Capricorn New Moon – 2021

By Tracy Cook

Where should my focus be during this next 29-day cycle? 

When we draft a chart for the new moon, we get a sense of the energy that will be up for processing for the next 29 days.  

Okay what is this cycle about   There is a mountain in front of you- one word: Climb! 

Please note all times in Pacific.   

Capricorn New Moon 

23 Capricorn 13 

January 12, 2021 

9:00pm PST 

Welcome to the first new moon of 2021—It is the Capricorn New Moon.  

Those of  you who have been following these reports know that I have been candid about the planetary cycles we are in and that these are extraordinary astrological times.   During the last 18 months, if I could have a dollar every time I wrote, “It’s been 500, 400, 200 years since _____ (astrological aspect)” I would be a wealthy woman.   Our little human experience has been put through a lot of big planetary aspects in the last year.  2020 was a relentless year with one grueling aspect after another and very little respite.  2021 is better but not without hurdles and grinds and some rough periods.  It does have some brighter energy here and there which will keep it from being the total dumpster fire that was 2020.  Having said that one of the tougher patches is this New Moon and lunar month.    

These bigger cycles we are experiencing were kicked off in 2008 with Pluto’s entry into Capricorn and the launch of The Great Recession, how perfectly Capricorn.    Pluto in Capricorn has demanded an overhaul of all things Cap, including big business, government, politics, banking, structure and systems.  Capricorn rules bones and Pluto has been our chiropractor.   By the time Pluto leaves Cap in 2024 all areas that are in the Capricorn domain will have been “adjusted.”  It’s not pretty.  But then when Pluto was in Sagittarius, the sign associated with travel and religion, we got 9/11.  What we know without a doubt is that Pluto is about as subtle as an IED.   

So, once a year there is a New Moon in Capricorn and our first question is, “How close is the New Moon to Pluto?”    Some years it is not even close which helps lighten the 29- day cycle.   Yay.  But this year the New Moon is one degree from Pluto which means it is on top of Pluto.  Yuck.   The great chiropractor in the sky will be doing some adjusting this cycle.  

It is a tense 29- day period but it could be productive. Capricorn is the goat; he climbs great heights and can live in high altitude that would immobilize others.   But keeping it together at those heights takes discipline.  The old saying, “If the climb doesn’t kill you the altitude will” speaks to the goat.    In the mundane world there will be issues that showcase flaws in structures.  Things that are broken will be out there for everyone to see.   There could be a fall from grace.   There may also be victory laps around things that have taken a long time to build.  Stories out of the news will not be soft and easy.   But while hardships and struggles will be pronounced so will quiet stories of people who kept their nose to the ground and did real work and are doing something that is good.   Celebrity-izing is not Capricorn instead it is more about the common man and how he or she shows up.    

On a personal level, Capricorn is super practical and can climb out of any situation.   But Capricorn also has a lot of insecurities that are often masked with pretense.   Snobs are put on notice that with this New Moon so close, Pluto will go right down and expose insecurities.   Tread carefully with any ‘above it all’ attitude.  Instead, we would all be smart to climb out of anything by going toCapricorn’s useful toolbox and make it work for us.  Capricorn knows how to focus on achievements.   Is there something in your life that needs you to drill down and focus?  What do you need to achieve?   Don’t get wrapped up with the word achieve and marginalize it as, “I’m not a big career person.”  Achievements are not just about work.   Look at your life, what needs discipline?   Are there responsibilities that need your attention?   Capricorn is very prudent – where do we need to exercise conservation? Is it our lifestyle?  Is it our spending?  Is it our opinions?  Let’s tap into Capricorn’s cautious nature.  Is there something out there that feels exposed?  How can we shore it up? Do we need a new insurance plan?  Do we need to switch careers?   Do we need to move?   Capricorn is leadership.   Who is our leader?  Is it time for a change?  Do weneed to be a better leader?  What is broken and how do we get real and fix it?   Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, is the planet of time.  Perhaps one of our insecurities is the knowledge we have been wasting our time in some areas.  Many will reassess.   During Capricorn we understand every hour of our life is valuable.   Capricorn asks, “What are you going to do with each of these 24 hours for 29 days that is smart, productive or meaningful?”  

