First Quarter Moon in Aries ☽ Winter Solstice 2020

Artist: Dela

Monday, Dec 21 at 3.42pm PDT

The earthen Sun in Capricorn squares the fiery moon in Aries. At the first quarter, the moon rises at noon, peaks at dusk, and sets at midnight all over the world, no matter your time zone.

This moon phase coincides with the Winter Solstice + a historic conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius! The moon will stay in Aries until Dec 24, then transition to Taurus for the next 60-hour round. The moon is waxing, gathering momentum for fullness. On Dec 29 the moon enters Cancer for the full moon.

At the first quarter moon phase, our eyes are freshly cleared by the new moon solar eclipse in Sagittarius. This is when we decide what we will carry forward from the new moon. What will we change? Quarter phases are forces of clarification.

In the body, Aries rules the muscles and Capricorn the bones. Capricorn, like our skeleton, is rigid and difficult to change. Aries, full of blood and heat, begs us to move. Through him we sprout and strengthen. Remember the last time you exercised until your breath was jagged, muscles scorching. This fire, moon children, is what we encounter now.

Astrological events in Aries (the first sign in the zodiac wheel) signal new beginnings. All moon phase in Aries breathe divine life into that which must live. This phase encourages definitive action (Aries) on projects of a long-term, structural nature (Capricorn). Decide what you want and go for it. Do something to further your goals.

There is a unique tension between Capricorn and Aries, which is true for all constellations who square each other in the zodiac. Individuals who embody this square must wrestle with the highly sexual nature of Aries as well as the highly practical nature of Capricorn. They can absolutely coexist, with the kindling of Capricorn feeding the fire of Aries. Still, when these two battle in the skies, we experience incurable restlessness. Any square involving fire (such as the moon in Aries) needs to be released through physical movement. Artistic expression highly recommended too, as always.

Squares involving fire also stir up anger. People are definitely more irritable with the moon in Aries. My advice: wear red, put on your favorite music, and fucking dance. Bust out your most vibrant, fiery clothing.  Stamp the soil, feel a rose blooming from the base of your spine. Sweat to the rhythm of I AM I AM I AM. Aries, master of spring, is our best teacher in the dead of winter. Follow the hot-blooded sheep up the mountain.

There are two elements to this moon phase. The fire of Aries says something new is coming. Yet the earth of Capricorn demands that we move forward with a plan. Winter descends, but the goat is not a lazy, drowsy beast: he works out in the cold, late into the night. Capricorns, you marvelous creatures, you put so much pressure on yourselves. Can you be more free and open, more trusting?

This quarter moon will form a contentious square to Mercury in Capricorn. Generally this means that the heart (moon) is at odds with the mind & communication (Mercury). We may feel uncomfortable expressing how we really feel, for example. Move through the discomfort with Aries Yoga. Avoid alcohol, red meat, and other inflammatory foods like dairy, gluten, or nightshades. Focus on the solar plexus chakra in meditation – light up your will power. To find your personal moon sign, click here.