The New Moon on Saturday 9 January 2016 at 19° Capricorn falls just within Capricorn decan 2. The New Moon astrology is intense and chaotic with the reemergence of Uranus square Pluto. Uncertainty about the future feeds into the aggression and arguments caused by Mercury retrograde throughout this moon phase.

Relationships will be subject to sadness and appointment’s for some. But for those with an open heart and mind, there is a chance of bringing a brighter future that much closer.

New Moon Meaning

A new moon represents the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new 28 day cycle. With Sun conjunct Moon, all possibilities are on the table and we can rightly put ourselves in the forefront of new plans for the future. Old habits, behaviors and beliefs can be questioned as we search for new and inventive ways to make progress. This is the ideal time to make a fresh start and start writing down a to-do list on a blank sheet of paper.

However, the impulsive and enthusiastic nature of a new moon means that not all new projects will succeed. The influence of a new moon last for four weeks up to the next new moon, in this case, the February 8 new moon. The best time for making a fresh start and for beginning new projects is during the first two weeks of a new moon cycle. This waxing phase of the moon lasts from the January 9 new moon until the January 23 full moon.

New Moon January 2016 Astrology

Mercury retrograde has a strong influence on the January 9 new moon. Mercury stationed retrograde on January 5, very tightly square Mars. this sets up an aggressive and argumentative environment for this whole moon phase. The Sun was tightly conjunct Pluto as well, suggesting extreme power struggles. This is also the major aspect of the new moon, and tied into Uranus square Pluto, we get a very impulsive, dominating type of aggression. A battle of wills fought out through a battle of words.

Fixed star Dheneb at 20 ♑ 00 is the closest fixed star to the new moon. It gives a strong goal-directed energy and a militant drive to succeed. A tendency to take control and command will exacerbate the bossy nature of Pluto.

Sun conjunct Pluto provides a surge of power and urge to control. The more sinister side of Pluto will prevail due to the challenging aspect to Uranus. We can expect ruthless behavior including threats, intimidation, stalking and spying. Competitors and enemies will go to extreme lengths to dominate and win. They will use every dirty trick in the book to manipulate things to their favor.

Sun square Uranus adds nervous tension and anxiety because of uncertainty and a feeling of impending change. The urge will be to act impulsively but this brings increased dangers. With Mercury retrograde at the same time, extra care is needed when travelling. Accidents, delays and wrong turns are more likely. With nerves already frayed, we will be extra sensitive to any shocks or surprises. The impersonal and angry side of Uranus will escalate any arguments.

Uranus square Pluto has been the source of the upheaval and chaos in recent years. This major aspect had started to fade away, but Uranus retrograde has tightened the aspect to just over one degree again. Although there are no more exact squares, dramatic and intense change is still likely.

The new moon on Pluto will make us more blinkered and resistant to change. The Uranus Pluto square is best handled by remaining flexible and open-minded. Such a powerful (Pluto) ego (Sun) will try to block the evolution of the soul necessary to transcend the chaos.

Sun trine Jupiter suggests good fortune, happiness and growth. But the orb is wider than that of the Pluto conjunction or Uranus square. This trine is easily pushed over by harder aspects, from harder planets. Given this, Jupiter may in fact, act to exaggerate and inflate the ego. It may also give a ‘no worries’ attitude and make us more complacent about the egomaniacs trying to take control of everyone and everything.

Venus conjunct Saturn is one of the more miserable aspects in astrology. At the global level it suggests a breakdown in peace settlements or treaties. At the personal level, it can mean sadness and disappointment in love, even separation. It is harder to feel and to give love and affection, which leads to coldness and distance in relationships.

Given the manipulative and controlling influence of Pluto, plus the aggressive communication from Mercury retrograde, Venus conjunct Saturn could even manifest as domestic violence.  But sometimes Saturn can act like glue and make Venus conjunct Saturn much better. It can indicate soul mates and bring commitment as in marriage.

Venus trine Uranus is nowhere near as strong as the Venus Pluto conjunction, but it does offer a happier alternative to those with an open mind and who can moderate their ego. New and exciting love is a possibility. It will take some effort to break free and open up to new possibilities. Saturn has a firm grip on the past but there is this chance to break free once fear and negativity is overcome.

Saturn trine Uranus is the future and Uranus square Pluto is the past. The future is farther away than the past, but future-oriented people can make the evolutionary leap. Self disciple, patience and modesty will bring the future closer.

If this new moon directly impacts your horoscope decan you can read about its effect in your monthly horoscope. For more detail about how it affects your natal chart see Sun Transits.

Previous Moon Phase: Full Moon December 2015
Next Moon Phase: Full Moon January 2016

New Moon January 2016 Times and Dates