“Migration” painting by Kathryn Mapes Turner
Overview
This New SolLunar Cycle — meaning both Moon and Sun are entering a new phase — happens in the last degrees of adventurous sidereal Sagittarius and is wondrously exactly square the Lunar Nodes. The Nodes identify the past we have completed — South Node — and the future we are embarking upon — North Node — so fitting given this is the first New Moon/Sun of our New Year! Both Sun and Moon are also in a helpful trine to quirky, try-something-new, Uranus in Aries, providing motivation to be bold, courageous, inventive as we launch into 2024.
Capricorn’s energy will quickly guide this Cycle when the Sun enters that sign astronomically on January 15. Capricorn brings discipline and focus and calls forth our ambition, a desire for excellence in the physical dimension regarding our bodies, the environments we live and work in, and the goals for the businesses and institutions we are part of.
And this: Where do I find hope in the heavens? Currently it is in the waxing sextile — an aspect of excitement, stimulating rapid change — between Jupiter in Aries and Saturn in Aquarius. This long-range geometry began in June 2023, is very close to exact now, and will slowly dissipate by the end of March 2024. Both Jupiter and Saturn govern our social, political realms and how they are interacting mirrors major cultural moments and shifts. Jupiter is the force of expansive, progressive energy while Saturn is associated with going slowly and often prefers to stick to traditions of the past.
If you recall in December of 2020 we began a new twenty-year cycle of social change with the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, also linked to Pluto, referred to as the Winter Solstice or Christmas Star. In this current sextile, Jupiter, as a force for progressive and evolutionary change, has taken the lead moving ahead of leaden Saturn. I mean no disrespect against mighty Saturn but it can sometimes manifest in the garb of trying to halt change and drag humanity back centuries. This expansive energy of the sextile is encouraging more humans to embrace change — the law of the Universe and Earth. After this phase completes we move into the more challenging square of these two powerhouses beginning mid-August 2024 until May 2025. More on that in future posts. May you use this time of celestial optimism in your own life, goals, possibilities!
Lastly, when Uranus in Aries leaves its retrograde on January 27, all major planets are in forward motion helping us also do the same. This New Moon feels more hopeful and positive in contrast to the challenging eclipse energies of last fall. Onward we journey together, my friends.
NOTE: When reading my daily entries, remember that the influence of each aspect is like a wave — it crescendos a day or two, sometimes a week, before it happens, crests on the day it is exact, then dissipates over the following days. People experience the transits of planets at different times depending on their sensitivity and life events.
Thank you dear friend, Kathryn Mapes Turner, for allowing me to use your fine art drawings for this post. These holy beings emerging from the mists of creation captured in earth tones are perfect for this winter post as we are similarly birthing desires that are emerging from the invisible world of our imaginations soon to manifest in form. Kathryn’s art, like her being, is infused with the exacting detail of a naturalist while also capturing the mysterious and invisible world of spirit and meaning. You can view more of her remarkable paintings at her gallery website, Turner Fine Art.
Sidereal Astrology Mentoring and Readings
My posts are based on the true astronomical alignments of the planets with the constellations, also referred to as the sidereal zodiac. I use the phases of the Moon as the scaffold for my posts because the Moon functions like an energetic portal mediating between the heavens and our wondrous Earth. My entries are based on the aspects occurring each week as they crescendo, crest and dissipate over the course of their influence. As you work with and within the natural flow of time and the supportive cosmic energies that each unique SolLunar Cycle brings, life can flow with more ease, grace and understanding.
I delight in mentoring students — individually, with families or groups, and via workshops and conferences — who want to learn more about how to use sidereal astrology as a helpful tool for insight, evolution, creative joy. Please consider booking a reading with me, either a Full Natal Map or mini-readings for $44 or $88, or for my other options such as the Relationship Map or a Child or AdolEssence Map for your children. Thank you!
@2024 Lyn Dalebout ~ EarthWordSkyWord.com ~ All Rights Reserved
New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Sagittarius
At the New Moon, you are sprouting like a seed with new creative inspiration. Receive your unique insights by sitting in meditation or just be open to new possibilities arising within you from the sea of infinite creation.
