Aquarius is an intellectually focused sign. Therefore, why not take the time for some inquiry to connect into what lessons and realizations this time may inspire. Given that mental Mercury is harmonizing with assertive Mars, this inquiry may be energized, enabling the catalysis of some surprising “aha!” moments. Here are some good questions to reflect upon today:

• What traditions do I buck?
• Do I do so for the sake of it or because I believe there is a better approach?
• What does freedom mean to me?
• Which areas of my life do I perceive I have freedom? Which areas do I perceive I do not?
• Where in my life do I look at things from a different angle from most people I know?

 
Today is also the Chinese Lunar New Year, which usually accords with the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice. This year we celebrate the Year of the Water Dragon. For more details on this, see this post written by astrologer Raphael Simons.
 

3:17 am: Mercury (Capricorn) trine Mars (Virgo)
4:54 pm: Mars in Virgo stations retrograde

* all times are PST

With the Moon in Capricorn most of the day, as we wind down to the Aquarius New Moon, we have opportunities to consider these questions and commit to releasing that which doesn’t serve us. This way we invest in a clearer canvas upon which we can plant seeds for a new cycle of growth in the arenas of altruism, collective participation, and problem-solving whose aim is to enhance our communities.

For more on the New Moon, whose themes will likely present themselves both today and tomorrow, see this post.

Astro-Atlas*
4:02 am: Moon (Capricorn) conjunct Mercury (Capricorn)
6:42 am: Moon (Capricorn) trine Mars (Virgo)
5:38 pm: Moon (Capricorn) square Saturn (Libra)
5:38 pm: Moon void-of-course
6:53 pm: Moon enters Aquarius
9:27 pm: Moon (Aquarius) sextile Uranus (Aries)
9:56 pm: Moon (Aquarius) square Jupiter (Taurus)
11:39 pm: Moon (Aquarius) conjunct Sun (Aquarius) [New Moon]

* all times are PST

January 22, 2012: Aquarius New Moon (exact at 11:39 pm PST)

During this New Moon in Aquarius we may find ourselves turning some of our attention from our personal lives to larger collective issues. Inherent within, there’s a knowingness that we are not separate, that a connection unites us to those we hear or read about around the globe. If there were a theme song for the day, “We Are the World”—the 1985 pop-star-riddled ballad that raised money for humanitarian aid—may very well be it. The energetics of this day may readily inspire within us the awareness that we are not isolated beings, but rather global citizens, and that what happens on the other side of the world can feel as proximate–and relevant–as what is happening down the street.

With the Sun and Moon in square aspect to Jupiter, it’s important to keep our visions hopeful but also realistic. Be inspired by all that is possible, yet be careful not to let over-optimism get in the way of fulfilling upon your ideals. This is especially relevant today since Mars is about to go retrograde (until April 13) and a temporary recalibration of how we exert our energy and will is required (see post below on Mars retrograde for more details).

This month’s New Moon falls at 3 degrees of Aquarius (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Aquarius or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics. Pay attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Energetic healing: With Aquarius the sign ruling subtle energies and alternative approaches, enjoying a healing method that focuses on your body’s bio-energetic system may be especially powerful during this New Moon. Some practices to consider include reiki, qigong, and acupuncture.

Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani): This gentle, restorative pose inspires calm and relaxation. It can provide benefit for the Aquarius-ruled calves and peripheral circulatory system as it helps to bring the blood flow from the lower legs back to the torso. To practice, sit on the floor with the right side of your body next to a wall and your legs bent and feet on the floor. Lie on your left side (perpendicular to the wall) and roll onto your back, bringing your legs straight up to rest against the wall. Scoot your buttocks forward so that they are as close to the wall as possible. Close your eyes and relax for at least five minutes.

January 8, 2012: Cancer Full Moon (exact at 11:30 pm PST)

On this Full Moon we can gain insights into the ways we contribute to both the world and the people to whom we are closest. We may also be better able to understand the role with which are mainly identified (both by ourselves and others). Is it the work we do, the family we nurture, the relationships that we tend, and/or other things that carve out our identity and bring us nurturance? During this Full Moon, we can gain a greater sense of how we feel about the legacy we are creating and whether it truly aligns with our deepest needs and desires.

