This month in Astrology and Energy

With the third lockdown moving heavily and the depths of winter offering a touch of cold, you may feel a loss of motivation. This month in astrology and energy there is a lot of astrological energies combined with winter, meaning you may feel a shift in energy. Icy weather and being confined to home calls for a cup of tea and Netflix, so we may feel less compelled to do anything. If you wanted to retreat inward and hide, no one would blame you. But combine the inner winter energy with some of the astrological energies that are among us right now, and you may have found yourself a little confused too. On the one hand, there is this pull to go within and embrace the loneliness of winter. On the other hand, there is chaotic energy from the moon, planets and seasonal changes that tells us to do the opposite. It wouldn't be a surprise if you were exhausted from all of this.

If you've felt pulled between wanting to do something but not knowing where to start, or perhaps even feeling overwhelmed and having difficulty finding grounding, please know that you are not alone. If being in a pandemic for almost a year wasn't enough to cope with, there are many alignments that can have a big impact on you energetically too.

What energies are in play at the moment:

Imbolc

Imbolc traditionally lands on February 1st, roughly halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a time of year when we emerge from winter into the first signs of spring. If you have seen daffodils begin to bloom, you may have already noticed the beauty of Imbolc taking shape.

Energetically we begin to mirror nature in our emergence from the solitude of winter to the bloom of spring. It's the tipping point, which means it often feels like we're on the edge. Just as nature waits for its opportunity to bloom, we are held where we are...much like the hold we find ourselves in. This pushing and pulling can create a bit of chaos in the mind. You may have noticed an urge to dive right into things, but a resistance to doing so fully. That's the beauty of Imbolc, it's a preparation phase. It sits in the unknown and trusts that the light will come.

This phase can feel uncomfortable for people, especially with all the uncertainty of this year. It may be met with resistance as natural energies of frustration, confusion and conflicting desires are often viewed as states to be avoided. However, it is worth remembering that although this phase is not always pleasant, it is necessary. Just as nature cannot simply bloom without its preparation, we often have to be uncomfortable in order to step into our own light. Grounding meditations, visualizations, and shadow work can help you find ease during this phase.

Mantra for the Imbolc:I trust that I am blooming, growing and moving towards the light

Mercury retrograde

Mercury in Retrograde has gained quite a controversial reputation. Maybe this time you saw that you were blamed for breaking technology and encouraging exes to show up out of the blue and make unusual decisions. While these may all be events that you experience, that is not what Mercury in Retrograde is here for. Regressions are a time for introspection and reflection because they pave a path into your subconscious.

The energy this requires is to slow down, talk less, and think about your decisions. By allowing space for calm, regression offers you the opportunity to tune into your true self on a deeper level. It also creates an energy that embodies healing. Because this deep inner work brings shadows, insecurities and fears to the surface, there is an opportunity to work through whatever is holding you back. While this sounds like an extremely helpful energy on paper, it can actually cause a lot of chaos in our outside world. If you feel like you've distracted yourself, wanting to act spontaneously, tell others exactly how you feel, or make a drastic change, you may be caught in the urge to resist everything the retrograde is trying to show you.

It may feel instinctive to hide from whatever a regression tries to shine a light on, but the only way through it is to go with the flow of its tides. Trusting the process, no matter how uncomfortable it may be, will help you align with your true self much deeper than before. Grounding practices, journaling, and sound healing can be effective practices during this time.

Mantra for Mercury Retrograde:I am reflection, I heal, I am.

New Moon in Aquarius

A new moon is a time to draw all energy into yourself. It's a chance to reflect, connect with your truest desires, and set intentions based on that truth. It is a darker phase that can create lower energy and the urge to be alone. This special new moon in Aquarius falls on Thursday at 7pm (GBR) and embodies the sign of freedom, clarity and new beginnings. It creates a reputation for finding freedom and being fearless about what you want... an energy that feels a little hard to understand in a lockdown with no end date.

The true essence of this moon is connecting with your inner freedom. The path that makes you feel alive and like you are living according to your true desires. When we feel aligned, this New Moon is exciting and optimistic. But with all of the energies described above, there's every chance you'll face this New Moon unsure of your path... and that's okay. This moon is here to shine a light on everything that stands in your way, to remove everything that is preventing your growth, and to connect with that calling within you instead.

While a moon rooted in freedom may ironically leave you feeling a little stuck, it's important to remember that this moon wants to release your inner boundaries. It asks us to trust in the journey, be open to new beginnings and believe that we can make our desires our reality. Yin yoga, guided meditation, journaling, and intention-setting rituals help honor the new moon energy.

Mantra for the New Moon in Aquarius:I intend to connect with my heart's desires and trust the journey they take me on.