New Moon Rituals: February 1st Aquarius New Moon – Celebrating our Unique Gifts

New Moon Rituals with Deborah Roth

Whether you’re a big fan of astrology or not, there’s no denying the influence that the moon has on our world. While the most obvious effect is on the tides, there are so many other examples. Hospital delivery rooms gear up for a baby boom when the moon is at its fullest and savvy farmers follow its rhythms to plot the best times for sowing and reaping. 

And is it any wonder since human bodies are made up of 80 percent water that you\’re inexorably tied to her rhythms as well?

I’ve been facilitating Moon Circles for over 25 years, and while the Full Moon may have more romantic lore woven around it, I’ve gravitated toward the deep, dark time of the New Moon when we’re naturally drawn to go within, to focus on what we’re leaving behind and begin to plant seeds for the ideas, plans, and actions we want to grow over the coming weeks as the Moon itself waxes towards full again.

What an extraordinary gift that we get to move through that powerful release-renew cycle every month!

Aquarius New Moon qualities

Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, which is known as the planet of awakening and it’s all about being quirky, eccentric, and even rebellious. I often refer to it as the “gotta be me” zodiac sign.

Aquarian energy is also progressive, visionary, and humanitarian. During Aquarius season, which runs from January 19 to February 18 this year, you may be drawn to rally people around your favorite cause or social justice project.

Many people mistakenly think of Aquarius as a water sign because its symbol is the water-bearer. Yes, you can imagine that water washing away the past to make room for fresh new ideas and perspectives going forward. However, Aquarius is actually an air sign, which perfectly captures that ability to communicate and inspire others to action around social justice issues you hold closest to your heart.

So how can you harness all this powerful energy to conjure up some Aquarius New Moon magic on February 1st?

The first step is to look at the elements associated with Aquarius energy:

  • Elemental energy: Air (honoring the intellect and communication)
  • Colors: Sky blue, bright blue
  • Gemstones: Garnet, amethyst
  • Flowers: Orchids, gladiolas
  • Essential Oils: Neroli, lemon, peppermint, rose, eucalyptus
  • Music: Wind instruments; Fusion jazz which combines electronic and acoustic
  • Food/Drink: Strong flavors (sour, salty); unusual combinations salty/sweet, spicy/sweet

Setting up your New Moon ritual space

Whenever I teach or speak about the power of ritual in our lives (the subject of my Masters’ thesis many years ago), I talk about the four basic elements that must be present to ensure that it’s truly transformative: 

1) declare a clear intention – that’s our theme, Celebrating our Unique Gifts

2) activate all your senses – those associations in your toolkit will help here

3) use meaningful symbols – also in your toolkit

4) create sacred space and time – this is where we set up your special ritual space!

Whether you’re creating this sacred lunar space for yourself or with a partner or group, be sure to follow a few basic ground rules: find a private space where you won’t be interrupted, turn off your phone (and any other nearby screens), and make sure you have all of your props and tools before you start. Believe me, it’s definitely annoying to build that powerful New Moon energy then discover you have to run out and grab a missing component.

The idea is to create an environment that feels nurturing, safe, and inviting.

Conjuring up playful or powerful Aquarius activities

OK, now we get to pull together all of the pieces and create a little Aquarius lunar magic!

But first, a caveat: don’t worry about doing it right on the date of the New Moon – you’ll get maximum New Moon energy for 3 days before and after, but the Sun is in Aquarius for a whole month, from January 19—February 18, so you can tap into it to a lesser degree during that period, too. Just remember, if you really want to work with the intention-setting, “planting seeds” energy of the New Moon itself, it’s best to do it on or after the actual date, in this case, on February 1st. (You can explore more lunar magic details in my New Moon energy article on my website, just keep in mind that the dates are from 2018!)

Aquarius New Moon ritual – Celebrating our Unique Gifts

You’ll need a few pieces of blank paper and something to draw with – crayons, markers, or colored pencils. Once you’ve created your sacred New Moon ritual space and surrounded yourself with all those powerful Aquarian symbols, colors, and scents, take a moment to ground and center yourself.

Breathe deeply into that internal space where your inner “wild child” resides, that part of you who embraces your special quirks and qualities and doesn’t let anyone squash your individuality. Allow an image of that “wild self” to take shape, then draw it in living color no judgment allowed! Write your unique, non-conformist traits around that figure creating a dynamic portrait of your little Aquarian rebel. How do you honor and embrace those quirks and use them in the world? Where does your wild child love to come out and play?

Now dance her or him to life and remember you can always tap into that energy when the spirit moves you, whether it’s the Aquarius season of not!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

There are so many directions to go when you’re playing with New Moon energy. It definitely takes some preparation – I always joke about the “schlep” factor involved when I’m carting all those things from my ritual toolbox to a workshop or New Moon circle! But creating symbolic actions with a clear intention in sacred space is a powerful addition to some of the more “traditional” goal-setting practices you might have. And frankly, it’s just more fun. Can you see why I call it “sacred play?”

I hope you’ll join me next month as we tap into the energy of the Pisces New Moon on March 2nd!

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