New Moon Eclipse in Aries (29°50′)
April 20, 2023, 4:12 GMT
This second New Moon in Aries, which takes place in the very last degree of the Ram, coincides with a total solar eclipse that will be visible over Southeast Asia. It will be a hybrid eclipse – complete darkness in some places, but in others, the eclipse will appear as a ring of fire. It will be the last total eclipse involving the Taurus/Scorpio axis before the nodes enter Aries/Libra in July.
The Sun and Moon square Pluto as they change signs and enter Taurus, while Mercury turns retrograde right about the same time. This New Moon marks a turning point. We are in transition, and there is no turning back now. The times, they are a-changing!
New Moon in Aries squares Pluto in Aquarius (D)
New Moons signify beginnings, but with Pluto squaring this New Moon, it feels like a new beginning beckoning at the edge of the abyss. We have no choice but to accept the change, so we might as well embrace it. Pluto sits on the brink of the Aquarian cusp, and the New Moon culminates just seconds before the Sun and Moon enter Taurus. It is a ‘now or never’ kind of moment. The fiery Ram is forward-thrusting, and Pluto is bringing in an entirely different energy, yet something still holds us back. It’s like standing on the 5 m tower at the swimming pool and savouring that sinking feeling just before running for the jump. We have rehearsed the moment in our minds. Now we must face it in real-time.
Jupiter conjunct New Moon
On the positive side, Jupiter plays the part of the cheerleader. He conjuncts the New Moon with a 6-degree orb. It is not very close, but close enough to feel its positive support. He holds the space for new things to emerge – encouraging without pushing.
Mercury is stationary
Mercury is literally about to turn around on its heels. Although all signs point towards the threshold of a new era, Mercury takes a break. Is he getting cold feet? Procrastinating? Maybe. But it can also simply suggest that we use this valuable time to regroup and get all ducks lined up, instead of charging ahead blindly.
Mercury conjunct Uranus
Mercury is approaching the conjunction with Uranus but stops short as he turns retrograde before it becomes exact. There may be unexpected news, but Mercury’s retreat sequesters the full impact.
Saturn sextile north node/trine south node
Saturn sextiles the north node and trines the south node, but is otherwise not very involved. This, too, implies that it may be a moment to pause or withdraw from outer activity. Its message is to seek wisdom rather than reward. Older people may hold the key to understanding the meaning of this constellation.
Chiron semi-sextile Mercury/Uranus
The semi-sextile between Uranus and Chiron is still close. We might feel the pandemic is over, but people are still dying. Many questions remain unanswered, despite the efforts of hundreds of scientists working on the problem.