New Moon in sidereal Sagittarius: Sun/Moon in Sagittarius square Lunar Nodes trine Uranus in Aries: Thu January 11 4:57 am MST
This New SolLunar Cycle — meaning both Moon and Sun are entering a new phase — happens in the last degrees of adventurous sidereal Sagittarius and is wondrously exactly square the Lunar Nodes. The Nodes identify the past we have completed — South Node — and the future we are embarking upon — North Node — so fitting given this is the first New Moon/Sun of our New Year! Both Sun and Moon are also in a helpful trine to quirky, try-something-new, Uranus in Aries, providing motivation to be bold, courageous, inventive as we launch into 2024.
Capricorn’s energy will quickly guide this Cycle when the Sun enters that sign astronomically on January 15. Capricorn brings discipline and focus and calls forth our ambition, a desire for excellence in the physical dimension regarding our bodies, the environments we live and work in, and the goals for the businesses and institutions we are part of.
Lastly, when Uranus in Aries leaves its retrograde on January 27, all major planets are in forward motion helping us also do the same. This New Moon feels more hopeful and positive in contrast to the challenging eclipse energies of last fall. Onward we journey together, my friends.
Mars in Sagittarius trine Jupiter in Aries: Fri January 12
This brings motivational energy, enthusiasm and a sense of optimim to any endeavor. These planets and signs are courageous, outspoken, and like to mentor, coach and teach others.
Venus in Scorpio quincunx Uranus in Aries: Sat January 13
This can lead to misunderstandings about someone’s motive so best to ask questions rather than make assumptions. It can be passionate and playful in intimate relationships and encourages unique, authentic choices in your attire and sense of design. Make our outer world mirror your inner world. Be yourself.
Sun in Capricorn sextile Neptune in Pisces: Mon January 15
This brings good-vibe energy to gatherings and project meetings. It harmoniously links the metaphysical world with our tangible physical world making it a a great day to engage with your artist self as well as create intentional ceremonies.
Venus/Ceres conjunction in Scorpio square Juno in Leo: Tue January 16
While working on projects and activities with your buddies, conflicts about differing points of view may arise. Ask someone you trust to critique your work to make it better. Figure out a workable budget for beautiful things you want to purchase.
Lunar Highlights
Moon/Saturn conjunction in Aquarius: Sat January 13 – Sun January 14
This serious aspect builds Saturday night into Sunday morning, possibly restructuring your plans due to responsibilities you need to attend to. You may choose to work rather play given deadlines you have to meet.
Moon/Neptune conjunction: Mon January 15
Today the Moon satellite channels the energy of imaginative, spiritual Neptune making it a good day for creative output if you create space for the art of life to happen. Take the meandering path through your day and magical things can transpire. Things can go missing or seem confusing or nebulous.
First Quarter Moon
At the First Quarter Moon, you are called to action. The need to move forward with your recent insights can come via making a conscious choice or by challenging circumstances that require you make a move.
First Quarter Moon: Sun in Capricorn square Moon in Aries: Wed January 17
This make-stuff-happen phase of our SolLunar Cycle is exceptionally motivated with fired-up Moon in Aries ready to leap into action squaring off with ambitions Capricorn. Make more than the usual movement and motion happen in your physical body and feel wonderfully alive.
Sun/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn: Fri January 19
This annual powerhouse conjunction brings extraordinary drive and focus but some can experience a strange portal of confusing energy disrupting routines and habits that no longer work. Pluto pressures us to evolve and change in order to stay healthy. This can lead to purging or a desire to get rid of clutter to make space for fresh, life-enhancing choices.
Venus in Sagittarius square Neptune in Pisces: Fri January 19
This tense aspect brings two artistic forces, Venus and Neptune, into a dialogue. Some of you may feel frustration that the execution of your art is not expressing your greater vision….yet…keep going. Experiment letting your heart, not your head, lead the way. Watch internet videos from experts and guides to learn new creative skills.
Pallas Athene in Scorpio trine Neptune in Pisces: Mon January 22
This is good for creating beauty-filled design and organization in all aspects of life, like preparing a meal, creating a wardrobe, making a presentation aesthetically appealing.
