In the Pacific Time Zone, the New Moon will occur at 11:05 a.m. on Thursday, February 11. This New Moon finds the Moon and Sun conjunct (0°) at 24° of Aquarius. To further clarify how this New Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 24° of Aquarius in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with that house are going to be most influenced by this New Moon’s presence.
The New Moon, as usual, means we have an opportunity for a new emotional start in the areas associated with the sign. However, at the end of my last Moon Update, I mentioned that the New Moon occurring in February was going to be even more influenced by the sign of Aquarius than any other time during this Aquarius-focused year. This is so true! Yes, this is an Aquarius New Moon in Aquarius, which means the Sun and Moon are both in the sign of the water bearer. However, we also have Mercury (in retrograde), Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn in Aquarius. That’s 6 out of the possible 10 planets! (NOTE: The asteroid Pallas is also located in Aquarius, but we have enough to talk about without adding that to the mix!)
Different astrologers have different methods for determining what constitutes a planetary configuration that we refer to as a stellium. A stellium occurs when 3 (sometimes 4) planets are close enough to each other to be conjunct (0°). Without going into detail, let’s just say that this grouping meets even the most stringent requirements. It’s a major stellium!
When a stelliums exists, then the energy of the planets that are involved no longer act independently; instead, they blend together and form a type of “super planet.” Whatever else might be going on astrologically is secondary to a stellium. It gives incredible importance to the sign. Consequently, this Moon Update will be different than most. Rather than talk about the individual planets that are involved in the stellium, we need to explore the sign of Aquarius.
Aquarius is one of the signs that has 2 rulers. The classical ruler was Saturn. With the invention of telescopes, the planet of Uranus was discovered in 1781. Given Saturn was also ruling Capricorn in the classical rulership system, astrologers eventually decided that Uranus seemed to be a more appropriate ruler of Aquarius. Therefore, Saturn is referred to as the modern ruler of Aquarius.
Saturn is very different than Uranus. Saturn is the planet associated with structure, order, discipline, control, responsibilities, and wisdom gained through life lessons. Uranus is associated with sudden change, invention, originality, rebelliousness, and humanitarianism (including feeling responsible for everyone!). Some astrologers believe that Saturn is still the ruler of Aquarius, while others believe Uranus is the true ruler. And, some astrologers believe that both rulers influence the qualities of Aquarius.
I am personally a modern astrologer, so I lean toward the modern ruler of Uranus. I also have my Sun in Aquarius, have two siblings with Aquarian Suns, an uncle and nephew who are Aquarians, and numerous friends who are also Aquarians. In short, I know this sign well! I find Uranus to be much more representative of Aquarius than Saturn. But every astrologer does have a right to choose which ruler of this sign they prefer to interpret.
One thing that all astrologers agree on is that Aquarius is a fixed air sign. The element of air focuses on thinking and communication. The fixed modality makes this sign persistent, focused, and determined. However, fixed signs don’t like change; so, the fixed modality can also make those airy thoughts become rigid and inflexible.
As you can see, if Uranus is the true ruler of Aquarius, this puts the sign in a bit of a quandary. Uranus is all about change, but Aquarians may resist change. It’s a strange conundrum, but it’s one that almost every Aquarian is acutely aware of. We do want future changes that move our lives and humanity toward a better future, but we can get fixated (i.e., fixed sign) on issues such as how we think the future should look and how progress should happen. We will talk about this again shortly.
As we have been discussing since the Grand Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius on December 21, 2020, the sign of Aquarius and the issue of change will be important as we move into 2021 and beyond. Many of the planets listed above that are in the stellium will remain in this progressive sign for at least the next 4 weeks. Some astrologers are predicting that we may look back at this time period as when we began a journey in a whole new direction, either individually or as a society.
Again, without going into a lot of detail, the specific planets involved in this stellium can provide some insights into how all this will play out. The New Moon (i.e., Sun and Moon) brings a new emotional start in all-things-Aquarian. Having Saturn in the mix provides us with the discipline and the willingness to work hard toward any needed changes to the structures in our lives. Jupiter will bring optimism and hope for possibilities, and its conjunction (0°) with Mercury can bring new ideas. The conjunction between Mercury and Venus means we will be thinking about what we desire. However, given Mercury is still in retrograde, we may struggle to find the right words to express those needs. It may be best to remember that until Mercury goes direct (see next paragraph), our ideas may not be ready for “prime time” quite yet.
The only planet in retrograde right now is Mercury. Actually, Mercury may be the proverbial “fly in the ointment” and provide insights into how upcoming changes unfold. With so many planets moving direct, this would normally mean that we could move full steam ahead. But Mercury is telling us, “Hold on, wait just a minute, let’s think this through first.” Although Mercury’s influence may feel annoying, it is likely that, in retrospect, we will see the wisdom in reviewing a situation before moving forward. But, any forward motion may happen once Mercury goes direct on Saturday, February 20. At that point, all 10 planets will be moving direct until the end of April when Pluto will begin its annual retrograde phase. Therefore, patience may be called for during the next week or so, but we won’t have to wait too long.
So, how can we best use the time around the New Moon and the week or so before Mercury goes direct? This is a good time to catch our breath before the next big wave of change hits. Given the fixed air qualities of Aquarius, it would also be beneficial to use this time to do some inner exploration (retrograde) to make sure that we aren’t attached (fixed sign) to what we think or believe (air sign). If we are “stuck,” this may manifest as not being open to the viewpoints of others. We should also make sure we aren’t becoming judgmental of those who do not share our beliefs or think the way we do, which would be opposed to the higher expression of Aquarius’s humanitarian focus. As much as possible, we need to let go of any rigid (fixed sign) attachments to ideas (air sign) so we can move through change. It may help to think of the flow of liquid nourishment that the water bearer is providing to the parched earth. Growth happens when provided with the ability to flow.
