New Moon in Aquarius and Chinese New Year!

 

Good evening, peeps! The New Moon in Aquarius is exact at 12 degrees on Tuesday 1st February at 06:46 and marks the beginning of the Year of the Water Tiger in Chinese astrology. I'm no expert on Chinese astrology as it works differently than Western astrology. It is based on a 12-year cycle, and each year is assigned an animal. If you check a reputable website, you will find which animal year you were born in. It is quite interesting. 

However, back to this New Moon. At new moons, the Sun and Moon occupy the same position in the zodiac. The Sun is currently transiting the sign of Aquarius, the sign of the water bearer - but it is not a water sign at all. Aquarius is an air sign and is ruled over by Saturn (who also rules Capricorn) in traditional astrology. What about Uranus, I hear you say? Uranus was discovered by Herschel on the 13th March 1781, expanding the then known boundaries of the solar system. That period in history is associated with revolutions - France the the Colonies (the Eastern side of the US) both rose against their rulers. Hence, Uranus is associated with new ideas or ideologies and revolutions. Since we're on this subject (revolutions and the US), all astrologers have their eye on Pluto's return to its birth position in the chart of the US. Most feel that this will signal the rebirth of the US in some way, together with birth pangs. It will NOT be effortless, Pluto doesn't do things calmly. More about that another time. 

The 1st February also marks the half-mark between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It is also known as Imbolc, the Celtic beginning of Spring. Christians celebrate Candlemas, and marks the ritual purification of Mary after the birth of Jesus. Each culture has its own tradition, though there is a common thread running through them all. 

Venus is now a morning star, having gone through the underworld and emerged into the morning light as Lucifer. Mercury is still retrograde and will turn direct on the 4th February, though it will not be out of its shadow until February 23rd. The heavens do have a bit of a love story to show us though (and this is a fun fact!). Both Venus and Mars - the heavenly lovers - will be conjunct (occupying the same portion of sky) on Valentine's Day. They will travel together until around the 13th of March, when Venus overtakes Mars and speeds on ahead. Mars is currently out-of-bounds, which gives it a 'wild card/joker' quality, this New Moon possesses a sense of doing things a little unconventionally. Anyone who remembers the TV series "A-Team", will understand the picture of the actor George Peppard who  played the character of Colonel Hannibal Smith. He got the job done. How he did that? Who cares! 

Jupiter is in Pisces (which it rules, traditionally) and many astrologers are excited about the upcoming Jupiter-Neptune conjunction later on this year, on 12th April. Jupiter expands anything it comes into contact with whilst Neptune dons a dreamy, idealistic nature. More about that later. 

New Moons are about new beginnings, so this is a good time to sow seeds. Go be gardeners! 

Blessings, 

Cindy