Reimagining for the New Moon in Aries
on making resolutions again
“Everything happened after I was born.”
-Leonora Carrington, who was of course born with the Sun (& Venus, & Mars) in Aries.
I’m writing today to tell you about the New Moon in Aries (exact on April 1 at 2:24 AM EDT). But before we get into my interpretation of what’s happening up in the sky, I’m wondering what you have to tell me about this upcoming lunation? What’s going on with you? What are you excited about? Do you feel things getting unstuck? How are you going to initiate? I ask the way an Aries would, not to judge, but so I can be your cheerleader.
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. Our cardinal fire sign expresses with no shame. If you want to know the truth of the situation, ask your Aries friend. They won’t hesitate to tell you exactly what they think. Aries easily insists, “I’m right” and has no problem saying, “You’re wrong.” But this is less about arrogance and more about impatience. Aries is always ready to begin. A spark. A tiny ball of fire meant to journey and expand. Take their advice or leave it, they’re already halfway up the mountain without you. Not because they’re not listening, but because what they’re best at is making space. So do your stretches and try to catch up.
Something that cannot be ignored is that the New Moon goes exact at 11º Aries, exactly conjunct Chiron, a minor planet named for the myth of the wounded healer. When Chiron’s involved, what needs healing becomes extremely obvious, and can also become our strength. Interestingly, the New Moon in Aries of March 24, 2020 was also conjunct Chiron. Then, as in now, we can no longer pretend to be fine. When someone (perhaps an Aries) asks, “What’s wrong?” We can no longer coyly reply, “Oh nothing.” This New Moon also comes the day before a Mercury cazimi (when Mercury goes into the heart of the sun)—an inspired breakthrough, a moment of mental clarity. Aries blurts it allllllllllll out. This is a New Moon for giving our two weeks, breaking up with draining collaborators, switching baristas, and admitting that we’ll simply never finish that book and that’s OK. But it’s also for holding tight to what makes us feel good: the enduring lovers, the exhilarating crushes, the glimmering new opportunities, even if we’re feeling down. What if healing was the project all along?
We’re coming out of a long, difficult winter, and heading into a spiraling, cathartic spring. I’m not going to lie, the astrology of 2022 isn’t worse than the astrology of 2021 (and it’s definitely far better than the astrology of 2020), but the highs are much higher and the lows are very low. It’s like taking a ride on a bumpy wooden rollercoaster built in 1929. Review: I want a refund, but also would ride again.
This New Moon is ruled by Mars in Aquarius, giving this Aries lunation a less impulsive and more thoughtful approach. To add discernment, Mars makes an exact conjunction to Saturn on April 4—an aspect which, to put it lightly, restricts movement.
The last Mars-Saturn conjunction was on March 31, 2020. I don’t think I have to remind you what was going on in the world in March 2020, and this aspect which basically spells lockdown. But the date itself is interesting to me. March 31 was 20 days after the CDC declared a COVID-19 a pandemic, when the Two Weeks To Flatten The Curve! deadline was definitively missed, and it was clear that life as we knew it would never be the same. Sobering, to put it lightly. Saturn giveth and Saturn taketh away.
The reason 2020’s Mars-Saturn aspect was so extreme and life-changing has a lot to do with the rest of the astrology of 2020. This year’s Mars-Saturn conjunction isn’t the same, and though it won’t bring another lockdown, it does imply that we need to act with more caution, that as things rapidly change, we need to consider the consequences of our actions. Things may not be getting worse, but they won’t be immediately better. There’s freedom in a fresh start, but we need to handle our choices with care. The first brush strokes are critical if we want to avoid making a muddy mess.
With the low of Mars-Saturn, we also get the high of Venus moving into Pisces which happens the next day on April 5. Venus’ annual visit to her sign of exaltation reads as an apology for all the difficulty of the previous day, month, few years. Venus has been in rough condition since November 2021 and this is her moment of breaking free, finding sweetness and beauty after all that suffering. Venus in Pisces is unlimited love, impossible to contain. This is both aspirational and terrifying but after so much strain, it’s at least joyful, buoyant and, honestly, couture.
The last thing I’ll say about this New Moon is that at 11º Aries, it falls exactly square to the New Moon in Capricorn from earlier this year, on January 2, putting this current moment in direct conversation with the calendrical New Year. Winter is a lot like the New Moon, we’re starting fresh but also in the dark. Winter Energy is pure potential, a seed waiting to break ground. Resolutions set at the beginning of the year likely need to be revisited and reimagined now that we have more information. The Spring, on the other hand, is like the First Quarter Moon, when we’re thrown into the action head first, going too fast around the bend in our car, there’s nothing we can do but keep going because coming to a complete stop is more dangerous. You have the foundation, now it’s time to set yourself in motion.
Again, I don’t necessarily want to tell you what this motion is or how it will be set. I have ideas about what it means for you, but in Aries time especially, we lead with our gut, bluntly wearing our heart on our sleeve. But horoscopes follow for each sign. If you know your rising sign, read for that! Tbh, reading any/all of the signs will give you something. If you want to dig into more of how this New Moon & the absolutely bonkers whirlwind of April’s astrology interacts with your chart, you can book a reading here. The best way to support to my work is by purchasing a paid subscription to this newsletter.
Aries
you’re accepting how much power you have in the world. how can you take better care of yourself so you can more joyously fill that space?
Taurus
you’re confident in the path you’ve chosen to take, but where can you get lost a little in pursuit of greater discovery?
Gemini
you’re aware of the risks you must take to fully be yourself around others. how can you share more of your story with your eager fans?
Cancer
your support system is transformed but stronger than ever. how can you be more audacious, confident in your voice and your true calling?
Leo
you know exactly how much effort it takes to keep your body and mind well. how can you find more freedom and joy in this wisdom?
Virgo
you’re confident that your creativity can weather any dry spell. how can you connect with more collaborators who inspire you everyday?
Libra
despite the noise, you know that your most reliable home is the love you have for yourself. who do you want to share this deep knowing with?
Scorpio
your immediate environment is much quieter than it was a year ago. how can you find more immediate joy in your daily routines?
Sagittarius
you know when enough is enough, in many different ways. how can you invite more romance and creativity into your upgraded life?
Capricorn
your knees are creakier than ever but you love how they remind you that you’re alive. how can you incorporate the rituals of your ancestors into your self care?
Aquarius
you know exactly where to sit to get the widest birds eye view. as you circle back down to earth, how can you change up the path that takes you from here to there?
Pisces
you know exactly what your responsibilities are to your friends, audience, and community. how can you be more blunt in the moments you need help?
Once again, truly insightful Jaime. Many thanks