We may feel extra sensitive today and experience a heightened need to feel safe, secure, and taken care of. At the same time, we may perceive that this conflicts with a desire to be a bedrock of strength for others. As such, it’s important to remember to own and express our feelings and that stating our needs is not a reflection of weakness but of internal strength.

Also today, Mercury connects in to both Jupiter and Uranus, inspiring communications that can lead to greater understanding, even if what we learn is not what we had expected. Opening our mind to learning in a different way or looking for information from alternative sources may do wonders for helping us to gain a new, and very valuable, perspective.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 19 degrees of Capricorn (Sun) and Cancer (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Capricorn, Cancer, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Capricorn is associated with the skeletal system, joints, and skin while Cancer is associated with the stomach, sinuses, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this Full Moon.

Frankincense: Frankincense is one of the most sacred of scents and one that aligns beautifully with the sagacity of Capricorn. Used in temple ceremonies for ages, it can help us to open to the mysteries of life as well as the cycles of creation and manifestation. Using it in a diffuser, adding some to a mister bottle of water to scent a room, or mixing it with a few drops of plain body oil and applying it as a perfume are some great ways to enjoy it. It’s also a great tonic for helping to support Capricorn-related rheumatic health so mix a drop or two with plain lotion, massaging it into your muscles, paying particular attention to your joints.

Honeysuckle flower essence: With the Moon in Cancer, we may find that the past has a pincer grip on us, just like the claws of a crab, the symbol for Cancer. When this happens, it can lead to a reduction in vitality, disturbing our ability to maintain the sense of presence required to fully participate in the present. If you need some energetic assistance releasing the shrouds of wistfulness and making peace with the past, consider trying Honeysuckle flower essence. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)

January 22, 2012: Aquarius New Moon (exact at 11:39 pm PST)

During this New Moon in Aquarius we may find ourselves turning some of our attention from our personal lives to larger collective issues. Inherent within, there’s a knowingness that we are not separate, that a connection unites us to those we hear or read about around the globe. If there were a theme song for the day, “We Are the World”—the 1985 pop-star-riddled ballad that raised money for humanitarian aid—may very well be it. The energetics of this day may readily inspire within us the awareness that we are not isolated beings, but rather global citizens, and that what happens on the other side of the world can feel as proximate–and relevant–as what is happening down the street.

With the Sun and Moon in square aspect to Jupiter, it’s important to keep our visions hopeful but also realistic. Be inspired by all that is possible, yet be careful not to let over-optimism get in the way of fulfilling upon your ideals. This is especially relevant today since Mars is about to go retrograde (until April 13) and a temporary recalibration of how we exert our energy and will is required (see post below on Mars retrograde for more details).

This month’s New Moon falls at 3 degrees of Aquarius (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Aquarius or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics. Pay attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Energetic healing: With Aquarius the sign ruling subtle energies and alternative approaches, enjoying a healing method that focuses on your body’s bio-energetic system may be especially powerful during this New Moon. Some practices to consider include reiki, qigong, and acupuncture.

Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani): This gentle, restorative pose inspires calm and relaxation. It can provide benefit for the Aquarius-ruled calves and peripheral circulatory system as it helps to bring the blood flow from the lower legs back to the torso. To practice, sit on the floor with the right side of your body next to a wall and your legs bent and feet on the floor. Lie on your left side (perpendicular to the wall) and roll onto your back, bringing your legs straight up to rest against the wall. Scoot your buttocks forward so that they are as close to the wall as possible. Close your eyes and relax for at least five minutes.

January 23 – April 13, 2012: Mars Retrograde

Mars goes retrograde on January 23, a position it will retain until April 13. When a planet is retrograde the energy it represents is more internally focused than externally expressed.

Astrologically, Mars is the warrior planet that represents action, will, and determination. If we want to get or achieve something, Mars is the chariot that can help us to realize this accomplishment.