The Capricorn 29-day cycle is critical to get real with something. At first you may feel pessimistic that it can’t be done but remember Pluto is an influence in this cycle and it is the planet of power.  Pluto can drill down even in the most negative of situations and cut out the dead thinking, dead ideas, dead approaches and find the viable.    Yes, there is a pony under all that crap.  Do not collapse in negativity that serves no one and will not serve you in 2021.   There are opportunities this year but you gotta get your inner Capricorn tuned up.  

The Big 2021 Squares 

Jupiter square Uranus – Jan 17.  This is a big square and it is a few days after the new moon.  It is the only square (thankfully) Jupiter will make to Uranus this year.  Jupiter who had been trapped by Capricorn all of 2020 is now in Aquarius.  Jupiter and all his big ideas and jovialness has more energy in Aquarius. He is coaxing people to find the humanitarian path.  He is concerned about the laws and education that serve the most people.  Jupiter in Aquarius speaks to large groups of people who are like minded  in their ideas and goals.   But Jupiter in Aquarius can get lost in philosophical debates and side bars and committees and rigid thinking. Uranus in Taurus has a real desire to be creative and dynamic in a concrete manner.  Uranus in Taurus speaks to practical results.  But Uranus in Taurus can get rebellious in ‘I’m not budging’ Taurus.  A harsh stubbornness.  Both can be strident and what they each need is a willingness to negotiate and find a solution.    This aspect will bring frustrations.  Friendships and issues around values such as love, and money could be stretched.  Some will decide they are done with this person or that person.   In some cases, it is the prudent decision for others it may be too harsh.  Get counsel from people you respect before being too dogmatic (Jupiter) or rash (Uranus).  If you know your chart see how these planets are interacting with the houses of your chart.   For example, if it is your second house with transiting Uranus in Taurus speaking to Jupiter in the eleventh house then issues around groups (11^th) may be taking away from your ability to earn bigger money (2^nd).  Or the opposite where your focus on money (2^nd) has cut you out of social circles (11^th) where you could have real experiences that are beyond dollars.    Look at the houses in your charts and see how this tension is playing out.  

While Jupiter & Uranus is a tough aspect, by far the biggest tension will be Saturn & Uranus all 2021.    The great restriction meets up with the great rebel.    There will be forces trying to contain (Saturn) and while that is going on other energies will be demanding revolution (Uranus).  Conserving versus progressing please note these are verbs not nouns.   Saturn in Aquarius can be pretty cold and as soon as it went into the sign, we all had to shelter in place.   Zooms are very Uranus, which is the planet of new technology.  Zooming where we live is very Taurus which likes the creature comforts of home.  Experts at the writing of this report suggest that Covid is here for most of 2021 with perhaps some relief in the fall.  The tension of these two planets could speak to the restlessness and tension as we remain housebound.   Those who appear careless about important issues  will not be well received and especially charged up around the Saturn/Uranus dates.   During the last Uranus in Taurus (1930s) boundaries of nations changed.  There were mass migrations some of it weather related.    Global warming and extreme weather could be pronounced in 2021.  The dustbowl took place in the last Uranus in Taurus.  And of course, there are economic challenges.  One gift during this Capricorn lunar month is it is a good month to brainstorm ways to increase finances or bring down nuts.  Of course, there are some who are in dire circumstances and they will need help from those who can assist.   Many of us will be asked to show up in a practical way for others.   Business and government will need to be on the correct side of solutions this year.   The challenge for everyone is to remember the human being.   Many will be ditched by new technology. We will need to be innovative to make sure there are solutions for everyone.     These are the three Saturn/Uranus dates in 2021: 

