Imbolc means “in the belly,” referring to baby lambs growing in the bellies of their mothers, indicating the fortuitous return of spring. This is the quickening time, when seeds and bulbs resting in cold dark soil silently prepare to sprout and recolor our world. Inside ourselves, what dreams awake?
The New Moon falls at 19 degrees Aquarius. Interestingly, the Sabian Symbol for this degree is “A Forest Fire Quenched.” (How perfect for entering the YEAR OF THE FIRE MONKEY)
Aquarius is the sign of the COLLECTIVE Despite its common title “the Water Bearer,” it’s actually a Fixed Air sign. Air signs deal with the mind: thoughts and communicable ideas. The “water” in this case is innovative use of the mind: progressive ideas and inspirations that nourish the collective.
I’d like to dedicate this to all of the Creator’s righteous children. I have some food in my bag for you. Not that edible food – the food you eat? No. I have some food for thought.
- Erykah Badu, “Appletree”
“Knowledge is infinite,” Badu intones. This is the realm of Aquarius.
Aquarius is a Fixed sign. Fixed signs have an enduring quality. Aquarius is not concerned with small concepts or fleeting impressions. Aquarius tethers itself to authenticity and abiding truth. Aquarius is the witness. It reasons to observe fringe perspective and harness constructive concept. It sees from another, non-earthly dimension, like looking at time from a birds-eye view.
Aquarius is humanitarian and highly creative. It’s about bringing in the future through thought. Science, technology, the internet, and engineering fall within the realm of Aquarius. Tribes, communities, grassroots movements, and large-scale rebellion also fall within this realm. The common goal is Liberation. Autonomy. Independence through Interdependence. Bob Marley, Oprah Winfrey, and Abraham Lincoln were all born with Sun in Aquarius: three characters meant to break the mold. Aquarius gifts us with a glimpse of the future.
A new moon is always a seeding time. On the New Moon in Aquarius February 8, 2016, use conscious awareness to plant seeds of change. What changes do you want in your life? What changes do you want to see in this world? Seed change not only for yourself, but for the greater collective.
Start here: The best way to change the world is by changing your mind.
I recall a cheesy inspirational poster tacked on the wall of my elementary school:
The mind is like a parachute, it works best when OPEN.
This New Moon, get a fuller perspective. Connect with a group. (Possibly THIS GROUP of women learning how their lives interweave with the cycles of the moon.) Come together. Sit in circle with other humans and ask the question: what change would you like to see this month, this year, and beyond? In your life? In the world?
Encourage all voices to be present. Listen to the stories. Drink in the perspectives shared. Observe how the words of others vibrate within your own being. What strikes harmonious? What feels dissonant? Let these sensations be your guide and inspiration. Notice: are there shared desires for change? Can you somehow support one another bringing change into reality? Voice these ideas, and nurture the connection.
Learn from possibly the greatest power on Earth. The POWER OF COLLECTIVE..