When Mars is retrograde, we can take the opportunity to reflect upon how we use our will. Does the way we set about getting things done truly help us meet our aims? Is our mode of pursuing our goals the most efficient and effective? Is the manner in which we express our passions and desires in sync with our heart’s intentions? These are appropriate questions to ask during this period.

What is also appropriate—and very important—is to find productive outlets for any anger you may feel. Given that energy is turned inward during a retrograde period, this may lead to a stifling of the expression of Mars—our anger and/or passion–which itself can lead to feelings of depression. So, make sure to find ways for moving martial energy; even a regular regimen of gentle exercise, such as walks and easy yoga or stretching, can be a great vehicle for this. This is important not only from an emotional wellness, but also physical health, perspective.

In medical astrology, Mars is related to circulation and the musculature, and Virgo–the sign in which this planet currently resides–is associated with the digestive system. Therefore, it’s a time when we may be prone to more gastrointestinal sluggishness and/or upset. Additionally, worry, frustration and Virgo-inspired self-criticism may tend to manifest in our gut, causing anything from butterflies to bloating, flatulence to irregularity. Finding ways to express our feelings and constructively channel our energy may help to alleviate GI imbalance.

During this retrograde period, Mars will travel from 24 degrees of Virgo to 4 degrees of Virgo. While it is an energetic expression to which we all connect, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree range in Virgo or the other mutable signs—Gemini, Sagittarius, Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

Mars Retrograde Apothecary Suggestions

Cardamom: A staple in the materia medica of Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, cardamom is a soothing carminative. One of its most common uses is for digestive health, including the relief of indigestion and flatulence. Make some chai to enjoy the flavor and benefits of this aromatic spice. Additionally, you could make simple cardamom tea by simmering 1-1/2 tsp of cardamom seeds in 12 ounces of water for 8-10 minutes and then adding 2 tsp lemon or orange juice, and a little bit of honey. Enjoying homemade curry dishes is another great way to enjoy cardamom as it’s usually a foundation spice in curry recipes. Cardamom is also available in essential oil form, which can be used in a diffusor or topically mixed with some plain oil or lotion.

Scarlet Monkeyflower flower essence: If we have challenges expressing our anger (often the case when Mars is retrograde), we sometimes think that by just ignoring or repressing it, the feelings will go away. Yet, that’s not usually the case; rather, they just churn within until, at some moment, they either seep out or we reach a full-fledged emotional explosion. If you want help accepting and embracing feelings of anger, as well as compassionate assistance to courageously communicate how you feel, Scarlet Monkeyflower flower essence may be of great value. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)

In addition to Venus squaring Uranus, we have an illuminating Aquarius New Moon.

For more on the energies of the day, including wellness suggestions, see this post.

February 2, 2010: Aquarius New Moon (exact at 6:31 pm PST)

During this New Moon in Aquarius we may find ourselves turning some of our attention from our personal lives to larger collective issues. Inherent within, there’s a knowingness that we are not separate, that a connection unites us to those we hear or read about around the globe. If there were a theme song for the day, “We Are the World”—the 1985 pop-star-riddled ballad that raised money for humanitarian aid—may very well be it. The energetics of this day may readily inspire within us the awareness that we are not isolated beings, but rather global citizens, and that what happens on the other side of the world can feel as proximate–and relevant–as what is happening down the street.

If we focus on integrating our thoughts and desires, we may find the momentum needed to take action in the service of helping a cause in which we believe. This ability to do so is especially enhanced today given that the New Moon aligns with assertive Mars. It’s as if we can more readily tap into the collective energy required to move forward with intent.

Additionally, what may have seemed to have been unusual in other occasions feels the norm today as Uranus, the ruling planet of Aquarius, makes two significant alignments. This helps to further emphasize the avant-garde energy of the day.

Its square to Venus highlights the need for freedom within relationships. It may also inspire an innovative approach to partnerships, one that seems different than we had conditionally thought we resonated with. It’s not to say that interactions with others won’t be stressful–they can be since most people are very used to habitual routines and the perceived comfort that they yield.