Saturn square Uranus  - Feb 17 

Saturn square Uranus – June 14

Saturn square Uranus – Dec 23 

To get an idea of what is buried in the tension we can look at the inner planets and what comes up when they connect with Uranus & Saturn.  When Mercury, Venus and Mars get in the playing field of  Saturn and Uranus it could telegraph  the trouble that needs our attention.   For example, Mars moved into Taurus on January 6 when The Capitol was under attack.  It is interesting that the actual breach of The Capitol took place around 2:30pm EST in the last hours of Mars (five- month) journey in Aries.  Mars moved into Taurus at 5:27pm EST.   The events were still occurring in DC but as the day and days unfolded, we learned more about those who were involved and the depth and scope of the event especially the online communities.  Both Uranus the planet and Aquarius the sign are associated with digital technology.   Every time Mars moves into the fixed signs, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio this year will be red zones.   

Mercury the planet of communication will speak to the tension brought on by strident language.  How is language used to inflame?    Venus is the planet of values.  It connects to love, beauty, money and appreciation.   When someone feels unworthy or unloved, they can do tremendous damage to others and self.   When Venus gets in the mix with Saturn and Uranus, we may see people with low self-esteem cause strife.  

In this 29- day cycle watch these dates for tension in the news and also in your own personal life. 

Mercury conjunction Saturn January 9   

Mercury conjunction Jupiter January 11

Mercury square Uranus January 12 

Mars square Saturn January 13 

Jupiter square Uranus  January 17 

Mars conjunction Uranus January 20

Mars square Jupiter January 22

Of all of these inner planet aspects, Mars conjunct Uranus is the one that is the most troublesome.   It takes place on Jan 20 the day of the inauguration.   We can assume great care and protection will be in effect that day but the tension leading up to the 20^th could be palpable especially given Mars’ tangle with Saturn.   Along with Jupiter’s square with Uranus and the Mercury aspects.   Watch the themes that come out of this week.  They will be important in February during the Aquarius lunar month when we get the first Saturn square Uranus.    

Mercury retrograde 

2021 the Mercury retrogrades will be in air signs so issues around communication and thinking will be paramount.    There is an ADHD element to all Mercury retrogrades but especially in the air signs.  We could feel extra agitated during the 2021 Mercury retrogrades.  Nervous energy will be more pronounced.  Short fuses and tongues.  People who are not afraid of a sharp barb could pay a price they are not ready for in a year that is already tense.   Think twice before shooting off that ugly little snippet.  Just sayin’. 

This Mercury retrograde is in Aquarius emphasizing the groups of people we like to associate.   Covid has certainly stretched our way to be with one another but we may also feel like we have grown tired of our circles and are looking for new peeps or new experiences and new thinking. We may be searching for new groups.   Like all good Mercury retrogrades we should learn something about our communication skills and our ability to pivot our thinking.   Maybe we need to share some insights that will help our friends.  Especially for those people who have remained mute on important topics.    The Mercury Retrograde dates are the following:

January 15 Mercury enters shadow 

January 30 Mercury station retrograde 26 Aquarius 29

February 20 Mercury station direct  11 Aquarius 01

March 12 Mercury exits shadow 

With all Mercury retrogrades we know to take care about purchases.  Try to not make big purchases.  Refrain from starting any project during a retrograde but research like crazy, pretend you are a  Smithsonian Librarian and go deep on anything you want to pursue later after Mercury straightens out.  Ask a lot of questions.  Double check facts and above all—especially with Mercury in Aquarius --watch your social media activity.   Do NOT forward anything unless you have double checked its accuracy.  Spreading gossip in 2021 is the biggest No-No.   Super no.   Between the air sign retrogrades and the eclipses in Gemini and Sagittarius we must monitor our activities and not be a participant or amplify lies.  Consider setting the record straight.  