Lunar Highlights
Moon/Chiron/North Node conjunction in Pisces: Wed January 17
This brings good healing energy or you may notice you are feeling better. A mystical experience or manifestation helps you trust your intuition about the next step to take. Make time for meditation, prayer, giving gratitude. Visit healing water environments.
Moon/Jupiter conjunction in Aries: Thu January 18
This fiery pairing can lead to bursts of energy or outbursts of emotion, speaking and acting before reflecting or thinking. All okay as it helps bust through barriers and reserve leading to honest dialogue. Engage in activities that symbolize self-care and self-love — Aries. Honor and celebrate your powerful essence and the gift YOU are to the world.
Moon/Uranus conjunction in Aries: Fri January 19
This happens the same day as the Sun/Pluto conjunction with a similar theme I mentioned above: it is a strange portal of confusing energy disrupting our routines as the old ways no longer work. Be willing to change plans quickly.
Full Moon in sidereal Cancer/Capricorn
The Full Moon is the birth point of the current SolLunar Cycle. This can be a time of celebration or crisis, depending on your life circumstance. Feel the joy and relax into new discoveries and directions.
Full Moon: Sun/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn opposite Moon in Cancer square Jupiter in Aries: Thu January 25 10:54 am MST
This Full Moon packs a punch given the link to change-agent, Pluto, and the tense square to expansive Jupiter. This can lead to power struggles or key turning points in global events or in your personal world. The Cancer Moon speaks to how we live/feel within our family structures and shows us our genetic ties to our ancestors, some positive, others more challenging. Be willing to release unhelpful behaviors or ways of communicating within yourself or between others that aren’t working. In so doing, you help to heal your ancestral lineage. Research the many tools/programs to learn more about in this important work of Ancestor Medicine, a burgeoning field — although ancient in practice via shamans and healers — becoming more mainstream with many emerging modalities. On a mundane level, this is a good Full Moon for a yard sale and clearing clutter.
Sun in Capricorn square Jupiter in Aries: Fri January 26
Options appear that may require you to make important decisions. This aspect can lead to a crisis in confidence for some or risk it all for others. It can mark a change in battle plans on the global front as the current transit of Jupiter in Aries is militaristic and impulsive.
Uranus in Aries turns direct: Fri January 26 – Sat January 27
Good news! The last of our major planets leaves its retrograde from late August 2023 and heads into direct motion until October of 2024. The exact time of this event is just after midnight on Sat January 27, but it brings its dynamic, accident-prone, breakthrough energy all day Fri January 26. Move with caution while also feeling the excitement and electricity Uranus brings.
Mercury/Mars conjunction in Sagittarius trine Uranus in Aries: Fri January 26 – Tue January 30
Outspoken, combative and truthful are qualities linked to warrior Mars and communicator Mercury teaming up in teacherly, adventurous Sagittarius. Go exploring on the internet to learn about all the places you want to travel to or things you want to learn. Or pack a backpack and do some exploring in the real world. The influence of Uranus encourages us to try new things and head to unvisited destinations that have captured our imaginations.
Venus in Sagittarius trine Jupiter in Aries sextile Saturn in Aquarius: Sun January 28
This cooperative, creative aspect finds ways to share desires, ethics and values within our various community involvements. You might be completing something you are very proud of and want to share with others.
Imbolc/Candlemas: Thu February 1 – Fri February 2
I love this day so much as we reach the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox in our Northern Hemisphere. It is traditionally a day to freshen up your home with flowers, make good food, clear and clean out the old, give gratitude for the returning sunlight and soon-to-be-blooming-green things. May you beautify and celebrate your world in ways that bring you joy!
Lunar Highlights
Moon in Leo opposite Saturn in Aquarius: Sat January 27
Make it a serious play day, meaning take on a greater challenge than usual using the discipline of Saturn to accomplish great deeds. Teach your children a new skill or encourage them to share the full range of their feelings with so they know they can talk with you always about anything.
Moon/Juno conjunction in Leo square Vesta in Taurus: Mon January 29
This can lead to financial discussions with beloveds and key partners. Do something fun, even challenging, in nature with your buddies.
