CAPRICORN NEW MOON 2011

By Tracy Cook

Many years ago I studied lunar phases with Robert Buz Myers.  It is my hope that he would be proud of my work today.  Blessings to you, Buz! 

What is a New Moon?

A new moon is when the moon is between the sun and the earth and the illuminated part of the moon is very small.  Technically, when you look up in the sky you only see a small, skinny section of moon.       

 

And the not so technical point of view?

Similar to farmers and indigenous people, who have used the different phases of the moon for eons, Astrologers also utilize the different phases of the Moon.  Certainly on the New we know it is time to plant seeds.  But the other seven phases are equally important.

 

Where should my focus be during this next 28-day cycle?

When we draft a chart for the new moon we can get a sense of the energy that will be up for processing for the next 28 days.  . 

Okay what is this cycle about?    Goals and ambition are critical this cycle.  Efforts need to be launched now.  Sitting back in our chairs and letting stuff just ‘happen’ is not happening.   And deep in your soul, you know it.     

  

 

January 4,  4:02am EST

New Moon

13 Cap 53

 

Sabian Symbol:

 

An Ancient Bas-Relief Carved In Granite Remains A Witness To A Long-Forgotten Culture.  The key word is foundation:  When positive the degree is a gift for bringing all things into a pattern of convenience and thereupon precipitating an inevitably of desired results and when negative, meaningless limitation.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Sabian-Symbols-Astrology-Symbol-Explained/dp/094335840X

 

 

Capricorn   New Moon

 

“SOBERING UP”

 

And here we are at the beginning of the New Year with a big ol’ New Moon slash Solar Eclipse in Capricorn.   In the spirit of transparency I must confess that I love Capricorn energy.   I mean I really love it.    Why?  Because by the end of the Sagittarius cycle I am simply exhausted by ‘exuberance’.   I just can’t have one more moment of ‘good times’.  And deep in your soul, well, actually deep in your wallet and date book, you know what I’m talking about.   

 

We spent the last 28 days planning meals, coffees and drinks with friends, co workers and family in order to  celebrate the season.  We purchased gifts to celebrate the season, we talked candidly and let down our hair and vented which probably could be also be described as ‘celebrating the season’.    But for me, as I was  compelled to be out in the world  do, do, doing….I often had one thought in my head,  “Please, Lord let this day be over so I can get in bed and watch Top Chef.”  I was craving quiet.    

 

How perfect that the sober, practical, conservative Capricorn follows heat seeking party animal Sag.    The world benefits by this celestial order probably more than any other side by side astro duo.    Don’t’ believe me?  Look at your bank account and I bet you wish Cap came a few weeks earlier. 

 

“CONSERVE, CONSTRUCT AND CONS”

 

Capricorn is conservative. I am not talking politics (although they tend to respond to the right) I’m talking about ‘conserving’.   They hate waste.   In their opinion others dispose of things way too early.    They will drive a car for years and years and not think twice about whether it is “in or out” of fashion, they are not inclined to invest their money or time on the frivolous and even on basic personal issues they conserve.   I know someone with Capricorn Ascendant who upon relocating made sure the ½ filled can of paprika was covered in bubble wrap and packed instead of tossing it and picking up a fresh can on the other side of the two thousand mile move.   “Why get rid of it? It is half full” she exclaimed to me.

 

With that conservative nature often comes a refined style.  Elegance and 'above the fray' attitude is innate.   They are not prone to flash in the pan, they would know fake pearls a mile away.  Lucky for them they know you can't buy good taste and they wouldn't do it if they could.  

 

They are extremely responsible.  When they say they are going to do something they usually do it.   They are unbelievably disciplined, complete workaholics and highly ambitious.  They enjoy the work of putting things together in an orderly step by step manner.   They will build and build until one day they look around and see that they have constructed something very substantial.  Of course, for Capricorn the climb is so much more of value than sitting on their laurels.  They also know that if they cannot sustain their efforts they will lose their position faster than they got it.    “If the climb doesn’t kill you the altitude will” should be written on all Capricorn business cards.

