So far January has been a chaotic and highly challenging month for many of us. Fortunately, as this New Moon rises much of the highly charged intense energy that has been reverberating since the solar eclipse on December 26th will finally start to settle down.
The supercharged energy that generated between the December eclipse and the January 10th lunar eclipse is simmering and we are now entering the “eye of the storm” phase where all begins to feels calm and settled, and where major aspects of our lives click into place and begin to make sense.
This New Moon is in the sign of Aquarius and will impact all zodiac signs, but particularly those with Aquarius in their chart.
Aquarius is known as for being a game-changer, bringing regeneration, plot twists, transformation, breakthroughs and progress, so expect emotional, mental, spiritual or even physical shifts and changes over the next few days, and continuing on until the next New Moon on February 23rd.
Aquarius can come across as quite aloof and detached when it comes to emotions, feelings and connections, preferring independence, freedom and autonomy over their lives. This means we may notice we feel quite rebellious and find ourselves yearning for space, wanting to break free from outdated traditions or tear down dynamics that have felt confining, limiting or controlling. We may suddenly feel bored with normality and want to detangle from anything that feels too restricting or repressive, preferring to walk our own unique path, regardless how that looks to others.
Under Aquarius’ influence we will be seeing with clarity for the first time in weeks, seeing straight through illusions, masks and filters. This gives us the ability to disengage or distance ourselves from anyone or anything that creates pain, disharmony or disturbs our peace.
Instead of being triggered to irrationally and emotionally react, our mind will be crystal clear and we will feel grounded and in control, and we will either say nothing, very little or respond with calmness, courage and conviction.
The current of this New Moon calls on us to internalize love for a change and to find comfort, warmth and familiarity in romancing and loving ourselves. It is highly recommended to start new self-care rituals and to unapologetically take time for vital self-love, self-nourishment and self-care.
Aquarius is the “water bearer”, which means this New Moon will bring in a cleansing, renewing and recharging energy. The refreshing lunar energy will likely cause us to awaken on this New Moon feeling refreshed and rebirth, as though the New Year has only just begun, and the intensity of the past few weeks has suddenly dissipated.
Aquarius is associated with time, through Saturn, one of it’s rulers, so don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel as though you’ve entered a new age, started a new era or that time suddenly appears to be going far slower or quicker than normal.
It is also possible to be feeling highly nostalgic with wishful thinking about the future during this lunation, due to reoccurring thoughts about the past, future premonitions and vivid dreams about significant current issues, as the past, present and future blur into one.
We may feel impatient for our future dreams and desires to actualise, and that we want changes to happen instantly, and under this Aquarius moon absolutely anything is possible, so be certain that what you wish for is what you actually want and need. If we are being made to wait a little longer, perceive it as just a lesson in remaining present and enjoying every stage of the journey, especially if we are right at the start of planning stages.
Everything will fruition exactly when it is ready, and in the meantime there may be a lot of soul alignment that needs to occur to ensure we are fully prepared to receive the full blessings held within the intentions we are setting.
Connections from the past may reappear either so that healing and reunions can occur, or so a repeating lesson can finally be learned and closed.
Old energy, old lessons and old structures and patterns will all most definitely be clearing out, as the old lunar cycle closes, a new cycle starts and a brand new chapter begins.
It is imperative to work with this energy by clearing space for new possibilities and experiences, especially as during this Moon phase it is likely that significant soul-deep connections could arrive, that end up holding a prominent place in our future.
If we have been trying to manifest a new direction in life, starting a new career, moving house, quitting bad habits, or completely starting over, now is most definitely the time to put in the work, faith and dedication to make it happen. Particularly as Mercury Retrograde (notorious for not being a good time for new projects/new starts/major change) is only a few weeks away. Therefore, make use of this strong and revitalising energy by putting plans into action and committing to making those necessary, long-awaited and long-desired changes become a reality.
The energy we hold at this start of this New Moon sets the tone for the entire lunar month, so, if possible, attune with Aquarius’ mentally strong energy force and begin this cycle with optimistic high vibrational thoughts and feelings. If there have been challenges and set-backs recently, attempt to pull away from overanalzing, ruminating or overthinking. Try to alter perception and focus all attention on manifesting the intentions you are setting during this New Moon.
Moon phases always cause a shift in energy, however this is one that will cause a shake up on all levels, so we will feel emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically altered as the days pass by.
We are ultimately responsible for the direction in which our energy shifts, whether up, down or sideways, so it is vital to remain consciously aware of who, what and where our thoughts are trailing off to.
New Moons are the beginning of a brand new cycle and chapter, so it is imperative to set the stage now for how we want the rest of the lunar month to play out. Keep the mind firmly fixed on the seeds you are planting, and hold the visualisation and feeling of exactly how you want them to bloom and grow.
This major reset and reboot may feel unsettling at times, but as soon as the New Moon has passed all discordant energies will recalibrate and inner and outer peace will reside and life will finally start falling into perfect place.
To integrate this powerful cleansing and rejuvenating energy and to ensure a harmonious New Moon, drink plenty of filtered water, rest where possible, take a saltwater bath, play soothing music (binaural beats) and light candles, incense or burn sage. Also, try to detach from technology, spend some time outdoors with nature, indulge in comforting pastimes or carry out a New Moon ritual alone or with your favourite person/people.
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New Moon Ritual
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New moons are all about new beginnings, and there is no better time to make drastic change than during this moon phase.
