Capricorn New Moon

The Capricorn New Moon puts control and authority issues in the spotlight, indicating that we will undertake a new responsibility or have an opportunity to approach authority figures differently. The Moon’s close conjunction with Pluto adds an edginess and creates more loaded situations, such as a power struggle with another of equal stature. Pluto often brings envy into the picture, so that one person feels “less than” another — even if that’s not true in reality.

The illusion that somebody else is “better than” oneself is hinted at by the Moon’s sextile to Neptune, the planet associated with fantasy and deception. Before we build up another in our imagination, we should remind ourselves to keep a grip on solid ground!

Saturn, can be a help — and in a new way now that he has moved into Aquarius, alongside just and truthful Jupiter. When those planets changed signs in mid December, they heralded a fresh focus on equality and fairness, with a special embrace of humanitarian issues. Jupiter and Saturn now sextile Chiron in Aries, providing a new warmth. The Aquarian breeze sets the scene to demonstrate increased integrity in our choices and actions — an ongoing theme as we continue navigating social issues that can’t be ignored on the international stage. Whether observing strategies to help manage the challenges and aftermath of COVID–19, appreciating how to better embrace the differences that characterize each of us — or any other situation that affects global society and national equilibrium — there is work to be done to come to mutual understandings and thus find agreements that are effective for the collective.

Whilst we may have limited control over governmental directives, we can apply Saturn’s power to our personal realm. So many difficult conflicts break out when people feel pushed too far, are tired, overburdened, or asking too much of themselves. In each day, however, we can find a plateau of Saturnian sanity by giving ever-expansive Jupiter a nudge and saying “enough!” Though we may want to cram extra into our lives — always trying to do, be, and have more — we can also consider that it makes sense to work with a plan. What can we realistically fit into any particular timeframe (24 hours, a week, etc.)? Some satisfaction can be found by sticking to viable personal goals.

Saying “no” may be hard in any new moment! Indeed, Neptune sextile the Moon represents a plethora of appealing opportunities popping up, each one more glittering than the next. But, rather like a selection of fireworks, we don’t have to set them off all at once. We could keep something in reserve for another day, knowing that there will very likely be something just as wonderful ahead if it is desired enough.

Another expression of Neptunian opportunity is the chance to experience greater gentleness and compassion. Although this may sound like an almost saintly, charitable scenario, extending kindness has been shown to help us feel better within ourselves — as documented in Dr. David R. Hamilton’s book The Five Side Effects of Kindness (Hay House, 2017). Hamilton explains how the hormone oxytocin is released in our brain when we are kind — both to others and to ourselves — and how it can be positively contagious, as well. It seems it’s a win win situation for all — unless, of course, our kindness comes loaded with expectations, which might breed resentment if not met. Once again, Saturnian boundaries seem useful.

As Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury in Aquarius square Mars, and Uranus in Taurus, the best set boundaries and plans may also get upturned at times — or challenged, at least. There is a line of astrological theory that says that oppositions represent challenges from the outside whilst squares refer to a more internal set of conflicting “sides.” (Whether or not that’s accurate, if you meet someone with any planets opposing a square in your own natal chart, you’ll likely feel it both ways!) We may need to be ready to handle the odd moment of conflict as we go, both internally and externally — and remember that a boundary is likely to be worth upholding if it really matters and doesn’t prove too costly.

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