How to harness the power of the new moon
Because we all need a little bit of magic ✨
It has been the most Januaryish of Januarys but, fear not. You have not ‘failed’ at any plans or resolutions for 2025, because the real fresh start is now.
To celebrate today’s new moon and Lunar New Year, I am handing over this edition of Well Well Well to the magical , Glamour magazine’s astrologer and the author of A Year of Mystical Thinking.
She has just launched her own Substack, Real Life Magic, which I heartily recommend.
Now, over to Emma, and Happy New Moon! 🌙
Not sure that 2025 has got off to quite the start you hoped it would? Join the club!
As the longest month of the year limps to a close, it’s easy to feel disheartened and defeated by the lack of neat ticks beside our New Year To Dos. But help is at hand - and it’s the cosmic kind.
The first new moon of 2025 arrives today, 29 January (at 12.35pm here in the UK) bringing the fresh start energy we all need right along with it. New moons are associated with new beginnings and intention setting, making this the ideal time to get to grips with what you want to call into your life as the year begins to get real.
This first new moon of the year also signals the start of the Lunar New Year. An important annual festival in China (this year marks the Year of the Wood Snake, check out your zodiac animal here), Lunar New Year is also widely celebrated in Vietnam, Korea, Japan and across south-east Asia, as well as globally.
This new moon falls in forward-thinking air sign Aquarius, bringing themes of independence, eccentricity, social change and inclusion to the fore for all of us. Aquarius is a free-spirited sign that represents a willingness to push boundaries, step outside convention and stand up for what’s right. And I know we all need a bit of ‘stick it to The Man’ energy right now.
There’s also a personal side to every new moon and, depending on what area of your chart it falls in, a focus on a specific area of your life. Read on to discover what this is for you and your sign, and set those intentions accordingly.
And do read for your rising sign too if you know it (you can look it up here if you know your date, time and place of birth) – people often find their rising sign astrology relates more accurately to what’s going on in their life.
If you’re feeling inspired and want to level things up with a new moon ritual, there are lots of easy ways to maximise the magic. You could try writing an intentions list by candlelight and then sleep with it under your pillow. Or simply get outside and make a wish under the night sky.
But rituals or no rituals, this a powerful time to leave the past where it belongs as we step in to a new era of personal and collective progress and positivity. Forget the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve… 2025 starts here.
Aquarius
19 January–17 February
This is your personal New Year as well as Lunar New Year. So if you’re ready to level up your life, the time is now. Switch up your style, become who you really are and start learning how to put yourself first. Intentions set under this new moon have the power to change your outlook for good.
Pisces
18 February–19 March
This new moon is all about healing, closure and getting in touch with your spiritual side. Now is the time to make peace with the past as you step into a new phase of your life. Explorations related to wellbeing and the mystical world could provide the inspiration you need in 2025.
Aries
20 March–18 April
Ready to network your way to bigger and better things? This new moon is 100 per cent Team You. Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to gather a crowd and some serious attention. You have something to share with the world, Aries, and the world is ready.
Taurus
19 April–19 May
If you’ve been contemplating a career move, this new moon is here to power up your plans. Think long and hard about what success really means to you and try to align your intentions accordingly. If you’re ready to go solo or pursue a passion, what are you waiting for?
Gemini
20 May–20 June
If you’ve found yourself wondering if there’s more to life than this lately, this new moon is going to show you the answer. Adventure calls as you take a deep breath and get real about what you want and how you’re going to get there. Intentions related to travel, learning and exploration all look lit this new moon.
Cancer
21 June–21 July
Transformation is the word of the year for Cancer (actually, make that the word of the next two decades!) and it all starts here. Think deeply about who you are, where you’re headed and who you want to come along for the ride. You can be anyone you want to be in 2025. Start now and don’t stop until you get there.
Leo
22 July–21 August
Relationships of all kinds fall into focus on this new moon and whether you’re loved up, looking or sworn off romance for good that might mean love is in the air. Keep an open mind and consider calling in the kind of connection you want to find you in 2025.
Virgo
22 August–21 September
Your wellness era starts here, Virgo. And you probably already know what that means for your new moon intentions! Stick to the plan and refuse to be swayed by other people’s thoughts, wants and opinions. This is your chance to turn things around and create a life you truly love living.
Libra
22 September–22 October
Creativity is key for Libra this new moon. That might mean setting intentions related to passion projects or artistic endeavours but it might also mean getting creative with how you live your life. Is it time for you to redefine what constitutes ‘fun’ for you? Move forwards and make it count.
Scorpio
23 October–21 November
Home is where the heart is for Scorpio this new moon. If you’re ready to move out, move on or find a place to call your own, this is the ideal time to set those intentions. And remember, this is an Aquarius new moon so you don’t have to do things the way society tells you they should be done. Go your own way, Scorpio.
Sagittarius
22 November–20 December
If you’ve got a story to tell or a cause to champion this new moon has got your back. Communication is key for you right now and that means a certain kind of magic sprinkled on projects related to writing or speaking. Be ready to tell it like it is, put pen to paper or tell someone how you really feel.
Capricorn
22 December–18 January
Money talks for Capricorn this new moon. Get real about your financial future and don’t be afraid to expect (and ask for) more. This is the beginning of a magical time and you need to keep your mindset abundant. Set intentions that dream a little bit bigger than you dare and watch the universe start to deliver.
Thanks for having me and happy new moon / year of the snake 🐍
Thank you, Rosamund and Emma!