Capricorn New Moon– 2024

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?   Pragmatism is the word for 29 day and ambition is at the center.   There is no time for clown cars, and we feel it.  

Capricorn New Moon 

January 11, 2024

3:57 am PST

20 Capricorn 44   

Welcome to the 2024 

I would like to start this report with a personal note.  Between the 1920s and 1950s my grandmother studied astrology.  Later, before I was born and during my childhood, my mother studied astrology charts. Consequently, I grew up with astrology discussed in my home. I began drafting charts in high school and while I enjoy natal chart interpretation, which I have done for friends, family, and occasional clients for decades, my preference is mundane astrology.   Mundane astrology is focused on the outer planets.  Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and their ingresses into signs plus aspects with each other.  This speaks to the astrological weathercast of geo-politics, cultural trends, innovations, revolutions, etc.  I was drawn to mundane astrology when as a young woman in the 1980s working in the entertainment business I watched AIDS sweep through the world as Pluto transited Scorpio.  It was impossible to not see the connection of the mundane in real time.   Because of that experience and my love of history I became focused on world astrology.   That background informs my new moon reports which I have been generating for close to twenty years.  They are focused on the lunar month eight phases, 29-day cycle and the mundane astrological influences.  

As we head into 2024, it is important for me to put the lunar work in the landscape of the bigger astrological cycles.   In mundane forecasts, astrologers look backwards to previous eras and pluck out themes that may repeat in the modern era.   In 2011, Andre Barbault, a French astrologer wrote about the then future Pluto Saturn conjunction of January 2020, and he said that it had the potential for a pandemic based on what occurred in previous eras.   To Barbault’s prediction we can now say, “Bingo!”  To his bigger point, which he and other astrologers (including me) agree is that this decade of the 2020’s has tremendous tumult baked into the transit of the outer planets.  There are peaks and valleys and endings, and beginnings of planetary cycles.  However, how we start the 2020s does not look like how we end them.  The shift between the two eras in this decade occurs in 2024 and 2025.      

Because my interest is mundane, regular readers of my reports know that I have been talking for years about Pluto in Aquarius and how it is critical to our changing decade.   Now at the top of this year I want to call out the centrifugal force building in 2024 which will whirl us into 2025 where more force is added and then we begin part two of this decade in 2026.      

In 2024, Pluto re-enters Aquarius where it will be for about 10 months.   In March and April, we will have the first eclipse season including the Great American Eclipse with a path through the USA coming up from Mexico and Texas and all the way out via Maine.  We won’t have another total eclipse in USA until 2045.  In 2017 I went to the zone of that eclipse which was an extraordinary experience.  If you are up for it, I suggest you book your trip now for this year’s April 8 eclipse.

Also, in April, Jupiter will conjunct Uranus which is arguably one of the best aspects in the entire decade.  Although it can be overwhelming.   Shortly afterwards Jupiter enters Gemini. expanding news on a level that we might not be ready for, but it is coming.  There will be several squares between Jupiter and Saturn adding more fritzes and illusion and one will be forgiven if they feel in state of nervous unease. Additionally, Saturn and Neptune get within ten degrees of each other this summer demanding structure to humanity on one hand and dissolving boundaries on another.  Pluto returns to Capricorn on September 1^st and finally re-enters Aquarius in November where it will remain until 2043.   There is drama around the fall eclipse in October and a Mars Pluto opposition just before the United States general election in November.   We then wrap up the year with a big ol’ Mars retrograde in Leo/Cancer.   If your head is spinning, you must be paying attention.   We have got a lot going on.       

During the year, I will, as always, be discussing these mundane astrological influences in my monthly lunar reports but if you want a deeper analysis for 2024, I recommend both Chris Brennan’s Astrological Podcasts and World Astrology hosted by Dan Waites.  Dan and his team go long into Barbault’s positive analysis for 2026 in and an inspiring aspect labeled “basket” by astrologer S. J. Anderson.      Also, a special- special shout out to Chris Brennan who noted and the first astrologer I heard mention it, that there are two comets making an appearance in our 2024 skies.  One is at the April eclipse with comet Pons-Brooks and in the fall (on the day of the presidential debate) Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.   Hearing about them from Chris sent me to find more  comet astronomical details.   As for their astrological meaning, I am not versed enough in comets, but I will research more as we head to their appearance in spring and fall.   

