Solar Eclipse in Capricorn - Systemic Change 🐐

The first eclipse season of 2019 is officially here and ready to enter us further into the Cancer / Capricorn nodal vortex that official began in the summer of 2018. When these momentary portals unlock, they open to us an evolutionary door that is to be walked through - one that holds great potential for change within the personal and collective spheres. Yet do not mistake this for choice, as this force acts as a whirlwind, sucking us through the entry regardless of individual decision. As all eclipses are what they are based on this karmic nodal pattern, it is part opportunity and part necessity.

Yet let's not take control too far out of the picture for we are talking about Capricorn energy. This cardinal earth sign is known for its ability to accept authority for one's self, and potentially others, in order to get whatever job is needed done. This is a sign that has patience and wisdom, a sign that looks to the end game and is comfortable with taking on the responsibility needed to make a longterm goal or ambition a reality. Discipline. Maturity. Hard work. Integrity. This is what Capricornian dreams are made of.

Exact on Saturday, January 5th at 5:28pm PST - this New Moon Solar Eclipse in Capricorn is opening a gateway for new achievements to enter our lives; for fresh sprouts of success to seed their way forward, knowing that time and ritual attention will be the essential ingredients to these higher manifestations. Our first step is to change the systems that operate our life (and the world quite frankly) via a pragmatic filter that is wise enough to know what is working and what isn't. Our approach is changing due to revised priorities, and it is up to each of us as individuals to discard pretense and create real and integral change.

The Aspects - Caught Between Saturn & Pluto 🕯

Below is a chart of our Solar Eclipse at the time of conjunction here in San Diego, CA. There is a plethora of planetary energy lining up in Capricorn as Luna conjoins with the Sun, meeting Mercury and Saturn prior, and heading towards Pluto and the South Node directly after. Mars in Aries is creating a fiery friction that is ready to set these changes in motion and is not afraid of conflict. So let's not waste time and jump right in...

Let's start with that pile-up in Capricorn... my goodness! There is certainly no lack of Seagoat energy influencing this Solar Eclipse, and with the eclipse ruler Saturn being in his own sign and in conjunction with this new moon, there is looking to be a centralized focus on energy that is able to do its job. Whenever a planet is in its own sign of domicile, that means it has a duty to take care of the affairs of that sign. This indicates that Saturn - the very planet of duty - has an obligation to assist all the planets touring through his Capricorn space.

We too must note that the new moon conjunction is at the midpoint of Saturn and Pluto in the chart, with the portal opening us up to meet in the middle - ie. where longterm goals of security impact the purification of what no longer is in integrity and is in need of change.

Neptune in Pisces is also chiming in with a sextile to the new moon eclipse while Jupiter is approaching one of the most significant aspects of 2019 - his square to Neptune. We are likely to have big dreams of the future on our minds, and even if we don't quite know the details, or how we will get there, there is still a sense that something big - and needed - is next. Luckily these grandiose or ideal leanings can be tempered with a helpful sextile from Saturn to Neptune, which allows us to realistically look at what it will take to make these dreams and visions more than just a wish upon a star, while also providing the awareness of what is to be surrendered for the greater good.

Another key player in this eclipse, and one that will be essential to getting things moving, is Mars in his own domicile of Aries in a square aspect with Mercury in Capricorn. The mind and its perceptions are likely challenged as our warrior energy is ready to take charge, and with both Cap and Aries being no-nonsense signs, these two are ready to tackle whatever challenge awaits. Fired up, we are ripe to initiate change and progress towards what is next. Luckily, Mars is naturally exalted in Capricorn and is also serving as the decan ruler of our eclipse, so the planet that is quite commonly known as an aggravant or trickster is here to motivate us with courage and self-leadership in order to get the job done. We are willing to begin again, no matter how many times we have done so before.

Mercury is currently out of bounds by declination, and is separating from a square to Chiron and a trine to Uranus - indicating that we are pushed beyond our mental limits as the unexpected flows in. This can bring lightbulb moments that spark great mental inspiration to innovate our stories and to move beyond, or it may bring flowing changes that can create disruption, hurt feelings, irritation or anger. Either one of these realities can put us into motion out of necessity as we are now a lit with a fiery passion that is willing to make moves.

