The new moon in Capricorn on January 11 at 6:57 a.m. EST brings the opportunity for change and new beginnings. This lunation in Capricorn typically takes place at the end of December or in early January, making it an ideal moment to lay a new foundation for the year ahead. And this year’s is no exception: As the first new moon of the year, the new moon in Capricorn is a chance to plant seeds for the desires you hope to see blossom over the coming months. And it’s an aligned time to reflect on your life trajectory, all you’ve accomplished, and the legacy you hope to leave behind.

Capricorn is a cardinal sign, which makes it one of the most efficient initiators of the zodiac. Pair that with Saturn as its ruling planet, and you also have the dedication to bring your desires to life. Capricorn is also represented by the sea goat, a mystical creature that knows no limits and can traverse any terrain. In turn, this new moon will help you start building the qualities necessary to transcend any barriers to your success.

This new moon will help you start building the qualities necessary to transcend any barriers to your success.

This new moon’s energy will be fueled by the industrious personality traits of Capricorn, posing it to coincide with you stepping into a new position of authority, taking on more responsibility, or even setting boundaries around your time and energy to ensure you can reach your goals. By a similar token, this is also a great time to pivot directions if you find that a particular goal or pursuit no longer feels fulfilling.

What is a new moon, and what does it mean in astrology?

A new moon occurs when the sun and the moon align in the same zodiac sign, and the moon sits directly between the Earth and the sun. It happens once a month and marks the beginning of the monthly lunar cycle, giving the lunation its association with a period of renewal.

The new moon is also the time when the night sky is the darkest (the moon is nearly black, blocking the light of the sun), and as such, we’re asked to embrace our instincts and intuition. Energetically, you may feel more tired or self-reflective than usual. As the new lunar cycle begins, we’re also closing out an old cycle and releasing what no longer serves us. This can be an exhausting and emotional process as we learn to surrender, trust, and let go.

As we release, we also create space for new opportunities to find us. Because of this, new moons are considered auspicious times to set intentions, perform rituals or spells, or call in desires or manifestations. When you do so, visualize where you would like to be six months from now (when the full moon in the same zodiac sign will occur). Get specific: What and whom do you see around you? What are the habits you keep as this future version of you? As the moon’s light continues to grow over the course of the next few weeks, your intention will grow, too.

Since a new moon is all about listening to your intuition, there is no wrong way to work with this energy. Turn inward, and ask your spirit team for a sign (in your dreams or waking life) about your next step. Trust that the universe will show up for you in divine timing, remain curious, and get ready to be surprised as your intentions come to life over the coming months.

It’s important to note that every new moon carries a different energetic signature based on the sign in which it occurs and the connections it forms with planets in the sky. Some new moons are ideal for manifesting abundance and love, while others are powerful for releasing old and outdated patterns or behaviors. You’ll want to read your new moon horoscope to learn more about the specific energy of each new moon with which you decide to work.

What is the meaning of the new moon in Capricorn in 2024?

This year’s new moon in Capricorn will have a hint of a fated feeling to it. As it arrives, the sun and moon will both be forming a square with the lunar nodes, or the invisible points in the sky where the moon’s orbit intersects the Earth’s orbit in the northern and southern hemispheres. Any time a planet or lunation forms a square with the north or south node, it can feel like a mini-eclipse—a time that requires you to make a significant and fated decision. You may feel torn between two options on your life path, knowing full well that either choice has the power to alter your life significantly.

Fortunately, the new moon in Capricorn will also form harmonious angles with both Neptune in Pisces and Uranus in Taurus, heightening your intuition. If you’re feeling lost or uncertain, ask the universe, your spirit team, or your ancestors for a sign regarding one of your options. Trust that they will show up and deliver the confirmation you’ve been seeking at the right moment. With Uranus’s influence, you’re also feeling inspired to break free from any limiting patterns, beliefs, or behaviors. And the presence of Neptune will stir your imagination, allowing you to better tune into what’s possible.

That said, the new moon will also form some tense connections in the sky: It sits next to Pluto, which is hovering at 29 degrees of Capricorn—the final degree of the sign (called the anaretic degree), which can intensify its energy. Some of your deepest fears could come to the surface, but in the process, you can experience a cathartic breakthrough. The key is in turning inward and confronting your shadows head-on.

