Meeting Change with Expansive Grace: New Moon in Aquarius 2021
February’s New Moon occurs this Thursday in the future-oriented, community-building sign of Aquarius. The current intense planetary focus in this sign (five planets are in Aquarius!) means that we are already deeply immersed in the work of tearing down old structures and refusing to protect the status quo, in favour of creating a more equitable and humane space for everyone. This moon asks: what conditions do you need in order to exist comfortably and move forward? Radical freedom is possible when we connect with others from a place of honesty and self-validation.
Just as Imbolc celebrates the return of Brigid and the seeding of new life at the start of this month, fellow goddess Venus also moved into Aquarius. Venus is now in a phase of her cycle where needs and desires are becoming as clear and precise as the tip of a cut diamond. Take some time to reflect on any boundaries you need to set with others, in order to feel your worth and be fully appreciated. This can mean requesting a clean break if that is what you need; it also might just mean stepping back for a while.
I like to do a ‘cord cutting’ practice, that I really recommend for keeping your relationships fresh and clear and healthy. I imagine myself constantly snipping, cutting the cords of attachment to people, situations, loved ones, animals, home, environment - anything that can become stuck and stagnant in my energy field. I find this really supportive for creating healthy relationships with loved ones.
On the same day as the New Moon, we are blessed with an expansive Venus aspect: a reward for any difficult emotional work you have been doing, and a positive affirmation. The difficult and uncomfortable process of change is rewarded by new connections, and the potential to be recognized as your authentic, liberated self. The truth that Venus/ Brigid teaches us is that we don’t need anyone else to approve of us to be beautiful, valuable, powerful or worthy. We just have to recognize and approve of how uniquely we express those attributes.
Because this time may feel pressured and keep us in our heads in bouts of ‘analysis paralysis’, allowing this energy to move through us is highly recommended. Connecting to the Earth and grounding strongly through the legs allows us to access the full vitality and spectrum of possibilities available. Grounding helps to get us in touch with the core of our being and make value-based decisions on what we stand for and how to follow through on those commitments with true integrity. In this way, we can move into the coming season of growth from secure and trustworthy foundations.
How Luna Rhythms Yoga can support you during this Aquarius New Moon:
At Luna Rhythms, our unique system of yoga integrated with the lunar cycles and solar seasons teaches techniques from the ancient yogic practices of asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha and mantra in alignment with the energies of the day, season and cycle. This New Moon in Aquarius is the perfect time to create strong foundations reflective of your present values and your vision of a more sustainable future.
Here is a simple yet powerful New Moon Ritual you can try at this time.
Create a sacred space somewhere you will not be disturbed for about 20 minutes. You can clear the space by safely lighting sage or other incense for purification and cleansing. You could also beat a drum, chime a bell or ting-sha, or clap your hands around the space to shift the old energy and create space for new intentions.
Bring in the energy you wish to surround yourself with, by placing objects that are sacred to you in your space. These could include candles, crystals, tarot cards or oracle decks. You may like to group these together to create an altar. Spring flowers, such as snowdrops, primroses and crocuses can make a fresh decoration for this ritual too. You will also need a notebook and pen.
When you feel ready and settled, call in the support of the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Call in the support of the Ether, and Great Spirit. Rest your awareness in the centre of your heart as you breathe into this feeling.
Stay present with your breath and notice anything that is arising for you.
As you feel called to, take your notebook and pen and write a list of New Moon Intentions and Gratitudes. What are you calling into your life through the waxing cycle?
Look at this list every day until the Full Moon. Noticing what manifests.
Give thanks at the end of the ritual for all the support you called in, and the many blessings that you felt. Blow out the candle to close the space, and safely put out any incense.
The ritual is complete.
Luna Rhythms Yoga is based on a range of different techniques from the yogic tradition that enable you to embody and integrate the monthly and daily rhythms of the lunar cycle, ensuring that your practice is always in alignment with exactly what you need when you need it.
As we move into the waxing cycle, try adding some sound into your daily practice. Releasing any stuck energy with a deep sigh or a roar on your exhalation.
You may start to notice how liberating this feels!
Diana
Luna Rhythms Wisdom is our online membership group, where we get to go deeper in our practice with the five phases of the moon each month: New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, Waning Moon and Dark Moon. Click here to find out more and join us!