***New Moon 15° Capricorn on January 5, 2019 at 5:28pm (PST)***
We made it! 2019! I dunno about you, but I feel like 2018 sent me through a wood chipper, and spit me out at the feet of 2019. Do you feel the energy shift? I do. Yeah, I’m still dealing with chronic pain and fatigue, but I feel a new spark in me, on its way to becoming a creative fire. I started working with a pain therapist a few weeks ago, and I finally feel that work starting to pay off—winter solstice and yesterday’s new moon truly feel like a fresh start and new beginning. I don’t think there’s such a thing as an “easy year” for spoonies—let’s face it, sometimes every morning is a challenge. But I do think we’ve come out of a year heavy with retrogrades, and 2019 is bound to be lighter and brighter. Still full of growth, learning, struggles, and triumphs, but I think this year has more potential for joy and forward motion.
Saturday’s New Moon was at 15º Capricorn, and was accompanied by a partial solar eclipse. The solar eclipse kicks off a new six month cycle, and combined with the Capricorn moon and sun energy, this is a great time to set some goals, and get organized for the year ahead. I think Capricorn energy can be really helpful for spoonies—Capricorn wants us to understand our limitations, accept that we all have them in some form or another, and in doing so we learn the ways that those limitations free us up in other ways. I don’t mean to say that we should look at our physical limitations or chronic illnesses as blessings, but the Capricorn energy can help us see how our limitations have freed us to explore more deeply. For example, while all of my health issues have slowed me down considerably, have caused me to suffer with chronic pain, and derailed my career path, there HAVE been things I have been able to do—things I never would have made time for before becoming physically limited. I was free to study astrology, art, and tarot more in depth, and discover they are my passion. I am able to be a more present and emotionally available friend because I have more down time. I am able to connect with others on a deeper emotional level because of the pain and heartache I’ve been through. I am an advocate for others going through fistulas—something I never would have explored if I hadn’t spent three years battling a fistula. So, while it would be great if I could wake up tomorrow pain-free with a ton of energy, I can recognize where my limitations have actually forced me to grow beautifully in significant ways. Looking at things this way from time to time helps me find acceptance for where I am at in my chronic illnesses. Check your birth chart to see what house you have in Capricorn, and think about where you feel stuck or limited in that area of life. Are there ways that those limitations have actually freed you to grow or move forward more freely in other areas?
Quotes from the Pros
Click on names to see original post or author’s website.
“A solar eclipse is a turbocharged New Moon. Generally, New Moon rituals are perfect for planting new seeds and starting afresh. We are essentially working on the blank canvas of the dark moon where our ideas can gestate in the new moon soil. But with an Eclipse, the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth. Therefore the lunar interrupts the flow of energy and causes disruption. It breaks our habitual behaviour and gives us a kind of cosmic reboot. The Moon blots out masculine/left brain energy for a while, so the feminine/right brain is flooded with instinctual and intuitive energy. This makes the unconscious, conscious, like when you become aware that you are dreaming.
“A solar eclipse is a turbocharged New Moon. Generally, New Moon rituals are perfect for planting new seeds and starting afresh. We are essentially working on the blank canvas of the dark moon where our ideas can gestate in the new moon soil. But with an Eclipse, the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth. Therefore the lunar interrupts the flow of energy and causes disruption. It breaks our habitual behaviour and gives us a kind of cosmic reboot. The Moon blots out masculine/left brain energy for a while, so the feminine/right brain is flooded with instinctual and intuitive energy. This makes the unconscious, conscious, like when you become aware that you are dreaming.
