Roughly every month or so, the moon resets itself with a blank slate — a new moon. It represents a fresh start as it inspires new opportunities, empowers our manifestations, and introduces novel experiences. The Jan. 21 new moon in Aquarius, arriving just after the end of Mercury retrograde, presents an ideal time to jump into exciting new projects, unleash our outlandish dreams and ideas, and embrace our unique individuality.
New moons in general are all about setting intentions. Because this new moon is in progressive Aquarius, it's also here to help break down self-imposed limitations and encourage you to be proactive in your passions and rebel against traditional approaches that might be outdated. The intellectual air sign is a powerful teacher of teamwork, camaraderie, and humanitarianism. That said, connecting with others and seeing the bigger picture are key themes under this new moon.
"Aquarius is a fixed air sign, so themes of communication, connection, humanitarianism, advanced technology, and swift changes will be prevalent," Tamerri Ater, astrologer and founder of Gift of the Nile, tells POPSUGAR. "The fixed nature of Aquarius will help many of us bring ideas to fruition that can change the course of our lives for years to come."
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Bright and innovative ideas are ripe right now, especially with Mercury in Capricorn, Ater explains. Give a shot to your most unconventional ideas by implementing practical steps to achieving them. Venus and Saturn are also meeting up in Aquarius around this time, which, according to Ater, "brings the potential of longevity to relationships and financial ventures formed around the new moon." This new moon provides the perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan for a bright future. "Take the few days following the new moon to write your intentions, and then start taking tiny action steps to make them happen," Ater explains.
Curious to know what the quirky and edgy energy of this Aquarius new moon has in store for you? Ater shares the scoop on the astrological meaning of the Jan. 21 new moon and how it may impact your zodiac sign.
The Spiritual Meaning of the Jan. 21 New Moon in Aquarius
Between approximately Jan. 21 and Feb. 19 each year, the sun ingresses into visionary Aquarius after its journey through industrious Capricorn. As a fixed air sign, the water bearer is free spirited, diligent, and rebellious thanks to its planetary ruler, Uranus. So if you find yourself breaking the rules a bit, you can probably blame it on Aquarius season. The first new moon of 2023 in forward-thinking Aquarius inspires us to think outside of the box, take risks, and question the status quo. It also reminds us to embrace our individuality and celebrate what makes us unique. The new moon in Aquarius is a great time to experiment with new looks, expand your social network, and learn a new skill.
Spiritually, the Jan. 21 new moon in Aquarius is a time to take a step back and look at the broad scope of things. What are your overarching goals, and how are these themes relevant to your life? Self-reflection is key during this new moon. Thinking about your unique traits that separate you from others and working on aligning yourself with your authentic self (weird and eccentric parts included) can help you actualize your ideal lifestyle in 2023.
Read on to find out how the January 2023 new moon in Aquarius may impact your zodiac sign, plus how to harness the water bearer's rebellious energy to lock in a progressive future.
How the Jan. 21 New Moon in Aquarius May Affect the Zodiac Signs
Read on to see how the January 2023 new moon in Aquarius may impact your zodiac sign.
Aries (March 20-April 19)
The first new moon of the year is bringing abundance to your social circle. It's a great time to mingle out in the wild, whether at your local dive bar or someplace totally new (and on par with your daredevil soul). When you're expanding your friendships, remember quality over quantity! "The new relationships you make now can be extremely important to your career," Ater explains. "Meeting a new neighbor or friend of a family member could be a blessing in disguise."
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Ready to plow into some serious work, Taurus? This new moon is shining a spotlight on your public life and asking you to journey outside of the box in terms of your career and soul's calling. Your reputation is on full display right now, and it's up to you to make a statement. "You may literally be on the brink of a career change or thinking about what changes you need to make to advance your position in life," Ater explains.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The supportive new moon in fellow air sign Aquarius is inspiring your inner traveler. As you expand your knowledge under this new moon, it could be time to shift your perspective on a situation that you've been firm about lately. "Thinking of taking an international trip? A great time to do so may be in the next six months," Ater says. "A foreigner you meet during this time may become one of your closest friends."
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Turning over a new leaf, Cancer? This new moon may feel overwhelming as it invites new opportunities that'll replace things you might not be ready to part with. Get intimate with yourself and your needs right now. You could be sacrificing too much of yourself, and this new moon is reminding you not to claim responsibility for anyone else but yourself. "It's a good time to delve deeper into a metaphysical subject," Ater says. "You can also improve your sex life and financial partnerships."
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Regardless of whether you're in a partnership, Leo, your one-on-one connections are the focus of this new moon. You could be meeting a special person or working on improving an existing one, or, on the flip side, rebellious Aquarius could have you questioning your relationships. Whatever happens, it's all in the name of progress. Ater says that if you're ready to date, this new moon is a perfect time to manifest a partner. "Get clear on what you're looking for, and follow with action by joining a dating site or committing to going out by yourself once a week to meet new people. A jolt of excitement can come for coupled Leos," Ater says.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Your sharp wit and attention to detail are coming in handy during this new moon, Virgo. Ater says this new moon may compel you to double down on your organizational tendencies. It's a good moment to visualize your goals for the year and plant seeds under this new moon by turning them into daily habits. "The systems and processes that you implement in your life now are innovative and have the ability to stick and slowly change your life for the better," Ater explains.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Channel your effortlessly creative spirit during this optimistic new moon, Libra. This powerful lunation may empower you to start new creative projects — look to your inner child for inspiration. Ater says that new dating prospects may introduce themselves around this new moon. Whether it's scheduling date night or having a steamy self-care night, Ater says that "it's a great time to focus on romance and bringing some luxury moments into your life."
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Your sense of home and family is changing, Scorpio. The Aquarian energy is forcing you to question some of your domestic responsibilities or even your role in your family or living situation. Setting new boundaries and revamping your space may bring a fruitful start for you under the new moon. While some Scorpios may be literally moving, "for others, it's a great time to redecorate or do some long-awaited renovations," Ater says. "Money to fund your changes may come from what seems like out of the blue."
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
The new moon in humanitarian Aquarius could have you feeling restless, Sagittarius. If you need clarity in a complicated situation, this lunation may clear things up. It's good to question whether your current positions or traditions are serving you or if you need to switch things up. "Some of you may decide to take a class to gain a new skill set," Ater explains. "Make sure it's something creative that will bring joy."
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Money is on your mind under this new moon, Capricorn. This is a beautiful moment to plant financial seeds, according to Ater. The forward-thinking energy of this lunation may inspire you to find a clever new side hustle. "Your mental clarity is high, and creative ideas for how to make money will flow easier," Ater says. On the flip side, you could be reconsidering your personal values — it's a good idea to reflect on what matters most to you.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Are you ready to embrace your eccentric self, Aquarius? This lunation is about being totally authentic and aligning yourself with who you want to be. What kind of energy do you want to embody? Affirm yourself through self-care. Ater says a total transformation is on the horizon, so don't be afraid to experiment with things that even you think are odd. "A new look, a change to your personality, or both may be in the books. It's time to level up," Ater says.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
For you, this lunation is perfect for hibernating, Pisces. It's a powerful moment to focus on your spiritual wellness and integrate new rituals to elevate your practice. Focus on being present, and avoid going into overdrive by overthinking. This is a moment to ground yourself. "Use this time to clear out physical and emotional clutter in the home," Ater says. "By next month, you should have more clarity and peace of mind."
