The New Moon in Capricorn tonight hits us like a ton of
bricks as we also kick off the real start of the New Year. It’s as if the
planets are saying, “Wake up, sleepyhead! It’s 2018 already. People, we’ve got work to do!”
So many persistent planets are pounding on the door – Sun, Moon, Pluto,
and Venus all teamed up in Capricorn, clamoring for us to get a move on. It’s like
a parent trying to wake up the sleepy teenager after winter break. Pillow over
head. Shades drawn. Mom raps on the door… “Time to get up. Go back to school.
There’s homework. And don’t forget your chores. And your extracurricular
activities. And don’t forget, next weekend we’re going to visit Aunt Sally and we
need to go buy a new shirt. Dad’s birthday is tomorrow. Feed the dog.” And,
and, and…
How do we handle this push, especially if we are highly
sensitive individuals or introverts and require far more than average amount of
down time?
Long-Term Priorities
Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign, reminding us that we need and desire long-term stability, safety, security - and we must take the initiative to get it.
Capricorn is a practical sign, asking us to work toward “things that last.” It’s
about leaving our legacy. What will we leave behind? What will live on long after we’ve
left the planet? What will future generations say about us?
We review our priorities. We focus on things that
are not necessarily urgent but are vital - over time. This helps us to chunk down larger
projects, where we do not see results right away but in perhaps two years,
three years, ten years – we will see how our experience and efforts will
benefit others.
This in itself is fulfilling. It’s the timeless Zen teaching, “A
journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (Lao Tzu).” We start
where we are, and we do not get overwhelmed. The peak of Everest is far too
difficult to imagine. But we can muster putting one foot in front of the
other. Slowly, we see the crest come into sight.
Delegate, and Teach Others to "Adult"
It's
very important to delegate at this time. With the New Moon conjunct Venus, the
Goddess of Love, as well as Pluto, Lord of Raw and Primal Power, Capricornian responsibilities are bound to be tied up with others in intimate
ways. How well are you asking for help? Are you starting to get resentful? Do
you need more downtime, alone-time, flex-time? Do you need help with chores
around the house? Can someone else handle that task at work?
If
we don't start speaking up, clearly, with those we love and those we share
close quarters with, we will become crushed and dismayed with the weight of the
world, growing resentful and irritable. Capricorn loves hard work and achieving, but sometimes
the adult thing to do, is to ask for help. Be confident in your ability to be a friendly leader and request others to do
their part. Sometimes, growing up means directing others toward taking
responsibility themselves.
Yes, it’s an overwhelming New Moon with everything happening
at once. It’s as if 2018 shot out of the “work and leadership” cannon, and we
have more responsibilities and projects than we know what to do with. Hang in there. By the Full Moon in Leo on January 31, we
likely will have something to show for it - the
first tiny glimpse that the way is being cleared and our efforts are bearing fruit.
By the end of January, when Capricorn gives way to Aquarius, perhaps we will feel more playful and energized by the
projects that are currently overwhelming us.
But for the next few days and perhaps the next week or two, we
have to trudge and slog and keep our noses to the grindstone. Think hard about
the long-term goals you are striving toward on your mountaintop. Remind
yourself why you’re doing it. Find meaning in your efforts. Take lots of rest
breaks. Get outside and breathe fresh air. Cook yummy meals, laugh with
friends. Zone out with a movie or novel for a couple hours. And plan a spring or summer getaway to keep you
inspired through the hard work ahead. The seeds that you
are sowing in January will pay off for many moons to come. For many, 2018 is going to be a year of moving mountains. Remember, think long-term.
"Don't be a horse race. Be a marathon.
And don't fear the long road,
because on the long road you got time
to sing a simple song."
Erin Reese
is an author, spiritual teacher, counselor, and modern psychic reader based in the San
Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For
readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her
directly: erin@erinreese.com
