Happy Aquarius New Moon! This is the time of the year when we turn our attention toward community, friendships, intellect, humanitarian causes, democracy, freedom, equality, and technology. If you’re having a bit of déjà vu, yes, this is the second Aquarius New Moon in less than a month. It doesn’t normally shake out that way, but think of this as a second chance. (It’s also the start of the lunar new year!) The new moon will arrive on February 18, 2015 at 6:47 pm EST, 29 degrees Aquarius. For those in other parts of the world, that’s 3:47 pm in LA, 11:47 am London, 10:47 am Sydney on 2/19.

This new moon is at the last degree of Aquarius. To get a feel for this energy, think of it like 11:59 pm on a clock; it’s not quite a new day. There’s an anticipation of change, but there’s still a push to wrap things up before a deadline. (For those who are astrology students, think of 29 degrees like Saturn — there’s a lot maturity and experience in the degree as well as a scrutiny to demonstrate what we’ve learned.) So here we are, straddling two worlds with this new moon. We may be looking toward a new month (and new lunar year), but tying up loose ends from the last one.

Last month, during the first Aquarius New Moon, Mercury was retrograde. We didn’t get a chance to move forward with our visions for the future because Mercury was holding up the show. So here’s your second chance! Mercury is direct! And with the new moon at 29 degrees (and Mars at 29 Pisces as well) we may have to put our ideas to the test over the next two weeks.

It’s important to mention that Saturn square Neptune is a major facet of this new moon. (Aquarius is a Saturn ruled sign.) And here’s the thing — new moons set up an energetic framework that we interface with over the coming 28 days of the lunar month. The previous lunar month was also heavily influenced by Saturn square Neptune. Squares are challenging (not bad, just challenging) and when you throw Saturn and Neptune into the mix, there’s a deep undercurrent of loss, existential crisis, and a struggle between matter (Saturn) and spirit (Neptune). That’s why the glorious Leo Full Moon was a bit of a dud; Saturn and Neptune took all the fun out of it.

Now we’re in a new lunar month and this one is, once again, all about Saturn square Neptune. (Sorry guys.) That said, how can we best work with this energy? Saturn is in philosophical Sagittarius. Neptune is in mystical Pisces. There’s a finger pointing to our spiritual lives no matter how we slice it. So, what do we believe? How do we bring spirit into our every day lives? Do we meditate? Do we rail against god? Do we find solace in the silence? Do we cry under the weight of loss and injustice? Who or what is a balm on our heart? Seek it out this month. Cultivate your soul. Feed and nourish it. With Saturn in Sagittarius it’s almost an imperative.

There’s a lot of change in the lunar month ahead. Mars and Venus will arrive in Aries like a starter pistol. But the Sun will lag behind in Pisces, a quiet and spiritually minded sign. Yes, it’s the beginning of something new, but we still have one foot in the old world. Use the energy of Aquarius to craft a vision for your future. Use Neptune to help dream and Saturn to manifest it into the physical. In fact, this is a perfect time to start manifesting with the moon. Get out a piece a paper and start writing out what you want to bring into this world. Saturn and Neptune may be heavy energy, but there is magic to be had if you know where to look for it.

Enjoyed this post? I also do private, one-on-one consultations via Skype and phone, which allow us to delve into your chart and reveal where this new moon will manifest. Go to my consultations page to book your session. Check out my testimonials and FAQ to learn more about what I do.

Also, Empowering Astrology is going to sunny JAMAICA for an astrology retreat. Dates are April 30–May 5, 2015. Details here.