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During an eclipse, like the lucid dream, we get that same sudden feeling of hyperawareness. We could do anything!! Sometimes this is so awesome that we don’t know what to do, others even become afraid of their own power. At best, the effect of a solar eclipse can amplify insights gained from a very balanced left and right brain. The Solar eclipse is very good at showing up any imbalances you have. Eg, You are on one leg in tree pose and the Solar eclipse pokes you in the side. The amount of wobble shows how much centering you need to do. A Solar Eclipse can bring an awakening or a shocking revelation that rocks you to the core. It aims to balance out left and right brain hemispheres and therefore consciousness so that you are not lopsided.” —Marina of Darkstar Astrology
“Remember that 2019, is ruled by the empress card( unconditional love) and creative power. Get your tarot cards out and ask yourself a question. How will I do living under the umbrella of unconditional love?” —Beatrex Quntanna
“Capricorn teaches us that recognizing our limitations actually frees us to focus on what matters, where we are, who we are, and where we want to go. With the potent Capricorn energy of the Solar Eclipse, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives that will benefit us well beyond this Moon cycle. For some of us, circumstances are such that we need to pay more attention to these matters. Flaws in an important system in our lives are revealed around the time of the eclipse, prompting us to redo or to start fresh. Something ends in order for something else to start anew. We may be called to give up something in order to move forward into a new chapter in our lives. Although the “new” may be unrecognizable, it is important to allow the necessary surrender to the unknown.” —Cafe Astrology
“The first eclipse could reshape resolutions, so don’t fret if yours aren’t written. The prudent Capricorn vibes, mixed with a hopeful new moon, will help us make intentions with integrity—ones we might actually pull off. Sure, you’ll want a few with sexy bells-and-whistles. We’ve got restless Mars in its home sign of Aries from January 1 to February 14, and optimistic Jupiter in its native sign of Sagittarius until December. We need some “stretch goals,” as the corporate marketers call it, to keep us striving under this competitive fire-sign team-up.” —Ophira & Tali Edut (AstroTwins)
Tarotscopes for January 2019
Deck used: The Crow Tarot
Please check your birth chart to see where you have Capricorn ♑️. This will be the area most affected by Saturday’s New Moon and partial solar eclipse. If you need a birth chart, you can get a free one here. Please read horoscopes for both your Sun and Rising sign! Enjoy!
Capricorn & Capricorn Rising (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): I pulled the 10 of Wands for you unicorns (did you know that unicorn is the highest evolution of Capricorn?). Perhaps you’ve been carrying too much on your shoulders, Capricorn, and now is the time to see what you can let go of to lighten your load. What are you giving your energy to that is unnecessary or taking too much of a toll? Letting those things go will free up more time and energy for more important or joyful things. Where are you taking on too much, and how can you readjust things so that you’re not spread so thin? With this new moon lighting up your first house, you might take a look at how much you are giving of yourself to others, and the motivation behind it. While it’s wonderful to help others, and understandable to want to say “yes” to everyone, it’s important to balance what you give of yourself and take care of yourself—especially if you are living with chronic illness or pain. Take this month to bring things into balance—make time for self-care, get comfy with the idea that it’s more than okay to say “no” to people when your plate is full. And make time for fun. The Capricorn energy, as you know, can lean towards too much work, and not enough play, so make sure to work in some things that bring you pleasure this month!
Aquarius & Aquarius Rising (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): I pulled the Magician for Aquarians this January. This past new moon lit up your 12th house of karma and self-undoing. Perhaps the message of the Magi here is to remind you that you can create anything you want—you have everything you need to bring your visions into reality. This is a good time to reflect on the things that swim deeper beneath the surface, and think about how you want to change things this year—especially looking at actions that may be self-sabotaging, and how you might flip that script. The Magician card comes up to let you know how powerful you really are, and remind you that if you look from the right angle, you’ll see that you really do have everything you need to create what you want. What are your self determination and drive going to look like this year? How will you motivate yourself? What do you want to bring into existence? While you may have physical limitations to contend with, this year the world is your oyster. Really take some time to set some dreams and goals into action, start planning. Even from your bed you can make big waves.
Pisces & Pisces Rising (Feb. 19 – Mar. 20): This new moon fell in your 11th house of goals, friendships, and groups. A new moon that is already full of Capricorn goal-setting energy could have you particularly motivated to set some new objectives for the year ahead, as well as looking at your friendships. Are your platonic relationships where you want them to be? Has spoonie life had you feeling isolated? If so, now is a good time to set some goals around what you want your friendship circle to look like, and to explore how you’re feeling in group settings, perhaps even looking into joining some. I pulled the 3 of Swords for Pisceans, which often has a sad energy to it. Immediately what came to mind for me was: where is hurt from the past holding you back now? The 3 of swords is all about bringing that hurt to the surface and out in the open, so that it can be cleared away. The beginning of the year might start off feeling a bit heavy, could have you swimming in your emotional waters, but if you let the feelings come up for air, you can free up space for all the things you want to bring about this year.
