What's New

CAPRICORN NEW MOON
Tuesday, 31 December 2024
Chart calculated for NZDT 11.27 am
Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand
Adapting to new realities
capricorn iconOn this last day of 2024, in the Capricorn New Moon chart, a Mystic rectangle between Pluto, Neptune/North Node, Black Moon Lilith/South Node and Mars emphasises our arrival at an extreme tipping point of human destiny, when yet unknown realities and consequences are unfolding at breakneck speed.  How will we adapt to the coming winds of change?  The slow-moving outer planet Pluto has settled into Aquarius for a long 20-year transit lasting until 2044.
Bridges to Babylon - Kaye Bel-Cher 
The generations born and growing up in this era will be savvy with many innovative automations and technologies.  Robots doing various medical, scientific and other menial labours could leave many humans unemployed - which would be fine if all had economic certainty and conditions that supported the exploration of meaningful endeavours rather than those we are socialised to pursue.  AI apps like Chat GPT are designed to help study, but AI lacks emotion and intuition and can generate fake information.  Will developing technologies increase or limit our freedom in years to come?  Will animals currently being cloned for breeding purposes be the food producers of the future?  In Singapore, lab meat is already cultivated from stem cells in indoor bioreactors that use just 10% of the land needed for pasture-based farming.
 

Neptune into Aries is one major astrological shift beginning in 2025.  Neptune's new 165-year cycle around the zodiac last came from 1862 to 1875 when there was widespread slavery, the American Civil War, pioneering developments in chemistry, drug manufacture, and the emergence of spiritualism and the arts.  Neptune - at home in Pisces 2011 - 2024, will not be comfortable in Aries.  In this up-and-coming 14-year-long transit, we might see more polarised world views, conflicting belief systems, fabricated evidence, the gradual decline of shops, and the dissolution of banks and other authoritarian institutions that have existed for many centuries.  We are already seeing housing crises, refugee camps due to wars, climate and environmental issues, floods and fires, problems with pollination and seeding, fertility, birth, nurturing and the development of artificial wombs.  We will certainly see the advent of new diverse identities, spiritual warrior archetypes, spirituality reimagined, androgynous fashion styles, and a cultural renaissance in art and music.  
"Bridges to Babylon" - Artwork by Kaye Bel-Cher,
featured in Creative Cronies 2025
Moon Diary

 

SAGITTARIUS NEW MOON Sunday 1 December 2024
Sagittarius iconChart calculated for NZDT at 7.22 pm,
Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand
Is it true?  Is it kind?  Is it purpose-full?

In November and December, and for the first time in 9 years, Black Moon Lilith returns to Scorpio, meeting again with Juno, as she has done repeatedly in 2024.  Besides personifying the femme fatale, the dark goddess Lilith in Scorpio can trigger deep fears of loss.  When the energies of Juno and Lilith intertwine in the sign of the scorpion, eagle, phoenix and dove, this may represent a loss of love and a desire for revenge which would be best transcended.  The clue to healing this shadow lies in realising all things end.  When we are brave enough to let go, something new can be reborn.

 

Retrograde Mercury and the Sun travel towards each other in adventurous Sagittarius, meeting on December 6.  The nervous energy implicit in exact Sun/Mercury conjunctions can indicate mental distraction.  We may be active in our communications but forget to listen to others.  Make time for reflection until the 9th, flowing with the not-so-subtle shifts of Mars turning retrograde in Leo, Venus conjunct Ceres, Venus into Aquarius, Venus conjunct Pluto, Neptune Direct and Pluto conjunct Ceres.  Creative passion, spiritual inspiration, love for humanity and our whenua/home ground are all available to tap into now.

