Tag Archives: New Moon

Sagittarius Season & Pluto Back in Aquarius

The sun moved into Sagittarius on November 21st. Prior to that, we had Pluto making its final entrance into Aquarius on November 19th. It made a couple visits to Aquarius in the last couple years but went back into Capricorn (and very tellingly was at the final degree of Capricorn on Election Day in the U.S.). I’ve written about Pluto in Aquarius and what that could possibly bring previously. Pluto will be in Aquarius for almost 20 years now.

One of the first global shifts Pluto in Aquarius has produced is the end of Vanderpump Rules as we know it, with the original cast not returning for next season. VPR is a prime example of a Pluto in Capricorn show, with a Saturnian authority figure overseeing a bunch of messy employees, trying to encourage maturation and structure in their lives (but, actually, stoking the show drama to make big money).

When it premiered in the early 2010s, it was an examination of waitresses and bartenders aspiring to achieve the sort of capitalist and patriarchal hallmarks of success that were so emblematic of the era (e.g., getting married, traveling on private planes, launching businesses) but usually being undone by their own tendencies toward chaos and stupidity. You gave us everything, VPR. I’ll miss you terribly but also am ready to move on.

Now, back to Sagittarius season. We’ve lost Vanderpump Rules and it gets dark at 4pm. Usually, once the sun moves to Sagittarius, the vibe gets a little livelier and lighter, like a breath of fresh air after Scorpio season. Scorpio season is moody and intense, but by Sag season, we’re already accustomed to the shorter days and longer nights, and we’re in holiday mode, in end-of-year mode. It’s a time for socializing and starting to dream big about what the next year will bring. This year, though, feels a little different due to a couple current and upcoming retrogrades (and, of course, the state of the world we live in).

The first lunation we get is a new moon in Sagittarius overnight on November 30th / December 1st, depending on where you live. Our last new moon was in Scorpio, on November 1st, at the same time as the Mars-Pluto opposition. It was volatile, to say the least. This one is a little more low-key. There aren’t any tight, difficult configurations at the same time as this new moon, which is a nice change, but it does mark a time of effort. 

Mercury is in Sag close by, and Mercury is currently retrograde. It’s loosely opposite Jupiter in Gemini, also retrograde. Now, because Jupiter and Mercury are in each other’s home signs, they are helping each other out, giving them a little more ease than they’d otherwise have, but when they are retrograde, this is not a time for making big grandiose plans; it’s more about a thoughtful review of goals. 

Not only are Mercury and Jupiter retrograde, but Mars is moving very slowly right now, preparing to station on December 6th and then go retrograde, moving from Leo back to Cancer, all the way back to 17 degrees, where it will station on February 23rd. Mars retrograde is generally not great for starting new endeavors. Obviously, if you have an agreement to start a new job or move or whatever, you have to live your life, but generally, projects that start under a Mars retrograde can sap energy and have trouble gaining forward momentum. 

With Mars going retrograde, then direct again in the last half of Cancer and the early degrees of Leo, you can expect to see some call backs to stories, especially ones relating to masculinity, aggression, war, and ambition, that have been unfolding over the last couple months come up again, first between December and February, and then again in March and early May next year. You can also expect to see stories from your own life, especially relating to the topics that are associated with the houses where you have Cancer and Leo in your own birth chart, popping back up. 

This period of reflection, recalibrating, stopping and starting, and potential malaise lasts for a few months until the spring, when there are big changes afoot and it will feel like all systems go. The advice I’m trying to give myself is to not fight it. Especially with an Aries moon, I have a deep need to always be moving forward, doing something, creating some sort of action plan, but the next few months represent a wait-and-see period, as much as it practically can be.  Let’s spend the winter reassessing our desires, plans, and goals, and watching old episodes of VPR, salving our souls.

Jupiter (& a Ton of Other Planets) in Gemini

Jupiter moved into Gemini on May 25th, where it will be until June 9th of 2025. When Jupiter transits through a sign, we see the themes associated with that sign amplified and spread. They get bigger and more prevalent. 

Gemini is an air sign that represents duality and communication. Gemini is ruled by Mercury, known as the trickster. I just read Circe by Madeline Miller and loved it. The book features Hermes (aka Mercury) as a character, and the playful and impermanent nature of Mercury is well described in the novel. Hermes is the messenger of the gods. He wants to be amused, entertained, to engage in tête-à-têtes, but he leaves at his liking, coming and going with the winds. In traditional astrology, Mercury can be either a benefic or a malefic planet, depending on certain factors. Again, duality is inherent to its essence.  

With Jupiter moving through Gemini over the next year, we can expect to see advances in communication and transportation technology. We’ll also likely see a continued preponderance of news about air travel. I hope there will be improvements and expansion in air travel, but I also expect that there’s going to be a lot of news and buzz about increasing winds due to climate change, so there will probably be more and more stories about the kind of turbulence that has been so prominent lately. 

Jupiter is technically in its detriment here because Jupiter rules Sagittarius, the sign opposite Gemini. Whereas Sagittarius wants to dive deep into topics and learn everything it can about them, Gemini wants the CliffsNotes. Geminis want shortcuts, tips, tricks, and workarounds. They get both intrigued and bored easily. They’re quick-thinking, questioning, and skeptical. Those with prominent Gemini placements often have a lot of friends and a lot of different interests because they need variety. They’re renaissance people. 