Aries & Aries Rising (Mar. 21 – Apr. 19): The Saturday new moon lit up your 10th house of public life, career issues, and how you deal with authority. This month could be a good time to set some new goals in those areas of your life, as well as thinking about how you project yourself professionally and to the outside world. As a spoonie, perhaps work is limited, or you work from home, or maybe (like me) you are on a hiatus or permanently not working in a conventional job. If you’re unable to work in a conventional way, please remember that we all have work to do—sometimes it’s a full-time job managing our pain and various symptoms. Sometimes being stuck at home means we have to do some soul searching to figure out what our work is—but we ALL have work to do here, and your work is no less valid, even if it doesn’t bring in a paycheck. The beginning of 2019 could have you doing some soul searching, looking for answers as to how you want to change 10th house things in your life, and setting some goals for work and how you deal with the public. I pulled the Hermit for you: this is a time for soul reflection, spending time on your own searching for answers and spending time on quiet introspection.
Taurus & Taurus Rising (Apr. 20 – May 20): Saturday’s new moon fell in your 9th house of intuition, philosophy, and higher learning. What do you want to learn this year? How do you want to grow philosophically? This house is all about expansion—how do you want to expand this year, especially spiritually and mentally? If there’s something you’ve been wanting to learn more about, or a subject you’re drawn to and would like to dive into, this might be the year to do it. Set some attainable goals to help you get there; if you’re stuck in bed a lot, register for some online classes you can take from home. I pulled the 6 of Swords for you bulls—moving away from difficult times and situations, towards safety and gradual progress. Perhaps 2018 was a really difficult one, even one where your health was in danger at times, and this card suggests you are moving out of the woods and into a better situation. January is a time of bringing things back into balance for you, finding your sure footing again, and getting stronger.
Gemini & Gemini Rising (May 21 – Jun. 20): The new moon on Saturday lit up your 8th house of death and rebirth, sexuality, and transformation. How did 2018 transform you, and how do you see yourself rebirthing in 2019? I pulled the World card for you—this month provides a great opportunity to decide how you want to start anew. 2018 was hard, but you learned so much, and this month could have you integrating all you’ve been through, and thinking about what this new chapter will look like. The World card is all about the completion of a cycle, moving forward, and it’s one of my favorite cards in the deck because you’ve got the energy of a major new beginning with you. Spend some time this month thinking about what you want out of this new cycle, what you want to achieve, and how you want to change. Give yourself some love and credit for making it through a difficult year and a heavy cycle, and set some solid and attainable goals for the year ahead.
Cancer & Cancer Rising (Jun. 21 – Jul. 22): The Saturday new moon fell in your 7th house of partnerships, marriage, and how you fit into the world of other people. This is a good month for setting goals for how you want to feel in your partnerships of all kinds, and also what new partnerships you’d like to bring in this year. Two cards fell out for us crabs, The Tower and the Wheel of Fortune. I interpret this to mean we are coming out of a period where everything had to break down, so that there would be room for new growth and we could clear out things that were holding us back. 2018 was a really difficult, often painful year, but a lot of good came from that—we now are in the rebuilding phase, and the World pops up to let us know that a new and better cycle is beginning. Things are turning in our favor—especially when it comes to the other people in our lives, our relationships. Spend some time this month honoring all you’ve been through to get here, and set some intentions for this new cycle and season.
Leo & Leo Rising (Jul. 23 – Aug. 22): This past new moon fell in your 6th house, lighting up issues concerning sickness and health, daily life, and service to others. This is the beginning of a new 6 month cycle, as well as the 12 month cycle of the new year, so it’s a good time to think about what changes you might make to your daily routine, and to set some health goals (even if they’re as simple as wanting to incorporate 10 more minutes of physical activity every day, or incorporating more nutritious food into your diet). I pulled the King of Swords for you—time for new projects, time for taking some action. The King of Swords has his mental shit together, and encourages rational thought, decisive action, and a creative mind. This is a great time for setting goals you will achieve, for thinking things through and coming up with good solutions. Give yourself time to be with your thoughts, really put some effort into what changes you want to make this year (especially 6th house themed changes) because the King of Swords is letting you know you can accomplish a lot of meaningful change in the year ahead.