Yet, adopting new approaches and keeping an open mind may not only help to release tension today but may also infuse our lives with a sense of great beauty. Given that Uranus also sweetly aligns with Mercury, the planet of communication, we have the celestial support to make thinking outside of the box that much easier.

This month’s New Moon falls at 14 degrees of Aquarius (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Aquarius or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics. Pay attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Energetic healing: With Aquarius the sign ruling subtle energies and alternative approaches, enjoying a healing method that focuses on your body’s bio-energetic system may be especially powerful during this New Moon. Some practices to consider include reiki, qigong, and acupuncture.

Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani): This gentle, restorative pose inspires calm and relaxation. It can provide benefit for the Aquarius-ruled calves and peripheral circulatory system as it helps to bring the blood flow from the lower legs back to the torso. To practice, sit on the floor with the right side of your body next to a wall and your legs bent and feet on the floor. Lie on your left side (perpendicular to the wall) and roll onto your back, bringing your legs straight up to rest against the wall. Scoot your buttocks forward so that they are as close to the wall as possible. Close your eyes and relax for at least five minutes.

February 18, 2010: Aquarius/Leo Full Moon (exact at 12:36 am PST)

During an Aquarius/Leo Full Moon, issues involving individuals and their relationship to the collective assume center stage. If you are involved in any groups or associations, you may perceive a heightened sense of tension as the organization strives to accommodate the needs of its members along with its own overarching identity and goals. Yet, if outstanding issues are worked upon, there can be great breakthroughs in group dynamics and team building.

An important strategy for attaining and maintaining group alignment today can be to infuse activities with a sense of Leonine playfulness and fun. Levity can help to release rigidity and enhance a sense of coalescence. It can also catalyze a creative process of thinking that can inventively spark the clarity needed to identify the group’s shared vision and the path that can be forged to bring it into manifestation.

One of the questions that this Full Moon poses is how we can authentically be ourselves while at the same time being part of and contributing to something lager than our individual selves. There’s a drive to really connect to this experience today as the Full Moon aligns with assertive and expressive Mars as well as healing Chiron and inspiring Neptune.

With the Sun conjoining Chiron the places within us that we view as weak, or as our emotional Achilles’ heel, may be activated. It’s not only important to embrace ourselves very compassionately if this happens but also to realize that the pain that we may have experienced in life has very likely made us stronger. And while we may never be able to fully release it, we can transmute some of it into wisdom that can help to support and guide others. It therefore can serve as one of the gifts we have to inspire our friends, family, and communities in their healing journey. The Neptune tie-in further reinforces this as it infuses within us a stream of great empathy, a desire to help, and a sense of unconditional and universal love.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 29 degrees of Aquarius (Sun) and Leo (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Aquarius, Leo, or the other fixed signs—Taurus and Scorpio—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics while Leo is associated with the heart, spine, and hair. Pay extra attention to these areas of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Mineral bath: While not a water sign per se, Aquarius is symbolized by the Water Bearer, a figure that delivers the offering of this aquatic elixir–a symbol of illuminated wisdom–in service of humanity. During this Full Moon, why not offer yourself a healing service by taking a relaxing bath. Adding mineral salts—such as Epsom Salts—to the water can enhance your body’s bioenergetic field while including essential oils into your bathing ritual can add a fragrant therapeutic to this nurturing experience. Use your favorite scent or consider ones such as neroli, lemon, and cypress that are especially good for circulation, a wellness focus of this Full Moon. (Rather than putting a few drops of oil directly into the bath, mix it first with some of the mineral salts as this helps enhance the oil’s dispersion in the bath water.)

Yarrow flower essence: Neptune infuses an openness that allows us to be porous to all that surrounds, while Aquarian energy gives us a greater ability to connect and network with others on many levels. To channel these energies best, we need to ensure that we can be open and yet contain and circulate them, rather than have them overwhelm our own circuitry and psyches. If you are notably sensitive to your environment—both physically and emotionally—in a way where you feel vulnerable rather than empowered, yarrow flower essence may be of benefit. It helps to bolster the aura, reinspiring the radiance that glows within, while enhancing compassionate awareness so that we can feel at once connected and protected. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores and holistic pharmacies.)

