The February New Moon in Aquarius: Three Ways to Revolutionize Your Life

"The best way to predict the future is to invent it." -Alan Kay It would be difficult to talk about this new moon without talking about Egypt and the revolution that's happening there. Why? Because this new moon is in Aquarius, the sign of brotherhood, humanitarian efforts, and egalitarian ideals. The four planets (plus Chiron) that are in Aquarius now are emphasizing these energies. More on the astrology of the new moon below. The situation in Egypt, while it has become more tense today, is an example of the collective consciousness of a nation that has emboldened its citizen to join together and act cooperatively with one another in order to foster change. They want a more democatic form of government- another Aquarian concept whereby each member has a voice and yet is part of a larger "body" where everyone is equal. The metaphysical axiom "As above, so below," tells us that what we see playing out on the terrestrial plane is a reflection of what's happening on the celestial canvas. Likewise, what happens exte ally in the world-at-large may also echo what we're experiencing internally. What does this mean for us personally? Perhaps the question we might ask ourselves at this new moon is, "What needs to be revolutionized in my life?"

The Astrology of the New Moon

The new moon (New Moon Chart) occurs on February 2, 2011, at 13° Aquarius. All new moons are an invitation to initiate something new, and in the sign of the water-bearer this new moon is a favorable time for collective action, progressive thinking, and altruistic endeavors. Aquarius, while it's called "the water-bearer," is an air sign. What he's pouring forth from his urn is the collective consciousness- or those thoughts and ideas that we all share as human beings. Air is the transmitter of sound and light, and it's our thoughts, words, and spirit that engender a sense of fair play, rationality, and conce for our fellow man. Following last month's new moon in Capricorn, the cardinal (initiating) earth sign, this new moon in fixed (stabilizing) air (ideas, words, perceptions) and suggests it's time use the power of our rational mind to think through issues, examine circumstances objectively, and find ways to raise our collective intelligence. This new moon is energized by a close conjunction of Mars, the planet of action and drive. With Mars in Aquarius I think of phrases like the courageous humanitarian, assertive altruism, and passionate intelligence. It's a time to actively find ways to give each other a "step up," with the knowledge that by helping someone else you're ultimately helping yourself. Venus and Uranus are in a square aspect to one another at this new moon and this suggests that there may be surprises, upsets, and changes (Uranus) with our relationships, associations, and values (Venus). It makes sense that when we revolutionize our lives and fight for progress (whether personally or collectively) then the relationships and attachments in our lives also have to change.

Viva La Revolution

How can you take advantage of this new moon and revolutionize your life? Here are three suggestions:

1. Be Bold. Mars, the warrior, in Aquarius isn't about hand-to-hand combat. It's about doing battle on a mental level. Can you outsmart your foes? Can you think strategically? Can you defend your truth?
2. Be Forward Thinking. The sign of Aquarius is a symbol for the future. Leave the past behind and envision your life free from dictators, tyrants, and other habits, people, or beliefs that have kept you stagnant for too long. What does the future look like for you?
3. Be Unconventional. The Venus-Uranus aspect suggests that we may find allies in the most unexpected places, if we're willing to overcome our resistance to that which is unusual or out of the ordinary. Think of the secular and Muslim Egyptians who have banded together for change.

If you know your own natal chart then the house where you have 13° of Aquarius can give you more information about how you can personally take advantage of this new moon. As always, if you'd like to explore this more deeply with an astrologer I'm always available for consultations. Namaste' "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." -Malcolm X