Time to let go of the shore at the Capricorn New Moon
Dear Reader,
We're in the dark, balsamic phase of the Moon, nestled at the very end of its cycle, just before our first New Moon of the year arrives later today and a new cycle begins. If you haven’t already, I invite you to join me in closing out this lunar cycle, spanning December 20th to January 18th, with some reflection and journaling.
✎ What’s been here for you this mo(o)nth?
✎ What are you grateful for?
Guided by the New Moon in Capricorn
The Moon renews itself at 28 degrees of Capricorn today, January 18th, at 8:52 pm Central European time. With the New Moon occurring late in the sign, and its ruler, Saturn, nearing the end of its three-year journey through Pisces, this Moon cycle is about tying up old threads and completing old storylines, especially in the Pisces house of our birth charts.
Saturn & Neptune in late Pisces
This is our last lunation with Saturn and Neptune in Pisces. Neptune will leave Pisces and enter Aries on January 26th, followed by Saturn on February 14th. Our next New Moon—an eclipse in Aquarius, ruled by Saturn in Aries—arrives three days before Saturn conjoins Neptune in the first degree of the zodiac on February 20th, ushering in a new era, especially in our Aries houses.
Mercury & Mars in late Capricorn
The New Moon sits with Mercury and Mars, closely conjoined in late Capricorn, lending us mental clarity and determination. It’s here to help us release old energy through verbal channels, craft clear roadmaps for the year, and make the choices we’re ready for as a new reality prepares to be born.
The Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Mars are all still widely opposing Jupiter in Cancer, who helps to hold things together—and nothing binds us better than our shared care for one another. In the sign of its exaltation, Jupiter reminds us that the larger our circle of care grows, the more abundant our world becomes.
Jupiter retrograde in Cancer
As Jupiter continues its retrograde journey until mid-March, we’re invited to reconsider how our understanding and practice of care need to evolve, especially in our Cancer houses. Conjoining Mercury and Mars while opposing Jupiter, the New Moon asks us to move from ideal to action—from imagining a world where everyone and everything is cared for to actually building it.
Our stellium of planets in late Capricorn is also trining retrograde Uranus in late Taurus, inviting us to follow what feels exciting and energizing, and to stay open to where the river of change wants to carry us. This combination sparks curiosity and encourages experimentation, which we can channel into our plans and projects for the year ahead.
Pluto in early Aquarius
The New Moon also holds hands with Venus in early Aquarius. In the two weeks following this New Moon, Venus, Mercury, the Sun, and Mars will all conjoin with Pluto in Aquarius—each passing through before the Full Moon in Leo on February 1st.
The New Moon foreshadows the coming emphasis on Pluto’s purifying process, which will intensify the need to let go of the old and make space for something new. Pluto helps us purge what poisons our well, release fears that hold us back, and compost dreams that are no longer alive—restoring our vital power and creative force.
Horoscope for the Capricorn New Moon on January 18th, 2026
The New Moon in Capricorn & YOU
To explore where this New Moon is landing in your life, find the house of your birth chart that contains the sign of Capricorn. The areas of life connected to your Capricorn house are where you’re invited to commit to what matters to you most, be patient, and focus your attention on what will sustain you over time.
If you have planets or angles around 28 degrees of Capricorn—as well as Aries, Cancer, or Libra—this New Moon is likely to be more meaningful and potent for you to work with.
The best time to cast your New Moon wishes is within 48 hours after the New Moon, except between 10:57 pm and 11:16 pm CET on January 18th, when the Moon is void of course. Write down what you most want to weave into your life this month, especially related to the wisdom of Capricorn and the topics of your Capricorn house.
✎ What is dissolving?
✎ What can be composted?
✎ What feels most alive?
✎ What choice is becoming clear?
✎ What are you building to last?
Until next time...
I’m looking forward to writing to you again as we approach the Full Moon in Leo on February 1st, which will mark the halfway point of this lunar cycle and the peak of lunar illumination.
In the meantime, I invite you to take the questions from this newsletter with you on your walk, into your journal, or into any other creative or contemplative practice that calls to you. I hope they tickle you and help you weave yourself into the mystery of this New Moon.
*All dates and times are in Central European Time, so depending on where you are, it might be a day earlier or later for you. Where provided, click the link to convert to your local time.