On a New Moon we are being taught vital lessons about letting go of the old to clear space for the new. This often happens through losing things we once felt were important to us. This could mean people may end relationships with us or we might cut ties, we may either temporarily or permanently misplace items that had sentimental or financial value, or we may lose data due to technology malfunctioning, such as laptops or phones breaking, being stolen, or the information just seemingly “disappearing.”
Much of this will feel highly frustrating and even emotionally difficult to accept, although it is a major sign that we need to work hard at letting go of our attachment to whatever doesn’t exist in the present moment.
Letting go is vital for soul growth, as when we attempt to hold on we remain stuck in old energy and struggle to move onward and create new experiences, relationships, and opportunities. Often, we don’t realise that we are holding on, as our emotions become trapped within our subconscious, so the universe sends us sharp lessons (like losing things!) to awaken us so we recognise we are not fully living in the present moment due to our attachment to the past.
The fastest and easiest way to spiritually awaken is not through learning various concepts, philosophies, and ancient practices—it is simply through the acceptance that all we really have is this present moment, and anything in the past or future is no longer or not yet part of our true reality here on Earth. So much of our pain and suffering is due to either anxiety over what’s already happened or fear of what we might encounter in the future, and we waste so much energy conjuring up scenarios and reminiscing about what isn’t actually here in the now.
We often don’t realise the amount of energy expended when we contain so much of our past and live in anticipation of what the future holds—or how disempowering it is. When we learn to let go with grace and gratitude, we instantly discover that we not only feel freer and lighter, but we also let go of pain and suffering, which gives us an incredible amount of energy to focus on manifesting a beautiful existence in the present moment.
To let anything go, we must surrender to what is. Surrendering is the most powerfully healing and transformational thing we can do—and sometimes it is our only option, as whether we like it or not, not everything or everyone is meant to be in our lives.
The most beneficial way to align with a new moon, is to spend plenty of time in solitude for much needed introspection, and to meditate as often as possible before, during, and after the new moon to connect with source energy and receive much needed insights, wisdom, and guidance from this transformational celestial event.
All we need is a bowl of water, a floating candle, and sage or incense to burn. Fill the bowl with water, if possible from the ocean or lake, or pink Himalayan salt or natural sea salt added to tap water.
If it is not possible to go outdoors this ritual can be performed indoors, just be cautious with the paper and floating candle :)
Find a spot outdoors—if possible by the lake, ocean, or in a forest —and sit cross-legged with a straight spine and head slightly lowered. (If this isn’t comfortable, choose any seated or supine position.) Hands can be placed in front of the chest, palms lightly together, and thumbs and little fingers touching one another. Breathe deeply to calm the mind.
Place the bowl on the ground and light the floating candle in the bowl. If you have healing crystals, these can also be placed in the water to enhance the effects of the ritual.
Write on a piece of paper anything you wish to release. It can be a word, a sentence, or entire paragraphs full of detail—whatever feels necessary to purge at the time.
Read aloud what has been written, and then immerse the piece of paper in the water to cleanse and transform the energy relating to the memories.
The flame from the floating candle is a purifier and neutralises any negativity emanating from the note; it also symbolises our intention to let go of any pain attached to it.
Next, inhale deeply through the nose, feeling the belly area expand; hold for approximately five seconds. On the inhale, notice the chest expanding slightly. This allows the heart chakra to open. While we are pausing, the energy stored in our lungs rejuvenates and recharges our circulatory system. We can then exhale slowly through the mouth before pausing for a few seconds and repeating the breathing exercise.
Deep breathing allows the flow of energy (prana) to move around the body and helps relieve tension surrounding the heart area. Each inhaled breath signifies the manifestation of new beginnings, and each exhaled breath signifies endings or releasing.
Continue to deeply inhale and exhale, and allow all thoughts in the mind to float around for a few moments. Notice which thought repeats continuously and focus attention briefly on it.
For a few moments, acknowledge the feelings attached to the thought and envisage gently blowing them away. Continue this process with other thoughts niggling at the mind. Allow them a few moments, and then release by taking focused attention away from them.
Next envisage your heart radiating with love, and repeat a powerful affirmation, such as: “With love, gratitude, and tenderness, I now let go of…” Or: “I release the past and have total acceptance for this moment.”
Meditation is about remaining as much in the present moment as possible. When we are present, there is little suffering. Whenever we feel our mind casting back or projecting forward, it is important to gently bring it back to the here and now.
As we continue meditating, we will release anxiety and any painful emotions accompanying our thoughts. We can meditate for a few minutes or longer depending on how we feel. The more often we meditate, the more effective the practice will be.
Burning sage at the end of the meditation cleanses any negative energy and positively charges the atmosphere with. We can ground our energy by drinking a glass of water with a few sprinkles of pink Himalayan salt in it, and keeping the awareness that we’re safely supported by the earth below.
Once we have completed the meditation, we can transfer our empowering thinking into our daily lives by remembering that thoughts can become repetitive. The more we think about something, the more that thought and the emotions attached to it linger. When we think positive thoughts, we experience “feel good” emotions. The opposite is also true. We have the power to change how we feel by remaining aware and in control of our thoughts.
Many of us may have felt emotionally depleted and challenged by the struggles we have endured during 2019 and at the beginning of 2020. With this Aquarius New Moon we are now ready to release them and walk into the next chapter wiser, lighter, freer, open and ready for incredible new possibilities, opportunities and experiences.