 

Please bring all inspirational ideas concerning the evolutionary transformation of the environment and our economic and socio-political systems into the light of the Gemini Full Moon on December 15.  After Mercury resumes direct movement on the 16th, disseminate everything purpose-full widely.  Sun into Capricorn on the 21st is the longest day of the year - celebrate Summer Solstice with flowers, a small fire or a candle lit to honour the ever-spiralling dance of our Earth around the Sun.  Despite human disruptions to the seasonal cycle, the seasonal cycles continue their natural revolutions.  On December 30, Chiron direct promises ongoing support in the shamanic healing of our most authentic core soul selves.
"Freedom to Venture through Portals into Far Out Dimensions" - Artwork by Guadalupe Salinas, featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary

 

Scorpio glyph
SCORPIO NEW MOON Saturday 2 November 2024
Chart Calculated for NZDT 1.47 am,
Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, New Zealand 
Could clean water be a priority for everyone?

A fortuitous Water Grand trine between Mars, Neptune and

Initiation Art by Paula Franco Mercury encompasses demanding Mars/Pluto and Mercury/Uranus oppositions.  Often, the grand trine is so easygoing it can slip by unnoticed and unappreciated, but the oppositions stir up powerful undercurrents.  On a personal level, we could experience a flood of emotions that need an outlet.  Dancing to loud music or another intense physical activity could aid release.  Primal screaming would be best done where it won't disturb others.  Globally, there are many climate change issues concerning rising levels of water.  Streams, rivers, springs, lakes, aquifers, the ocean, floods, storms, water distribution and pollution in waterways all come under the umbrella of the Water signs.  Multiple meaningful scenarios are possible with a lucky grand trine and r-evolutionary Uranus and Pluto leaning on the planets of communication and action.

Scorpio New Moon Chart

On November 3, Venus and Pallas Athene meet in Sagittarius; Mercury enters Sagittarius, and Juno enters Scorpio.  Until March 2025, Juno in Scorpio craves deeper intimacy and emotional connection, while the Sagittarian influences inspire travel curiosity.  We may feel called to explore beauty and diversity, learn another language, or understand sound vibrations.  Mars into Leo on the 4th encourages flamboyant displays of passion, while Venus into Capricorn on the 12th takes pleasure seriously.  On the 16th, Saturn Direct and the Taurus Full Moon suggest access to previously unavailable resources.  On November 20, Pluto moves conclusively into Aquarius.  In 2023 and 2024, as Pluto has gone back and forth across the cusp of Capricorn/Aquarius, we have heard many debates about the regulation of AI and the media and technology that present damaging or incorrect information.  Will regulations reduce potential harm?  We are in the Aquarian Era now with all its lofty future implications.  The Sun into Sagittarius on the 22nd and Mercury retrograde on the 26th ask us to seek positive future directions and to break up and replace no longer useful past patterns.  From December 1 to February 2025, Pallas Athene in Capricorn is great timing for creating new foundations.
"Initiation" - Artwork by Paula Franco featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary

 

libra iconLIBRA NEW MOON Thursday 3 October 2024
Chart calculated for NZDT 7.49 am, Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, NZ. Annular Sun Eclipse 7.45 am NZDT

Change is one certainty we can be sure of
The Sun Eclipse at Libra New Moon comes from a Saros cycle that cautions us to be careful - not to overdo or risk physical injury.  We may be feeling sorrow at the end of something.  Sesquare and square aspects between Libra, Capricorn and Taurus suggest an inclination to stir up matters best left in the past.  At the same time, the cluster of Libra planets indicate a longing for harmony and balance.  We are more likely to feel at peace now if we care tenderly for ourselves first rather than people-pleasing or trying to live up to others' past or present expectations.  In October, Black Moon Lilith repeatedly meets with the South Node and Juno, and twice each with the Moon and Mercury.  Listen to and dialogue with inner voices.  Be thankful and learn from any feelings that surface.

Libra New Moon

A meeting between Mercury and Juno on October 8 favours communications - conveying relevant ideas in the classroom, the office, the boardroom or therapy.  Jupiter retrograde on the 9th may slow thinking down enough for deep healing between October 12 and November 2 when Jupiter is in a cooperative sextile with Chiron.  Pluto direct on October 12 is on the last degree of practical Capricorn making critical closure tweaks to the structural changes in our world that have been realigning themselves since 2008.  In Scorpio from the 14th, Mercury asks us to dig deep for the threads of truth woven amongst lies and misinformation for the rest of this lunar month.  

