By: Sophie Wingert, Holistic Practitioner

In astronomy, the new moon represents the first lunar phase when the Moon and Sun share the same ecliptic longitude. During this phase, the lunar disk is not visible to the naked eye except when it is silhouetted against the Sun during a solar eclipse. During the New Moon and Full Moon – similar to the ocean tides – our emotions are pulled to the surface and feelings are heightened. Researchers theorize that humans react to subtle changes in the Earth's magnetic field that occur in conjunction with the Moon phases.

Although New Year resolutions, intention-setting, manifesting, and goal setting may be spinning through your head as the calendar turns, it may be a good idea to hold off on any major changes until after this new moon in Aquarius takes place on January 21st. With Mercury being in retrograde from December 29th until January 18th, you may feel like your social life and your ability to communicate and see things clearly have been affected. Fortunately, the upcoming New moon will create a portal for new beginnings.

This new moon in Aquarius is very future-focused. You can bet that plans set under this lunation will take a much more desirable shape as 2023 progresses. This new moon invites us to ask ourselves where we have been tiptoeing over eggshells and frightened of change. The energy can be tense and uncomfortable, but ultimately, it is growth-inducing and will help us realign with our authenticity and our path. Treat this Aquarius new moon energy as a cosmic course correction.

Your relationship with your emotions might be more complicated as the Moon in Aquarius has a strong need for emotional freedom. However, since the Aquarius sign is group- oriented, you may find it easier to understand your feelings and free yourself from negative emotions such as fear, anger, and jealousy when in a group setting.

Aquarius is an air sign that holds the traits of progressiveness, independence, intelligence, and uniqueness. Aquarians tend to be out of box thinkers who enjoy helping others. Consider joining a local volunteer service or community that can help you learn valuable lessons about the art of giving back. It is also a great time to tap into your creativity! Consider painting, taking a pottery class, scrapbooking, or whatever form of creative expression that resonates with you in this season.

Some self-care practices that you can embrace during this month’s new moon include creating a vision board for what you may want to manifest during this lunar cycle. Body parts that are affected by this new moon are the thyroid and lower leg muscles; therefore, incorporating regular yoga practice and throat chakra centered meditation can be very beneficial in nurturing those areas.

Here are some journal prompts you can use to help tap into your manifesting: