New Moon in Aquarius

The new moon, of no importance
lingers behind as the yellow sun glares
and is gone beyond the sea's edge;
earth smokes blue;  the new moon, in cool height above the blushes, brings a fresh fragrance of heaven to our senses.-- D.H. Lawrence

The New Moon in Aquarius, a fixed air sign that represents 'collectiveness',  on February 2nd  coincides with Imbolc, a yearly turning point which marks the feeling of turning towards the light and an anticipation of Spring, and even though we are in the heart of winter, the days are beginning to stay brighter and life is quickening within the earth. In  later centuries, it became known as St. Brigid's Festival.  The Church celebrates this time as Candlemas. This holy day is a fire festival, and a celebration of the lengthening days and the earliest signs of spring.   Celebrations center around hearth fires, special foods, divination, and storytelling.  

New Moons are times of new beginnings when the solar principle of consciousness and ego development (Sun) conjoins with the lunar instinctive principle governing what is more hidden, the subconscious (Moon.) The New Moon at 13 degrees Aquarius on February 2nd is a time to begin new projects or thoughts for the coming months. This  New Moon  brings us themes of rebirth and also  highlights Aquarius qualities and activates our need for independence and freedom to step outside of the norms.  Aquarius’ planetary influence will guide us as we move forward  and into the future. 

New Moons are times of new beginnings when the solar principle of consciousness and ego development(Sun) unites with the lunar instinctive principle governing what is more hidden, the subconscious (Moon) bringing to awareness  themes such as individuality, idealism and social causes, and innovations. It is about changing our lives to make progress. Revolutionary activities will also be spotlighted as Uranus (freedom, justice, liberty) is the ruling  planet of Aquarius. The New Moon signals a time of emergence, and you will have an impulse to take action and begin something new... be it a small change in the way you approach your daily routine or a whole new path on your journey through life. The energy is right for making spontaneous moves and following your instincts.

This is especially timely as this New Moon brings with it the start of the Chinese New Year of the Hare, a symbol of purity.  The Chinese New Year always begins on the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice and is the most important  festival in Chinese culture. It is celebrated on the New Moon of the first month according to the lunar calendar, and is a time for family reunions and scrumptious feasts.  The Hare is a symbol for mercy, elegance, and worship of beauty.  It is closely linked to family and friends, and  is associated with longevity and the Moon.

The ancient Chinese  believed that they could see the face of a Hare on the dark patches Moon, and the animal was connected with the Moon in many tales.  According to one old legend, there is a magical Hare that lives on the Moon as a companion to the Goddess, Chang-o,  the Chinese Moon Goddess.  She allows this charming little creature to keep Her company so She will not be lonely.  The Hare, who is an herbalist, sits at the foot of a cassia tree grounding the powder of immortality in his mortar.  The Hare is said to be so content he never leaves the Moon.  Over time, the Hare has become a Yin Moon spirit.

As with all New Moons, take the time to meditate on what new energies you'd like to work with this month.  This New Moon will aid you if you need

 to tackle a project or situation in your own life. Perhaps there is something that you need to stand up for, fight for or defend.  Plant the seeds in your psyche and watch what blossoms in two weeks at the Full Moon.

I saw the new moon late yestreen,
    Wi' the auld moon in her arm:
And if ye gang to sea, maister,
    I fear we'll suffer harm.  

-From the anonymous Scottish ballad 'Sir Patrick Spens'