February 2, 2011: Aquarius New Moon (exact at 6:31 pm PST)

During this New Moon in Aquarius we may find ourselves turning some of our attention from our personal lives to larger collective issues. Inherent within, there’s a knowingness that we are not separate, that a connection unites us to those we hear or read about around the globe. If there were a theme song for the day, “We Are the World”—the 1985 pop-star-riddled ballad that raised money for humanitarian aid—may very well be it. The energetics of this day may readily inspire within us the awareness that we are not isolated beings, but rather global citizens, and that what happens on the other side of the world can feel as proximate–and relevant–as what is happening down the street.

If we focus on integrating our thoughts and desires, we may find the momentum needed to take action in the service of helping a cause in which we believe. This ability to do so is especially enhanced today given that the New Moon aligns with assertive Mars. It’s as if we can more readily tap into the collective energy required to move forward with intent.

Additionally, what may have seemed to have been unusual in other occasions feels the norm today as Uranus, the ruling planet of Aquarius, makes two significant alignments. This helps to further emphasize the avant-garde energy of the day.

Its square to Venus highlights the need for freedom within relationships. It may also inspire an innovative approach to partnerships, one that seems different than we had conditionally thought we resonated with. It’s not to say that interactions with others won’t be stressful–they can be since most people are very used to habitual routines and the perceived comfort that they yield.

Yet, adopting new approaches and keeping an open mind may not only help to release tension today but may also infuse our lives with a sense of great beauty. Given that Uranus also sweetly aligns with Mercury, the planet of communication, we have the celestial support to make thinking outside of the box that much easier.

This month’s New Moon falls at 14 degrees of Aquarius (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Aquarius or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics. Pay attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Energetic healing: With Aquarius the sign ruling subtle energies and alternative approaches, enjoying a healing method that focuses on your body’s bio-energetic system may be especially powerful during this New Moon. Some practices to consider include reiki, qigong, and acupuncture.

Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani): This gentle, restorative pose inspires calm and relaxation. It can provide benefit for the Aquarius-ruled calves and peripheral circulatory system as it helps to bring the blood flow from the lower legs back to the torso. To practice, sit on the floor with the right side of your body next to a wall and your legs bent and feet on the floor. Lie on your left side (perpendicular to the wall) and roll onto your back, bringing your legs straight up to rest against the wall. Scoot your buttocks forward so that they are as close to the wall as possible. Close your eyes and relax for at least five minutes.

What does today have in store?

* An urge to explore.

* A need to soar.

* A desire for more.

* A solution we hadn’t considered before.

* A day that certainly won’t be a bore.

Tuesday, February 9

Time is often an under-appreciated solution to a problem. I often wonder whether we overlook its superhero powers because it just seems like too simple a fix. Or maybe we shy away from electing it as our strategy because we know that when we give something time, it means we have to sit with our emotions, letting them take us on a journey that may lead to uncharted territories. Yet, it’s within this voyage, through the conscious and unconscious feelings that arise, where the jewels of realization and healing usually lay.

Today, embrace time. Sit still. Stay in your feelings. It may be amazing to see just where it takes you and how much less time it actually takes to move through challenging situations if we give ourselves permission to take the time to do so.

Wednesday, February 10

Generally, it takes Mercury two-plus weeks to change signs. But because of its recent retrograde cycle, this planet has spent nine-plus weeks in the-buck-stops-here Capricorn.

Today, as Mercury changes signs we may notice a shift in collective approaches to understanding as well as in the transfer of knowledge and information. That’s because the planet of communication is moving from orthodox and realistic Capricorn into unorthodox and idealistic Aquarius.

What we may notice as Mercury travels through Aquarius is that instead of ideas coming forth slowly and deliberately, they arise instantly, electrically, and almost out of nowhere. You know the picture in cartoons where a lightbulb appears over the head of one of the characters? That’s Mercury in Aquarius.

