Many of us consider the start of a new year as the perfect time to set new intentions and start over with a clean slate. The energy of the new moon also represents a new cycle and a clean slate on which we can build and grow in line with the growth of the new moon.
That is why the first new moon of the new year, which falls at 20 degrees Capricorn, the same sign as the sun, is such an important one. It intensifies the energy of the sign and represents both the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one.
Capricorn is associated with structure and long-term goals. Combined with the new moon, this represents the ideal time to set new intentions and big, audacious goals. Capricorn suggests that you will need to commit to a period of hard work to make things happen, but also that it will all pay off in the end.
The New Moon 111 Gateway
This year the January new moon will take place on 11 January, at 3:57 am on the Pacific Coast and 6:57 on the east coast. This date is also special, as 11/1 (or 1/11 for Americans) represents the 111 gateway, which is a time when our creative energies are at their peak.
The number 1 represents creative forces within the universe. These are the big forces at play in the world, but also the creative force within each individual person. The number 1 reminds us that we shape our lives and our realities through our actions, decisions, and attitudes. Therefore, it encourages us to take active steps to take control and build the life that we want and reminds us that we can.
111 represents a creative gateway that we can pass through to make a major change in our lives. But it also represents a point of no return. The choices we need to make to see the changes we desire probably means giving something up that we will never get back. While that is a scary prospect, it is also an opportunity to ask yourself:
Are my actions aligned with what I want in life? And if I continue as I am, will my life be better or worse in five years?
Other Planetary Influences
There are a variety of other planetary influences at play during this 2024 Capricorn new moon.
- The chaotic planet of Uranus is retrograding through Taurus. This urges us to think outside of the box when it comes to the way we create our home and our self-care routines.
- The new moon is also trine with Uranus, which can bring excitement about change and lower your resistance to making the sacrifices that it requires.
- Dreamy Neptune is moving through Pisces, suggesting that now is a good time to take steps to manifest what might seem like our most unreachable dreams.
- Fiery Mars is also in Capricorn, which provides strength and determination, and also a potential release of emotions.
- Mars is also trine with Jupiter, which will bring positive energy to your most challenging endeavors.
Rituals
If you are considering undertaking a new moon ritual to set new intentions for the new year, consider the following ritual elements.
- Capricorn is an earth sign, so conduct rituals somewhere that you can connect with the ground beneath you. Grounding yoga practices can also be an excellent ritual preparation.
- Indigo, black, and grey are the colors associated with this new moon. Using candles in these colors are ideal for new intention rituals. Write down your intentions and burn them into the candle flame to release them into the universe. You can anoint the candle with frankincense, cypress, chamomile, or rosemary.
- Black moonstone, clear quartz, black tourmaline, and turquoise are all associated with the Capricorn new moon. You could imbue one with your intentions for the new year and wear it as a reminder of your commitment or keep it somewhere in your ritual space.
- Drinking valerian, rosemary, chamomile, or tarragon tea can help you let go of what no longer serves you so that you can focus on what is in front of you.
If you are committing to a new habit, commit to a 28-day cycle to match the lunar phase. When the next new moon falls, you can evaluate your progress and set a new intention.
Alternatively, you could set a five-month cycle, working towards the full moon in Capricorn that will fall on 21 June 2024, which is also the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere (and the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere).
In The Tarot
Capricorn is associated with The Devil card in the Tarot. While not necessarily a negative card to receive in a Tarot reading, it is suggestive of the darker side of our nature and the negative energies that are preventing us from reaching our full potential.
In a preparatory Tarot reading, you could place The Devil card at the center of your reading and then pull five cards to place around it to form a pentagram. Ask each to reveal barriers that are holding you back and things that you need to let go of to move forward.
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