Sun conjunct Juno on the 17th adds sensitivity to our relating, while an Aries Full Moon trine Venus into Sagittarius on the 18th heightens our joyful awareness of Self and our place within the big cosmic picture.  The Sun into all-or-nothing Scorpio on the 23rd helps us clarify our boundaries, while Vesta into Libra on the 27th inclines us towards cooperation and exchange.
"Interiors - Artwork by Kaye Bel-Cher featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary


 

virgo iconVIRGO NEW MOON
Chart calculated for NZT 1.56 PM Tuesday 3 September 2024
Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, NZ
Befriending ourselves as we journey within
Eclipse effects begin and end two weeks before and after actual eclipse dates.  So an eclipse season opens now at Virgo New Moon, building towards the Pisces Full Moon eclipse on September 18 and the Libra New Moon eclipse on October 3.  The effects of the current eclipse period extend through to the Taurus Full Moon on October 16.  Eclipse periods can trigger our darkness - our fears, repressed emotions, wildness, and animal selves.  However, they can also give us an alternative view of our reality.  For some, these eclipses may represent a confusing time of loss, separation and sadness.  If possible, make time for meditation and inner work - gently moving, being present, allowing, breathing, meditating, and grounding.

Between September 3 and 6, Black Moon Lilith is conjunct Venus, the South Node, Juno and the Moon.  Past karma continues to surface.  We may have unkind minds that attempt to bully us into doing or being something that doesn't feel right for us.  If this resonates, stand up and say No to that inner voice.  Along with relationships, this is a major theme in 2024, coming up again mid-month and just before the next New Moon.

Artwork by Jenny Corr

On September 5, Mars into Cancer generates edgy restlessness, best channelled into a domestic Spring clean, a family food fest, or other actions that benefit whānau and loved ones.  Pallas into Sagittarius on September 8 attunes us to higher wisdom and our spiritual connection with universal truths, while Mercury conjunct Vesta on the 16th enhances mental focus.  The Pisces Full Moon Eclipse on the 18th is profoundly intuitive and mystical.  Tune into cosmic messages coming from dreams.  On the 23rd, Lilith meets Mercury in Virgo, the Sun enters Libra, and Venus enters Scorpio.  All highlighting work, study, social activity, and deep delving into the mysteries of Life.  Mercury goes into Libra on the 26th and meets the Sun there on October 1.  Who has known us longer than anyone else?  Time to unconditionally befriend ourselves.
"Girls Leaving the Forest of the Mind to see Further - Artwork by Jenny Corr featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary

 

 
leo iconLEO NEW MOON
Chart calculated for NZT 11.13 PM Sunday 4 August 2024
Tamaki Makarau/Auckland, NZ
Relationships in the present echo karma from the past
In this New Moon chart, Neptune and Pluto form a Yod with a Venus/Mercury focal point, suggesting external circumstances, likely beyond our control, offer us something on a personal level.  We can get caught up in drama and detail or draw on our inner resources - our ability to listen, love, and care for ourselves and each other.  Since Pluto is also in a grand trine with Juno and Uranus, we could feel excitingly empowered, or shock waves may reverberate through our relationships. 

 Love goddess Venus moves into Virgo on the 5th, asking us to summon self-containment.  Mercury retrograde sets off security concerns from the 5th until thePassion is Powerful - Art by Norma Jean 15th, after which the quicksilver messenger backs into Leo.  If play is missing from creativity, the Fire sign retrogrades signal a time to reassess, to express creativity differently.  Move bravely into future inspirations after Mercury goes direct on the 29th.