Virgo & Virgo Rising (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22): The Saturday new moon lit up your 5th house of creativity, self-expression, and romance. This sparks a new beginning in how you express yourself, how you connect romantically (or perhaps making room for new romance), and how you let out your creativity. Three cards fell out for you (ufh, you Virgos have been through it the past year, haven’t you?): the 5 of Cups, Temperance, and the 4 of Cups. You are coming out of a period of sorrow, of having to let go of some hard stuff, of really having to work to remember what you still have, and have really had to work extra hard to keep moving forward. Temperance asks us to continue with diligence, and to use caution and diplomacy moving forward. This is a month of balancing things out, and figuring out how to get seemingly opposing things to merge together for a positive outcome. There might be moments when it seems impossible to make something work, but Temperance reminds you that it IS possible, you can do it. The 4 of Cups tells me it’s time to pull yourself out of this rut. If you’ve been feeling stuck, or even just bored, this is the month to light a fire under your creativity and come out of the darkness. Share your light with others, things are getting better.
Libra & Libra Rising (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22): The new moon on Saturday fell in your 4th house of home environment and family life. January could be a good time for getting things more balanced at home and with family members. It’s also a good month for setting goals about how you want your home to feel (creating a decluttering schedule, or planning to do any home projects you’ve been wanting to get done), and any changes in how you interact with family members. I pulled the two of Swords for you balance-loving Libras. The 2 of Swords often means a decision needs to be made, sometime it means two opposing sides need to come to a compromise, and often it indicates a restoration of balance. If 2018 left you feeling a little out of balance, especially in your home and close relationships, now is your opportunity to recalibrate and get things back into harmony. This is a time to think about what makes you feel safe, and how you can bring more of that into your life—it’s a good energy for creating a stronger sense of inner security. When we are dealing with chronic illness it can be difficult to cultivate a sense of inner security, so it’s important to give time and energy to that. What fears are not founded in reality? Can you let go of them? What fears are real, and how can you make yourself feel safer surrounding them? Trust and give space to your intuition; January is the month to dig deep and find peace in yourself and in your home.
Scorpio & Scorpio Rising (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): The Saturday new moon lit up your 3rd house of communication, siblings, and short journeys. This month you might want to set some goals towards taking a weekend trip (this might take extra planning for spoonies, but it can probably be done), and to think about how you want to communicate this year. This is a good energy for starting a new class, learning new things, and getting your daily tasks and communications in better order. I pulled the Judgement card for you scorpions—this is a time of spiritual growth, awakening, making changes and improvements (especially in 3rd house areas of life). This new moon energy should have you thinking clearly, feeling mentally sharp, so it’s a great time to set goals for the year ahead and make some plans for what you want to change. The Capricorn energy has us thinking about where we’re headed in life, and how we can improve our situations (and with the moon falling in your 3rd house, particularly your immediate environment and how you communicate with others). The Judgement card reminds you that you have the mental aptitude and sharpness right now to figure out how to improve the things you want to this year. You’re turning things around in 2019.
Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): This past new moon fell in your 2nd house of material possessions, money, and physical resources. This moon might have you extra sensitive to your physical surroundings, so it might be a good time to think about how you’re feeling about your home—are your things organized, does your space feel good to you, do you feel like you have enough or too much of anything? The goal-setting energy of Capricorn urges us to plan for improving these areas of life this month, so that your energy will be free to accomplish everything you want to this year. Set realistic financial goals, create a manageable budget, and clear out any clutter or junk weighing you down. Two cards fell out for you: the 9 of Swords and the Knight of Cups. Perhaps the month starts off a bit heavy—if you’re coming out of a period of depression, disappointment, or feeling hopeless, this card comes to remind you that there is a good outcome that might be hard to see right now. This is a time of reassessment, of trying to force yourself to look at things from a new perspective and see that there are more possibilities than you realize. The Knight of Cups comes in to infuse you with hope of change and excitement. This down period is coming to an end, and you’re entering 2019 with a new sense of hope and anticipation for good things to come. No matter how rough it’s been, take some time this month to set realistic goals (getting your physical surroundings feeling good will make a big difference), and let yourself dream big.
Here’s to a brand new year, and a much-needed fresh start for many of us. See you soon for the first full moon of the year!
Love and solidarity,
Leah Ruthe Chatterjee
Stars 'N Spoons 