As the new moon also forms a tough square with the asteroid Chiron, which represents the past-life wounds and karma we’re destined to heal in this lifetime, your attention may be turned toward your healing journey. There may be some ways in which you can witness your own triggers—and your reactions to them—evolve.

There may be some ways in which you can witness your own triggers—and your reactions to them—evolve.

The good news is that you’ll have the energy to pursue growth, as taskmaster Saturn—which rules over this new moon in Capricorn—is fresh off a rare connection with action-oriented Mars. Ultimately, if you choose to be open to the lessons you can learn by examining your shadow, this new moon will lead you toward the success you desire.

To get a better picture of how this karmic energy will affect you, read on for your sun, moon, and rising signs. Then, pick up a unique self-care practice to help you move through this lunation with a little more ease.

What the new moon in Capricorn means for your zodiac sign in 2024

Aries

You’re entering a new era, Aries, as the new moon moves through your 10th house of reputation, legacy, accomplishments, and career. It may coincide with you gaining more influence or power in your professional life or another realm where you’ve been investing your energy. In order to level up, though, you’ll need to release the urge to people-please and learn to stop caring about what others think of you. You may also need to confront other toxic patterns in your work or personal life; this could be uncomfortable in the moment, but it will lead to big breakthroughs down the line.

Your new moon self-care practice: Play dress-up with yourself. Put on an outfit you’ve been wanting to wear, talk about what matters to you, and embody the most authentic version of yourself—even if it scares you to show this side to others.

Taurus

You’re seeing the world in a new light, Taurus. The new moon activates your ninth house of education, perspective, philosophy, and experience, sparking substantial and vulnerable conversations. Opportunities that have the potential to change the course of your life may appear. This is an important moment for you to break through any resistance or fear of sharing your beliefs and expertise with a larger audience. You may also be embarking on the journey of learning something new, which can broaden or change your perspective in the process.

Your new moon self-care practice: Blend your vulnerability with your words today. Speaking from your heart and with honesty can attract more aligned opportunities and people into your sphere.

Gemini

Your bonds are deepening, Gemini—and especially the one you have with yourself. While everyone is bound to confront certain elements of their shadow selves during this lunation, you, in particular, are being pushed to embrace the sides of yourself that you typically reject or repress, as the new moon lands in your eighth house of intimacy, shared resources, and obligations. Holding space for old versions of you who “messed up” and practicing self-compassion can be incredibly healing, just as being more vulnerable with others can solidify the foundations of your relationships.

Your new moon self-care practice: Reflect on the times you’ve been hardest on yourself. In what ways have you evolved since then? Hold space for who you’ve been, while also acknowledging your ability to grow.

Cancer

Transformational relationships are entering your life, Cancer, as the new moon activates your seventh house of one-on-one partnerships. (This can also serve as a powerful reboot for any of your existing relationships.) Romantically, you may be diving into intimacy or confronting unspoken power dynamics or feelings of jealousy. If you’ve been engaging in codependent behaviors, this moon can also help you break free.

Your new moon self-care practice: Have the tough conversations you’ve been avoiding. If there’s something you’ve been wanting to share with an important person in your life, but haven’t done so due to fears of rejection, this is the time for you to speak up. Anyone worth having in your life will accept all parts of you.

Leo

You’re ready to release an obligation or burden you’ve been carrying, Leo. The new moon activates your sixth house of day-to-day life, responsibilities, and well-being, pushing you to set firmer boundaries. Your time is precious and limited, and people in your life may need a reminder of that. This is also an aligned time to rework your daily habits with your health in mind, and to kick outdated behaviors and beliefs to the curb.

Your new moon self-care practice: Prioritize your well-being over work whenever you can. Nourish your body with a good meal, read for 10 minutes before jumping up to start your day, or stretch your body before leaving the house. Spending time on your physical, mental, and spiritual health will bring you the stability you’ve been seeking.

Virgo

A creative breakthrough is on the way, Virgo, and it may feel cathartic. As this new moon in Capricorn moves through your fifth house of pleasure, creativity, and romance, it reminds you of the power in your voice and self-expression.

You may be exploring a new side of your relationship with pleasure; if you’re single, you could meet someone transformative… or you could find yourself calling out toxic dynamics in your dating life. Separately, you could also be starting a new creative project that requires you to share a raw and vulnerable side of you and your life story.