It is clear that change is definitely emphasized, and this could possibly be volatile change. All of the planets in the Aquarian stellium are either squaring (90°) Mars or Uranus at the time of the New Moon. Both Mars and Uranus are located in Taurus, which is another fixed sign (e.g., focused, determined, persistent, stubborn, fixated, resistant to change). Again, squares indicate that change is needed. Mars is providing the energy we need in order to take action, and Uranus is emphasizing change, which can veer into rebellion if we feel our independence is being blocked. Additionally, given Uranus is connected to so many of the planets in Aquarius AND Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, this amplifies the power and energy of Uranus. Any changes that occur could be the result of sudden and/or unexpected events around the time of the New Moon. For some of us, it may feel like the earth is constantly shifting beneath our feet, leaving us feeling more unsteady than usual. Just remember, this, too, shall pass!
Although the present time period is intense, the emphasis on change is going to be a year-long situation. At the time of the Aquarian New Moon, we will be feeling the effects of the first of the three exact squares (90°) between Saturn and Uranus, which becomes exact on Wednesday, February 17. In fact, this first square has already been influencing us for several weeks, and it will continue to influence us for the next few weeks (i.e., into early March). Notice that Saturn is the classical ruler and Uranus is the modern ruler of Aquarius. Therefore, this Saturn-Uranus square is heavily Aquarian.
As we have been discussing in the last 3 Moon Updates, the three Saturn-Uranus squares will be the most profound astrological influence of 2021. Just to summarize: Saturn has to do with structures, Uranus has to do with change, and squares indicate that a change in direction is needed. Put this all together, and it’s likely that we will experience some unexpected events that show us where changes are needed in the structures in our lives. The structures could be on a personal level (e.g., home, family, work) or in a broader sense (e.g., communities, political systems, society). Where 2020 might be described as breaking down of structures, 2021 is a year in which we will see shifts occurring that lead to long-lasting change in structures.
When there is a series of three aspects, often there is a pattern to how these three events will unfold. This first one, which is occurring now, often is the “wake-up call.” It’s when we begin to see what is needed. The second Saturn-Uranus square (which will be exact on June 14) is when we will likely dig deep and start making the necessary adjustments that we first became aware of during the first event. The final one (which will be exact on December 24) is often when we have made some adjustments but this is a “last chance” to either (a) do the final work (e.g., if we’ve been in denial or using avoidance) or (b) make any final adjustments.
On Thursday, February 18, the Sun moves out of Aquarius and into Pisces. The humanitarianism of Aquarius evolves into deep empathy, selfless love, and altruism. Because Pisces is a water sign, it has an intuitive, deep understanding that we are all One; but it might find it hard to express that understanding in words. We become much more adaptable and flexible during the next 4 weeks, which will be a blessing given we are still under the influence of the Saturn-Uranus square. We do lose some of the Aquarian objectivity, and emotions are much more likely to be close to the surface now. We do need to be careful not to slip into the lower expression of Piscean energy, including victimization, addiction, and martyrdom. But it is likely that the Sun’s shift into Pisces will feel lighter compared to when the Sun was with all those other planets in Aquarius.
Then on Saturday, February 20, Mercury will end its retrograde period and move direct again (but still in Aquarius). As mentioned above, once Mercury is moving direct, there will be no planets in retrograde until the end of April. Although it will take a few days to gain speed, it is very likely that this lack of retrograde planets will serve as a green light for many of those shifts and adjustments that we were thinking about while Mercury was moving in retrograde.
Overall, this Aquarian New Moon is all about Aquarius! This fixed air sign is known for being independent but also dedicated to its principles, especially those related to supporting those who are perceived as “in need.” It is the reformer energy; consequently, it will go after any perceived injustices and support causes. Its focus is on making a better future and doing what is needed to support whatever changes might be needed to get there. Basically, given the plethora of Aquarian energy, “resistance is futile” when it comes to moving forward into the future. The influence of the first of three squares between Saturn and Uranus simply adds to the need for all of us to remain flexible because the unexpected is to be expected when it comes to the structures in our lives. It will help if we can all keep in mind that these changes are needed and, perhaps, even overdue. The birth process can be messy, but the end result is always worth the effort. As I’ll probably say many times this year, whenever Uranian energy is involved, the only true challenge occurs if we resist change. Not resisting, though, will require words that many human beings doing fine comfortable: surrender, let go, release control. If it helps, those words can become a mantra for 2021 because none of us will be able to stop this baby from being born.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE NEW & FULL MOON REPORTS?
If you are not already on our email list, please be sure to join so you are guaranteed to receive her New & Full Moon Reports.
THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN BY
- Anne Reith, Ph.D. (AnneReith.com)
- For information about Dr. Reith’s downloadable ebooks and meditations, feel free to visit her online Store
SOME INFORMATION TAKEN FROM
- The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
- Various online sources (e.g., www.cafeastrology.com)
REMINDER
- New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.
NEW MOON
New Moon at 24° of Aquarius
- Thursday, February 11, 2021, 11:05 a.m. PST
- Thursday, February 11, 2021, 2:05 p.m. EST
- Thursday, February 11, 2021, 7:05 p.m. GMT