This Aquarian feeling is especially strong since today four planets are in the sign of the Water Bearer. So, if you’re feeling drawn to the song, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding”, there may be good reason.

Thursday, February 11

Today Venus swims from Aquarius into Pisces where she’ll float until March 7.

When the planet of attraction moves into the sign of compassion, we are more drawn to feelings of empathy as well as the desire for unconditional love.

During this time, music, poetry and photography hold an even greater potential for inspiring our thoughts and dreams, and helping us to connect to that feeling that we are, at the core, all connected.

Friday, February 12

The Moon joins the Sun, Mercury, and Neptune in egalitarian Aquarius today. As we approach tomorrow’s New Moon, things may seem as if they are winding down. The end of the waning lunar phase (as the Moon moves from Full to New) often feels rife with a sense of letting go, as we feel drawn to release so that we can make space for that which we want to seed and grow during the Moon’s waxing phase (New to Full).

With Mercury aligning with Saturn, there’s a heightened ability to make our words work for us. Keep them real and they can help us make things real.

Saturday, February 13

This evening’s dark sky reflects the New Moon upon us. Yet, for all its darkness, a New Moon always provides us with a torch that we can use to set intentions as to what we want to create in our lives. With the New Moon aligned with Neptune, and Mercury opposing Mars today, energies are at once running high while being seemingly diffuse.  For more on what the New Moon may bring, see this post.

Sunday, February 14

With the Moon joining Venus in selfless and imaginative Pisces, and the Sun conjunct Neptune–the planet that rules Pisces–it’s a dreamy day. And also Valentine’s Day in the U.S.

With Pisces being the sign that yearns for unconditional love, this flower- and chocolate-filled day may be also replete with romanticism, idealization, and/or longing.

While we swim in the feelings-based Piscean stream, it may be worthwhile to hang on to an “is this realistic?” floatation device. This can help us to not get pulled in by undercurrents of disillusioned and sorrow-filled feelings that a strong sense of unrequited love can inspire.

During this New Moon in Aquarius–which is aligned the sympathy-inspiring planet, Neptune–we may find ourselves turning our attention from our personal lives to larger collective issues. Inherent within, there’s a knowingness that we are not separate, that a connection unites us to those we hear or read about around the globe. If there were a theme song for the day, “We Are the World”—the 1985 pop-star-riddled ballad that raised money for humanitarian aid—may very well be it. The energetics of this day may readily inspire within us the awareness that we are not isolated beings, but rather global citizens, and that what happens on the other side of the world can feel as proximate–and relevant–as what is happening down the street. If we focus on integrating our thoughts and desires, we may find the momentum needed to take action in the service of helping a cause in which we believe.

Another potential manifestation of Neptune’s involvement with the New Moon is for an ushering in of disappointment that may be experienced personally or collectively. We may have hoped for something only to find that it wasn’t able to—or never really had the capacity to—manifest. It may also be that we see that what we had envisioned as having potential was more a reflection of our hopes and wishes than of a reality able to be born. Instead of letting disillusionment get the better of us, and abandoning our ideals, we can take the opportunity to reflect upon our visions and dreams, identifying which ones we can stay fully committed to even if we do so with a level of detachment.

This month’s New Moon falls at 25 degrees of Aquarius (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Aquarius or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics. Pay attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Energetic healing: With Aquarius the sign ruling subtle energies and alternative approaches, enjoying a healing method that focuses on your body’s bio-energetic system may be especially powerful during this New Moon. Some practices to consider include reiki, qigong, and acupuncture.

Yarrow flower essence: Neptune infuses an openness that allows us to be porous to all that surrounds, while Aquarian energy gives us a greater ability to connect and network with others on many levels. To channel these energies best, we need to ensure that we can be open and yet contain and circulate them, rather than have them overwhelm our own circuitry and psyches. If you feel notably sensitive to your environment—both physically and emotionally—in a way where you feel vulnerable rather than empowered, yarrow flower essence may be of benefit. It helps to bolster the aura, reinspiring the radiance that glows within, while enhancing compassionate awareness so that we can feel at once connected and protected. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores and holistic pharmacies.)