Right now, the sun, Mercury, and Venus are all also in Gemini, giving us a lot of a ton of swift, airy Gemini energy. It’s like a blast of Gemini. The languorous days of Taurus season are behind us. My snake plant promptly died when all these planets moved into Gemini. I decided to give up on trying to keep it alive. And a few hours later I signed up to practice French on Duolingo. That’s Gemini season. 

And coming up on June 6th, we have a new moon in Gemini. So atop all this Gemini energy, the new moon offers a chance to start anew, to make some choices, to put words to our thoughts and dreams. Saturn in Pisces will be squaring the new moon, causing some tension. Saturn is the planet of responsibility, so you may feel burdened and not fully able to do what you want, but write it down anyway. Gemini season is the season of the notes app. 

Based on your rising sign, these are the broad brushstroke areas where you’ll see a lot of focus in the next few weeks, and then more long-term sustained growth over the next year as Jupiter moves through this part of your chart. 

Gemini rising – This is your first house, the house of self. You may be faced with some big choices over the next year which could result in long-term implications, but generally (everything is dependent on your own chart and planetary placements), this is a time of opportunity for you. Ride the wave. You get an extra boost now, and some of that magic will sustain until next June. 

Cancer rising – This is the area that deals with the subconscious and solitude. Dreams will be vivid and if you keep a dream journal, you’ll likely learn a lot about your innermost desires and fears. It’s a good time for planning a solo trip or meditation retreat for sometime in the next year. If you can, spending some time alone will likely be extra restorative and illuminating. 

Leo rising – Gemini is in your house of friend groups, community, and hopes. You may see some more action in this area and find yourself branching out, making new connections, and putting yourself out into the world. Leo placements are social creatures, but you’ll probably feel more social than you already do and reap the rewards to casting a wide net. 

Virgo rising – This part of your chart deals with your public persona and legacy. Most often this is tied to career, so this year you may be presented with some opportunities for career advancement or growth. You could create output that earns you widespread recognition. If you have been wanting to forge a new career path, this would be an auspicious time to take steps to do so. 

Libra rising – The planet Jupiter and the part of your chart where it will be this year share some significations, meaning that you may feel even more of a push toward some of their themes: spirituality, teaching and learning, and long distance travel. While Jupiter is in Gemini, you may take a longer and/or longer-distance trip than you would otherwise, develop a strong interest in another culture or language or religion (or astrology, which is a topic associated with this area of the chart), or enroll in an academic program or begin teaching classes yourself. 

Scorpio rising – For you, Jupiter will be in your 8th house. In traditional astrology, it’s the area of the chart that deals with life and death. More modern significations, though, expand the associations to the things we give to or receive from others. It’s the fruits and the byproducts of our relationships, everything from inheritances, our partner’s finances, and loans, to murkier stuff such as our emotional baggage and trauma. This could play out in many ways. You may get a mortgage or sell your place (when Jupiter was in my 8th house, I bought an apartment). You may get a bigger tax refund than usual that allows you to do something you wouldn’t normally do. Or you could start therapy!

Sagittarius rising – Jupiter is your chart ruler, so when Jupiter moves into a new part of your chart, you (and Pisces risings) feel it the most. There will be a lot of focus on relationships and partnerships this year. It could be that you’re entering a new phase of an existing relationship, or you begin a new one altogether. It could also mean you join forces with someone in a business partnership of some kind. Compromise and collaboration will be heavily featured themes for you with the planets in Gemini. 

Capricorn rising – The transits through Gemini are occurring in your area of work, health, and service, so there will be a short-term heavy focus on these themes, and then as Jupiter continues to go through Gemini for the next year, you’ll see an expansion in this area. It’s a good time to take steps to improve your work habits and your health routines, as the efforts put in now can pay off in the future. This part of the chart also deals with pets, so given Jupiter’s significance, you may find yourself adopting a new furry friend this year. 

Aquarius rising – Lucky you, this is the fun house, the part of your chart that rules joy, creativity, and romance. With so many planets in Gemini, this is the time to start doing the stuff you want to do. Lean into your creativity, and enjoy your sex life. This is also the part of the chart that deals with children, and Jupiter indicates expansion and growth, so just know that and act accordingly, depending on whether you do or don’t want a child anytime in the near future. 

Pisces rising – Gemini is in the area of your chart that is associated with home and family, and Jupiter is your chart ruler, meaning that you’ll likely feel Jupiter’s influence more than most other rising signs. This could be a year where you expand your home base, or focus more energy on your home. It could also be a time when your family grows, or the time you spend with your family increases. 

Aries rising – The area of your chart that deals with your neighborhood and neighbors, your siblings, short-distance/domestic travel, and communication will be buzzing. It’s a variegated collection of themes, so you may see growth or focus in just one of these topics or several. Maybe you find yourself traveling for work or pleasure a lot more than usual this year, or maybe you actually end up connecting with your neighbors in a way that feels enriching and expansive. 

Taurus rising – For you, Gemini is in your house of money and resources. This could indicate growth in income or an expansion or advancement to the way you earn your income. With Jupiter going through your second house, there’s a lot of potential for increased abundance over the next year, which could resonate in different ways. Maybe it’s money; maybe it’s the people around you that you value most.  

Enjoy the intellectual stimulation, and stay safe from the winds! And take all of these horoscopes with a grain of salt. Astrology is entertainment, not fortune telling. 

New Moon in Taurus

There is a new moon in Taurus tonight, May 7th, at 18 degrees. This new moon is glorious for two reasons: 1) it is supported in rulership and by aspect, which I’ll get into, and 2) it marks the end of eclipse season. 