 

 

 

Like all signs, Capricorn has its downside.  They can be so cheap they miss the mark entirely.   They won’t pay for extra help to keep up their house because it is “too expensive” and they insist on doing all the work themselves but then they cannot really enjoy their house because they look around and see the work that has to be done –by them-- and they get exhausted.    Their pride can also get so caught up in how cheaply they live (like a badge of courage) that they miss out on a lot of wonderful new experiences simply because it is, in their opinion, it “too expensive”. 

 

Curiously, their other flaw is completely counter intuitive to what we know about Capricorn --- pretense.   They think of themselves as real people, ‘salt of the earth’ not inclined to enjoy the ‘fancy’ stuff but then if their center is weak and they lack real self confidence then they will rely completely on Ego and can be entirely trapped by status.  They will get caught up in “image” and will do things because it ‘looks’ good.  Never mind if it hurts them or the ones they love or is completely false.     

 

Many a Capricorn has appeared to be in charge and totally ethical and yet at their core they are corrupt or perhaps simply phony and hypocritical (Richard Nixon).   And for Cap and their highly regarded “no frills allowed” attitude they can get very caught up in pomp and circumstance so much that they can shame even a Leo!    Remember the phrase, “Elvis has left the building”?  That was the message announced to his fans as Elvis left his hotel room and was about to enter the theater.  Really does anyone need that update?   Evidently in Elvis Presley’s mind it was necessary but of course, Elvis Presley was a Capricorn.    

 

The signs that really have a beef with Capricorn are Aries, Libra and Cancer.   Aries looks at Capricorn and says, “What the eff’ are you waiting for?”  Libra looks at Capricorn and says, “You care about money more than you care about relationships!”  And Cancer looks at Capricorn and says, “What about family, can’t you put that first?”     In anger they look at Capricorn and say, “You are so cold”.  Perhaps they are right.  Or perhaps it is just that Capricorn has other priorities. 

 

It is no surprise that Capricorn rules business, industry, infrastructure, government and bureaucracy.   Individuals are replaced with a whole class. Capricorn knows if we are busy taking care of each person and their individual issues we will lose the whole picture.   Also Capricorn rules social hierarchy which of course includes snobbery.   And if you think it is only the rich who are snobs you are mistaken.    This last summer when our cardinal climax was in full regalia and Libra, Cancer and Aries were doing battle with Pluto in Capricorn we saw plenty of people stand in their group and say, “We know best.   Not you.”   Tea Partiers reflected the tumultuous side of Pluto in Capricorn especially when they looked down their noses at the so called cultural elite.   Ask Harvard Grads who had targets on their backs all summer what the cardinal cross felt like to them.   Are you getting the feeling it is snob versus snob?    

 

And really it is not over, as long as Pluto transits Capricorn (2008-2023) we will see large flare ups over issues involving responsibility, conservation, snobbery, businesses, government, bureaucracy and infrastructure.   Fissures and cracks will pop up everywhere forcing us to rebuild from the ground up.   And again, this is why we need Capricorn.  We need the sobriety.   We need the ambitious energy.   It is safe to say that if it were not for Capricorn we would still be hunters and gathers in small groups hiding in bushes and caves.   It is the vision of Capricorns that gives us basic structure for whole societies.   Sure, it is nice to live with a large group of people but we better make sure we have pipes that bring in fresh water.  Luckily that ambitious Capricorn business owner who wants to get at least once cent per gallon will make sure plenty of water is pumped to the city even if it kills him.    

 

Action First

 

Now what about this New Moon?   First things first, the Sun and the Moon are conjunct Mars.   Mars of course is the warrior planet.    In Capricorn, Mars energy is very focused and committed to doing things that are results oriented.  It does not have a problem following systems that work since they don’t need to go back and reinvent anything.  But if the system is flawed they will break it (sometimes ruthlessly) until they find a model that works.  Personally, we may feel energized to go to war for the things we that we feel a strong sense of responsibility towards.  Our ambitious sides will be called upon.   And if you think you are not ambitious, then remember we all have Capricorn somewhere in our chart and you should see or feel a fire brewing in that part of your chart during this lunar phase that will need your ambition.

