The moon will be new this Sunday January 18 in the earthy sign of Capricorn at 1:52 pm CST. This is the first new moon of 2026. New moons occur every month when the sun and moon are in the same sign at the exact same degree; this is known as a conjunction in astrology. New moons are symbolic of new beginnings making this time each month to make new wishes and set new intentions.
For this particular new moon both the sun and moon will be conjunct at 28 degrees Capricorn. The day before the new moon is the dark moon and it’s believed to be a time when our psychic vibe is turned up making it a great time for self-reflection and meditation. The dark moon is also a good time to go through drawers and closets to clean out and let go of those things we no longer use or need.
Capricorn and the New Moon
Element: Earth, the element that places a special emphasis on practicality, reality, the material world and results. With the earth element in mind, a new moon in Capricorn places our attention on the material world. We need a goal, a project, some specific long term goal we can work toward.
Modality: Each of the twelve zodiac signs belongs to one of three modalities; cardinal, fixed or mutable. The modality gives us a few more clues about the nature and attitude of a sign. Capricorn belongs to the cardinal modality meaning this is a sign that likes to initiate or start things; the cardinal signs want action. Being the first cardinal new moon of 2026 means we’re in the mood for new beginnings. It’s time to officially put 2025 to rest.
Planet: Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn. Astrologically speaking, Saturn is sometimes called the Cosmic Taskmaster meaning this is an energy that puts us to work. Saturn wants to make sure we’re being authentic and true to our path. Saturn won’t allow us to avoid our lessons and skip to the head of the class. Saturn says, there are certain duties and obligation you must fulfill while on Earth and I’m here to make sure you do just that. Saturn is like a personal trainer at the gym; you’ll hate him in the moment but when you do the work you’ll love the results. Before we go any further in 2026, the new moon in Capricorn can have you facing those important but boring tasks you been putting off.
Cosmic House: Capricorn and Saturn are the natural rulers of the astrological 10th House. This means the new moon in Capricorn highlights and activates that angle on the cosmic wheel that deals with career, recognition, reputation and what you’re striving to be like. It’s time for new jobs, new careers, promotions, or at the very least a little recognition for the work you’ve been putting in. In numerology the number 10 relates the completion of one cycle or era of your life and the beginning of a new cycle.
Best Cosmic Couplings: If you’re one of the earth signs (Capricorn, Virgo and Taurus) you’ll vibe really well this new moon. Water signs (Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio) are the next best match ups for a Capricorn moon while the fire signs (Sagittarius, Aries and Leo) and air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) struggle a bit more with an earthy moon.
Mercury and Mars: Both Mercury, the planet of communication and Mars, the warrior planet, will be conjunct the new moon in Capricorn. The moon is linked to our feelings and moods while Mercury is associated with communication and thoughts. This means our thoughts and communications will be heavily influenced by our feelings. Our communication with others could be a bit more emotional while Mars’ conjunction to the new moon adds a spicy dose of passion and aggression. This may sound a bit dramatic but the moon is actually uncomfortable in the sign of Capricorn and has a tendency to stuff feelings instead of expressing them. The Mercury/Mars conjunction could actually help express those feelings instead of hiding them.
Have a great new moon in Capricorn and we hope to see you in the store soon.
Kevin Casey is an astrologer and card reader who first encountered metaphysics in 1991 through the spiritual text A Course in Miracles. He began his reading practice in 2003 and joined Body Mind & Soul as a reader in 2007. His blend of astrology, numerology, and Tarot make for fascinating and insightful readings and his undying passion for pop music allows him to look at popular culture through astrological and metaphysical eyes.
He is available for both 30-minute and 1-hour personal readings at Body Mind & Soul. Bookings can be reserved at bmshouston.com/pages/kevin-casey.
illustration courtesy Canva and Thomas Wolter from Pixabay