Hello, and happy January, my friends! With the new calendar year, we start a new cycle of moon phases. This month, we have the first New Moon of the calendar year on January 11th - a New Moon in Capricorn! Let’s take a moment to explore what a New Moon is, how the sign of Capricorn affects the energy of this New Moon, and different spells, rituals, and meditations you can do to connect with and harness this energy.
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What Is A New Moon?
Astronomically speaking, a New Moon is the period of time when the moon is at 0% illumination. The Moon and Sun are on opposite sides of the Earth. This causes Earth’s shadow to fully cover the Moon leaving the night sky in darkness.
There are several different beliefs regarding the New Moon and witchcraft. Some witches believe this is the time to start new projects. Others believe it is a time of rest and recovery where no magic should be done.
What does a new moon symbolize? This is a time of introspection, self-analysis and reflection. An opportunity for a fresh start and a New You. - New Moon Rituals (Spells8)
The Sign Of Capricorn
In astrology, Capricorn is a Cardinal Earth sign ruled by Saturn. Capricorn is an ambitious sign ruled by practicality and social responsibility. Through this ambition, Capricorn is also a sign of structure. Rules must be followed and logic rules stronger than emotion. This detachment from emotion may be seen as a sign of weakness, causing Capricorn to seem aloof and uncaring to those they meet. However, those closest to a Capricorn must realize that the unemotional appearance of Capricorn can be caused by a desire to appear strong and in control.
Learn more about Capricorn → Beginner Astrology - Guide to the Signs by @Cosmic_Curiosity
New Moon In Capricorn In The Tenth House
This New Moon is also in the tenth house, putting attention on our careers and work/life balance.
This house represents your status and your purpose for being here. It influences the mark you want to make and how you will make it in terms of career goals and the image you portray to others. - Beginner Astrology | A Guide to the Houses by @Cosmic_Curiosity
All together, this New Moon will be a great time to set intentions for the year ahead. Capricorn is full of determination and ambition! This is great energy to pair with a New Moon for setting intentions for the entire year - make a plan and then get things done!
As Capricorn also deals with careers, this is a wonderful time for magic regarding career changes or promotions. Do you want things to change at work? Now is your chance!
In general, the New Moon is a wonderful time to plant the seeds you want to grow for the month. You will see the fruits of your labors from these seeds close to the Full Moon as long as you put in the work - Capricorn is all about hard work, of course!
If you need to get rid of some excess energy or bad habits, utilize the New Moon’s energy of new beginnings to start over. Do some release spellwork for negativity, bad habits, and creating a clean slate.
Activities For Capricorn’s New Moon
Plan Ahead!
Whether you want to change careers or create a five-year plan, this is a great New Moon to work with. Spend some time thinking about what you want your life to look like. What steps would you need to take to get there? Grab your journal, Book of Mirrors, or grimoire and write it out!
Create a Vision Board
It’s time to get your manifestations out into the world. Grab some magazines, pictures, paper, glitter, and whatever else you need to make your vision board. You can even make it digital! Put careful thought behind the images you choose - these represent what you want. Make sure you choose something you resonate with!
Check out the Coven Manifestation Altar → Mini Altar for the Coven’s 2024 New Year’s Resolutions
Cord Cutting Rituals
As New Moons are a great time to cut away from bad habits, utilize one of the many cord-cutting rituals out there to give yourself a fresh start. Use a cord-cutting ritual to break away from people, habits, addictions, and more.
Cord-Cutting Spell: Wiccan Spiritual Healing Meditation
‘Cutting Ties’ Spell to Release Negative Connections & Break Free
Self Reflection
If you aren’t in the mood for magic or spells, that’s okay! You can still sit with the energy of the Capricorn New Moon in a quiet place with your journal. Spend some time in reflection and meditation surrounding your career, your social life, and things you want to start this year.
Find more magickal prompts for everyday journaling → Everyday Journal Prompts | Spells8
Write A Letter To Your Future Self
If you need a bit of accountability in your practice, writing a letter to your future self is the way to go! Write a letter to your future self expressing gratitude for everything you want to accomplish as if you have already accomplished them! For example, if you set the intention to not miss a day of work, write your letter expressing gratitude for doing such a great job making it to work every single day.
After you have written your letter, seal it and tuck it away someplace safe. Then, revisit it on the next New Moon to track your progress! Make it a bit more magickal by creating a special sigil to draw on the letter or envelope!
Remember, the energy of the New Moon isn’t just for the one day that it reaches its peak. Personally, I give myself a three-day window for the New Moon: the day before, the day of, and the day after. This works well for my practice and it may work for yours, too!
Do you plan to work with this New Moon? What are your favorite ways to work with a New Moon?
Let’s hear about it!