Uranus stations direct 

6 Taurus 43

January 14, 2021

Shortly after the new moon, Uranus will slow down and turn direct.  This is a strong influence especially since Uranus is a big player in 2021.  Uranus turned retrograde back on August 15 at 10 degrees of Taurus.  It is curious that half of 2020, when so much drama was occurring, Uranus was backtracking.  Perhaps he was gathering intel from Taurus.  Uranus is dynamic and creative, and Taurus likes things that are practical and substantive.   What secrets was Uranus learning during the retrograde?  Will we be able to coax out dynamic solutions now when we really need them?   The fact that this planetary direction change is taking place so close to the Cap New Moon charges the whole cycle.  We may have some ideas or thoughts that back in August we would never have considered but now they seem like a real solution.     Let’s see what Uranus brings to our 29-day cycle.  Uranus can be chaotic but under that chaos may be something brilliant that can be gleaned. 

Back to Mars for a moment 

Besides Sun/Moon in conjunction with Pluto also in the chart, Mars squares Saturn.  As we discussed it happens a few hours after the New Moon launches.   Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn, so it is an influence this cycle.   Saturn who is reserved and likes to be methodical in its approach is getting badgered by Mars.   Mars is poking Saturn to ‘get on with it’.   This is an added layer of tension.   There is a drive to be productive, to not just talk something to death but do something.   It is not just enough to look at the sad list and moan.   It is saying, “Come on, let’s do something.”   Again, we need to take care to not be impulsive but find a measured (Saturn) way to tackle needed actions (Mars). 

Moon Tangles 

Last year we watched the Moon for tangle ups with the cardinal planets.  This year we track Moon in the fixed signs and note that they can be difficult and stubborn when they get into it with Mars, Saturn and Uranus.   Sparks and smoldering tensions rooted in deep seated issues could rear up.   Note anything that comes up for you.  

Jan 13 Moon in Aquarius

Jan 20 & 21 Moon in Taurus (added tension on Inauguration Day) 

Jan 28 Moon in Leo 

Feb 3 Moon in Scorpio 

Feb 10 Moon in Aquarius 

Treasure Mappers 

A note to those who made Treasure Maps back in April 2020.  We are now at the final quarter of our map year.  Some of you when you look at your map have had  successes and are ticking off your list.  Great.   

Some of you will look at your map and conclude you didn’t accomplish as much as you wish, I am raising my hand.   The good news is that this is the last quarter and a lot can come to fruition.  I had one year where some of my biggest accomplishments occurred in the final weeks of the map year.   So, take a beat and appreciate your map and the work that may unfold.  In the meantime, we take the Capricorn new moon to launch our big declutter and cleaning.   Between now and April 11 7:30pm (22 Aries 25) we have a lot to get rid of so we can have a clean space and head.   Take your time as you clean your cupboards, closets, house, car, garage, office –and most of all, your MIND of outdated thinking.     

In conclusion:    Pluto is the last man standing in Capricorn.  Last year we had Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Cap along with the eclipses.  If you can think where we were on December 25, 2019 for the last Cap New Moon and where we are now, well, we all can agree it is a new world.  Now with this Capricorn New Moon right on Pluto we have to decide how we want to participate in the world.     We will be challenged to not fall into pessimism or cynicism because:  "The hour calls for optimism; we’ll save pessimism for better times." —Jean-Claude Servais 

During the month check out my blog 

http://tracyastrosalon.blogspot.com

Please note all times Pacific 

The 8 phases

Capricorn New Moon 

23 Capricorn 13

January 12, 2021 

9:00pm PST 

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.

This focus:   Where do you need some ambition?  What is going on in your life that needs YOUR leadership?  What needs discipline?   What responsibilities have been left undone and now need your focus?  How can you rise up?  Where do you keep yourself small?  Are you tired of it yet?  How can you benefit by solid common-sense approaches? 

Special note:

1/13:  Mars Taurus Square Saturn  3 Aquarius 04  Actions versus responsibilities.   Frustrations.  Tensions.   A frigid coldness when trying to do something. 