From August 7 - 13, Black Moon Lilith meets the South Node, then teams up with Juno and Venus on the 16th and 21st.  Untangling past relationship karma with shadow work may feel messy, but accepting all parts of ourselves is necessary for healing.  Mercury/Venus on the 8th advises us to be gentle with ourselves, while Juno into Libra on the 10th recommends reciprocity and respect when connecting with others.  We get a rocket fuel blast of ideas and mental stimulation when Mars and Jupiter meet in Gemini on the 15th.  On the 20th, a Leo Sun/Vesta combo coincides with the Aquarius Full Moon, encouraging us to open our hearts and minds to all we hold sacred.  When Sun and Vesta go into focused, efficient Virgo on the 23rd and 25th, many things click into place.  Ceres direct on the 26th revitalises our sense of responsibility; some may take on a teaching role.  Venus into Libra on the 30th adds graciousness to social situations.  At the same time, on September 2, Uranus retrograde in Taurus and Pluto retrograde into Capricorn; ask us again to tune into Papatūānuku/Mother Earth as a living being.
"Passion is Powerful" by Norma Jean. Artwork featured in 2024 Moon Diary

 

cancer iconCANCER NEW MOON
Chart calculated for NZT 10.58 AM
Tamaki Makarau/Auckland, NZ
Finding safe haven in our own hearts and minds

Wow!  Complex aspect configurations at this New Moon overflow with potency.  A liquid love-infused grand trine in Water between Venus, Saturn and Pallas Athene implies social justice, caring for vulnerable women/children, insightful perception, creative idealism and tantric practices.  A Cardinal grand square between the Sun/Moon, South Node/Black Moon Lilith, Ceres and the North Node provokes actions that alleviate loneliness and fear.  Fully respect/honour all connections and boundaries. Cancer New Moon chart   

Art by Aralyn DoironThe dualistic Earth/Water mystic rectangle can indicate fluctuations, for example, between strength/weakness; harmony/tension; extrovert/introvert.  Mutable flexibility contrasts with Fixed resistance.  Furthermore, this (unopened) envelope aspect shape hints at secrets yet to be revealed.  The planets - Mars, Juno, Pallas Athene and Saturn contain possibilities for fault finding/accessing inner strength, cooperation/competition, fear of commitment/loyalty and stability.  In summation, weather emotional storms, gather essential truths and find safety within.

Karmic relationships tug on our heartstrings again when Lilith meets South Node in Libra on July 6 and 8.  In between, on July 7, Mercury conjunct Vesta in Leo is great for focused research.  Pallas Athene direct on the 10th could clarify our insight.  On the 12th, minor dissatisfactions surface as Lilith teams up with a Libra Moon, while Venus into Leo invites play and fun.  Mars joins Uranus on the 16th, stirring up volatile feisty energy - great for directing into activism.  Lilith/Juno in Virgo on July 18 and August 2 reminds us not to go on doing what we've always done if that no longer works.  Repeat new useful habit patterns until they become second nature.  On July 21, a revved-up Mars into Gemini and a second Capricorn Full Moon may see the flowering of something that started last month.  Sun into Leo and Venus conjunct Vesta in Leo on July 22 and 24 boost confidence, generating an invigorating dose of sparkle and shine.  Mercury into Virgo and Chiron retrograde on the 26th and 27th call for sobriety and deep reflection. 
"Friend" by Aralyn Doiron.  Artwork featured in 2024 Moon Calendar 

 

gemini iconGEMINI NEW MOON Friday 7 June 2024
Chart calculated for NZT 0.38 am
Tamaki Makarau/Auckland, NZ
Intentionally dream and vision much-needed new narratives

An alignment of planets in effervescent Gemini suggests studying and exploring whatever is currently catching our attention.  Mobility, fresh air and a few fun distractions from the serious side of life won't go amiss now.  Trines from Gemini to Black Moon Lilith/South Node in Libra help us release any perfectionist ideals or judgements.  Go for physical activity if Mars into Taurus from June 9 is obstinate about letting go.  We may get briefly stuck in our monkey minds when Sun/Mercury meet in Gemini on June 15.  
Gemini New MoonVenus and Mercury go into Cancer on the 17th, then get cosy on the 18th, suggesting a willingness to share private feelings with our nearest and dearest.  Luxuriate in home comforts.  Maybe settle in with a good book or a movie.  Vesta into Leo on the 20th enhances our creativity over the next two months, while Sun into Cancer the next day highlights domestic talents. Black Moon Lilith has returned to Virgo to confer with Juno again on the 21st and 27th.  How's that inner criticStories We Tell - art by Suzanne Ashmore doing?  Is overwork leading to burnout? 

