New Moon in Capricorn: Love in the time of responsibility

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."

~ Michael Franti, "Never Too Late"

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