The New Moon in Capricorn, not to mention the first New Moon of 2024, occurs at 12:57 PM, Thursday January 11. This New Moon is an ideal time for setting intentions for our long term plans and goals. Now is the perfect time to begin taking steps in the right direction toward new opportunities and committing to projects in a down-to-earth, sustainable manner. Sea goats are earth signs, and harnessing the pragmatism of this Capricorn New Moon can help us consider setting reasonable goals that can stand the test of time.
It’s in our own best interest to be responsible for taking the incentive to get things going. Without inherent motivation, few goals can be obtained. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, winter is upon us, making it more challenging for many of us to harness that get-to-it energy when we really just want to hibernate. This New Moon does not ask for broad brushstrokes or unnecessary performativity. It merely lends a helping hand to setting intentions, sitting with and engaging our personal goals and desires.
It’s traditionally thought that as Capricorn is opposite to the Moon’s home in Cancer, Capricorn is therefore considered to be the Moon’s place of detriment – so the Moon has fewer resources in Capricorn. The New Moon in Capricorn asks us to sit with our truth. To examine ways in which to get through challenging times (whatever those may be), and to try to remain calm all the while.
Many Capricorn Sun Signs seem to have a noticeable sense of life purpose. During the Capricorn New Moon it is an ideal time to work with divination methods. Here is a simple ritual and tarot card prompt to seek that which you desire during this New Moon.
Ritual:
Materials:
a cleansing herbal bundle or incense
a red candle
a white candle
a lighter or matches
two candle holders
a fire-safe container
a fire retardant/water
a candle snuffer (optional)
crystals (optional):
moonstone, carnelian, aventurine, tourmaline, citrine, jasper, tiger eye, smoky quartz, amethyst, quartz, obsidian, malachite, calcite, amethyst* This list is not comprehensive, but all of these are cross-sourced for rocks that are used to cultivate passion, cleansing and setting intentions.
When choosing crystals I encourage practitioners to do their research before purchasing new stones to secure that they are ethically sourced. As always, use whatever you have access to.
Perform a cleansing ritual to clean off any remaining muck from the previous lunation (or year, for that matter). I typically do smoke cleansing. Anything aromatic that can be burnt will do, I simply suggest using cedar, lavender, peppermint, dandelion, rosemary, basil, cilantro, mugwort, parsley, chamomile, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, ginger or milk thistle. I encourage non-Indigenous practitioners to actively seek alternatives to burning white sage or palo santo in their workings.
Wave your herbal bundle or incense from the top of your head to your feet, then back to the top three times in a row as three is a sacred number. You can choose to say a personal statement setting your intention or visual it, whichever feels most authentic to you.
Use this time to call upon any spirits, elements, deities or personal pantheon you may/may not work with.
Light a red candle that represents your passions, desires and aspirations. Light a white candle to reinforce your intent. If possible, I encourage practitioners to use 100% soy based products if within their means, if not work with what you have access to.
Meditate on what you wish to manifest over the course of this New Moon and into the new year. Let yourself sit in meditation for 5 to 10 minutes. Next, get your sheet of paper and write down your wants and goals. Light the piece of paper on fire using the flame from the red candle, letting it burn down in your fire safe receptacle. Your intention has been cast.
New Moon in Capricorn Tarot Spread:
1 What is this New Moon pushing me toward?
2 Where should I try to slow down?
3 What project is asking me to engage with it the most?
4 What negativity do I need to release?
5 What area of my life should I invest the most in for the next six months?
6 How do I achieve my desires?
Magical practice should never require you to spend a fortune or stretch yourself beyond your economic means. While I advocate seeking out natural, ethical materials when possible, when your resources are limited (for whatever reason) that isn’t always possible. Use any, all or none of the materials suggested. Your intent is all you need, and you are your own greatest source of magic.
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