How was your eclipse season? Every single eclipse does not have world-shaking, life-upending implications for every person. However, if you think back through your life, many of the most unpredictable, wrenching events that have occurred likely did so around eclipses. 

I’ll offer a case from my own life. Libra falls in my 4th house, which has significations of home and family, and Aries in my 10th, which relates to career and public identity. Coinciding with the Libra lunar eclipse, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and my world has changed. This has resulted in shifting things around, pulling up stakes to change my home base, and the importance I place on my work and my public life sloughing away, like skin shed from a snake.

This has also meant that I haven’t been writing or consulting current astrology as much of late, but I know it’s there, a constant, and I see the impact unfolding for me personally. I’m ready for this eclipse season to be over, and with this eagerly anticipated new moon in Taurus, it will be. FINALLY. 

And this new moon is resplendent (figuratively). It’s in Taurus, a fixed earth sign. The moon is exalted in Taurus, meaning that when the moon is in Taurus, it is like a special guest star, with fanfare and a spotlight. It operates with aplomb.

Taurus is practical and deliberate. The energy is slow and grounded. This new moon takes place between Venus and Jupiter, also both in Taurus, and both planets are benefics, which means that in ancient astrology, they were considered favorable (vs. the malefics Mars and Saturn). 

The moon in Taurus is ruled by Venus, which, because it’s in Taurus now, is firing on all cylinders. Taurus is Venus’s domicile (along with Libra), so Venus has no barriers when it is in Taurus. Venusian energy, with its focus on relationships, love, luxuries, and values, is unfettered and prominent with this new moon. 

The moon is also making a supportive aspect to Saturn in Pisces. Saturn lends it some stability, and in earth sign Taurus, this new moon becomes an auspicious time to lay the groundwork for new projects and for working toward our desires. It could be an especially potent time to start new physical routines and to focus on your self and your body. The Saturn aspect imbues anything we start now with some extra discipline, much needed after the chaos that the eclipses and Aries season wrought. 

And because it’s in Taurus, the earth goddess sign, it marks a great time to garden and plant flowers, to buy a new piece of clothing or jewelry, and/or to learn to make a new signature dish or dessert. It’s all about beginning anew with mindfulness. Get out in nature if you can. In the words of English rose Natasha Bedingfield, feel the rain on your skin; no one else can feel it for you.

The new moon inspired me to write again and to do a little ritual, which I also haven’t done in a minute, because of the hope springing from it. And then I wait to see how this personal eclipse story of mine will conclude in March of next year, when the final eclipse of this cycle will occur. The rest is still unwritten.

New Moon in Capricorn

On the morning of January 11th, at 6:57 am EST, there is a new moon at 20 degrees of Capricorn. This is the first new moon of 2024. When a moon is “new,” it’s aligned with the sun, and this represents the beginning of a new cycle. 

Given that this is the first lunation of 2024 and it’s in cardinal earth sign Capricorn, which is about practical initiation, this is an excellent opportunity for setting intentions or making your New Year’s resolutions. And because of its positioning in relation to the nodes, currently in Aries and Libra, these intentions may not be just for the year ahead, but more aligned with your soul’s purpose or ultimate destiny. Dream big.

Not only is the new moon in a sign that’s about taking charge and setting plans in motion AND in relationship with the nodes, but there are other aspects at play that make it auspicious for laying the groundwork for what we hope to achieve.

First, both the sun and moon trine Uranus, the planet of disruption, revolution, and change. This means the moon, sun, and Uranus are all lending one another big time support. The intentions you set now could lead to major changes ahead. Or you may get some surprises around this new moon that contribute to your self-reflection and the goals you want to set. All of these guys are in earth signs, which grounds the big shifts and disruptions that come from Uranus. And with Uranus in Taurus, all topics financial would be especially relevant for this new moon.

Concurrent to the new moon, Mars, the planet of action and drive, is also in Capricorn, a sign it loves. And it’s in a supportive trine with Jupiter, the planet of expansion and growth, which is also in Taurus. This is helpful for taking practical action on big plans. And with both in friendly aspects to Saturn, the planet of structure and longevity, concrete plans made now have a good chance of sticking. 

I was going to write up horoscopes for this new moon, but then I thought best not to lead you to focus on one particular area of your life and chart where the new moon occurs over others. This new moon is a good time for setting your intentions to align with your big-picture plans and soul’s desires, so why limit it to one area of your life? 

The astro forecast gets more tumultuous from here on out, especially in the months to come (ahem, April), so this marks a good time for getting your ducks in a row and ensuring your structures are solid for any bumpy weather to come. 

The Solstice and Capricorn Season

It’s the solstice! Fire up the yule log, light the candles, pour the wine, eat the pudding, and listen to the solstice carols. Gods Rest Ye Merry Pagan Folk! In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the longest night of the year, and from tomorrow onward, we get a little more light each day. 

The sun moves into Capricorn on December 21st at 10:27 pm EST, and Capricorn season begins.

The chart for this is lovely. Let’s hope this is indicative of the year ahead. The sun is conjunct Mercury, which is still retrograde and encouraging us to reexamine, reflect, and revise. Both the sun and Mercury form positive aspects to Saturn at 2 degrees of Pisces, which lends some help if we need to concentrate or structure our communication, which may be feeling scattered with the retrograde. Also at the time the sun moves into Capricorn, the moon is at 0 degrees of Taurus, forming a trine to the sun. A trine is an unfettered, supportive connection, so on this day, we have support in aligning our purposes with our emotional and especially our physical (Taurus) needs.

