New Moon in Capricorn

Today's New Moon in Capricorn is inviting us to establish the foundations that will take us forward this year and beyond, and to put in the hard work necessary without attachment to the outcome.

Capricorn is a sign of hard work, pragmatism, earthy realism and taking action. But, whilst this feminine sea goat is a hard worker, she is also a mystical creature that straddles both land and sea. Legend has it that when Capricorn is fully awakened she becomes a Unicorn! (pretty cool right!?). Capricorn energy teaches us that with hard work we can become something magical, but that that transformation cannot take place without discipline and commitment. In our culture of instant gratification this is a lesson that many of us need to keep returning to. Am I showing up for myself? Am I showing up for others? How am I collaborating with the divine to make things happen?

In Vedic astrology, Capricorn is associated with the tenth house which rules Dharma in action. Today, the moon joins the Sun, Mercury and Mars in this sign and with all this Capricorn energy the focus is not only on taking action in general, but on taking action in a way in-keeping with our unique gifts. As the new moon energy is already one of introspection and inner journeying, this is the perfect time to reconnect with your core values, re-establish how you wish to show up in the world, and to make it happen.

You may be reading this thinking, 'isn't this New Moon in Aquarius'? Well, we are both right! The sidereal system of astrology uses the precise positions of the planets and luminaries whilst the tropical system is based on fixed dates. I choose to work with the former which shows the moon to be in Capricorn. But, my teacher always says that you can usually find shared insights between the two systems if you look for them. This New Moon is in the nakshatra of Dhanishta which straddles both Capricorn and Aquarius. So, there are some aquarian-like themes arising with this new moon also.

There are 27 or 28 nakshatras or 'lunar mansions' which the moon transits each month. Each one corresponds to a specific star. Dhanishta is associated with Lord Shiva's drum which he plays as he dances the tadava and moves us through the cycles of birth, death and re-birth. The drum is the beat of our heart and the pace of our lives. It symbolises our rhythm, our steadfastness, dedication and perseverance, as well as movement forward towards transformation and change. Dhanistha is a nakshatra associated with abundance, but it's abundance that requires our investment and effort.

Dhanishta is ruled by Mars, which is exalted in Capricorn and his placement here brings a level-headedness to this otherwise fiery planet. This is the ideal time to take on ambitious new tasks and expect to complete them.

With so much energy in Capricorn, one potential challenge could be to maintain balance between our work and home lives. Capricorn aspects Cancer which is a reminder to keep an eye on how we are nurturing ourselves and our relationships. This could also be a perfect time to establish rituals and practices that require our effort and dedication but that serve our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

New Moon in Capricorn Journal prompts

• What values do I hold highest and why? (e.g. truth, justice, peace, love etc.)

• What actions am I taking to live according to my values? Are there other ways I could make this happen?

• What are my greatest gifts?

• What can I do today to share my gifts?