Of course, the differences between mundane and natal astrology are the world versus the individual.  Even in the bumpiest times, humans are humans; finding their path, building their world, falling in love, getting married, having children, finding careers, using their artistic talents, going to school, cooking fabulous meals, protecting values that they cherish, finding or rejecting faith, welcoming a new neighbor, connecting with groups, investing in property, taking a vacation, tending to health matters --- you get it.  Basically, living life.   So, while the world may have peaks and valleys, the human has their own story to tell which includes highs and lows.    

Having said all that, it is my opinion that with all the tumult and changes in our astro landscape this year and the rest of the decade we are served well when we use the new moons and the 29-day lunar cycle to ground down the lesson and opportunities of the sign to its full value.  Meaning, when the new moon launches in the sign, please go for it!     

Now, let’s start with the Capricorn New Moon.  

January 11, 2024

3:57am PST

20 Capricorn 44   

Capricorn is one of the most pragmatic signs of the zodiac.  The goat can live on the side of the mountain and sustain itself with the most meager of rations.    Less is more with Cap.   There will be thoughts about getting rid of stuff.  How can you live with less?  How are you encumbered by too much _____ (fill in the blank)?  

Lean and sometimes mean is Capricorn.   Yes, Capricorn’s cheapness is legendary.   Fads are zero interest to Capricorn.   Paying more for something because ‘everyone’ is doing it, is not Cap’s jam.   Capricorn is conservative in nature, appreciates elders and supports the hierarchy and structures of status quo.  It can get it in its own way when it gets snobby and looks at others as being too young or not established enough to have value.  That approach can be at times misguided.  Also while it does not like to admit it, there is an insecurity in Capricorn that is masked with the snob stuff but it also drives Cap to a strong work ethic.     

Capricorn values hard work, practicality and understands how systems work.   Capricorn is a leader.  Politics in government and politics at work and in society are the land of Capricorn.  Pulling a lever to get a result is Capricorn.    Ambitious is a word that can be used pejoratively and in many cases Capricorn’s ruthlessness to get the position that it wants casts a negative patina to ambition.  However, if a person has a righteous calling and understands how their value would benefit others and that means they need to elevate to a higher position in their craft, that too is ambition. Martin Luther King Jr and David Bowie are both Capricorn.  I say thanks to both for following their drive and pursing their ambition.  I Have a Dream that Ground Control reaches Major Tom.  

On this new moon think about your own ambition.  Goals with pragmatic results are critical to the Capricorn story.  Where can you lead?   Capricorn asks us to consider our goals and our place in society. What are your goals?  Where do you need to rise?  How would you help your world if you lifted your goals?   If there is no one around you doing something that you think needs to be done, then   how can you work to get it done?  How can you be more efficient in your time and with your resources?   Where do you need to invest to have more bang for your buck?   Capricorn knows a little investment can have a big payoff.  Capricorn can be patient and has a powerful sense of timing.   

On this New Moon the Sun and Moon trine Uranus.  Uranus is the planet of change, electricity, out of the blue, weird and revolutionary stuff.   This chart sets up a 29-day lunar cycle where we can find opportunity (trine) out of unexpected things, people, and situations.      This is an extraordinary new moon given the aspect with Uranus for one to send a resume for a new job opportunity.   You may hear about a job in a random manner.  Or you may be open to a completely different type of career.  Or you stay in your career but there is a place for you to lead your community.  Don’t be surprised if you have not considered any of this before now but through some weird moment or experience you consider a move up.   Remember the out of the blue factor with Uranus colors this whole 29-day cycle.   

In the news, we may see technological breakthroughs and just odd and compelling stories.  For a bit more guidance, wherever you have Capricorn in your natal chart you may find the opportunities present themselves.  