So, about Capricorn. Capricorn is a Saturn-ruled sign. Saturn is the disciplinarian and the authority figure of the zodiac, a slayer of nonsense and excuses. (Saturn = Dorothy Zbornak.) Capricorn is a cardinal sign, meaning it’s a sign of initiation, and it’s an earth sign, signifying practicality and pragmatism.

Capricorn is symbolized as the sea-goat, a mythical creature. Its tarot card is the Devil.

Both of these speak to the complexity of Capricorns. A stereotype of Caps is that they are all business, but that’s not true. Caps can be some of the most hedonistic people out there. It’s the work hard, play hard ethos. 

Characteristics commonly assigned to Caps are that they are hard-working, responsible, driven, motivated. But motivated by what? For less evolved Capricorns, it can be power and status. For more evolved Capricorns, it’s a motivation to honor oneself. 

Astrologer Steven Forrest, in his seminal book The Inner Sky, discusses Capricorns’ truthful state as being purely themselves everywhere, in both private and public. There are no hidden motivations. With evolved Capricorns, what you see is what you get. People with Capricorn placements are comfortable being alone, and solitude is productive for them because the best thing they can achieve is to truly get to know themselves. Katie from VPR and Kyle from RHOBH are both Capricorns. Katie has finally shed that weight that was Tom Schwartz and is living her life, single and with her stellar haircut. Kyle, on this most recent season of RHOBH, talks about how she’s done trying to please others and is going to be fully herself. That is Capricorn evolution! 

Because of the solitary nature of Cap placements, it can make it hard for others to get to really know them. Their embrace of solitude can be confounding. Partners of those with Cap placements may always wonder what’s really happening inside the head and the heart of the Capricorn person. But Capricorns know themselves, deep down, and the evolved Caps lay it all out there with no pretenses, no masks, no need for questioning. Needy people may find and attach themselves to Capricorns because they want someone to tell them what to do (ahem, Tom Schwartz) and Caps take charge, but Capricorns are at their best if they partner with people who aren’t so needy and give them their space to be themselves and do what they want.  

It’s also often said about Caps that they age in reverse. Cue the Dylan. Someone with a Cap sun or Cap ascendant may have a chip on their shoulder when they are young because no one else can do anything right and they are surrounded by idiots. But as they get older, maturity and life experiences help to mellow them out and become more accepting, both of themselves and of others. Can you imagine what Saturnian Dorothy was like as a youth? Probably way more rigid and judgmental, but in her golden years, she’s chilling with her mom and two other weirdos in Miami.

Capricorn season always encompasses the holidays, which is interesting because it starts off with that truly weird and hazy period between Christmas and New Year’s (a ripe time for Capricorns’ hedonistic pursuits). Having the New Year in Capricorn season makes a lot of sense. Making resolutions and taking action to launch new projects are very Capricornian. 

This Cap season, we have a full moon at 4 degrees of Cancer on December 26th. Cancer is an emotional water sign, and this full moon occurs while Mars and Mercury are aligned, so it’s probably going to be very emo. The fact that it’s the day after Christmas, when a lot of us will be spending time with our loved ones, is maybe not ideal, but it could represent a catharsis. It’s a time to release any tension, anger, and stress that came to a head in the days leading up to the holiday, but that’s best done in a productive way (scream therapy or a nice long bathtub cry). You may want to be cognizant to not pop off on your family, partners, co-workers, and friends and tear them to shreds, because with Mercury retrograde, you may really regret what you say and have to go back and apologize later. 

The new moon in Capricorn on January 11th is a little more auspicious, and this lunation is kind of like the real new year, at least when it comes to planting the seeds for what you’d like to achieve in 2024. Mercury will be direct once again and our thinking should be clearer. Horoscopes for that new moon to come in a bit. 

But for now, solstice greetings and glad tidings! Get some rest before the heady work of Cap season ramps up.

New Moon in Sagittarius

The last few lunations (new and full moons) we’ve had have been very intense (that Gemini full moon a couple weeks ago was crazy!), and this upcoming new moon in Sagittarius is no exception (and neither is the full moon in Cancer later this month). 

This new moon, which occurs on December 12th a little after 6:30 pm EST, is fiery. While the sun has pulled away from its conjunction with Mars, Mars is still co-present in the same sign as this sun-moon combo. But with Mars in the mix and not currently making any hard aspects to other planets right now, this new moon is a good one for harnessing our energies and focusing them on our lofty goals and global views (in true Sagittarius spirit). However, the moon is making a hard aspect with Neptune, the planet that shrouds circumstances in uncertainty and vagueness, so you may find it hard to get clarity on what you actually want. 

Venus, now in Scorpio, is currently separating from an opposition to Jupiter in Taurus. Venus doesn’t usually like being in deep, dark Scorpio, but its movement through this sign gives us the opportunity to dive deep into our relationships, face hard truths, and strategize about our finances and our resources. Opposite expansive Jupiter, Venus is a little more powerful and friendlier in Scorpio than it would normally be. 

However, Mercury retrograde looms. Mercury is stationary when the new moon occurs, which means it’s at a virtual standstill. It starts to go retrograde overnight on the 12th/13th. When a planet is stationary, its influence is felt even more than usual, so our communication and our tech activity is going to be very prominent during this new moon. If you haven’t already, you may start to experience the usual Mercury retrograde mishaps. A package I mailed to a friend in Virginia last Monday somehow passed through Virginia on Wednesday and sailed on to Florida. Florida! She ended up getting it, just several days later than anticipated. 