Your new moon self-care practice: Pretend you’re a teenager again for a day. What used to bring you joy? How did you wish you could dress? What hobbies did you always want to try? Nourish your inner teen’s desires, and face any fears that may have kept you from embodying the most authentic version of yourself when you were that age.

Libra

You’re experiencing a reckoning with your past, Libra, as the new moon activates your fourth house of home, family, and foundations. Nostalgic feelings or memories that may feel triggering can surface.

You will need to confront these aspects of your past and see what you can learn from them in order to move forward. That might look like addressing unhealthy power struggles in your personal relationships or making a change regarding your living situation. In any case, this moment is likely to bring a temporary crisis—or catharsis.

Your new moon self-care practice: Go through your home, and get rid of items that are collecting dust and holding onto stagnant energy or memories. As you clear out belongings that no longer serve you, you can sever your emotional ties to the past and create space for new beginnings all the same.

Scorpio

This new moon in Capricorn could spark life-changing conversations for you, Scorpio, as it moves through your third house of communication, information, and learning. You or someone else could be revealing intimate details from your past, or perhaps you’re facing your fear of using your voice. This moon encourages you to use storytelling, writing, or journaling as a means to heal and process the past. If there are any limiting beliefs you’ve been eager to ditch, you could also find the energy within to shift your consciousness.

Your new moon self-care practice: Write one of your desires on a piece of paper. Get detailed and specific about what you’d like to call in during this year. Then, re-write it in the present tense as if it’s already happened, and embody what it will feel like to have met that milestone. Speak your desire out loud and embrace that feeling every day for the next 30 days.

Sagittarius

You’re releasing your concerns with the material world, Sagittarius. The new moon activates your second house of income, resources, and livelihood. If you’ve been struggling with a scarcity mindset, this moon equips you with the tools to break free.

You may also be confronting power dynamics at work or stepping into a position of influence. You’re awakening to your unique gifts and talents, and breaking down any fears of embodying a deeper sense of confidence regarding what you have to offer.

Your new moon self-care practice: Go through your budget, and weed out unnecessary expenses. As you spend more time with your finances, you can start to get more familiar and comfortable with money as a source of energy that ebbs and flows.

Capricorn

This new moon is all about you, Capricorn, as it occurs in your first house of self and identity, pushing you to release any urge to play it small. This is your yearly refresh that invites you to show the world a more authentic version of yourself.

In order to do so, you’ll have to face some of your fears—especially when it comes to what others think of you. This can be an uncomfortable process, and it may upset a person or two if they think you’re outgrowing them. But remember: This is your butterfly moment and an invitation to reclaim your power and prioritize your needs.

Your new moon self-care practice: Make a list of your fears or things you’ve been avoiding. Pick one item on the list, and confront it. Going through the process of working through discomfort will make it easier over time to embrace the real you.

Aquarius

In what ways have you been lying to yourself, Aquarius? The new moon in Capricorn stirs up activity in your 12th house of closure, healing, solitude, and self-defeating behaviors, pushing you to hold a mirror to your subconscious mind. Whatever you’ve been avoiding, now is the time to address it.

This new moon will also usher in a new beginning regarding your relationship with rest. You may be sorting through heavy feelings of grief, as you process the end of a cycle. Remember that as one chapter closes, it creates space for another to open.

Your new moon self-care practice: Pick up a habit that focuses on your spiritual well-being, whether it’s breathwork, meditation, daily walking, or spending time in nature. This will help bring you intuitive insight and support as you process any big feelings from the past.

Pisces

You’re mingling with some VIPs, Pisces. The new moon lands in your 11th house of community, friendship, and support, as well as your hopes and dreams for the future. This could mark the beginning of a collaborative partnership with the power to move the needle forward on one of your goals. (Or, at the very least, you could do some productive networking.) At the same time, you may also need to confront the unspoken power dynamics within a friendship or acquaintanceship, as you weigh the pros and cons of investing your energy into someone who may not be fully who they say they are.

Your new moon self-care practice: Your energy is strongly influenced by the company you keep. If there is any connection that leaves you feeling depleted, it may be time to address the issues within it… or emotionally detach from that person.