On March 21st at 12:23 p.m. CDT, the moon will align with the sun in 0°49′ of Aries, igniting a fire of transformation. This new moon invites us into a deeper level of self-trust to anchor into our purpose and trailblaze our new evolutionary path. We bring our intention and focus to where we wish to shape and harness our creative energy.
This new moon marks the start of the astrological calendar year, and as such, we begin a new cycle in the Aries area of our lives. We awaken to the new inspiration and clarity, aligning our divine purpose with our next steps. Like a bow and arrow preparing for its target, we pull back to direct our focus with dedication, precision and decisiveness. This is not the energy to dive headfirst without thinking things through. True wisdom lies in listening deeply to what is emerging and in pausing to sense our surroundings in the moment before responding. We meet this new cycle with a higher level of soul esteem, one which provides the requisite presence and intuitive insight. This lunation sparks the beginning of an evolutionary journey. This is the call of the sacred warrior to cultivate the courage to act from anchored self-connection.
This new moon is remarkable in multiple ways. First, it is the fourth of four super new moons in a row. Supermoons occur when the moon is full or new and at its closest point to Earth. They generate increased gravitational and electromagnetic forces, significantly influencing our physical, mental, and emotional bodies. Second, this is the first of two consecutive new moons in the same sign. On April 20th, a new moon will emerge in Aries, and we’ll also experience a North Node Solar Eclipse in this fierce sign. It has been 19 years since we’ve had two new Aries new moons. An additional unique aspect of this new moon is that it occurs in its early degree. As Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac in a cardinal sign that initiates a new season in this very early degree, there is a specificity of new beginnings and initiation energy. This Super New Moon takes place less than 24 hours after the Spring Equinox (Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, Autumn Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere), also known as the vernal equinox, which happens when the sun enters the sign of Aries at 0 degrees. This means that the energies for the next two to four weeks are particularly potent where we wish to breathe new sparks of light, initiate change and create something new.
This lunation offers a cosmic reset. After the last several weeks of wrapping up the old, we create the space and freedom to embark upon the new. When we give ourselves a sacred moment, we connect to inspiration, curiosity and divine guidance. We are invited to trust the creative spark and allow it to lead us to the next step.
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
Jennifer Lee
The Aries Archetype
As the first zodiac sign, Aries is a cardinal sign that embodies the spirit of initiation. For centuries this energy has been associated with the Sacred Warrior archetype, symbolized in Ancient Greek mythology as Ares, god of war and protector of humankind. The purifying fire associated with Aries helps to create something from nothing and gives birth to new life. The natural impulses from this zodiac sign are often like wildfire that can spread rapidly when harnessing their inner leader role to get things done; however, if not appropriately managed, they risk burning out just as fast.
Aries is engaging in the developmental process of becoming more aware of itself and its impact on the world. An evolutionary need exists to initiate change, try things out, learn from life experience and stay connected to a solid instinctual impulse, which guides them in the moment. It is essential to focus and direct energy to where it’s needed, and this drive in Aries is often very self-focused. Its desire for freedom, independence and space to express is, in fact, so powerful that Aries is often unaware of their effects on others. A crucial part of the development and maturing of this archetype is to practice going within and reflecting on the outcome of their actions and the consequence of their choices. They begin to understand how their choices affect the people in their lives and the world around them. They intuitively feel if it is in alignment with their soul’s desire. Through this practice, Aries becomes self-directed, trusts their instincts and lives from internal validation. It is an important part that furthers their development of cultivating courage, confidence and leadership within this archetype. Leadership means using their inner strength to achieve success, to lead themselves and embody their sacred warrior. They can overcome obstacles with great courage and resilience and know when to engage and respond to life events.
In its highest expression Aries follows inspiration in a way that purposefully and intentionally directs its energy to blaze a trail for others to follow: Anchoring in their independence, allowing life experience to inform their next course of action and trusting their instincts to pioneer the way.
“Once you commit to believing that you can trust yourself, your positive internal voice will eventually become louder than the negative external voices. Trusting what you hear—whether or not those around you agree with you—is a powerful and important step.”
Iyanla Vanzant
The shadow of Aries occurs when the desire for independence becomes a goal in and of itself, and there is a disconnect to the higher cause or purpose it is meant to serve.
Aries can also be impulsive and reactive, perceiving adversity and threats that lead to unnecessary confrontations and battles. The true power of the sacred warrior, however, is in learning to feel their anger and agitation, allowing their intuition to guide their next steps instead of just reacting. Often our anger informs us of a boundary violation or a call to stand up courageously to advocate for a higher cause. Our anger can be sacred. Our feelings fire our intuitive compass. The wise warrior knows when to engage in a spar and when not to engage.
