Every New Moon is a new beginning, a fresh start but the New Moon in Aries, the sign that heralds the start of the astrological year, holds extraordinary promise and potential. Aries arrives with the spring rains and like the baby crocuses pushing through the cold, hard earth, this passionate sign is about action, energy, and bold moves.  Whatever vision has been developing during these long winter months is now ready to burst forth. Not “ready, aim, fire” the Ram’s motto is “ready, fire, aim!

“To be fully alive, human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest.”  —Pema Chodron

This particular Aries New Moon is fueled with even more pizzazz. ”Expect the unexpected” Uranus, the planet of rebellion, freedom and individuation is also  in pushy Aries conjunct the New Moon turning up the volume and the heat. Uranus doesn’t come to this party alone; all-or-nothing Pluto, in Capricorn, has been travelling with the maverick; since 2012 these two mega planets have made four exact squares; on April 21 they make their fifth. And that’s not all. Red-hot Mars, the ruler of Aries, currently retrograde in Libra, will join these two along with giant Jupiter in Cancer creating a challenging grand cross. Benevolent Jupiter has a reputation for being lucky but like Donald Trump can exaggerate a situation. This grand cross won’t be exact until April 20-23 but the energy is building. And just to add to the excitement and the mayhem, there’s a Full Moon eclipse on April 15. It’s not bad but it is intense. As they say, “You use the energy or the energy uses you.” Find something positive and meaningful to focus on.

Meanwhile, in the chart of the New Moon, brainy Mercury is conjunct forgiving Chiron; compassionate communication can heal old wounds, even ancestral ones. Loving Venus makes a positive trine to her consort Mars. Relationships will be tested but they can also deepen. People, relationships, and situations need breathing space right now. Identify the problem but focus on the solutions. “Don’t persuade, defend, or interrupt. Be curious, be conversational, be real. And listen.” —Elizabeth Lesser.

“The only thing that stands between you and your goal is your bullshit story you keep telling yourself as to why you haven’t achieved it.” —Jordan Belfort

The atmosphere is charged with electricity and chaos but also rebirth and new possibilities. What is calling you? What do you want to bring forth, manifest, and create? Use the power and energy of this fiery New Moon and the coming grand cross to take a stand, break new ground or break the trance you’re in. Remember, you don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward. Unclear where to start?  Do one thing. Take one step, than another. Above all, loving kindness to yourself and others. Remember, “We’re all in the same boat in a very stormy sea and we owe each other a tremendous compassion.” —G.K. Chesterton

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want. Don’t go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open. Don’t go back to sleep.

—Rumi