NEW MOON IN CAPRICORN (18 degrees) 03:37 am PST, January 8, 2008.

Once more, we are in the dark. Each month during the New Moon we actually see no Moon at all. We are in the void between the past and the future. This is the time to manifest. What will we choose now? What do we want to plant in 2008? What do we wish to harvest?

Capricorn is a dynamic, cardinal sign, destined to apply the wisdom gained in Sagittarius toward generating new forms and structures. As an earth sign, Capricorn is intimately concerned with the physical realities which include the limitations of time and space. Forms and constraints are essential. We need bones and skin to define our bodies. We also need to define our boundaries and goals. Capricorn teaches us that "if you build it, they will come," and if you don't set limits, "they" will keep right on coming.

Capricorn is symbolized by the mountain goat, and one of its primary challenges is to climb the right mountain - to find and concentrate on its soul aspirations. As we advance in life, we may come to realize that we're on someone else's path, not our own. Capricorn must decide for itself what success is, what "making it" means. This usually includes facing some tough decisions. We often have to give up something we want for something else we want more.

Saturn is the traditional ruler of Capricorn. In mythology, Saturn was associated with fertility and agriculture, from which we derive the image of the Reaper and the maxim "As ye sow, so shall ye reap." Saturn is also known as the Lord of Karma: karma is not about guilt or punishment but simply the law of cause and effect: What we do to others we will experience ourselves. A New Moon in Capricorn asks us to take a thorough inventory of our lives. What do you want to be when you grow up? What's holding you back?

Capricorn and Saturn are concerned with physical manifestation, the willingness to be in step with the times and to birth new forms. What wants to come through you? What talents and gifts have you been ignoring?

Saturn at 8° Virgo is in a square to Venus at 11° Sagittarius (exact on January 6), suggesting that we need to square our beliefs with facts. Question those voices that tell you "that's the way it is." Conventional wisdom is just that - something that keeps you mired in convention, stuck in the same old ruts. Saturn, the planet of form and Uranus, the planet of reform will be in opposite signs throughout this year, pushing us to break out of the box. The independent nature of Uranus also reduces Capricorn's tendency to rigidity and authoritarianism, making it easier for rebellious types to catch this constructive wave and turn it in a productive direction.

If you are looking for clues to your next step, determine when a planet will next cross your North Node; even the Moon's monthly transit will help. Watch your daydreams, your night dreams, and the synchronicities that occur around that time for messages from your higher self.

This New Moon advises us to be prudent but not pessimistic. If we don't like what's happening, we can change it. Notice where this New Moon falls in your chart; that house and any planets closely aspected are ready for a new challenge. Don't be daunted by the magnitude of the task. This week, take what looks like your next step, however small. Remember: "It is your choice as to what you decide to create, but you do have three grand purposes in life - to love yourself, love others, and love what you do." (Archangel Michael through Orpheus Phylos and Virginia Essene)

PLAN YOUR OWN NEW MOON CEREMONY. Give yourself some quiet time in meditation to see where you need to seed new ways of becoming. List these areas within your life you want to change. What areas do you want to break free from the norm and become more productive and discerning? The NEW MOON is the time to manifest the personal attributes you want to cultivate as well as the tangible things you want to bring to you. Possible phrasing: I now manifest ____ into my life. I am now _______ . Remember, think, envision and feel with as much emotion as possible, as though you already have what you want. Thoughts are things and the brain manifests exactly what you show it in the form of thoughts, visuals and emotions. The Buddha said, and I am paraphrasing, "We are the sum total of our thoughts up to today. " If we want to be different then we must change our thoughts. "If you always do what you've always done then you'll always get what you've always got." CONSCIOUS CHANGE is the key.