Menu
  • Home
        • Jupiter & Saturn: Your Success Planets for 2021

          Jupiter & Saturn: Your Success Planets for 2021

          It's usually easy to tell when you have an actual celestial encounter. It's a moment that's in some way unusual. …Read More »
        • Full Moon in Virgo: Meaningful Habits

          Full Moon in Virgo: Meaningful Habits

          During the two weeks between the Virgo Full Moon and the next New Moon, ferret out those circumstances that bore …Read More »
        • Virgo Full Moon: Get Down with the Material World

          Virgo Full Moon: Get Down with the Material World

          If you’re ready to clean, clear and lighten your load, you can’t beat the Virgo Full Moon. This year, the …Read More »
    • Close
  • Free Moon
    Phase Report
  • Dana’s Moon
    Workshop
  • The Astrology
    of Bliss
  • Astrology
    Reports
  • Sessions
    with Dana
          • Astrology Readings With Dana

            Astrology Readings With Dana

            I believe in life, in the archetypes, and the capacity of people to write better and better stories for themselves. …Read More »
          • Astrology Mentoring

            Astrology Mentoring

            Are you an astrology student who’d like to turn pro? Hoping to read charts with greater insight and accuracy? Desiring a boost in confidence? …Read More »
          • Boundaries & Emotional Mastery Sessions

            Boundaries & Emotional Mastery Sessions

            From the beginning, my 12th House Moon has attracted plenty of likeminded spirits I call “energy sensitives,” whose intuitively gifted natures benefit …Read More »
    • Close
  • Books
    • [Widget Area]
          • Dana's eBooks

            Dana's eBooks

            Dana’s writing… brings the meaning of the planets to life like no other writer in this field. She’s the Meryl Streep of astrological writers: …” Jeff Jawer, The Mountain Astrologer …Read More »
          • Free eBooks

            Free eBooks

            “It took me years to learn each of these simple principles, and with each one, my Moon practice deepened. May they do the same for you!” …Read More »
          • Books We Love

            Books We Love

            Looking for a good read? Mooncircles authors share a few of the great books on their shelves. Read More »
    • Close
  • Store

Mooncircles

Moon Astrology

Chart Play Current Moon Ritual
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • View Cart
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Capricorn New Moon: Resolution Redux

By Simone Butler

Batten down the hatches: 2017 is almost here. Especially for those of us in the U.S., the next four years are apt to be uncertain as the new administration finds its footing and attempts to dismantle much of what was accomplished during the last eight years. But regardless of who is president, we can still commit to helping those who are struggling, and to making 2017 a personally rewarding year.

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Or have you given up on the notion, since they rarely come true? Inspired by Martha Beck’s recent column in O Magazine on why New Year’s resolutions so often fail, I’ve decided to review and reevaluate my 2016 list to help me decide what’s next. The timing seemed appropriate, with Mercury in retrograde conjunct a perspicacious Capricorn New Moon a few days before New Year’s (Dec. 28, 10:53 p.m. PST). So, as Beck did with her list from last year, I examined whether my resolutions were truly aligned with what I want, how I might reframe some of them for 2017 and what insights could be gleaned from what went wrong.

Some of my resolutions (or intentions, as I prefer to call them) did indeed happen. I wrote my book Moon Power, a fruitful if sometimes frustrating collaboration with a publishing house, due out in June. I joined the board of the San Diego Astrological Society and became a vital part of a small but mighty organization, helping to produce events and educate the community. Both of these accomplishments served my intention of joining with others to achieve greater things than I could on my own.

Several other intentions did not pan out, however. Once again, I didn’t lose those infernal 30 pounds. Why not? Upon reflection, I think my body is telling me in the only way it knows how that I need to live larger, to proudly take up space on the planet. So here’s my “resolution redux” for 2017: I resolve to own my greatness and allow myself to expand. Also, I did not unite with the man who’s perfect for me. (There is one interesting prospect, but that remains to be seen.) Meanwhile, I’m rethinking this goal as well. Resolution redux: I resolve to love myself with all my flaws, and to give more love to others, including the man who’s perfect for me.

As you review your intentions for last year and compile your list for 2017, listen closely to what your inner self wants – it might surprise you. Maybe you really want to run for office! (lots of people, especially women, have been inspired to do so after the recent election). Or, perhaps your soul longs to volunteer for a grassroots organization that’s working for change. Rather than heaping yourself with resolutions you’re unlikely to attain (and feeling guilty about it at year’s end), use the lean-and-mean Capricorn New Moon to devise a realistic, doable list. As the New Moon joins retrograde Mercury, ask yourself why former resolutions may have failed, and how you might rethink them. And, be sure to acknowledge yourself for things you’ve attained that weren’t even on your list. For instance, in 2016 I finally broke the life-long habit of stuffing my emotions as soon as they come up – this was huge for me!

At the New Moon, liberating Uranus turns direct after a five-month retrograde – bringing a jolt of energy and a sense of release. Maybe all it requires to make your goals attainable is an attitude shift. Think outside the box: Perhaps allying yourself with an unlikely companion or group could make a long-sought dream come true. Or maybe there’s a habit you’re ready to release now that would make all the difference in your quality of life.

The Capricorn New Moon is especially good for reviewing and re-framing your career. If you need help being recognized for your talents and opinions, try this Capricorn New Moon ritual from my book, Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life. And check out the mini-video on that page, which illustrates how to remake your Fame gua to bring in more career recognition and success.

Filed under: Home New Moon Featured Article

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. CK says

    Jan 1, 2017 at 10:02 pm

    This article makes me smile to feel that I’m in sync with the world. I shared with my siblings today that I was feeling “so over” setting goals right now. This is the absolute opposite of my normal approach to New Year’s. Usually I’m enthusiastically hitting the reset button and happily in pursuit of my goals. But this year, if anything, I’m dragging my feet and having fearfulness about moving forward into this new year. I wondered if it was because I was clear on what I want/need to do this year and making a big fuss seemed pointless or if I’m simply afraid of losing any thing or anyone important to me…. I’m hopeful that I’ll regain my normal enteos in time for the Lunar New Year. Thanks for this article!

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Jan 2, 2017 at 7:51 am

      You’re so welcome! I’m looking at the calendar for today and noticing that the Moon joins Neptune in Pisces, just as Venus enters Pisces. Such a dreamy, ‘unfocused’ energy for going back to work! I think it means we need to stay anchored in Spirit and our own deep feminine selves rather than forging ahead in the usual, more masculine way. Have a blessed 2017!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe

The Moon is in its
Disseminating Phase

in the
Sign of Scorpio


Today's Lunar Aspects:

  • Moon trine Sun, 12:52pm  Mar 4 2021
  • Moon sextile Pluto, 4:09pm  Mar 4 2021
  • Moon opposite Mars, 11:32pm  Mar 4 2021

Venus is currently
In the Underworld

in the sign of Pisces


Enroll in Dana Gerhardt’s Moon Workshop!
Your Venus Unleashed!
Moonshadow Eclipse Report
Moonprints Lunar Report
Steven Forrest’s Transit/Progression report
Mary Shea’s Solar Return report
John Townley’s Lunar Return report

© 2000 - 2021 Mooncircles.com

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.