The good thing about Mercury being retrograde in earth sign Capricorn is that there’s a grounded quality to it, so it’s not going to feel a mile minute. Capricorn is a take-charge cardinal sign, so even though Mercury retrograde encourages reflection and reassessment, in Capricorn, you’re likely going to feel hard-pressed and want to forge ahead regardless of the retrograde. Just know that anything you move forward with now will likely need to be revisited again and potentially revised in January. 

To learn more about where this new moon will play out in your chart, read below for your rising sign and your sun sign. 

Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising: You’re renewed at this time. This new moon is an excellent time to harness that energy of renewal and plant seeds for the next year. The Mercury retrograde encourages reflection prior to manifesting anything new, so look backward before looking to the future, but it’s still a good time to think about your goals, your desires, and your dreams. Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, is about the big picture, so mood board or journal your loftiest goals. It’s also a good time to think about a new look, e.g., coloring your hair or zhuzhing up your wardrobe, if you’ve been feeling stagnant and wanting a change. 

Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: New moons generally have us feeling more tired, but this may be particularly true for Caps and Cap risings this time because it’s occurring in your 12th house. Mars’s energy could offset some of the darkness of the new moon, so you may find yourself with some erratic sleep schedules around this time. Rest as much as you can, hydrate, and with the nights getting longer now, use the opportunity for hibernation and self-reflection. Mercury is going retrograde in your sign, so it’s time to get introspective. 

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: This is occurring in the part of your chart concerned with friendships, community, and hopes and dreams. Think about what you’re giving to and getting out of your friendships and your larger networks, and consider whether you should make adjustments. It’s also a good time to spend some QT with your friends. Go to people’s parties, even if you feel out of your comfort zone. You may end up planting seeds and making connections that will be fortuitous down the road, and even if not, you’ll have a good time. Take a tip from one of my all-time favorite Joni Mitchell lyrics and wreck [your] stockings in some jukebox dive.

Pisces & Pisces Rising: For you, this new moon may signal a new career opportunity. Even if no offers or interview requests come your way, you may try to lay some groundwork for career growth through small actions, such as setting a new LinkedIn alert or reaching out to an old colleague that you haven’t spoken to in a while, that leads to a new opportunity. With the Mercury retrograde, reassessment is key, so you may want to revisit your resume/CV and make some edits that are more reflective of where you are now.

Aries & Aries Rising: Have you been feeling some sort of spiritual calling, or a desire to study a topic that intrigues you? Or is the cusp of winter making you get the urge for going? This new moon may have you both seeking deeper meaning in life and craving adventure. Aries folks are impulsive, but this is an apt opportunity for some soul searching. And whatever you embark on at this time, whether it’s going back to school, signing up for a meditation retreat, or checking out international job boards, could influence or result in a new income stream in the future.

Taurus & Taurus Rising: Things may be feeling particularly heavy around this new moon, as it is occurring in an area of your chart that relates to finances and resources, which can be tangible assets, time, or energy, that we receive from others or that we owe. A new moon represents the new phase of a lunar cycle, and with Mercury retrograde, it’s a good time for reviewing not only your bills and spending habits, but also the mental and emotional resources you share with others. Take stock of how you give and take, and make adjustments where necessary or advantageous for you.

Gemini & Gemini Rising: This new moon is occurring in the area of your chart concerned with partnerships. Against the backdrop of your ruler, Mercury, about to go retrograde, it may have you feeling some extra stress or facing some questioning thoughts about your relationship. Reassess the give-and-take of your relationship(s) and make some changes if you feel an imbalance. This new moon could also mean that you are beginning a new phase of your relationship with your partner, or that you’re meeting someone with whom you’ll build a relationship. It could also indicate the beginning of a new phase or change for your current partner; where this will play out for them depends on where this new moon occurs in their own chart. 

Cancer & Cancer Rising: New moon, new routines. For Cancers and Cancer risings, this new moon marks an opportune chance to review your daily schedules and rituals relating to work and your health. Are you slacking off in some area? During this new moon, you should be able to harness the energy of Mars to change it up. If your work life is feeling stale and stagnant, now’s the time to focus on what you can do to switch up and energize it so that it doesn’t feel like drudgery. You’re also primed to assess your diet, your exercise plans, and your sleep schedules and make changes. 

Leo & Leo Rising: If you have kids, this new moon could signify a new phase for them. Maybe they start a new project, make a new friend, learn new things that delight you, or suddenly seem like an adult. With or without kids, this lunation marks a chance to reevaluate your attitudes around joy, fun, creativity, all the good stuff, the stuff that brings you pleasure. Think about how you’re structuring your daily life and how you can carve out space for the stuff you do purely because you like it. Sex? Have it! Wine? Drink it! Painting? Buy new brushes. 

Virgo & Virgo Rising: It’s a good time to reevaluate your commitments to your family and your home and make sure you’re taking enough time for yourself. Striking the balance between what you want to do and what you are obligated to do can be difficult. With your ruler, Mercury, going retrograde, now is the time for introspection and reevaluation. You may also feel compelled to get in touch with your roots, which may involve booking some international travel. Start a new adventure, but just make sure to triple check any reservations you book from now through January so that you can minimize Mercury retrograde-type snafus. 

