Aquarius New Moon: Cocka-A-Doodle-Doo!

Last weekend I joined close to 40,000 people in downtown San Diego for the Women’s March. The streets were a sea of pink hats and protest signs as we dodged the raindrops to show support for human rights. We weren’t the only ones. Across the world, an estimated three million women and men took to the streets – there were more people marching in Washington, D.C. than attended the Inauguration!

Too young to join the protest movements of the 60s, this was a new experience for me – and, I suspect, for many of the marchers. We can thank Donald Trump for that: His intent to dismantle many crucial protections for humans and the environment has issued a wake-up call so loud that it can’t be denied.

Let the crowing begin! We’re about to enter the Year of the Fire Rooster, with its flashy strutting and red plumage (eerily reminiscent of our new Commander-in-Chief). Cocky and finicky, the Rooster rules the roost. His job is to tend the flock, but he can become overly aggressive and end up attacking those he’s supposed to protect. Yet his fiery nature, if channeled properly, can also warm hearts and bring people together.

In a recent article, Feng Shui practitioner Karen Abler Carrasco says this will be a year in which we “become overly sensitive to anything that comes near our own sphere of influence.” But, she adds, “We can transform this into a positive quality by steadfastly remaining focused locally, letting the global arena take care of itself. There is more than enough work to do to feed our own communities.” She strongly urges us to get acquainted with our neighbors and tend to them, including those from different backgrounds. Despite the masculine “yang” qualities of the Fire Rooster, she adds, this is actually a “yin,” or feminine year. “Sharing feels better and more secure than hoarding.”

This observation is perfectly suited to the upcoming Aquarius New Moon (Jan. 27, 4:07 p.m. PST), which coincides with the Chinese New Year on the 28th. Long associated with brotherhood, sisterhood and progressive causes, Aquarius energy helps us connect with our communities and strengthen ties with friends. This New Moon happens just hours before fiery Mars charges into Aries, the sign it rules, heightening passions through early March. It’s important to remember during this heated period that going after what you want works better than complaining about what you don’t want. Inflammatory dialog will be rampant, with fiery Aries whipping the freedom-loving winds of Aquarius. Think twice before making angry, fearful posts on Facebook, though. Use this potent Aquarius New Moon to join with others and make a plan to tackle problems. Then, like the Rooster, start pecking away at solving them. The sense of community that’s building right now will do us all good.

This is an excellent time to call in help from your angels and guides. Check out this Aquarius New Moon ritual from my book, Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life. You’ll also find a short video there in which I describe how to work with the Helpful People area of your home, so you can draw in whatever assistance you need.