OUR PERCEPTIONS of reality are shifting, as circumstances compel us to become more introspective. In this time of great transformation, the familiar forms wash away, and we enter a void. We can either try to fill that often uncomfortable space, quickly and indiscriminately, or we can allow it to exist and see what unfolds. 

We are also drawn inward now for respite and renewal when the noise of the outside world is excessive, or when the waves of ongoing change overwhelm us. We are aware of the need to develop a greater inner strength and faith to help us navigate the unknowns of daily life.

As we wander through our internal landscape, we come face-to-face with ourselves – our own thoughts, emotions, and attitudes. This increased self-awareness gives us the ability to make new choices about who we are and how we want to be in the world. We begin to see life experience from the inside out instead of from the outside in.

OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, all of these steps in the process of consciousness expansion will be greatly and perhaps dramatically accelerated. Significant developments, both internally and externally, are being activated by the Aquarius New Moon this Thursday and next week's exact Saturn-Uranus square.

In truth, it is hard to separate out these two events, since the influence of the Saturn-Uranus square is tightly woven into the New Moon chart. We can more accurately think of it as a continuous wave of energy over this two-week period. Mercury will also be retrograde throughout this next fortnight, making it an ideal time for going within to process our experience.

THE NEW MOON occurs on Thursday, February 11, at 11:05 a.m. PST (7:05 p.m. GMT). At the time of the event, the Sun and Moon will conjoin at 23°16´ Aquarius.

This lunation is strongly Aquarian, with six planets plus the asteroid Pallas Athene in the eleventh sign. In its most enlightened expression, Aquarius is progressive, innovative, visionary, ethical, and altruistic. It has extensive knowledge, wishes to cooperate, and connects to a higher state of consciousness when making decisions.

But each sign has a shadow side, and Aquarius can also be opinionated, impetuous, unsympathetic, rebellious, and reclusive. All of these qualities – the light and the shadow – are being strongly experienced and expressed by the collective now, and will be heightened around the time of this week's New Moon.

THE DYNAMIC POTENTIALS of this lunation lie in the fact that it highlights the effects of the Saturn-Uranus square, and that all seven planetary objects in Aquarius are in hard square aspect to planets in Taurus. Aquarius and Taurus are both fixed signs, which means they can stubbornly resist seeing an issue from another point of view. 

On the one hand, Saturn in Aquarius is pushing us to quickly establish a new social order; on the other hand, Uranus in Taurus reminds us that there are still many values and forms that must be radically altered if we are to live together in peace, and in harmony with planet Earth. The square aspects at the time of the New Moon represent the great divide between these agendas, and creates a tension that needs to be released.

We will be dealing with these issues not only on Thursday, but also throughout the new lunar cycle. As always when the planet Uranus is involved, we can "expect the unexpected" during this time – surprising, earthquake-like events that can potentially awaken social consciousness and set humanity on a new course.

ON A SPIRITUAL LEVEL, this square between the planets in Aquarius and Taurus represents the breakdown of an old consciousness that has become too limiting. The amount of stress involved in this process for each individual depends on how attached we are to our old attitudes and perspectives. Breakdowns can quickly lead to breakthroughs if we are willing to leave the past behind.

The Omega/Chandra symbols from John Sandbach provide some insights into the spiritual and evolutionary potentials of this New Moon. Here are the symbols for the 24th degree of Aquarius:

Omega symbol: “A helicopter depositing a man on the top of the Great Pyramid.” What is difficult becomes easy with help. This degree is open to help from any and all sources. It knows that the access to anything can be immediate if the support is there, combined with confidence in the belief of this fact. Here is a desire to facilitate the process of everyone’s unfoldment and therefore an antidote to destructive competitiveness.

Chandra symbol: “A large brown bear picking and eating apples.” Here is a refreshingly direct gratification of self, which is both innocent and healthy. It may, however, be unacceptable to those who want a more formal, civilized approach to life, and who expect this large brown bear to justify its actions. This degree teaches us that everything can be made much easier and simpler than we’ve thought, although there may be a price to pay in terms of intimidating others or going against what they think proper.

PLANETARY ASPECTS that perfect on the other days of this coming week are all contained in the chart for the lunation. Here are my brief interpretations of these aspects by the day that they occur – but keep in mind that these energies are also woven into the New Moon and the new lunar cycle:

MONDAY
Sun conjunct Mercury: With Mercury retrograde, this is a good time to review any new information that has recently come into our awareness, as well as the intuitive "hits" we've received. We can use this conjunction to check our sources and to use our inner knowing to authenticate or dismiss what we've learned. If we decide to integrate new ideas into our understanding of reality, this is a good time to meditate on ways to alter habits of thought that are based on outdated perspectives. 

TUESDAY
Sun conjunct Pallas Athene: This conjunction highlights an intuitive knowing of strategies and solutions that will lead humankind into the future. It also promotes humanitarian causes and grassroots protests.
Sun semisquare Chiron: A lack of self-confidence, or a fear of having our needs disrespected or ignored, can block our ability to envision a better tomorrow.

WEDNESDAY
Mercury square Mars: Angry words are exchanged, in frustration over not having basic needs met. There is stubborn resistance on both sides of an argument.

THURSDAY
Venus conjunct Jupiter: An opportunity to begin anew in a relationship or financial endeavor. We have a greater optimism and sense of hope with this conjunction, but are advised not to overestimate our potentials.
New Moon: See earlier paragraphs.

FRIDAY
Mercury conjunct Venus: A good aspect for creative writing, journaling, or for exchanging ideas with a friend.

SATURDAY
Mars sextile Neptune: A better ability to align our desires and actions with our higher purpose. Spiritual ideals inform our practical choices.

SUNDAY
Mercury conjunct Jupiter: A major download of intuitive information and insights. New ideas can inspire greater hope and optimism.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: Many insights are available to you now, empowering you to make new decisions about your life direction. However, you may meet with some resistance, from others or from yourself, due to the radical nature of the new possibilities. This is an opportunity to get in touch with your potentials, and to gain a greater sense of your innate wisdom. Challenges that arise are an opportunity for you to build self-confidence as you face and overcome any obstacles. (Solar Return Sun square Mars, conjunct Pallas Athene)

In Gratitude and Light,

Pam

Highlighted Aspects this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• MON: Sun conjunct Mercury
• TUE: Sun conjunct Pallas Athene, Sun semisquare Chiron
• WED: Mercury square Mars
• THU: Venus conjunct Jupiter, Aquarius New Moon 11:05 a.m. PST
• FRI: Mercury conjunct Venus
• SAT: Mars sextile Neptune
• SUN: Mercury conjunct Jupiter

WEBINAR REPLAY: If you missed my recent "Uncharted Waters" webinar, you can still purchase the video replay and monthly calendars! In the class, I talked about the planetary influences we'll be working with January through April 2021. To purchase the replay and calendars, please send an email with "Webinar Replay" in the subject line to .