Libra & Libra Rising: You may have a heightened awareness of your everyday routines and communication at this time, and with Mercury about to retrograde, this is an especially opportune time to reflect on how you interact with the people with whom you surround yourself. There may be some frustrating misunderstandings that occur, or expectations you have of others or vice versa are not clearly stated. Try to be as clear as you can with others and ask for details and specifics from them, so no one is left guessing. Also be conscious that Neptune is going to have people feeling anxious and sensitive, so it’s all about being explicit but striking a balance by also being diplomatic (which, as a Libra, is your forte).

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: The focus of this new moon is on your finances, your resources, and how you make your money. Take a look at your bank account(s) if you haven’t in a while, and consider carving out a dedicated savings account for something you’re striving for. Mercury retrograde is all about those “re” activities, so you may want to wait until January to make any big moves, but this is a great time to review your finances and your assets and think about how to configure or reconfigure them so they are helping you achieve your long-term goals.

As always, horoscopes are for entertainment purposes. so take them with a grain of salt. These are based on my interpretation of the transiting planetary positions. Unfortunately, I cannot predict the future. 

New Moon in Scorpio

In the early morning hours (4:27 am EST) of Monday, November 13th, there is a new moon in Scorpio. New moons, occurring when the sun and moon are aligned, kick off new lunar cycles. We’re experiencing this new moon in Scorpio on the heels of the conclusion of the Scorpio-Taurus eclipses that began in late 2021. So it’s a chance to plant new seeds in the same areas of our lives that were undergoing cycles of beginnings and endings over the last couple years.

This particular new moon has a volatile energy. It’s in Scorpio, a sign of deep intensity and transformation, which is ruled by Mars. Mars is also in Scorpio now and it’s sitting right next to this sun and moon combo. Mars in Scorpio can utilize its strengths, which is a good placement for concerted action. However, Uranus is currently in Taurus, opposite the moon, the sun, and Mars. Uranus, the planet that signifies disruption and revolt (among other more specific things, such as electricity and earthquakes), creates tension with our plans of actions. I noted in my Scorpio season post that even though this is the first lunation post-eclipses, it still has a very eclipse feel to it because of the Mars-Uranus presence. 

If we are deliberate about what we want to achieve this new moon, this Uranus placement is likely going to throw us some curveballs. Uranus is an outer planet, so its transits generally affect the collective more than the individual. While you are encouraged to plant new seeds and set intentions for this new moon, it’s against the backdrop of the wildness out in the world. 

With Mars and Uranus in the mix, you may be feeling anxious, like you can’t sit still. Practice mindfulness and breathwork, and as much as you can, try to just go with the flow. The universe may show you the new beginnings coming with this cycle instead of you carefully charting them out yourself.

To see which area of your life this new moon is highlighting, read below, first for your rising sign if you know it, then for your sun sign. And if you have any of the personal planets (sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars) or sensitive points (the ascendant a.k.a, your rising, the midheaven, the IC, or descendant) on or around 20-22 degrees of a fixed sign (Scorpio, Taurus, Aquarius, or Leo), you’ll be feeling this new moon more acutely than most. (And if you want a reading, hit me up!)

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: New moon, new you. The eclipses of the last couple years have likely been felt pretty majorly by you. Have you seen changes and evolution to your sense of self and your closest relationships over that period? This new moon, you can reflect on what has changed and the growth that you want to experience going forward. This new moon in your sign gives you the opportunity to set intentions for further evolution of self, whatever that means for you–getting more grounded, becoming more active through exercise, using your voice more to speak out for the issues you’re passionate about, etc. Now’s the time to set those goals.

Sagittarius & Sag Rising: New moons can sap our energy, and this one is particularly exhausting. You’re often on the go, exploring, traveling, and wanting to embark on the next adventure, but this new moon is an opportunity for resting. You may feel isolated, but embrace alone time during this new moon. You don’t always have to be on the move. It’s a great time to newly commit to or reinvigorate a meditation practice and journaling routine. Sleep and write about the dreams you remember to get more insight into your deepest needs and fears.

Capricorn & Cap Rising: This new moon is occurring in your house of friendships and community. You may have a new experience that leads to meeting new friends or building new relationships within a collective. This is also a time when you may feel a spark of motivation to more openly voice your concerns and raise awareness about the causes important to you. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines with regard to issues you feel strongly about up to now, this new moon may usher in the desire to take action.

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: During this time, you may be planting the seeds of a new career opportunity or starting a project that will ultimately bring you some public recognition. With new moons in the 10th house, at the top of your chart, it’s a opportunity to lay the groundwork for whatever it is you’re hoping to achieve in the public realm. You may have seen some changes in your career coincide with the eclipses over the last two years. With Scorpio in the 10th, you bring an intensity to your career and can do whatever you set your mind to. This new moon is a good time for setting intentions to help you get what you want.

Pisces & Pisces Rising: If a class or a new intellectual or spiritual pursuit piques your interest, explore it. With Saturn traveling through your sign for the next few years, if you do sign up for classes or a certification of some kind or an apprenticeship, your ability to master whatever you are learning is bolstered. Or maybe you’re already an expert in a topic, and it’s time for you to look for teaching gigs or ways you can share what you know. You may be asked to take on a mentoring or a tutoring role this new moon.

Aries & Aries Rising: Aries is rarely passive, but this new moon is about what comes your way from others. This can be in financial form; you may see some money paid out to you, or you may get a bill for something you didn’t know you owed. This can also be in the form of the emotional baggage we get from others, so people may be venting to you a little bit more or those you know may seem to expect more emotional labor from you than normal. If you start to feel out of control of situations and are experiencing a lot of nervous energy, focus inward and do whatever you need to do (exercise, furious journaling, lighting candles) to get zen. 