 

It will be a strong 28 day cycle.  Watch what comes up for you that demands action.   At first it might seem like an isolated incident or need but I promise you it speaks to something bigger.   In the world, we will see news events where people speak of “urgency and responsibility” and watch who steps up.   There may be leaders in that mix. 

 

SATURN DAYS

 

Also the Sun and Moon on New Moon are in Square to Saturn.  This is interesting since Saturn rules Capricorn.  The master of the sign is going to take us to school.  That could bring us a few ouches.  We will probably be tested all twenty eight days.    What do we really believe and how committed are we are to our goals?  Even if we think we are living and breathing our goals do not be surprised if you are challenged in such a way that you ask, “Do I really have this in me?”   

 

Additionally, on January 26 Saturn will turn retrograde in Libra.  Once again, our relationships will be put on notice.  Or perhaps we will be put on notice that teamwork and real partnership is not simply ‘phoned in’.  The hard work of making relationships effective is not easy but the rewards are great.   Learning how to negotiate and find compromise will be critical.  Along with picking our battles.   Gawd knows we will learn between now and June 13 when Saturn turns direct that the best way to win the war is to lose a few battles.   We will have a lot to figure out about our relationships between now and June.  If we are weak in areas and rely on others for support we may be surprised to see those are the exact areas that we now have to step it up.  And if others are relying on us we will feel inclined to shake off the shackles and let someone else pick up the slack.  If it does get a little rough, I want to remind you, Saturn delays but it does NOT deny.    If there is any hurdle, you must trust it is there for a reason because Saturn is the planet of absolute perfect timing but you must do your daily work.

 

“DON’T LOOK BACK, SNARK ATTACK”

 

The Sun and Moon have three snarky aspects with Neptune, Venus and Chiron.   This will bring in some slight hurdles.  Feelings of disillusionment, unloved, strapped resources and self inflicted wounds may creep up during the lunar cycle.   We may feel it personally or we may see it around us.   However the good news is that these little hurdles are not life and death problems.  They are simply moments to get our attention so we will know how to proceed with our goals and ambitions.  Ah, there is that word again.   

 

 

“ACTIVATE THE NAVIGATOR SYSTEM,    JUPITER AND URANUS HAVE ARRIVED”

 

In addition to all of the above, on January 4, Jupiter and Uranus will conjunct each other for the third and final time.   In June, the two of them got on top of each other at Zero Aries, then in September they did another round in Pisces and now on Capricorn New Moon they do their final conjunction at 28 Pisces.   I have spoken a great deal about this conjunction in the last year but I won’t be talking about it again since their next conjunction is not until 2024.   And they won’t be back in Pisces again until 2093!     The last time these two were in Pisces was the 1300’s which in my book was a pretty lofty era.   They don’t call it the Renaissance for nothin’.    So, if you understand that this conjunction does not happen often and is not going to occur again in this sign in your lifetime then what are you going to do about it?

 

Well, let’s go back to June when the two planets first hooked up in Aries.  Were things going on around you that really bugged?  Were you feeling like you needed to make changes but didn’t know how to do it?  Did you feel like you were close to a new road, a new direction but couldn’t get to it?   Perhaps your life was even miserable in areas and all you could say was, “I don’t know what I want for my life but I sure the heck know what I DON’T want.”    Aries is the sign of independence; it is the sign of a fresh new road and path.  It is the beginning of a journey.  And in June the largest planet of our zodiac was pulsating in Aries.

 

At that same time we had Uranus, the planet of change and revolution sitting right next to Jupiter and these two were doing one thing----planning a coups.  Perhaps some of us GOT what we needed to do or perhaps some of us felt something churn but whatever it was we probably didn’t move on it because both planets soon turned retrograde. 

