A New Moon in Capricorn happened on December 30th; marking the last new moon in 2024. When I think about Capricorn, I think about digging in and finding the determination to keep going along the trails of life. Goat’s energy has been a powerful spirit guide for me at times. Specifically, their medicine remedied some of the more challenging hiking adventures I’ve experienced. Somehow, I was able to keep going by taking it one step, one breath, one moment at a time. Secure footing can be hard to come by. But the Goat has got your back.

Truly, it can be challenging when feeling a strong need for being useful to society; magnified by looking for justification in the outside world. At the end of the day, seeking approval from the outside doesn’t get rid of self doubt and is harmful to the self. Trust your inner values. Or like an old friend’s High School yearbook quote stated, “evaluate yourself by your own standards, not someone else’s.”

New beginnings that are always associated with new moons and New Years. Magnify that with a Full Wolf Moon on January 13, 2025, and then the Chinese New Year of the Snake on January, 29th. Lots of new energies are in the air! In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the death cycle of Winter. Things are quieter now. Energetically, it’s time for the soil to rest (as well as our souls) before the next season of Spring’s rebirth and new growth.

The origins of this full moon also comes from Celtic and Old English ancestral roots. Werewolf myths can be found in ancient Greek and Roman societies, throughout European history and among some Native American tribes. These transformational stories appear to align with the mysterious energy of Snake; where old skin is shed to clear way for a renewed sense of self. During this process, Snake’s eyes glaze over with a misty like mucus that reflects the alchemy associated with the cyclical death of the old self, and forthcoming rebirth of the new self and new growth.

Of course the Lunar New Year is always different because it is based on the moon cycles, and doesn’t line up exactly like the Gregorian, sun based calendar. Nothing against the Sun, but man can our egos can get scorched by our control issues. Too much playing with fire, and we can all get burned.

According to legend, a celestial race took place long ago in ancient China. When the first 12 animals finished the race, their energies were honored to become members of the Chinese Zodiac. All the other animals were reportedly surprised by Snake finishing 6th in the competition because Snake effectively swam so stealthily with the river’s currents; hardly perceptible to the other animals.

Because humans often reflect certain traits of animals; appreciate that snakes are cautious and introverted observers. Snakes are adaptable and intelligent, and their cool and mysterious behaviors intersects with their suspicious and insecure nature. Beneath their coat of armor is abundant sensitivity, wisdom, and passion.

Wishing you all much inner peace,

Ari