Also in the chart, the Sun & Moon square north node and Chiron which speaks to leadership through independence.  Finding strength through self-agency.   There is a healing component to this lunar month and 29-day cycle that will ask us to be independent.  We may feel very alone. We may want to collapse into our relationships and partnerships but under it we still know we need to do this independent work to help heal others.  Being brave by being the first to do it gets our attention.  Watch and see where you are ‘the first’ and see how it may benefit you and others.  Even if it feels hard, you may understand you have to do it.  

January 20^th – A very big date  

Sun conjunct Pluto 29 Capricorn 59 @5:46am PST

Pluto enters Aquarius 4:50pm PST 

Sun enters Aquarius  @6:07am PST 

Wow.  

Once a year the Sun gets on top of Pluto, but this date in 2024 is potent because this is the last time Sun and Pluto conjoin in Capricorn in our lifetime.   Between January 11^th and January 20 many people may feel a drive to get some action going with their career.   It could surprise them but like salmon going up stream they are on it.  Or they will be driven to make sure that their pragmatic practices support their own personal systems and structures.  There may be a sense of ‘this could help me later.’  

Watch what comes up for you between the 11^th and the 20^th.   How are you feeling impelled to get ‘out there’ in the world?   There is one more piece of evolution we are bearing witness and when Pluto returns to Capricorn in the fall, we may see something from right now in January become important in the fall.   This can be significant both personally and globally.    

Pluto re-enters Aquarius 

January 20, 4:50pm PST 

Pluto dates: 

October 10, 2023, Pluto stations direct (27 Capricorn 53)

January 9, 2024, Pluto enters new shadow (29 Cap 38) 

January 20, 2024, Pluto returns to Aquarius 

Feb 1 Pluto exits old 2023 shadow (0 Aquarius 22) 

May 2, 2024, Pluto stations retrograde (2 Aquarius 06) 

Sept 3, 2024, Pluto re-enters Capricorn 

Oct 11, 2024, Pluto stations direct (29 Cap 38) 

Nov. 19, 2024 Pluto re-enters Aquarius 

Feb 2, 2025, Pluto exits shadow (2 Aquarius 06) 

2043 – Pluto exit Aquarius 

The dance with Pluto continues as it ping-pongs between Aquarius and Capricorn.   Last year Pluto was in Aquarius between March 23 and June 11^th, and it spent the rest of 2023 in Capricorn.   Look back to spring of 2023 to see if you had inklings as to how Pluto in Aquarius may start to shape your life.  

For a bigger and global assessment, we need to take a moment and look at when Pluto began its journey in Capricorn.  I was watching it in real time and was astounded by the on-Brand Capricorn back then. Pluto entered Capricorn in January 2008, it then retrograded back into Sagittarius where it had been for about a dozen years and then on September 8^th Pluto turned direct heading for Capricorn where it would be until now.  What is most important to note is that four days after Pluto stationed direct, Lehman Brothers collapsed beginning The Great Recession.  Then when Pluto re-entered Capricorn the notion of too big to fail continued with mass public dollars rescuing Wall Street along with the arrest of Bernie Madoff for embezzlement of investors’ money.   All of this speaks to Capricorn.  I point this out to illustrate that when Pluto goes back and forth between signs it usually has loud events.  Pluto sends bold calling cards indicating what it is about in the new sign.   In the case of Pluto stationing direct in October 2023 it happened five days after the Hamas terrorists’ attacks.   Will there be a call back to October around January 20^th ?   Aquarius speaks to technology.  Aquarius speaks to ‘of the people’.    Those in leadership who are not doing the people’s work will be challenged.  And it will not be insignificant challenges.   Look for activity and calling cards around; Pluto’s return to Aquarius, Pluto retrograde in May, Pluto return to Capricorn in September and Pluto’s final direct motion in October.   Then once Pluto returns to Aquarius in November it will be there until 2034.    By any measure, 2024 is Pluto potent.   

On a personal level anyone with planets between 29 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn and people with planets at 0-2 degrees Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio are no doubt aware of change and transformation being prodded in their lives.   Pluto is evolution.  What changes are emerging?  What are your instincts telling you?   

