“Now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.” -Rilke
The first New Moon of the 2014 takes place on the very first day of the year! There is something significant and definitive in that, like the sign Capricorn itself. Goal-driven and disciplined Capricorn is the third earth sign; its aim is to manifest something tangible in the world; to bring forth a great work or calling. Every New Moon initiates a new cycle; we plant a seed, set a goal and watch it flower at the Full Moon two weeks later. What do you want to create this year? What are you ready to finally commit to? What is holding you back? What action or intention could move you forward?
No Ordinary New Moon
This Capricorn New Moon is a real game-changer; it lands smack in the middle of the powerful Uranus/Pluto square! This dynamic duo (that first came together in the mid 1960’s) has been reshaping the world and our lives for the last several years. Now, thanks to seven planets all in cardinal signs, the square becomes a grand square and the stakes are raised. Sun and Moon are conjunct intense Pluto and mental Mercury (also in Capricorn). Explosive Mars in Libra sends a lightning bolt through the Uranus Pluto (and the New Moon) bringing to a head whatever has been brewing. Giant Jupiter, in Cancer, completes this grand square amplifying all the issues and concerns. Lovely Venus is retrograde in late Capricorn; although not currently a part of this grand square, she will be joining this cardinal summit during January. What a powerhouse!
A Cosmic Intervention
The bad news is there is no place to hide; the good news is there is no place to hide. This compelling cardinal energy is exposing an old story or problem and pushing us to confront it once and for all. The planets are not trying to make our life hell; they are trying to wake us up and like our sober companion, AA sponsor, or coach they won’t let us get away with anything. Thank god! There’s tremendous potential here to finally see something that has been eluding us, break an old pattern, and ultimately make different choices. Halleluiah!
The Final Obstacle Is Us
Recently author Elizabeth Gilbert posted an inspiring essay on Facebook entitled The Final Obstacle Is Us. She wrote that during her book tour for her new best seller, The Signature of All Things, women repeatedly asked her how to finish their creative projects, leave a toxic relationship, change their lives, etc. The gist of her post was that although it’s still not a perfect world there has never been a better moment in history to be a woman and to manifest our own lives.
“The last obstacle is us. Many of the big external obstacles (political, legislative) have been cleared for us by the great and brave women who came before us. We stand on their shoulders and should be grateful. But now we are left to battle the lingering prejudices in our own minds that say we are not worthy — not good enough, not strong enough, not talented enough, not brave enough.
Get out of your own way, women. It’s time. And nobody can do this part for you. No act of congress (no social or political legislation) can get you out of your own way. Gloria Steinem can’t get your out of your own way, and neither can Oprah, Brene Brown, Martha Beck, Hillary Clinton, your uncle’s dog, your mother’s cat or me. Don’t wait to be rescued or discovered by anyone, and for heaven’s sake, don’t wait to be given permission from the principal’s office to take full ownership of your own destiny. You gotta do it yourself. Step forward out of your own lingering residual sense of smallness, take up every inch of your life that is your blessed inheritance, and DO YOUR THING. Today. It’s down to us now – down to you. Never been a better moment than right now.” –Elizabeth Gilbert
What a perfect description of the Uranus/Pluto square and the cardinal cross of 2014 complete with all of the struggle, frustration, challenge as well as the enormous opportunity and energy to let go of our past, manifest our dreams and be all that we can be!
Venus Retrograde: “What’s Love Got to Do with It?”
Venus went retrograde on December 21; it will move forward on January 31. The goddess of love rules relationships, beauty, money, and values. In “get real” Capricorn she invites us to do some serious inner work in those areas. Years ago I took a weekend seminar entitled Loving Relationships Workshop. Venus retrograde is like being in a five week relationship workshop! It’s an excellent time to review, rethink, refine, and reassess all your major relationships, including the relationship to yourself. Stay away from making major moves and purchases especially in Venus ruled areas; getting married, buying art or a new home, big financial investments or cosmetic surgery. It is a wonderful time to develop more compassion for yourself and others. Fine tune a creative project. Get your financial ducks in a row. Clear out clutter. Beautify your surroundings.
What do you plan to do with this one wild and precious year?
Take time this coming week to slow down, listen loudly and get in touch with your vision for 2014. Not your resolutions, rules, promises, and pledges. This is not about your to-do list; it is about your dreams and desires. What gives you joy; what makes you feel alive? Bring that energy and enthusiasm into this brand new year and let it inspire and motivate you!
“Everything exists for joy. There is not one other reason for life than joy. We’ve got nothing to prove to anyone, because nobody other than All-That-Is is watching. In other words, we’re not trying to get brownie points from some other galaxy. We’re not trying to get someplace else; we’re not trying to get it done, because there is no ending—we cannot get it done. Everything exists for the purpose of joy in the moment.” -Abraham
What is Your Special Word or Phrase for 2014?
Every year I choose a word to guide and inspire me throughout the year. Last year it was Faith and I really felt I developed more faith both in myself and in the universe. I also love to choose different quotes or phrases. For instance: “Make peace with where you are.” – Abraham or “Respond to every call that excites your spirit.” –Rilke
What is your word or phrase? Loving Kindness, Abundance, Action, Outrageous Good Health, Play, Heal, Romance? Have fun with it, paint it, sing it, dance it, live it!
Beloved Friends, From the bottom of my heart I wish you a beautiful, brilliant and abundant 2014. Love yourself. Feel good. Be grateful. All is well, you are loved, Virginia
I will return at the end of the month with a Winter Astrology Café. Please check my Facebook Page for updates on the New Moon and Full Moon each month. And check out my new Facebook Page: You Are Never Too Late: How to Thrive in the Second Half of Life.
What if the only resolution you made this year was to love yourself more?
