The Aries New Moon brings a direct, uncomplicated focus to affairs, helping us to move ahead in straight lines. This can be a great boon in many areas of life, but particularly with a situation that has previously felt stuck or too complex. It may be the case that we are motivated to take up fresh activity in an area that has been dormant or lacking in solutions.

The Moon is starting to separate from a sextile to Saturn, which suggests that a serious atmosphere could be softening. This may come about because steps towards greater progress have already been made. Even if not, though, such steps could soon be possible. Perhaps you are about to turn the page on events that have been rather hard-going and drawn out. Either way, a separating aspect that involves the Moon, which is linked with daily changes, can convey the sense of a situation being on the wane.

Where Saturn is concerned, we often have lessons to learn, some of which we can pick up relatively easily, whereas others may just not stick with us. Occasionally, we simply don’t get the message, or at least not right away. Even so, it can turn out that life is intent on ensuring that we do “get it” this time, which may mean that the occasion for learning seems to recur — or the circumstances relating to it do so. There could be a developing theme of history repeating itself.

The planet that rules the Aries Moon is Mars, now in Capricorn, close to where Saturn was located during the previous lunation. According to traditional astrology, Mars is said to be exalted here, giving it strength that relates to its having a natural rapport with Saturn (ruler of Capricorn). We might see that Saturn is an invisible helper, lending support to Mars in this sign. How this may translate for us, in our everyday circumstances, could be through situations going more our way. We may suddenly find the right person on hand to help us meet our needs. Or doors are opened that we thought were closed to us.

Both Mars and Saturn can be linked with a sense of timing. So, a positive development might also relate to swift action, potentially in a place where it is not usually applied. Notably, Mars is also conjunct Pluto and Jupiter, which indicates blessings coming our way, including the gifts of insight. We may have woken up to the inner workings of a situation, for example, and be able to work towards a favorable outcome, instead of being involved in missed opportunities or negative results.

The Pluto energy relates to transformation of some kind. Frequently, when the intensity of Pluto’s presence is obvious, it is because we are witnessing a process of metamorphosis or a desire for change. Managing to keep such energy contained can feel quite difficult. If we have any choice in matters, then we may choose to let go and see where things lead — and be surprised at how much help is available, even when we do not select a specific route. Maybe we realize that we don’t have to make as great an impression as we had imagined. This could be in keeping with a general shift developing around us, which helps us to understand that the times are changing, whether we are doing so or not.

There is a marked theme of healing to this month’s New Moon, because it is conjunct Chiron in Aries. We may well witness an acceleration in a therapeutic process. If we notice any kind of new health problem arising, however, it might be equally wise to take prompt action to nip it in the bud. We could avoid a repeat of a situation we’ve previously experienced, or step away from a matter that will worsen quickly.

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer, written by Diana Collis.