Aquarius of course speaks to finding friends and like-minded groups where we appreciate others and where we are appreciated.  Aquarius allows us to be different and out of the ordinary and through that out-of-step-ness we find others who also are out-of- step and together we do something.   Maybe we join up for a coffee and realize how much we have in common.  Or maybe we gather to do something for the community.    If you have ever been to Comicon or a Star Wars Convention or dressed up for Renaissance faire or presented public comment at a city council meeting, take all that and add steroids and you have got Pluto in Aquarius.    

Also welcome to technological booms.  And sure, we are all scared of AI.  Got it.  But there may be some breakthroughs through AI.  Remember we are at the beginning of this journey.  It is impossible to know how it is all going to unfold.  The last time Pluto was in Aquarius was 1777 – 1798.  I have mentioned in previous reports that the USA constitution was formed during the 18^th century Pluto in Aquarius. Along with the French Revolution cut off the heads of royalty.  Again how Aquarius.   Remember, Aquarius is the opposite of the sign of royalty, Leo.   Pedestalizing of any individual and certainly kings and titans in any community or industry will be problematic for that person.   

Speaking of the USA, America is wrapping up its Pluto return this year.  Our election in November will be the final election during the time of Pluto in Capricorn.    For a nice reminder of what is going on for the American chart  Michael Lutin wrote about Pluto in Capricorn in 1776 and the birth of the USA.   The article is from 2006 but it is still fresh as the ink in John Hancock’s big signature.  

Also, we will be on alert especially this year for all the inner planets aspects to Pluto now situated in Aquarius.   The first one out of the gate is Mercury conjunction Pluto on Feb 5.  See if there is anything to glean in the news and or in our personal lives around that date that speak to Pluto in its new home.  In the next lunar month of Aquarius, I have my eyes on Feb 13^th when Mars forms a conjunction with Pluto.  It is explosive in nature.   

Uranus station direct 

January 26, 2024

11:35pm PST 

19 Taurus 05 

Uranus spends half of every year in retrograde motion.  When it stations direct (or retrograde) it looks like it is just hanging there in the sky going nowhere.  But it is potent.   Uranus is already featured in the chart of the Capricorn new moon through a trine.   Trines are when the planets play nice.   Uranus, the planet of disruption and novelty may offer up some new technology that is inspiring, or a breakthrough and perhaps hopeful.  Aviation, Internet, Television, Radio and technology of some sorts gets our attention.  For what it’s worth, Uranus and Aquarius also speak to UFOs.      Whatever it is, probably can’t be predicted since Uranus is well, Uranus.  For those people with planets around 20 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius you know you have had to lighten up and get out of your own way.  Stubbornness for no other reason than ‘resistant to change’ will get called out.   Look to your chart to see where you may be stuck. 

Once Uranus turns direct, all planets will be in direct motion until April 1 when Mercury stations retrograde. We may feel engines revving up for these next three new moons with planets in direct motion.   What do you look like when the world speeds up?   Speaking of Mercury, we are moving away from December’s retrograde and on January 22^nd we will have cleared the shadow period that started on November 25.   Doesn’t Thanksgiving feel a hundred years ago? 

In conclusion, there is a lot going on this decade and this year.   All the outer planets that started 2020 will be in new signs by 2026.  Changes are here and more are coming.  Where are you in these changes?  How can you put yourself out there that answers your inner ambition?  How can you fix your structures and systems that are in your life so that they are more efficient?   What negative take do you have on the word ambition and how can you evolve out of that negativity and make ambition work for you?  Where are you a snob and how is it baked in insecurity?   Release it now and see if you build big structural improvements in your life during the next 29 days.   

Have a pragmatic and successful month and I will see you in Aquarius 

The 8 phases

January 11, 2024

3:57am PST

20 Capricorn 44   

New moon: Plant seeds, make calls, activate, start projects.   Activate something that will ideally lead you to more results.  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 to be ambitious?  How do you need to put yourself out there?  How are your structures working for you?  How are they not?   How can you build and strengthen the systems of your life?   

Special note:

1/12: Mars trine Jupiter:  Practical actions that can bring some big good.   Actions that support broadening your world.  Actions and philosophical approach are in sync.  

1/13: Mercury re-enters Capricorn for three weeks of pragmatic thinking.   Make the most of it.  