At Capricorn Full Moon on the 22nd, Mercury and Mars are in a cooperative sextile.  Opt for emotional openness rather than yield to an unforgiving Mars in Taurus slow internal smoulder.Saturn is retrograde from June 30 to November 16.  Neptune is retrograde from July 2 to December 8.  Ride the waves of both planets stepping back in Pisces.  Reality checks urge us to look within, soul-searching memory and intuition.  Release any murky emotional or spiritual obstacles preventing the realisation of big dreams.  A past life reading or guided meditation could provide insight.  The best outcomes of a Saturn/Neptune cosmic interrogation would be greater compassion, the ability to build bridges with different others, and an upsurge of creativity.  Mercury into Leo from July 3 further boosts imagination, stimulating expressions of brilliance through poetry, writing, storytelling, communications, theatre, music, photography and myriad other art forms.  "Stories We Tell" by Suzanne Ashmore.  Artwork featured in 2024 Astrological Diary

taurus iconTAURUS NEW MOON Wednesday 8 May 2024
Chart calculated for NZT 3.22 pm
Tamaki Makarau/Auckland, NZ

Delight in the gifts of the present moment

 Aries and Taurus dominate this New Moon chart.  Time to realise all we are renewing or birthing.  Give personal forms of unique expression a voice with Sun conjunct Uranus on May 13.  Don't try to impress others with retrograde Ceres in Capricorn from May 15 to August 26.  Think carefully about what you genuinely value while Mercury is in Taurus from May 16.  Review essential truths while retrograde Pallas Athene is in Scorpio from May 17 to July 10.

Taurus New Moon Chart On May 18, Black Moon Lilith pairs with the Virgo Moon challenging us to recognise what we criticise in others may reflect something within ourselves.  Venus meeting Uranus invites us to enjoy all things weird and wonderful.  When Sun and Jupiter tango together on the 19th, our joy and appreciation of the natural world expands, while the Sun into Gemini on the 21st arouses curiosity.  Tune in to the confidence and optimism offered by Venus conjunct Jupiter on the 23rd.  Fall in love with Life!  Venus into Gemini on the 24th savours flirtatious fun and breezy alliances.  However, be aware that a Scorpio Full Moon on the same day indicates emotional vulnerability that may not be immediately apparent.

 

For just over a year from May 26, an eagerly enthusiastic Jupiter in Gemini pushes us to be all over a zillion different things.  All will be well if zipping back and forth suits, but some may find this energy exhausting.  Mars/Chiron and Lilith/South Node on the 30th/31st may indicate difficulty owning deeply entrenched patterns.  Anger might be on the table.  Tantric sex might offer a path towards healing.  Mercury conjunct Uranus on the 31st will throw in some revolutionary thinking and ideas.  Mercury into Gemini on June 3, conjunct Jupiter on June 4, suggests getting organised with our extensive list of things to do.  The odds are, though, we could be thriving on rapid change.  Sun conjunct Venus on June 5 lightens the mood with many fun activities.
"Rosebud - Age and Innocence 1" by Aralyn Doiron: aralyndoiron.com
Artwork featured in 2024 Moon Diary

 
aries iconARIES NEW MOON Thursday 9 April 2024
Chart calculated for NZT 6.20 am
Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, NZ
Karmic relationships play a significant role in 2024

Today's Total Sun eclipse is visible mainly in North and Central America.  An exact Sun/Moon/Chiron alignment highlights personal wounds that may hinder the expression of our authentic selves.  This eclipse invites the integration of high ideals and future visions.  Autonomous relationships are massively emphasised in 2024 by Venus Direct all year, and a lengthy dance between Lilith, Juno and the Moon Nodes.  A Mars/Saturn combo on April 11 can trigger confusing emotional reactions.  Understandings surface as Mercury retrograde meets the Sun, Chiron and Venus between the 12th and the 19th.

