rather than idealistic light, it will be direct by the time the New Moon arrives. We also have Uranus forming a supportive trine to the planet of love and beauty, which is very helpful because it can breath fresh air into our relationships and help us to find a greater sense of freedom and authenticity within our relationships. We are all unique human beings, and as such we have different needs and one relationship simply doesn’t fit all. We are invited to find our “fit”, which could involve a bit of a stark reality check as we see things as they really are instead of how we might wish they could be. It is quite possible that we have been trying to fit a square peg into a round hole and this is our chance to recognise this and figure out which peg might be a better fit.

Uranus was also trine Venus during the Cancer Full Moon on 16 January, so this is a continuation of a process that began then. The difference is that both Uranus and Venus are direct now, so we should be able to see some movement forward. Capricorn is the part of us that likes to take our time to mull things over, so we have had the chance for some deep introspection, thorough processing and reflection on what we truly want and need as we move forward into this new world. Capricorn likes to lay down foundations and is capable of great commitment, so it is possible that the inner work that has been done in recent times could be laying the groundwork for some something that can really stand the test of time, However, with Chiron the Wounded healer challenging Venus there is also the potential for us being deeply triggered within our relationships, although some radical honesty could be amazingly healing, despite hurting a little!

Anyone with personal planets or angles around 10° of a sign will be feeling the liberating, awakening and progressive energy of Uranus most acutely, especially in the fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Chiron and Venus are both in Cardinal signs, however, around 11° and 12°. This certainly does feel like a profound time for our relationships, both to ourselves and others. It has the potential to bring a greater sense of space and freedom and the capacity to be totally honest with ourselves, contemplating what we really, truly want so that we can be utterly authentic and true to who we really are.

The Sabian symbol for the New Moon, at 13° Aquarius, is interesting indeed: “A barometer”, which Dane Rudyar describes as “The ability to discover basic natural facts that allow us to plan in advance for action. The barometer registers air pressure, and a change of pressure today gives some indication of what the weather will be tomorrow. Planning for the near future is a possibility because the potential (or seed) of the future is already operating at the core of the present. The key word here is ANTICIPATION.” This symbol gives a sense of us sniffing things out as we watch and wait, feeling out the “atmosphere before taking action. There is a sense of anticipation, as we prepare ourselves for some kind of a shift, but for now we are just feeling things out, testing the water and not rushing into anything until all becomes a bit clearer. A seed is being sown during this Moon that will bear fruit soon, but for now we must wait and watch.

It all feels quite exciting though! The strong influence of Uranus, the planet that can wake us up and bring about liberation and radical change, brings the potential for quite an energetic shift as we also move out of the Metal Ox year into the Water Tiger year. The Water Tiger is incredibly dynamic and strong, and can be confrontational, but it can really get things moving, which will be welcome after a yin Metal year! It could give us an enormous amount of energy for getting things done, breathing energy into projects and movements. As a dear Chinese practitioner friend said, Yang Water is the strongest of all the elements, rather like a tsunami. Let’s see what this year brings!

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Picture: Water Tiger by Exileden on Deviant Art

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AQUARIUS NEW MOON / YEAR OF THE YIN METAL OX - 11/12 February 2021

2/9/2021

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New Moon - 11 February, exact at 7.05pm UK time.
Chinese New Year - 12 February

Well, there is a veritable Aquarius party going on at the moment, with the Sun, Moon, retrograde Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Pallas Athena all in this eccentric, rebellious, humanitarian sign! Aquarius calls for us to release ourselves from our conditioning and programming and discover who we really are and what we really think. This is the sign that encourages us to become our own unique self, even if it means having to stand apart from the crowd. Aquarius is a very friendly sign that tends to march to the beat of its own drum, regardless of what everyone else is doing.

While Capricorn represents authority such as parents, teachers and governments, who give us the rules and regulations to obey and follow, Aquarius comes after Capricorn and is the part of us that questions the rules and stands up to authority if needs be. This is the flavour of this New Moon, which calls us to think outside of the box and look at things from a different perspective. Aquarius helps us to detach from the status quo and see things from a more objective view point. Sometimes it helps to take a step back so that we can see more clearly. For this New Moon we might like to focus on and set intentions for our hopes and visions for a better future, as Aquarius is a visionary sign by nature. This Moon could help us to see more clearly what needs to change both inwardly and outwardly in order to create the life we seek.

Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius, is currently locked into battle with Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, with a challenging square aspect between the two planets that will be exact on 17 February. This is the first of three squares between Uranus and Saturn, so it is an important energy this year, much like the Pluto Jupiter conjunction last year. Saturn is the planet of structure, tradition, societal rules, authority and control, while Uranus is the planet of revolution, awakening, rebellion, change and innovation; two very different characters indeed! Which of these two mighty characters will win the battle? When Saturn and Uranus get together we tend to experience radical change, as we are urged to break out of old habits and patterns and get rid of any personal or societal structures that are limiting, repressive or worn out. Indeed, while Saturn represents our personal construct of reality, Uranus, the Great Awakener could potentially blow that apart, waking us up and challenging the limits of our reality, which could be both exciting, enlivening or incredibly destabilising!