Crescent Moon Phase

January 14, 2024

10:13am 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 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 are you learning about your faith?  What are you learning about the importance of spirituality?   How does intuition support your goals?   

Special Focus

1/14: Venus trine North Node.  Creativity and values are tied to independence and leadership.   

1/15: Sun sextile Neptune.  Spirit and faith are in synch with hard work and ambition. 

First Quarter Moon 

January 17, 2023

7:52pm 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:  How are you taking actions that support your independence?   What actions are you taking by your OWN efforts that speak to the power of self-agency? How do your goals benefit by personal initiation?  

Special Note

1/18: Mercury sextile Saturn.  Solid communication and thinking connected to faith.   

1/19: Mercury trine Jupiter.  Broad thinking that expands world with practical application.  

1/19 Venus square Neptune.  Fuzzy facts that impact resources and values.  Tread carefully.  

1/20: Sun conjunction Pluto 29 Capricorn 59  (see above) 

1/20: Pluto enters Aquarius 4:50pm PST (see above) 

1/20: Sun enters Aquarius.   Happy Birthday Aquarians, you early ones are in the middle of big changes. 

Gibbous Moon

January 21, 2024  

12:01 pm 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 communication that better support your goals?  How are you getting information that is ‘from the ground’?  What intel are you using that speaks to your goals?  How are you refining it?  

Special focus

1/23: Venus enters Capricorn:  Love and Values are very pragmatic for the next month.   

1/25: Mars square Chiron:  Practical actions that support independence are highlighted even if they are hard.  

January 25, 2024

Full Moon

9:53 am PST 

5 Leo 15  

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 finding your strength?  How are you accessing your power?  How are you a hero in your own world for your goals?  

Special focus 

1/26: Sun square Jupiter:  Unexpected and groups conflict with stubborn resistance to change.  

1/26: Uranus stations direct 19 Taurus 05 (see above) 

1/27: Mercury conjunction Mars.  Sharp conversation.  Perhaps prickly.  Actions that are in sync with thinking and communication.  

1/27: Mercury square Nodes.  Independence and relationships rub against pragmatic thinking and communication.  

1/27: Venus sextile Saturn.  Joy and love and money and creative get an added boost of faith and support.  

1/28: Mars square nodes.  Actions that are based on practicality rub against a need for independence.  

1/28: Mercury trines Uranus.  Thinking that is dynamic and revolutionary is amplifed.   

1/28: Venus trine Jupiter.  Joy, love, creativity, money, values are expanded.   

.  

Disseminating

January 29, 2024

12:43pm 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 good health practices?  How is your calendar reflecting your goals?  How do your daily actions reflect the things you want to accomplish?  

Special focus:

1/29: Mars trine Uranus.  Dynamic actions that are novel, ingenius can be very practical and have success baked in.   

2/2: Mercury sextile Neptune.  Thinking that is inspired and humanitarian, helpful connections. 

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Last Quarter Moon Phase

February 2, 2024 

3:17am 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 final actions can you take that support your goals that need a cut and dried perspective?  What needs to die in order for something that is supportive of your goals be reborn?  

Special focus 

2/4:  Mercury enters Aquarius.  Thinking and communicating that involves groups and like minded people is supported for the next month.   

2/5: Mercury conjunct Pluto.  (see above) The first aspect of the year connected to Pluto in Aquarius.  What are you learning or hearing about that seems unusual and new?  How does it reflect your thinking of you in society? 

Balsamic Moon Phase

February 6, 2024  

8:10 am PST 

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

Focus on:  How are you releasing your insecurity?   How are you releasing misguided ambitions?   How are you releasing status?   

Special focus:

2/6: Venus square node.  Values that are overly identified to status quo may be challenged by a real need to start a new path and journey.  

2/7 Sun sextile Node.   Inspiration that comes from going forward in an independent manner.   Being the ‘one’ to do something. 

2/7 Venus trine Uranus.  Unusual gifts that inspire and help values. 

2/7: Mars sextile Neptune.  Intuition and actions are in synch. 

2/8: Sun square Uranus.   Rebellion without a cause, provocative for what reason?  How is disruption helpful or not helpful?   

Aquarius New Moon February 9, 2:59pm PST (20 Aquarius 41)