 A momentous Jupiter/Uranus conjunction on the 21st ushers in new values, spontaneous joy, freedom, vitality, luck, change and revolution.  When Jupiter/Uranus last met in 1997, the first voice recognition software was released, and the first animal - Dolly the sheep - was cloned from a single cell.  Genetic engineering and cloning technologies interfere with nature to manufacture, for example: "synthetic not-food", yet there is enough real food on the planet to feed everyone.  The problems are distribution, hoarding and waste.  Will cautious Taurus go overboard or curtail some runaway issues of our times?

Creativity for Change artworkVenus, sympatico with Taurus, meets Chiron on the 21st.  Self-love or compassion for ourselves and our imperfections is healing.  Juno, Full Moon, and Mercury from the 22nd to the 26th invite open communication with our loved ones.  On the 29th, a Mars/Neptune union and Venus into Taurus emphasise our universal oneness with everything.  Value the support from Papatūānuku, grounding our bodies with gravity.  Lilith joins the karmic South Node on April 29, May 5 and 6.  A shadow side of Lilith in Libra is perfectionism, often leading to loneliness.  Pluto retrograde on May 2 suggests soul-searching our sense of belonging.  Who are our friends?  What groups nourish our evolution?  Do we connect with our lineages?  A third meeting of Mercury/Chiron on May 7 summons mental clarity and, potentially, a thorough clearing of any brain fog.
"Creativity for Change" by Paula Franco - Artwork featured in 2024 Moon Calendar www.paulafranco.net

 

PISCES NEW MOON Sunday 10 March 2024
Chart calculated for NZDT 10.00 PM
Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, NZ 
Pisces iconWhat we think we become, what we feel we attract, what we imagine we create

This New Moon, Juno, Jupiter/Uranus and Ceres form an earthy grand trine.  Two cooperative sextiles create a kite formation with Pisces on one side of the harmonious triangle.  These dynamic aspects offer enhanced self-awareness and the potential for effortless change.  Black Moon Lilith is the focal point of a Yod from Mars and Chiron.  A Yod is often referred to as a blessing/divine gift.  A shadow side of Lilith in Virgo is self-criticism.  If this resonates, start viewing mistakes as indicators to do differently.  Action planet Mars prompts inventive solutions, and Chiron promotes healing.  On March 14, 21 and 23, Lilith and Juno ask us to be more conscious.Pisces New Moon chart 

Mercury into Aries, Venus into Pisces, and Sun conjunct Neptune March 10 - 18 inspire a personal reset.  The Sun into Aries on the 20th and Mercury conjunct Chiron on the 21st may trigger wake-up calls.  Venus meeting Saturn and Mars into Pisces on March 22/23, attune us to divine guidance.  However, if volunteering to help others, we best not exhaust ourselves.  The March 25 Libra Full Moon Eclipse emphasises the scales of balance.  Are they weighted more on the side of Self or other?  How much harmony, peace and joy do we experience in our relationships?  We need others, but Vesta in Cancer Pax MacKenzie art - Deeper Pathwaysfrom March 31 to June 20 tests the boundary line between co-dependence and interdependency.

In 2024, communication planet Mercury retrogrades in the Fire signs, igniting creative passion.  Mercury retrogrades in Aries from April 2 - 26.  Mercury's three meetings with the North Node, Chiron and Eris invite us to heal our birth wounding, or specifically to release any trauma we may have experienced in the form of head injuries and also what we have been told about ourselves that isn't part of our soul's calling.  Venus conjunct Neptune on April 4 inspires appreciation of the miraculous beauty of our Universe.  Venus into Aries on April 5 encourages autonomy.