Taurus & Taurus Rising: If you aren’t in a relationship but want to be, this is a great time for trying to meet someone. With Venus, your chart ruler, in Libra, you’ve got its benevolence on your side. People want to get a little deeper and find commitment, so get yourself out there. If you’re already in a committed relationship, this is a good time for deepening your bond with your partner. You may make a new discovery about yourself or have an aha moment that will impact your current relationship and inspire some new emotional connection between you. 

Gemini & Gemini Rising: Gemini is not a sign that is associated with deep, long-lasting commitment, but during this new moon in Scorpio, this is a time to get to work and set intentions for the everyday that can be sustained long-term. If you can deepen your concentration in the area of your work life, you may reap the rewards in the long run through process improvements or new ideas you implement now. If you’ve been having some health issues pull into focus recently, this is also a good time to commit to routines that address those, which could mean changing your diet, sleep patterns, or wellness practices.

Cancer & Cancer Rising: For Cancers, Scorpio rules your house of creativity, fun, and children. This new moon may initiate a spark of inspiration for a new creative project. This could be the time when you start writing your novel, in the dark early mornings in front of your SAD lamp. Dive deeply into your passions with this new moon. Explore your artistic side and your sensuality. This time could also represent the start of a new cycle involving your children, or you could find that you are welcoming children into your life in some way.

Leo & Leo Rising: This new moon brings new routines at home. They may be due to something that arises unexpectedly or it could be the result of planning you have done, but there’s a new phase in how you are dealing with your home and possibly your family. You could be setting new boundaries with your loved ones or taking on a home improvement project. Don’t let the Uranus-Mars tension and nervousness get the best of you. Your home life should be the grounding source of comfort for you, so with any changes that are happening now, try to take them in stride and relish the time you’re home and find strength in it.

Virgo & Virgo Rising: The new moon in Scorpio is in your 3rd house. Your siblings, if you have any, may be experiencing new beginnings or life changes, or there may be a particular focus on your communication and/or relationship with them at this time. You may also be kindling some new relationships in your neighborhood. This new moon offers you the opportunity to deepen your communication with your neighbors, your networks, your friends, and your sister(s). It’s also a good time to plan for a quick getaway locally if you’re feeling taxed or drained and need a break.

Libra & Libra Rising: With this new moon in Scorpio, the focus is on what you value, your resources, and how you make your living. It’s a time for looking at your multi-year plan for your finances, your job, and how you can build your savings. Venus is in Libra right now, so you’ve got your chart ruler in its domicile, which gives you an extra boost in this area. Venus rules that which we value, and Venus’s current placement is emboldening its strengths. This new moon, if you start to lay out how you want to make money and how you’re going to use those resources to achieve your goals, you’ve got Venus on your side for success that is sustainable.

For all: drink lots of water and get lots of rest! And take these horoscopes with a grain of salt; astrology is not fortune-telling, and these are just my interpretation of what’s going on in the current sky. 

The Solar Eclipse in Libra & the Astrology of Late

This Saturday, October 14th, there’s an annular solar eclipse in Libra. Annular solar eclipses are the ones where the moon is at its farthest point from earth and it doesn’t fully block the sun, so instead of total darkness you can see the glow of the sun around the perimeter of the moon, making it look like a ring of fire. 

People generally seem to get a little nutty when the eclipses approach, even though they occur several times a year. But as human beings, we likely have some genetic instinct to freak out a little around eclipses. Can you imagine living in a time before there was an understanding of astronomy, and every so often, the sun just disappeared? It would have been terrifying! Eclipses are loaded with meaning and inspire both anxiety and wonder. 

The eclipses, astrologically, mark a time when major events unfold. However, as I’ve written before, even though we may experience some major life changes around eclipse time, much of that depends on our specific birth charts. Some eclipses will be felt more deeply by you than others. Most people don’t experience jolting, life-altering events between 4 and 7 times a year, every year of their lives. Generally, personally, we tend to see themes play out in our lives over the entirety of an eclipse cycle (the 1-2 year period when the eclipses take place in a set of opposite signs). There are milestones and changes but they are a little more fluid and gradual.

During this Aries-Libra eclipse cycle, which began in April, the same themes I wrote about during the Aries full moon are the same ones that will play out in a more protracted way between last April and March 2025. To see if this particular eclipse may strongly affect you, check your birth chart to see if you have any personal planets (sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars) or angles (ascendant aka your rising, descendant, midheaven, or IC) on or around 21 degrees of Libra, Aries, Cancer, or Capricorn.

In the world at large, though, eclipses are usually accompanied by some big news. And this time seems to be no exception. This week has been tumultuous and scary on a geopolitical level. However, there’s been a lot going on astrologically beyond just the coming eclipse on Saturday (and there’s a lunar eclipse in Taurus on October 29th), so I did want to call out that the intensity of this moment is not solely related to the upcoming eclipse. 

Last Sunday, Mars, the planet that represents action, drive, and aggression, formed a 90-degree angle with Pluto, the planet of life and death and transformation. The aspect the two planets were making (called a square) can be a tough one, marked by some conflict and usually a turning point. Definitely some parallels between these significations and global events.

Pluto, which had been retrograde since May, also stationed on Tuesday, at 27 degrees of Capricorn, which is exactly the same degree of Pluto in the US’s chart, and is now direct again. It’s the last gasp of the US’s Pluto return. Mars gained strength on October 12th, when it moved into Scorpio, a fixed water sign and its home base, where it can utilize its resources. Mars in Scorpio is about precision, intensity, and stealth.

