The moon is on her way to being new this Monday April 8 in the fiery sign of Aries at 1:21 pm CST. This new moon will also be a solar eclipse. 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. For this particular lunation both the sun and moon will be at 19 degrees Aries. New moons are associated with new beginnings and tend to be the perfect time to make wishes and set new intentions. Since Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and the beginning of the astrological new year I’ve always felt that the Aries new moon was particularly potent for setting intentions. As mentioned earlier this is also a solar eclipse. Solar eclipses can only occur on new moons just like lunar eclipses can only occur on full moons. During a solar eclipse the moon is between the sun and the Earth partially or totally blocking out the light of the sun. You can think of a solar eclipse as a more dramatic and hyped-up new moon and they have the potential to bring great change in our lives.
Keywords, Elements and the New Moon in Aries: impulse, aggression, initiative, confidence, ego, dynamic, action, force, energy, spirit, leadership, masculinity, vitality, destruction, lust. As you can see from the keywords this is a very forceful, dynamic energy that’s ready to take action. Adding to this bold energy is the fire element linked to Aries. Each of the twelve zodiac signs belongs to one of the four elements; fire, earth, air or water. Aries’ association with the fire element means this is a sign that possesses passion, enthusiasm and courage. At it’s most simplistic level a new moon solar eclipse in Aries pushes us into action. Stop all the idle chit-chat and start doing says a new moon in Aries. The fire element of this lunation is asking us to invite excitement and challenge into our lives. What are you passionate about? Where in your life do you need a little excitement? And by excitement we’re not talking about cheap thrills meaning this isn’t about stirring up cheap, B-grade messy drama that ultimately gets us nowhere. If you’ve had a bout of recent setbacks it’s time to pull yourself up and dust yourself off. Adding to this potent brew of Aries energy is the fact that not only are the sun and moon in the sign of the Ram but so are Mercury, Venus, the North Node and Chiron; that’s six placements in Aries during this eclipse. This is a huge cosmic push forward in our lives.
Chiron and the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Aries: Chiron will be conjunct this solar eclipse. In mythology and astrology Chiron is known as the Wounded Healer. Anytime Chiron is in the mix we are typically going to have old wounds triggered and with the moon involved this can include childhood wounds. The moon is also associated with mother so we could have some “mommy-issues” come up that need to be dealt with. Chiron will also be conjunct the sun meaning we may need to assert our right to be exactly who we are. If you tend to always play a supporting role to others this may be your turn to step into the spotlight. This is your time to stand up for yourself.
Mercury Retrograde: Mercury, the planet of communication, went retrograde on April 1 and won’t go direct until April 25. The typical warnings for a Mercury retrograde are; avoid signing important documents and contracts and think before you speak. We can also have travel delays and phone and computer problems during this time. The spiritual purpose behind Mercury retrograde is to slow down and unplug. Instead of trying to force things to happen, allow events to unfold naturally.