 

After percolating and conspiring all summer, Jupiter and Uranus reunited in Pisces in September.   Pisces is WAY different than Aries, if Aries is new, Pisces is old.   It is the sign of things spiritual, holy and the things from our past.  Not just our little past with a small ‘p’ but our big past with a big “P”.  The past that connects us to our maker and reminds us why we are here.   In September, Jupiter and Uranus went to church to pray and clarify any doubts they might have before they begin their big journey through Aries in 2011.   Since then, whether we have known it or not, we began to sort through our soul’s purpose.  What big questions have you asked yourself since summer?  In what ways have you been on an excavation hunt to figure out what makes you really tick?   

 

In November, during the Scorpio lunar phase Jupiter the planet of abundance turned direct.   Jupiter was going to go out and find “more’ for us.   Were we ready?   Did we start to get hints of something more at the end of November?   Perhaps we took flak from others because their perspective of us kept us ‘small’?   Perhaps we realized it was us who kept ourselves small?    And then last month a few hours after Sag New moon, Uranus turned direct.  Sag which demands that we set goals that stretch was when Uranus turned direct. Wow.  Could the universe make the point more clear?    How much of December’s activities did you feel you had outgrown?  How often did you say, “I’m not doing that again?”  And now a few hours into Capricorn New Moon, the lunar phase that demands responsibility and follow through, Uranus and Jupiter will connect for their final time.  Do we think this is a coincidence?  I see you are shaking your head.  You are right.  Like all the other aspects this is no coincidence.    

 

The New Moon in Capricorn, the sign of hard work and dedication is where we launch this final conjunction.  Jupiter and Uranus may be spending their final moments in prayer but when they leave church they will be fully loaded with a sense of responsibility, determination and ambition.   Hard work and inspired thoughts will be paramount.  Cue Joan of Arc. 

 

What are you going to do with this conjunction?   Where are you in your own Renaissance?    It is one thing to have a fun inspired thought but if you are not willing to do the work to bring that thought to fruition then----who cares?  Where do you know you must be focused and encouraged?    Remember this is the good news about Capricorn, he will put hard work and dedication to any project that he feels is worthy.  He will build infrastructure and continue to apply his craft to it.   If you are struggling as to what are your goals or maybe what should be your goals you will not be in the dark for long.   I must say I actually think everyone has a pretty darn good idea what should be their mission or their cause by now, but if some are still fuzzy on it, I would guess that after January 22 when Jupiter leaves Pisces and moves into Aries more will be revealed.   And if some are still in the dark which of course leads me to wonder, “Are you being deliberately obtuse?”  By the time Jupiter squares Pluto at the end of February there will be more clear answers as where you need to put your focus and energy.   Not just personally but also globally.   The news will speak of many changes then.  And of course by March when Uranus moves into Aries the changes will be happening whether we want them or not.   

 

But we can’t get to THERE until you do the HERE and that means processing the conjunction right now on this Capricorn lunar phase.   Spend the next 28 days treating your life like a well run business.   Even if all you want to do is curl up in a ball and cry in your bedroom, please don’t.   Feelings are good but being stuck in them will do exactly that—get you stuck.  Instead, do the work that you know you need to do every day to get the results you crave.    

 

SOLAR ECLIPSE

A word on the solar eclipse part of this New Moon.  For the last couple of years we have had the eclipses on the Capricorn/Cancer axis.  This pits our emotional nature versus our responsible nature.    It is hard not to favor one over the other but in truth we need to synthesize both of them.  Our emotions may guide us but our practical side should lead us.   We should not abandon one for the other.    Yes we should guard against letting our emotions get the better of us but at the same time we should not shut down and simply go back to work like nothing is going on.  It needs to be a synthesis.   Use both of them to get the real lesson of the eclipse.

 

 

IN CONCLUSION:

These are heady days.   We are spinning so fast that there is a centrifugal force at play.   Clearly the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction taking place at the beginning of the year and on Capricorn New Moon is a message.    There cannot be any doubts that we are here to effect change in 2011.  We see the need for changes globally and personally.  We know we need to step it up and be better CEO’s in our lives and now more than ever we need to fire the parts of us that are ineffective and give raises to the parts of us that are smart, responsible and proactive.   I know for me, I intend to fire my inner employee who loves cookies, I will have security show her to the door now.    