Another shadow aspect of Aries is reckless risk-taking and the tendency to push themselves past their limits, which can lead to injury or self-sabotage. This occurs when we abandon our instincts or seek the thrill of the experience. The competitive nature, high energy and adrenaline that fuels Aries should not override our intuitive knowing. Through presence, we learn how to test limits, overcome obstacles and forage ahead despite fear.
We Are Invited to Cultivate a Beginner’s Mind
This lunation activates a new cycle ahead. We are invited to surrender our expectations and preconceived notions and embark upon this journey with fresh eyes and an open mind. We shed assumptions and open to possibility and wonder. We cultivate the enthusiasm and presence of an explorer. We move with the eagerness and hope of a journeyman and allow it to fuel and sustain us throughout our expedition. When we don’t know what to expect, we are more open to being teachable and a richer life experience. We notice more about the people and environments around us. We can move quickly, release fear and embrace the unknown. Through this state, we gain the most information from our experience to cultivate the wisdom to facilitate our soul’s intention.
We are invited to release the masks we wear and identities we often attach to and explore what naturally flows towards and through us.
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
E.E. Cummings
Cosmic Weather
The new moon is conjunct Mercury in Aries, Neptune in Pisces and square Mars in Gemini. Mercury and Mars are journeying in each other’s ruling signs. This planetary configuration allows us to learn faster, absorb relevant information and engage in dialogues that propel us beyond our comfort zone. The square between the new moon and Mars reminds us of the true wisdom of knowing when to act and how to best respond to the energies engaging with us. This is an opportunity to deal with the consequences of the results from the choices and burn through the karma needed to be dealt with to move forward.
The sun and moon make a semisquare to Uranus in Taurus. This combination may bring sudden changes and truth to light that help inform an important decision in our lives. If we are willing to face that which arises, it can foment robust growth.
The new moon is opposite Ceres in Libra. This aspect encourages us to nurture our intuitive, creative voice and divine feminine power. Ceres shows us where we create winter for ourselves through fear and our aversion to owning our creativity.
Mars in Gemini squaring Neptune to Pisces. This aspect may make it challenging to see the reality of the situation. Our imagination and passions color a more subjective reality. We may feel scattered or overwhelmed at times. We may feel at odds between our cosmic intelligence and our intellect. The key is to be adaptable and create space to listen to our intuitive knowing to guide us into truth and the appropriate time to act.
Mars makes a Quincunx to Pluto in this new moon chart. This brings a strong desire to fulfill your deepest desires. You may become feistier and more competitive than usual as you prioritize achieving what you want. This may elicit fierce resistance and aggression from others. If we can use this aspect to direct our focus, we can achieve success and access new levels of empowerment.
Pluto is beginning a T square to the nodal axis, where it will remain until November of 2023. This begins a gradual transformation of society towards empowerment and benefits to the people and breaks free from the power and control by the rich. On March 23rd, Pluto will leave Capricorn for the first time in 15 years and enter the sign of Aquarius. This amplifies an evolutionary impulse for a shift in consciousness to create a more equitable society. As Pluto makes its first entry in Aquarius for the next two months and three weeks, we will receive a preview of the themes we will deal with for the next 20 years. Pluto brings long-term transformation and brings to light what disempowers us so we may evolve and access more of our power.
The new moon is quincunx Haumea and Persephone, and square Hekate. The presence of these goddesses in this new moon speaks to significant transformative and rebirth energy. They remind us of our psychic sight and ability to tune into what desires to be birthed through us. We emerge again after the dark night cycle to recognize our ability to heal and claim our wholeness.
“The Universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want you already are.”
Rumi
The Invitation
This lunation strips away our outgrown internal beliefs and programming. Our old defenses have created too much restriction in our lives, and we embody the sacred wisdom and authenticity that is our birthright. We feel our fire and allow it to inform and inspire our next action. We follow our hearts to where we are called to serve. We are attuning to the rhythm of new growth pulsing with life force, about to break ground. This process initiates a new level of implicit trust. We dare to begin again. We have faith in life’s process, knowing we can count on our instincts to guide us through whatever life brings and open the door to freedom.
This is a critical time to attune to the new growth sprouting and tend to our purpose as our spiritual practice. We dance with the spark of creativity that guides us as we move into new forms. How we show up to engage our life experience with courage, connection and presence determines which cosmic door we discover.
“Radiant One,
The life essence carries on is play
Through the pulsing rhythm
Of outward and inward movement.
This is the ceaseless throb, the rhythm of life-
Terrifying in its eternity, exquisite in its constancy.
The inhalation, the return movement of breath,
Sustains life.
The outgoing breath
Purifies life.
These are the two poles
Between which respiration goes on unceasingly.
Between them is every delight that you desire.
Even when the senses are turned outward,
Your attention on the external world,
Attend also to the inner throb,
The pulsing of the creative impulse within you.”
Lorin Roche, The Radiance Sutras