On the 13th, Mars makes a helpful aspect to Saturn in Pisces. When Saturn, the planet of structure, discipline, and responsibility, is boosted by Mars and both are in water signs, this could be a time for building emotional support structures, both for ourselves personally and for the the community. This is especially important with everything that’s going on. 

Between the Mars and Pluto activity and the two eclipses, October is a wild month astrologically, and as they often are, the skies are a reflection what’s happening here on planet Earth. It makes for interesting days ahead. Hang in there.

New Moon in Virgo

On Thursday, September 14th, at 9:40 pm ET, there is a new moon in Virgo. A new moon, which occurs when the moon meets up with the sun, marks the beginning of the monthly lunar cycle. With the moon in Mercury-ruled Virgo, a sign that’s all about service and taking care, it’s encouraging us to think about fresh ways to serve and take care of ourselves.

Mercury itself is still in Virgo, its home base, but has been retrograde since August 23rd, so circumstances these past few weeks have made it ripe for us to reexamine and reevaluate our processes, the ways we think, and the ways we work. An example from my own life: I was sick for a couple weeks, and I felt like it was a personal failing. After being annoyed by myself and my body, which I felt betrayed me, I tried to channel the “re” rule of Mercury retrograde and reevaluate why I would feel this way. It helped me accept that I can’t control everything, and I shouldn’t beat myself up. The universe made me rest.

The new moon on Thursday offers a new beginning, and Mercury stations direct the next day on September 15th (huzzah!). This new moon, think about what has come up during this Mercury retrograde for you. What flaws in your systems have been made visible? What fallacies in your thinking have been laid bare? How can you create new routines that will better allow you to fulfill the Virgoan activities of working hard, analyzing, iteratively improving, and nurturing yourself and your goals? For me, I’m going to try to ride the sense of acceptance I learned from my bout of illness into the new moon.

The moon, which will be at 21 degrees of Virgo, is making a helpful aspect with Uranus, which is currently retrograde in Taurus. Uranus is the planet of disruption but also innovation, which can give new beginnings under this new moon an element of surprise or uniqueness. Virgo is a sign for getting things done; the new moon bolstered by Uranus can lend some innovation to the things we are trying to accomplish or the intentions we set during this phase. It’s a great opportunity for manifesting, if that’s your thing. Write your list of goals down, but also write down some steps you can take to try to accomplish those things. There’s a good chance ingenuity will strike, but with the sun, moon, and Uranus in earth signs, it helpfully will be grounded and practical.

The only potential downside of the new moon is that it’s within 5 degrees of being opposite Neptune in Pisces. Neptune casts a fog. We may find that our emotions and our feelings create some illusion or delusion around the goals that are set at this time, which is also why thinking through the tactical steps to achieving your goals will be useful. It’s important to lean into the Virgoan qualities of discerning and critical thinking to counteract any emotional overwhelm you may feel. 

To see the areas of your life where this new moon will potentially bring about a fresh start or a new way to thinking, reference your Virgo season horoscope.

New Moon in Gemini: Sleepytime

There’s a new moon in mutable air sign Gemini shortly after midnight (on the East Coast of the US) on Sunday, June 18th. In Gemini, this new moon is about flexibility and versatility. The main aspect this moon is making is a square to Neptune in Pisces.

Neptune makes things foggy, and with hard aspects to Neptune, such as the square (90-degree angle) the moon and sun are making to it, there are often disappointments or things don’t turn out as you had planned or hoped. So with this new moon, best not to manifest or lay out concrete plans but instead to focus on Neptunian things: our emotions, our vibes, our literal dreams, and our visions.

The new moon phase is often a time when we may feel more tired (vs. full moons, when many feel wired). With the sun squaring Neptune, this is especially true of this new moon. If you can, rest. Try to get a longer night’s sleep than usual on Saturday, and again, pay attention to the dreams you have and what your subconscious is telling you, but focus more on the feelings than making sense of them and planning action based on your interpretations.

Elsewhere in the sky, there have recently been some sign changes.

On Sunday, June 11th, Pluto, which is currently retrograde, went back into Capricorn. Since Pluto moved into Aquarius in March, we’ve seen increased focus on AI and technology. Now, with Pluto back in Capricorn, some of the major stories of the past 15 years will be revisited, so things may seem less future-oriented. In the news, the AI stuff may take a back seat to politics and the economy. With Capricorn representing the patriarchy and systems, and Pluto about power, we’re going to see more events where those who have power try whatever they can to hang on to it.

Pluto’s in Capricorn until January 2024, then it goes back into Aquarius. However, it moves retrograde back into Capricorn again later in 2024 and will be in Capricorn until Nov 2024 (where it will be during the next US presidential election–yikes!), when it makes its full transition in Aquarius. Unfortunately, there’s the Tr*mp of it all. The efforts to hold him accountable and the fights over whether he has executive privilege or is subject to the laws that apply to the non-rich and non-powerful are extremely Pluto-in-Capricorn and USA-Pluto-return vibes, almost a little too on-the-nose, if you ask me. 

Mercury also changed signs this past week, going into Gemini on June 11th. Mercury rules Gemini, so with Mercury there, Gemini season is really in full swing. Lots of talk, lots of communication, lots of movement, lots of duality and versatility and options and choices to make.

Venus is now in Leo, where it will be for a few months because it’s going to go retrograde in July. Venus in Leo is fiery and vibrant. I’ll write more about Venus in Leo and its upcoming retrograde next week.

Until then, get some sleep!