 

 

New Moon Phase

January 4, 2010 4:03am EST

 

 

New moon: Plant seeds, make calls, activate, start projects.   Activate something that will ideally lead you to more.  This is the phase where INTENT is critical.  Even if the results are not immediate, the intent is there.  You may not have all the answers or road map but you should put out your Intent.  

 

Focus:     Where are you ambitious?  If you have disdain for ambition is that disdain working for you?  Where do you need to be a CEO?  Where do you need to be a little bit ruthless?  Again if you frown over words like ‘ruthless’ where are you accepting crap because you can’t say no?   Where do you need to make changes that improve your world?   If you change your personal world did it occur to you that you could change the greater world around you?  Now are you still tsk tsk tsking “ambition”?   Get to work you know what to do.

 

Special focus:

1/ 4 : Jupiter/Uranus ---see above.

1 /4: Venus/Uranus:  Joy, love, quirky, instinctual, odd money sources

1 /4: Venus/Jupiter: Large fun, travel, joy, foreign resources

1/7: Venus enters Sagittarius

http://astrology.about.com/od/venus/p/VenusSadge.htm

1/7 :Sun/Saturn; cranky, tough, hard work , results may be delayed

 

Crescent Moon Phase

January 8  3:19am (EST)

 

Crescent:  We will receive information, we will research a bit more, perhaps get feedback on stuff that we planted on new.  Perhaps get some information that will help down the road on a seed we planted a while ago.  We can collect some data now.  Even if you think you are not getting information, stop, and re-look at everything.  Who called you?  Even the silliest things, when they come up during Crescent are note worthy.  A parking ticket?  An argument with a spouse?  A refund check from the phone company?  All of it needs to be considered a message from the universe.  How can this information help you?

 

Focus on:   What information are receiving that speaks to your spiritual nature?  How do your doubts serve you?  How do your doubts hold you back?   How are you served by being wishy washy?   What is your frequency and how are connecting to it?  Does it match the seeds you planted on new moon? 

 

Special focus:

1/10: Mercury/Neptune: Mystical thoughts, fuzzy communication but the message is still understood.

1/10: Mercury/Uranus; Fractured conversations, desire to break free 

1/11: Mercury/Jupiter: Smart aleck, snarky, crank, need to expand thinking

1/12: Mars/Uranus: fun, “up’ energy, creative solutions for issue, breakthrus

 

First Quarter Moon

December 12 6:31am  EST

 

 

First quarter: We do more actions based on the information that we just received.  Or we feel our instincts guide us on something.  We pursue again.  We make another call or we see someone. We mail something.  We stir the pot again.  This can be a time when we realize that the goals we planted on New need more action from us, perhaps actions that involve breaking away.   Are there people who say they have our best interest in heart but fear us growing away from them?  Maybe we need to get help from others not the usual suspects.  Some independence may need to be exerted.

 

 

Focus on:  What actions can you take that speak to your individuality? What actions can you take that make you trailblazer?  What is YOUR identity and is not served by melting into other’s identities?   Can you carve out your place that connects you to the goals you planted on new moon?  

 

 

Special focus

1/13: Mercury enters Capricorn

http://astrology.about.com/od/mercury/p/MercuryCap.htm

1/13: Mars/Jupiter:  Foreign efforts help, working to bridge, actions easy for big goals.

 

1/15: Mars enters Aquarius

http://astrology.about.com/od/thebirthchart/qt/MarsAquarius.htm

 

 

 

Gibbous Moon

January 16 4:27am EST

 

 

Gibbous:

 We refine our information.  We pick and choose, we discriminate, we organize  to be ‘Virgo’ like.  We sort through details.  Have we missed something?  How are we sifting through the information?  Go back and make sure something hasn’t been neglected.  Refine our actions. 