"Deeper Pathways" by Pax MacKenzie - artwork featured in 2024 Moon Diary  
#Facebook/theuplandroad #Instagram:@theuplandroad_presents

 

AQUARIUS NEW MOON Saturday 10 February 2024
Chart calculated for NZDT 11.59 am
Tamaki Makarau/Auckland, NZ

Welcome to the Chinese Lunar Year of the Wood Dragon. The Dragon is the only mythical animal in the Chinese Zodiac.  Dragon years are associated with great strength, positive transformation and interesting challenges. The element of Wood symbolises creativity and adaptability.  Buildings of all kinds are likely to be repurposed or made more sustainable in a Wood Dragon year.

aquarius iconLeave Room in Life for Life  In the Aquarius New Moon chart, a finger of fate aspect formation points to Juno and is pushed by Aquarius and Aries significators.  Tune in to the call of Your Soul.  Who are you?  Why are you here?  Are you being true to your essential Self?  Relationship goddess Juno is in a grand trine with Venus and Uranus presenting surprises.  Expect the unexpected.  In 2024, Juno frequently pairs up with Black Moon Lilith.  On February 25, retrograde Lilith meets retrograde Juno in Virgo, revealing the shadow sides of workaholism and or relationships.  This year we will have multiple opportunities to review the health of work and relationships.Aquarius New Moon chart

Mars ventures into Aquarius on February 13, uniting with big player Pluto on the 14th, prompting a volcanic power surge.  Will this energy continue being intertwined with patriarchal power over dynamics, or could we direct it towards the well-being and benefit of all?  On the 17th, Venus arrives in Aquarius, immediately joining Pluto and empowering us with agapē, a divine and selfless form of unconditional love.  When Venus and Mars meet on the 22nd, we are motivated to act on improving our connections with others.

Heartsong-Kathy-CrabbeOn the 19th, 23rd and 28th, the Sun and Mercury activate the slower-moving planets in Pisces.  Saturn arrived in Pisces in March 2023 and Neptune in 2011.  They will both leave Pisces in early 2026.  Saturn and Neptune have not been in Pisces at the same time since 1847 - 1849 when anesthetics and antiseptics were first used.  Saturn represents form, Neptune formlessness.  Although energetically in contrast, Saturn/Neptune combinations are associated with social reform, minority rights, the foundations of faith, mysticism, realising dreams, making peace with the past, releasing suffering and putting burdens to rest.  Notice conversations around the 29th when Sun and Mercury meet Saturn.  Mercury conjunct Neptune on March 9 stimulates our imagination.  Give artistic dreams expression.  Deepen spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation.
"Heartsong" by Kathy Crabbe - artwork featured in 2024 Moon Diary

 

CAPRICORN NEW MOON Friday 12 January 2024
Chart calculated for NZDT 0.57 am
Tamaki Makarau/Auckland, NZ

If we need to heal, we need to feel

capricorn iconAt the first New Moon of 2024, the Moon meets Pluto on the critical 29th degree, stirring deep emotions.  Let emotions flow, taking responsibility for them rather than pushing feelings down or placing blame elsewhere.  The anarectic 29th degree is associated with difficult decisions, fatalistic endings and urgent change.  The prevailing cardinal signs, Aries and Capricorn, are perfect for bravely facing the unknown and ambitious goal setting.  Mercury into Capricorn on January 14 adds valuable ideas.  Venus conjunct Ceres on the 17th inspires the love of wild open spaces and passion for adventure.

capricorn new moon chart

On the 21st, the Sun meets Pluto in Capricorn, and then both step into Aquarius, ushering in a power-packed evolutionary 20-year-long era.  Pluto's last transit through Aquarius was 248 years ago, from 1778 to 1798, coinciding with the American, French and Industrial revolutions.  In the next 20 years, humanity will transform radically.  What we imagine, we create, so hold fast to positive future visions.  We will likely witness exciting and perhaps scary developments in technology, space exploration, science and medicine.

Venus, in Capricorn from January 23 to February 17, invites the enjoyment of serious pleasures.  Uranus, direct from January 27, and Mercury, conjunct Mars on the 28th, provide opportunities to release resistance or break free from some restraint.  In 2024, Juno often travels in consort with Black Moon Lilith or the Libra South Node, emphasising karmic relationships.  Mercury zips into Aquarius on February 5, befriending Pluto the next day.  The first degree of a sign offers new learnings, a time to deeply ponder new ways of being coming into existence.  Pallas Athene in Sagittarius from February 6 through to May 17 encourages unity, Vesta direct in Gemini from the 8th carries sacred messages, and Ceres into Capricorn from February 8 to December 7 fosters care throughout the year for our home planet Earth.