Venus in Scorpio is in her own trine to Chiron and approaching a trine to Mars, indicating that we desire to make the changes necessary to balance our lives. We can release old emotional wounds that may have held us back prior, and then align with the martial energy that can serve as the surgeon's knife, cutting out that cancer and motivating actions that result in a more pleasurable and harmonious existence. It may not be entirely easy as Venus is still in her detriment, yet whatever swing of decay arises will be necessary for stabilization to come about.

Let it be known, with Mars behind this Capricorn mission, achievement and success starts here. Fire and Earth signs are naturally more motivated to get things done, as they both want results, so you can expect this lunar month to be full steam ahead. With Mercury starting out behind the Sun, it may take a bit for our minds to catch up with the consciousness that is seeding in, yet once it does, all states of awareness will be on board and ready to work. Mercury will get the heat of Mars' square, yet will cool and solidify once Saturn's conjunction comes about at the first quarter moon, allowing for decisive and practical strategy. The Sun's square to Uranus at the time of the lunar eclipse will get things shaking, and Mars' square to Saturn will start the heavy lifting as our warrior energy simultaneously trines "growth oriented" Jupiter while squaring "change is here" Pluto... all of which leads to the long awaited Mars / Uranus conjunction. More on that to come...

The Symbol - In the Gym 🤸‍♀️

If you are a previous reader of my astroblog, you know I like to look at the Sabian Symbol of the lunation as it adds another bit of depth to the story that we are telling. As always, we take the degree and minutes and round up. Here we have the following:

16° Capricorn - "Boys and girls in gymnasium suits"

Keyword: Animation

Theme: Esprit de Corps

This is an intriguing symbol and of course my mind went straight to the many New Year's resolutions - mine including - that probably have to do with getting in shape and creating a better relationship with fitness and well-being. Yet there are many ways to embrace a healthy way of being, and what wellness looks like for you is bound to be different than what it looks like for me. So we can open up our minds up to what support system works best for us individually as there are some things in life that are not a universal fit.

When we think of gymnasts, we often envision great strength - yet strength in a way that is able to remain flexible and to adjust to the twists and turns of life. We aren't talking steel here, we are talking more carbon fiber. Which I think is a wonderful way of looking at some of the pressure and tension we are bound to endure with these upcoming planetary connections. We don't want to break under the weight, we want to be malleable enough to adapt, and tenacious enough to endure. As a dear friend once said to me, "Pressure makes diamonds, baby!"

With the keyword of animation and Mars now being in Aries, we are certainly going to be in motion and new situations to contend with (most likely stemming from the past in order to clear for the future) are likely to pop up in our lives. Capricorn, being a cardinal earth sign, signals the need for tangible adjustments, where hard work involves actually getting down to the nitty gritty and doing physical labor. Luckily we'll have the energy to do so.

Lastly, let us note that our gymnasts here are most likely in training mode, where they are practicing and perfecting their form while receiving constructive criticism from the coaches that are on watch. This is about developing ourselves further, and in a way that can help us perform in a competitive arena. As we are likely to be focused on our personal goals in the outer world, being able to perform at your absolute best is a desired, and potentially necessary trait. As Grandma always told me, "Practice makes perfect!" Are you ready to train?

Moon Horoscopes on Patreon 🌚

If you would like to find out more on how this energy may look for you in particular, I encourage you to consider signing up for my Moon Horoscopes on Patreon! Read your Sun and Rising to see what's going on for you, while also learning your personal "moon animal" for that lunation. For a few dollars more, I provide a custom tarot subscription that includes a weekly custom spread that is aligned with the current astrological influence, so that you may connect with the cards to see how the general energy will interact with you personally. The Moon Horoscopes subscription includes early access to my Energetic Principles Podcast, and the Tarot Subscription includes access to all things mentioned - plus my undying gratitude! Want to find out more and show appreciation for my work? Click here!

New Moon Blessings to All!! 💫

Wow-ee-wow-wow! What a way to start 2019! Are you ready to tackle this New Year in a big way? I know I sure am. Most of these dynamics feel as if they are a long time in the making, and this year in general sets a tone of closing down old, ingrained ways in favor of a better system for success in the future. See what is no longer working for you, let it go, and then strengthen what still works by building upon that solid foundation... for that revised bedrock will be the key to benefit and prosperity down the road.

Wishing everyone a fantastic lunar month!

May the stars be with you!!! ✨✨✨

💜 Mel