With Pluto’s Influence on This Week’s New Moon, Expect Your Fresh-Start Energy To Come With Challenges

The new moon in Aries 2021, happening on Sunday (the 11th) at 10:30 p.m., ET, is the first new moon of the zodiacal new year, and thus, an essential one. Happening at 22° of Aries, this new moon commences the spring season in all earnest, calling us into fresh starts and new beginnings.

The new moon’s ruler, Mars (in Gemini), forms an air trine to Jupiter (in Aquarius), boosting energy and optimism. Aside from the trine between Jupiter and Mars, both sextile the sun, moon, and Venus—making a potent combination that supports feeling powerful, taking action, and finding clarity. Additionally, Mercury in Aries sextiles Saturn in Aquarius, another aspect that provides ideal conditions for setting future intentions and initiating desired changes. As we come into Aries season’s apex, it’s time to orient ourselves to emerging opportunities and commit to our goals.

In this position, Pluto’s impact may push the need for change. Meaning, this new moon might drive a tough decision or two

However, there are a few troubling aspects to keep an eye on this new moon, too. Venus, who rules love, is in Aries, squaring Pluto, while Pluto forms a challenging angle to the sun and moon. In this position, Pluto’s impact may push the need for change. Meaning, this new moon might drive a tough decision or two. If so, remember, Pluto’s goal is rebirth. Even in the face of loss, on the other side is always growth. I am not advocating for spiritually bypassing pain; however, give complicated feelings and circumstances the time and attention they demand, and should a steep challenge arrive, trust your ability to navigate it.

No matter what this new moon brings to light for you, take time to focus on your goals and the life you wish to create. Stay steadfast in your determination.

As the week goes on and the moon waxes, Mars’s applying trine to Jupiter builds momentum. This auspicious aspect perfects on Saturday the 17th, and before it does, the sun perfects its sextile to Jupiter and Mars, too—something we’ll feel midweek. (The sun sextiles Mars on Tuesday and Jupiter on Thursday.) These positive aspects add potency to your new moon intentions and will bring speed to the week ahead.

With the days growing longer, if you can, take the opportunity to get outside and move your body. Most of us have felt captive to the pandemic, with fewer options for exercise. Fresh air and sunlight now invite us out. Long walks or even a run (should that be something your constitution enjoys) are attractive options for movement.

Yet, Venus’s entrance into Taurus rounds out the week’s speed. On Wednesday the 14th, Venus exits Aries and enters into her home domain of the bull. Venus loves the sign of Taurus, where she invites us to indulge our bodies and care for ourselves with devotion. So mindful meals, sensual touch, and orgasms, as well as any self-care practice that allows for nourishing the skin, bodes well now. (Venus stays in Taurus until May 8th.)

To the point of caution, there are other aspects to consider this week: As Mercury and the sun continue to travel close to one another, they too both square Pluto; the sun squares Pluto on the 16th, and Mercury squares Pluto on the 17th. This happens at the same time as the excellent connection between Mars and Jupiter comes to its peak. Just like the new moon, which has beautiful aspects, the rest of the week does, too, though Pluto’s ominous and harsh teachings will be there, too.

Pluto, the ruler of the underworld, forces growth where we might resist it. He asks us to look at our shadows and our resistance and find our way through challenges without giving up our trust in life. Life finds its way forward this week. Even if we must surrender something precious, albeit painful, we can and will find our way to the other side. Trust.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—which she uses to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success. Order her book, Cosmic Health, here.

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