"Talisman" by Rose Donaghy - artwork featured in 2024 Moon Calendar 

 

SAGITTARIUS NEW MOON Wednesday 13 December 2023
Chart calculated for NZDT 12.32 pm, 
Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, NZ
Sagittarius New Moon Chart
Sagittarius icon
A grand fire trine in the Sagittarius New Moon chart with the Moon's North Node of destiny conjunct Eris may coincide with activism around unfair or wrong situations.  Spiritual warriors will be more strident now with Mars trine Chiron.  Black Moon Lilith in Leo encourages us to uplift others by honouring their unique strengths and talents and to see change as an opportunity.  Those giving voice to fiery passions may believe themselves unheard as Mercury retrogrades in Capricorn.  However, only time will tell if this is or is not so.  Use Mercury's retrograde period for the rest of 2023 to consciously nourish your body.  Does your work satisfy you?  What are your attitudes to all kinds of resources, especially money?  Tune in to the profound insights of the goddesses of love and wisdom.  Venus and Pallas Athene in Scorpio promote appreciation of beauty and the potential for meaningful sexual intimacy.

On December 20, Vesta retrogrades into Gemini for additional information gathering and research.  Raumati, or Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, is on the 22nd when theThd Living Cosmsos - art by Katrina Leah Sun goes into Capricorn, and the Full Moon is in Cancer.  Remember to celebrate the years' achievements amongst the push-pull between home and family and external goals concerning work, money and success.  On the 23rd, the Sun conjuncts Mercury as the winged messenger backs into Sagittarius.  Enjoy an exhilaratingly wide variety of thoughts and revelations now, and get the ball rolling on innovative plans as Mercury moves into conjunction with Mars on the 28th.   

On the 27th, Chiron goes direct, resolving some of the New Moon activism.  Venus into Sagittarius on the 30th implies romantic adventures, while Jupiter moving direct on the 31st generates expansive feelings about life and refreshes our optimism around future security.
2023 Diary artwork "The Living Cosmos" by Katrina Leah
Instagram@katrinaleahart

 
SCORPIO NEW MOON Monday 13 November 2023
Chart Calculated for NZDT 10.28 pm, Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, NZ 

 

Scorpio glyphTrines in the Fire and Water signs help us navigate the erratic and tricky aspects in the Scorpio New Moon chart.  Eris, North Node in Aries, Neptune in Pisces, Uranus in Taurus, Lilith in Leo, South Node, Pallas Athene in Libra, the Sun, Moon, Mars, and Ceres in ScScorpio New Moon chartorpio are all closely involved.  The stormy teacup sesquares, seesaw quincunxes, challenging oppositions and confrontational squares ask us: Are we brave enough to stand up for what we believe in?  Can we draw on the wisdom of the past, call on the healing power of love and envision a better future for all?

The Sun catches up with Mars on the 18th, demanding honesty, while on the 19th, Pallas Athene begins a 3-month journey through Scorpio, inviting a deep dive into core insights and nitty-gritty wisdom.  Horizons expand between the 21st and the 25th when Sun, Ceres, and Mars meet and cross into Sagittarius.  We may become more eager to explore and acquire new knowledge.  A friendly Full Moon in Gemini on the 27th opens valuable lines of communication.  Cardinal Fire is dominant in the Full Moon chart - great for getting a critical initiative underway. 

Mercury into Capricorn on December 2 is perfect for careful planning, shrewd thinking and material success in business, while Venus into Scorpio on the 5th adds seductive glamour.  In his book, All Around the Zodiac, Bil Tierney writes (about Venus in Scorpio): “Love is never a frivolous pursuit; in fact, it can help motivate us to reexamine emotional values needing an overhaul or a rebirth”.  In the days after Neptune goes Direct on the 7th, our mental skies may brighten and clear. We may see our known world and beyond in an inspiringly fresh way. Telepathic connections and synchronistic events are likely to occur with greater frequency now.
2023 Diary artwork "Hine-nui-te-põ" by Sofia Minson  www.NewZealandArtwork.com