 

 

Focus on:     How are you refining your thoughts?  Are you aware of the thoughts you think every day?  Where do you keep driving yourself crazy with lame thoughts?   Do you know how to right yourself from your negative thinking?  Or is your energy more elevated and matches your goals on New Moon?  How are the people in your life speaking?  Not just to you but in general conversations?  How does it work in your life? 

 

Special Focus:

1/17: Sun/Uranus: dynamic, creative, fun, energetic, good movements

1/18: Mercury/Pluto: Depth thinking, penetrating conversations, rebirthing thoughts

 

Full Moon Phase

Lunar eclipse

January 19 4:21 pm EST

 

 

Full Moon:  We make the needed adjustments on the things we planted. Usually emotions are up and running and for those people who perhaps did not utilize the new moon and the rest of the waxing moon, this is when emotions can get the better of us.  There can often be a big emotional break, for no other reason than to get back on track.   Some partnership will offer up some balance.  The moon is bright and full and there is no room for shadows, what is reflecting on you? 

Focus on:    

                                  

How are our emotions serving us?  How does family compel towards our goals?  How does family rub up against our goals?   When you see yourself out in society or the greater world—does family fit in with you?   Or do you see your family as your identity?  Is that working for you?  Perhaps now you would benefit by separating yourself from family.  Or perhaps you would benefit by separating your work from your family?   

 

For more on Full Moon Check out blog    http://tracyastrosalon.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

Special Focus:

1/20: Sun enters Aquarius:  get your friend a itune card for their birthday.  They love the ease of it and there is stuff they want but have not had the time to get.

 

1/22: Jupiter in Aries *** (see above)

http://www.cafeastrology.com/jupiterinaries.html

 

 

 

Disseminating Moon Phase

January 22 11:00pm  EST

 

Disseminating: Share information; find a teacher or someone who has more knowledge. Perhaps there was a big ol’ blow out on the full and one feels in need of support and help, this is the phase to reach out to one who knows more. This is when we find a rabbi or a minister or therapist who gives us more insight.   And of course, you too may be ready to teach and share your own information. 

 

Focus:     How are you stretching that organizes your life?  How can outside sources help you fix any problems?  Who needs to hear about your skills and how you use them?   Who has skills that you need to mimic in your own life?

 

Special focus-

1/23: Venus/Saturn: structured love, supportive resources, responsible energies

1/26 Saturn turns retrograde  (see above)

1/26: Mercury/Saturn:  Stormy thoughts, snappy conversation, tough attitudes

 

Last Quarter Moon Phase

January 26  7:57am EST

 

 

Last Quarter moon:  Now we do the final adjustments to the seeds we planted on new. The final call, the final letters to send, we follow all the trails that came up that still make sense.  And we let the other parts lay fallow. It is a time of action but wise action.  It is a time for living  “The serenity prayer”

 

God, grant me the Serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change Courage to change the
things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference.

 

 

Focus on:   What final actions can you take now that access all your resources?  How are you empowered?  What actions can you take that empower you?  What actions can you take compel you towards your goals?   What needs to be reborn within you?

 

 

Balsamic Moon Phase

January 29 11:34pm

 

 

Balsamic:  We release.  We let go.  We prune, we discard, we ditch stuff. We house clean. The things that no longer work, we let them out of our life.  We release so we can clear our unconscious and dream.  We prepare our unconscious to be ready for the next new moon.

 

 

Focus on :  What opinions and judgments need to be released?  What part of your life is so large it feels like a circus?  How can you release that?   Where are you prejudice and does it serve you?   How do goals tiring you?  It is okay to take a break from goals.

 

Special focus:

2/2: Venus/Neptune: inspired love, quiet understanding, tenderness highlighted

2/2: Venus/Uranus: Finances and love shaken not stirred,  abrupt changes, need to breakfree

2/2:Mercury/Uranus:  Creative thinking, brilliant thoughts, good conversations

 

 

 

 

February 2 9:31pm EST  Aquarius  New Moon