Aquarius New Moon: Onward and Upward

There has been much debate about when the Aquarian Age actually begins. Some say it already has, with the explosion of “peace, love and equality” that happened in the mid-to-late Sixties, when Uranus (modern ruler of Aquarius) joined do-or-die Pluto in earth-conscious, solution-oriented Virgo. Others are speculating that the December 2020 Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Aquarius, which launches a 200-year period of Jupiter-Saturn pairings in brilliant, tech-savvy air signs, will signify the true start of the Aquarian Age.

Either way, change is upon us – which is alarming but also encouraging. In a recent article in the New York Times, Kara Swisher observes that tech investors are finally starting to turn their attention to combating climate change – with Bill Gates leading the way. Swisher notes an explosion of interest and investment in battery storage, renewables, green building and artificial intelligence that can help us understand climate data, as well as inventions to help improve the food ecosystem and clean up the planet.

Offering even more hope, in a recent editorial in the Financial Times, David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, unveiled his $750 billion plan for a decade of investing and financing that will cover nine climate-critical areas like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and carbon reductions. With this move, Goldman Sachs becomes the first major U.S. bank to prohibit financing for Arctic oil drilling and to establish explicit limits on financing for the oil and gas sector.

We often catch glimpses of what is to come when the Sun moves through visionary Aquarius. This lightening up of energy is particularly welcome now, after the recent pile-up of planets in heavy-handed Capricorn. Friday’s Aquarius New Moon (Jan. 24, 1:41 p.m. PST) is marked by movement and change. As they embrace at 4 degrees Aquarius, the Sun and Moon square lightning-quick Uranus (the Sun-Uranus square is exact on Wednesday night, so we’ll feel this restless vibe sooner). All this Uranus/Aquarius energy bodes well for brilliant ideas and solutions, and breaking out of ruts. But there may also be unexpected events or shakeups, whether in your personal life or the world at large. Stay as mindful as possible this week, so you can surf this energy wisely.

How to stay grounded, prepare for coming changes, or deal with current ones? Developing a consistent spiritual practice is the key. This can be anything that unites you daily with your higher self – from meditation to prayer, chanting or deep breathing, to connecting with the earth. I don’t know what I’d do without my morning chants and communion with Isis, Ganesh, Lakshmi, Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Saturn, my ancestors and totem animals (I like to cover all the bases!).

Be aware, though, that once you commit to a consistent spiritual practice, Spirit is apt to rush in and bring your desired changes in the form of challenging experiences that serve to clear away the old and call forth your higher potential. Unity minister Catherine Ponder, known for her books on prosperity consciousness, called this “chemicalization.” It’s a process where things seem to get worse before they get better. So if this is happening for you, or you’re distraught about the state of the world, take heart. We are passing through a portal of change on our way to creating the Aquarian Age. Reach out to others when you need support, and share your support with them. Together, we will prevail!