Moon/South Node conjunction in Virgo opposite Chiron/North Node conjunction in Pisces: Wed January 31
Activation of both the South — past — and North — future — Nodes on the same day tends to bring some completions or turning points. These planets and signs involve the arenas of healing, compassionate service to to others, and may indicate the passing of beloveds as they move on.
Last Quarter Moon
With the Last Quarter Moon, you release what has been and simultaneously prepare for what will be as new desires perpetually arise in the next SolLunar Cycle.
Last Quarter Moon: Sun in Capricorn square Moon in Libra: Fri February 2
Like our recent Full Moon, this aspect is also square Jupiter in astronomical Aries, bringing hopeful possibilities and hints of new opportunities taking shape in and around you. Spend time engaged in inner listening. There can be subtle shifts in your relationships based on your next needs surfacing.
Mercury/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn: Mon February 5
Ruminating or obsessing on things or events just won’t stop when mindful Mercury aligns with probing Pluto. It might take you some time to figure out what you want to say but when you speak, it will be your rock-bottom truth. Take time for a longer than usual meditation to both clear your mind and then receive important messages.
Sun in Capricorn sextile Chiron in Pisces: Mon February 5
Seek out healing bodywork or contact your health-care providers and receive good news on progress being made. Focus on spiritual activities that nurture your body like qi gong, yoga, swimming. Reach out to help someone in need of practical or emotional support.
Grand trine in fire: Venus in Sagittarius/Uranus in Aries/Juno in Leo: Wed February 7
Use this upbeat, life-is-good portal to do something special with your mate and the people you love — Juno in Leo. Fire signs inspire us to take risks, explore aspects of our creativity, go adventuring and move our physical bodies in aerobic, joyful ways.
Lunar Highlights
Moon in Libra opposite Uranus in Aries: Fri February 3
This can lead to a sudden change of plans or a desire to make things more interesting, either by shock or surprise. As a cautionary note, this can also lead to blowouts or accidents.
Moon/Mars/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn: Wed February 7 – Thu February 8
This super-intense aspect builds Wednesday evening into Thursday morning making it hard to rest or sleep deeply overnight. Some will stay up and use its productivity to get things done.
Blessed New Moon in sidereal Capricorn: Fri February 9: 3:59 pm MST
RESOURCES FOR PERSONAL AND PLANETARY WELL-BEING
ENDEAVORS TO NURTURE
AMANZI:WatertoSchools
My dear friend, Julia Heemstra, has launched her cutting-edge humanitarian organization, AMANZI:WatertoSchools bringing water and opportunities to the schools in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, her childhood home where she grew up. Julia is one of the most focused, passionate, optimistic beings I know, as an elite athlete, as a bringer of wellness and mindfulness to all ages, and now with her collaborative organization, Julia continues to expand her lifelong commitment to humanitarian service.
PLANT BASED DIET
The reality and urgency of our current planetary crises is real, as our youngest citizens know in their bones. Please educate yourself about how plant-based eating is a central component in how you can help personally restore ecological balance as well as create greater health and vitality for you and your beloveds.
The Game Changers: This inspiring movie and storytelling about vegan super-athletes and warriors educates us about the many benefits of a vegan diet and addresses the ‘meat protein myth’.
COWSPIRACY, What the Health and now SEASPIRACY are must-see movies for all humans who care about personal health, animal well-being, social justice, climate change, the health of our Earth. Become educated about the important information shared by these courageous and visionary filmmakers and activists and considering eating mostly plant-based, if not becoming fully vegan in your consumer choices.
30 Day Vegan Challenge by Collen Patrick-Goudreau
JIN SHIN JYUTSU
Health is in your Hands. Here’s a helpful tool to help you maintain health, calm, balance during these stressful but extraordinary times. I am a proponent of Jin Shin Jyutsu and have been a practitioner since 1983. This beautiful, easy-to-use book and card set teaches you the ancient Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu, the Art of Self Healing. JSJ’s premise is that by applying the jumper-cable of your hands to various points on the body, you can clear your own stress on a daily basis, freeing up stuck energy that leads to patterns of dis-ease, while activating the renewed flow of qi and vigor on all levels, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Explore JSJ and teach yourself and those you love this simple tool for centering and radiant vitality.