As these two have it out with each other we could see a continuation of the dismantling of the structures of society, bringing about the birth of a new world. However, Saturn calls us be very clear indeed about the kind of world we want this to be and to truly take responsibility for creating it. What kind of reality do we want to live in? What kind of world to we want our children to inherit? Saturn in Aquarius could give us a heavy dose of the reality of the technological age we are living in, not to mention the potential for Saturnian power structures using technology and artificial intelligence as a means of control. Uranus is the planet that wakes and shakes us up and calls for radical change, revolution and innovation. It is currently in Taurus, which could bring some kind of overhaul of our financial system and, combined with Saturn, the potential for more control over finance through the use of technology. Change is afoot and it will be very interesting to see what comes about in the next week or so as these two planets, representing the old versus the new, tradition versus innovation, the authoritarian versus the rebel, clash in the heavens.

Venus, the ruler of Taurus, is also in Aquarius at the moment and is sitting right next to Jupiter for this New Moon. This combo can bring great benefit from us being open and tolerant towards one another and being willing to truly take in other points of view. Equally, we may benefit from detaching or taking stepping back from our loved ones, for whatever reason, in order to see things more clearly. Venus in Aquarius is friendly but not too familiar and allows each person to be completely themselves. We don’t always have to agree, but we can love each other nevertheless. Sometimes a bit of distance is needed to see the wood for the trees.

Jupiter in Aquarius encourages us to keep an open mind and to think outside the box, allowing our more rigid beliefs to be challenged and even broken down. Jupiter is the ruler of the Sagittarius South Node, which is currently showing up the disparity between our beliefs and the actual truth, while the Gemini North Node is encouraging us to use our common sense and do some research in order to find the truth we seek. While the Sagittarius part of us may be somewhat fanatical about our beliefs, wanting to convince and convert others to our point of view and maybe even being susceptible to indoctrination, the Gemini North Node encourages us to keep an open mind, to be curious and listen to other points of view even if they differ from our own. Gemini invites us to find some proof to back up our opinions and to apply some logic and sense so that we can differentiate between fact and fiction.

Speaking of fact and fiction, the good news is that Neptune is now moving away from the square to the Nodes that has been so prominent for the past few months. This has made it so very hard to find the truth, as it has been shrouded and veiled, creating so much uncertainty and confusion. Indeed, it has almost felt like a spell or enchantment has been cast, putting people into some kind of a trance. The veil may start lifting now, slowly, so that the confusion, mixed messages, deception, illusion, delusion, propaganda, subliminal messaging, smoke screens, glamour and enchantments can hopefully lessen, or at least have less power over us. This will be very welcome indeed, as there has been much confusion in recent times, not to mention the urge to just numb out in order to cope with the overwhelm and information overload. Hopefully the fog is now lifting!

Mercury, the ruler of the Gemini North Node, is still retrograde in Aquarius, encouraging us to look back over things and question what we have been told to be true. Aquarius asks us to think outside the box, to be open to looking at things from another perspective and allow our minds to be blown! The retrospective action of Mercury invites us to reflect, revisit and review, and by looking back we may experience some surprising insight and epiphanies. Often we find ourselves reflecting on the past during a Mercury retrograde and people may even pop up from our past with whom we have unfinished business or who have a message for us. Indeed, we may be in for some surprises!

We also have the Year of the Yin Metal Ox starting on 12 February, after having just experienced a rather tumultuous Year of the Yang Metal Rat. The Ox is gentle by nature and is grounded, strong, diligent, loyal, hard working, compassionate, conscientious, trustworthy, nurturing and has respect for others, so these qualities will be felt this year. However, it can also be a bit rigid and stubborn and isn’t fond of being challenged! It is important to do our best this year to go with the flow and make the most of whatever we are given to work with, even if it doesn’t look like much. This year has a very different feel to it than the last, as yin is much softer in nature and Yin Metal allows us to turn something very hard and unyielding into a thing of beauty. Indeed, Yin Metal is known to be a precious jewel which is very reflective, so possibly this is a year to plough the fields of our inner landscape and word hard on refining the beautiful jewel within our heart. The Ox year could be a time of slow, steady progress, when we are encouraged to turn inward to connect with our intuition and cultivate a feeling of gratitude and abundance that has nothing to do with the outer world.

The first couple of weeks of the Ox year could certainly be interesting, with this square between Saturn and Uranus building in energy. There certainly is a lot of Aquarius energy around during this Moon, including Pallas Athena sitting right next to the Sun and Moon! Pallas Athena is very clever indeed, being the goddess of wisdom, strategy, genius and invention who is well known for her creative intelligence. Her skills and powers are being directed towards all things Aquarius at the moment, which could involve coming up with ingenious solutions to difficult problems, organising strategic rebellions and uprisings, envisioning a new and different future and defending our rights and liberties in a unique and clever way. Uranus, being the ruler of all of this Aquarius energy, is certainly in a strong position right now. Sometimes things have to break down in order for us to break through to the other side.

Much love

Amy
xoxo

Painting: Always and Never the Same - David Padworny

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AQUARIUS NEW MOON / YEAR OF THE YIN METAL OX - 11/12 February 2021

Amy Bird

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