April 1st ~ 8th

Now, as I reach the far shore and spring approaches, I look back over my shoulder, and I see the ice on which I have so lately, so confidently trod, shattering behind me into the thinnest of slivers, and the hungry water swallowing them. And I take a deep breath, turn my face to the shore, and hope I can climb the bank. ~ Jessica MacBeth

If we were to think of the Capricorn (Winter) Solstice as the midnight hour of the year, the (Vernal) Aries Equinox is the Dawn of the Year. Ripe with promise, Aries is the first sign of the astrological new year, and brings with it the hope of better things to come. And so the New Moon in Aries is a moon of New Beginnings, Rebirth and Renewal. 

With the New Moon conjunct Chiron and at the superior conjunction of Mercury as well, many could be inclined to want to make a new start, perhaps go off in a whole new direction, or even just get rid of everything and start all over from scratch. The New Moon in Aries conjunct Chiron is about living your life according to your own terms. Chiron exposes our wounds, our sorrows, our regrets at not doing so. But it also brings us the tools and remedies to be able to move forward. Aries is a sign of initiative and action, and will not be deterred. And know that when you can experience life on your own terms, then you will have enough to give to others. There is no room for martyrdom or defeat in Aries season. 

But it does look like we’ve got our work cut out for us this year. At the New Moon, Mars is closing in on its conjunction to Saturn (which are both now at the bending of the Nodes). Mars is the ruling planet of Aries, and so is adding another layer to the New Moon in Aries story. Mars/Saturn energy can be challenging. Mars wants to leap into the fray, hurl themselves into the activity, while Saturn is like a brick wall, unmoving and unbudging. The New Moon in Aries is readying us for the race, and Saturn throws some extra hurdles in. We’re all excited to climb that mountain and Saturn unleashes an icy blizzard when we’re halfway there. 

If there are too many delays or obstacles, we could become defeated. Our motivation lags, and our problems just seem too great to be overcome. But defeat is not an option. And overcoming the obstacles is exactly what is being asked of us. There is no standing on the sidelines in Aries weather. No matter how exhausted we may feel, no matter how many mountains we need to climb, we are being asked to step up to the plate. Know that Aries is undaunted and is never afraid of a challenge. We are being asked to step up to the plate, and once we do so, there is no turning back. 

If in doubt, seek guidance. Chiron was the wisest of all the centaurs, and he is here to remind us that we can be made whole again, and that we can achieve our goals, and that he is here to guide us. It may take a little extra work and time, but a new dawn is rising with the New Moon in Aries, and Chiron is helping to lead the charge. 

And as Mars and Saturn stand at the bending of the Nodes, many will be feeling like they are making that transition between the past and the future, the old and the new. As we discussed last week, when we have outgrown our old spaces, our old lives, it is time to look forward, not back. Mars and the New Moon can serve as a catalyst to get us moving, and to look to the possibilities of the future. 

Mars is also in the sign of Aquarius which draws people together who share common causes. There’s no telling what you can achieve in the company of others when you join forces and have the courage of your convictions. However, whenever Mars and Saturn are conjunct we must go with caution. If we appear too aggressive, we can be perceived as a threat. But if we refuse to act out of fear or defeat, we can lose a good opportunity. There is an art to working with Mars and Saturn. And it’s time to take responsibility, no matter how unpleasant or hard the task. Therefore may we put aside our frustrations, and know that persistence, patience and determined action are what is required of us now. And may the force be with us to achieve our goals. 

The New Moon in Aries falls at 11º Aries 31’, on Friday, April 1st here in New York City, at 2:25 AM (EDT); that’s 7:25 am Universal Greenwich Time; and 11:25 PM on March 31st in Pacific Time. If you wish to make intentions with the New Moon, do so after the New Moon but within the New Moon phase (through April 4th), when there is the greatest potential. Some possible affirmations or intentions for this Moon might be:

• I am a fiery force to be reckoned with, filled with strength and courage to take on this challenge.

• I embrace new beginnings with anticipation and an eagerness to get started.

• I am proud of my individuality, and reject anyone or anything that tries to define me in limiting ways.

• I enthusiastically greet the challenges that are needed to be overcome in order to live a more authentic life.

• I greet each day with active enthusiasm and an open heart.

For next week’s horoscopes, click below:

HOROSCOPES