1/14:  Uranus stations direct 6 Taurus 43 (see above) 

1/14: Sun conjunct Pluto -  Once a year we go down to our depths and find our mettle.  What needs to die so something is reborn?  Where do you need leadership?  What does the mirror tell you?

Crescent Moon Phase

January 16,  2020

12:29pm PST  

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 tickets.  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 are you learning about faith?  What are you learning about humanity?  What are you learning about your own mystical nature?  What are you learning about suspending belief?  

Special Focus

1/17: Jupiter square Uranus 6 Taurus 44 (see above) 

First Quarter Moon 

January 20, 2020 

1:01 pm PST 

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 are you taking that speak to building something from the ground up? What actions are you taking that are steeped in practicality?  What actions are you taking that are sensible application of changes you can make to your finances?  

Special Note

1/20: Mars conjunction Uranus 6 Taurus 44 (see above) 

1/22: Mars square  Jupiter 8 Aquarius 00 Concrete actions are at odds with big ideas.  Big ideas can’t get real movement.  Go back to the drawing board.  

1/23: Sun conjunct Saturn 4 Aquarius 20.  Structure to ideas is paramount.  Ditching weak ideas for more thoughtful ideas. 

Gibbous Moon

January 24,  2020 

3:53 PST 

Gibbous:

We refine our information.  We pick and choose, we discriminate, and 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 ability to communicate?  What are you refining with siblings?  What are you refining within your neighborhood?  What are you refining about your information sources? 

Special focus

1/26: Sun square Uranus.  Finding a practical solution to help community is challenging.  What is theory rubs against being ‘sensible’?  Is there a place in the middle? 

1/26: Nodes square Neptune.  Illusion around communication and rhetoric. 

1/28: Venus conjunction Pluto- love of power.  Powerful love.  Power and values finding a spot where they are in sync.  

1/28: Sun conjunction Jupiter – Feeing big, feeling magnanimous seeking like minding elevated thinkers.  

Full Moon Phase –  

January 28, 2021  

11:16am     

9 Leo 05

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 you connecting to what makes you special and unique?  How are you finding your voice in the crowd?  How do you share your strength?  How do you share loyalty and bravery? How are you tapping your creativity? 

Special focus 

1/30: Mercury station retrograde 26 Aquarius 29 (see above)  

Disseminating

Jan 31, 2021   

11:25pm PST    

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 on:  How are you sharing your ability to sort fine details?  How are you finding the loose ends?  How are you picking up the pieces?  What needs finishing?  What needs a bit more research?  

Special focus:

2/1: Sun square Mars watch the volatility.  Avoid unnecessary fights.   Actions are important but unnecessary roughness could be more trouble than it is worth.  Take a breath.  

Last Quarter Moon Phase

February 4, 2021 

9:36am PST   

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 actions are you taking that cut down to the bone?  What actions are you taking ask you to go to your depths?  How are you processing your power?  Where are your resources?  What is going on with sex, money and taxes?  

Special focus

2/6: Venus square Uranus 6 Taurus 58.  Values and friendships seem at odds with the grunt of being practical.  Money and love are chaotic or at odds. 

Balsamic Moon Phase

February 7, 2020

8:54 pm PST     

Balsamic:   We let go.  By releasing we can prepare for the new.  

Focus on How are you releasing your cynical nature?  Do it for the next 3 days.   Just do it. 

2/8: Mercury conjunct Sun (inferior) 20 Aquarius 01 – looking backwards, fixing some out of step thinking, reassessing friendships and groups. 

2/10: Mercury square Mars  something smoldering does need to be communicated.   Abstract arguments help whom? 

2/11: Venus conjunction Jupiter 12 Aquarius 35. Abundant, helpful, generous, sharing ideas and community.   Thinkers find each other. 

Aquarius New Moon February 11, 2021, 23 Aquarius 17 11:05am Metal Ox Chinese New Year