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Aquarius New Moon: The Power of Friendship

By Simone Butler

A wonderful documentary on Netflix called Mission: Joy – Finding Happiness in Troubled Times, illuminates the sweet, playful friendship shared by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Based on their 2016 collaboration, The Book of Joy, the film showcases these eighty-something spiritual masters who had been through so much, yet still managed to retain a sense of childlike wonder – while bringing joy to others. One of the greatest things about these humble icons was the power of their friendship. We get to witness it as the Dalai Lama often reaches out to grab his long-time friend’s hand, as they gently tease each other, even in their awkward attempts to dance together.

This type of genuine human connection is highlighted at the Aquarius New Moon (Jan. 21, 12:53 p.m. PT). Aquarius is the sign of friendship and social bonds, which for many of us have become all too rare over the last few years of contention, illness and social distancing. Now we’re encouraged to follow the example of these two beautiful men, who recognized how precious time and friendship really are.

This New Moon sextiles spirited Jupiter in Aries, offering momentum to get going and join with like-minded others to make things happen. Mars is slowly starting to move forward after its long retrograde (it won’t return to full forward motion until March), and Mercury, which turns direct on Jan. 18, still needs another week to start clipping along. But we’re heading down a rarely seen stretch of 88 days in which NO planets are retrograde – bringing great potential for advancement between now and mid-April.

On Jan. 22, the day after the New Moon, we collectively hop into the year of the Yin Water Rabbit. This alert energy favors fertility, new life, healing, making amends and protecting ourselves and others from harm. Water equates to the color black, so the Black Rabbit is our new totem. This creature has been seen as a spiritual ally in many cultures; we’re encouraged to cultivate its intuitive, intelligent qualities to make the most of the year ahead. We’re bidding farewell to the fierce, contentious Tiger year and getting a chance to prepare and resource ourselves before heading into the fire-breathing Dragon year of 2024.

The Aquarius New Moon happens at the entry point of the sign, which Pluto will intensify as it moves into the sign of the Water Bearer in late March. Pluto hasn’t trod this territory since the 1770s-1780s, when both the French and American revolutions took place. We may be re-entering revolutionary times for the next twenty years! This will call for out-of-the-box thinking, which air sign Aquarius does well (the Water Bearer’s sacred offering is not H20, but rather an etheric elixir capable of raising our vibration).

Pluto won’t fully inhabit Aquarius until 2024 (through 2044). Still, the coming ingress is apt to provide a glimpse of the future. The planet of upheaval and transformation will be in humanitarian Aquarius from late March to early June this year, then it retrogrades back into Capricorn, (where it’s been since 2008), from June – December, completing its work of exposing (and potentially destroying) the worst of Big Business and capitalistic excesses that have placed our world in peril.

Poignantly, especially for those of us in storm-swamped California, the Sabian Symbol for the New Moon at 2 Aquarius is “An Unexpected Thunderstorm.” This speaks to the need to develop a sense of inner security which will enable us to meet unexpected crises and remain flexible in the face of impending change. And one of the best ways to do this is by joining with those who we admire and trust, whether purely for friendship or in service to humanity.

As we move through pivotal times, featuring unexpected crises as well as opportunities, let’s take our cue from the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu. One a Buddhist, the other a Catholic, these spiritual warriors found common ground by uniting their gentle, playful spirits in friendship. And to find joy in the midst of hardship, they realized they must bring joy to others.

This is how the Dalai Lama put it in a letter to Desmond Tutu’s daughter upon his passing in late 2021, “As you know, over the years, your father and I enjoyed an enduring friendship. The spiritual bond between us was something we cherished. He was devoted to the service of others, especially those who are least fortunate. I am convinced the best tribute we can pay him to keep his spirit alive is to do as he did and constantly look to see how we too can be of help to others.”

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About Simone Butler

Simone Butler is the author of Moon Power: Lunar Rituals for Connecting with your Inner Goddess. She's been a professional astrologer for 30 years. In addition to a worldwide consulting practice on astrology and Astro Feng Shui, Simone offers New Moon collage classes, and writes for The Mountain Astrologer. She also wrote for and edited the Starscroll for many years. Simone’s book Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life fuses Western astrology and Western feng shui into one unique, transformative system. Sign up to receive her entertaining, informative bi-monthly blogs and learn about her monthly rituals and tips.

Comments

  1. Luisa says

    Jan 24, 2023 at 8:59 am

    Thank you so much, what a beautiful and inspiring essay! My heart is filled with joy, grateful for your share of bliss and friendship!

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Jan 25, 2023 at 8:15 am

      You are so welcome, Luisa! Many Aquarian blessings to you…

      Reply
  2. Marjorie G Swindell says

    Jan 19, 2023 at 7:18 pm

    That was a beautiful, insightful and clear communication. Thank you so much, I feel lifted up and ready to embrace this upcoming time for all its worth. And with joy!

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Jan 20, 2023 at 11:09 am

      I’m so glad you were inspired by my essay, Marjorie. Many blessings on your New Year, may the Black Rabbit bring you joy and prosperity!

      Reply

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The Moon is in its
Crescent Phase

in the
Sign of Aries


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon sextile Sun, 11:50pm  Jan 26 2023
  • Moon sextile Saturn, 3:13pm  Jan 27 2023
  • Moon sextile Sun, 7:17pm  Jan 27 2023
  • Moon square Pluto, 9:01pm  Jan 27 2023

Venus is currently
The Evening Star

in the sign of Pisces


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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.