We begin 2022 with a Capricorn focus (again). The Sun and Moon are joined by Venus (currently retrograde) and Pluto. At the same time, Mercury is at the zero-degree mark between Capricorn and Aquarius and in the shadow phase of its retrograde cycle, which officially begins January 14. So expect pauses, forced or chosen.
When channeled through our best selves, Capricorn represents our inner resiliency. A muscle many of us have flexed of late. It is the part of us that survives. Deals. Perseveres. Sacrifices. It is the inherent grit that has the tenacity to climb the highest mountains and swim the greatest depths. If you haven’t been face-to-face with some aspect of this force in the last year, you are both doing it wrong and missing out. Perseverance is powerful and needed stuff.
Of course, like all things, we don’t always get it right. When sourced through wounded esteem systems, this same enlightened determination can look more like micromanaging, control, avarice, selfish stubbornness, and inflexible obstinance. It can also look like exhaustion, burnout, soul weariness, and overall overextension. Survival strategies are meant to be temporary chemistry, after all.
As stated, Capricorn themes are not new. We have been slogging through Capricorn terrain for the last couple of years. I say slogging because it hasn’t been a quick sojourn. No. We have been summiting an expert-level climb. And though we are closer to the top. We are not there yet.
Perhaps, you remember me writing in past blogs that Capricorn represents structures and foundations- whether external in the form of government, leadership, laws, banking, and overall infrastructure, or internal in the form of mission, duty, and responsibility. Maybe, you also remember me writing about how all these things are being called into question, any dysfunction rising to the surface, shadowy layers on full display. The point, of course, is to reveal what isn’t working to find better ways. Because if Capricorn represents foundations, it is vitally important we assess on what those foundations are being built. In simple terms, it matters which direction our perseverance is pointed, and which mountain we are climbing. So look at where this New Moon (12° Capricorn) is happening by house and aspect in your chart to get a sense of your personal restructuring.
Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. Just because it feels right to some part of us doesn’t mean it is. This is why Capricorn is so closely associated with forces like integrity, honor, honesty, and principle. Our actions, words, and choices define precisely who we are and where we end up. True discernment is a Capricorn talent and gift. The intent is to align our purpose with grounded humility and get any egoic specialness out of the way.
This New Moon, these themes are revisited (again). The uncovering continues. Any weak foundations that lack integrity are shaken loose to rebuild back better. With Chiron square this New Moon and With Plutonian themes activated, though, this looks more like a healing crisis of sorts. You can be sure light will be brought to dark places one way or another.
Whether we are speaking on a psychological or physical level, healing crises are defined as a temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement. It is when a situation rises to meet us like a crescendo of demanding potential, and we cannot look away. We cannot unsee what has been seen. A healing crisis is the deepest cave of the hero’s journey. The thawing out. The transition phase of birth. The darkest night before the sun rises again.
This is not a punishment, of course. It is an invitation. The challenge is the grit it takes to face it. The promise is incredible potential. Because Capricorn also reminds us that hard work, sacrifice, and dedication pay off in tangible ways.
Any healing crisis is the revelation and then the reckoning of what could be even better. Let us remember that as we usher in the New Year.
~Let us commit to being radically accountable with ourselves, looking at what we most want to deny or spin. No need to go far. Your life will show you where the work is.
~Let us also commit to being gentle and compassionate as we do so. Whatever we have done or are doing makes sense to some part of us until it doesn’t. No need to berate an already sensitive part. Be discerning, not judgmental.
~Let us accept and pay attention to the pauses, both forced and chosen, with the understanding lessons repeat until we learn them.
~Let us explore the nature of ego goals versus soul goals. The former is fueled by attempting to get to enough. The latter simply wants to express it. It is vitally important we know we are summiting the right mountain. Intention is everything.
~Let us remember the tools of manifesting and positive thinking are not meant to shapeshift our reality or bypass what we deem unpleasant, but to better understand what is. There is no transformation without reverence for what got us there regardless of any inherent dysfunction.
~Let us practice integrity, honor, and honesty in our thoughts, words, and deeds, as these are direct examples of who we are and who we want to be. The means of the journey create the ends.
~Let us rest, ask for help, and revive our weariness as needed. Climbing mountains is hard work, and often, we need support.
~Let us remember the root word of discipline is disciple, and sacrifice means “to make sacred”. Both are required to combat any selfish freedom protector parts demanding control. In the words of Peter Marshall, “May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right”. If you haven’t truly traced the edges of both discipline and sacrifice during the last couple of years, I urge you to do so. It is a vital lesson of the time.
Which is what the healing crisis is all about. It is not meant to destroy us but awaken us. It is not meant to limit us but free us. If we are brave enough to face it.
Because the authentic leadership and mastery level of Capricorn is not a focus on what we can get, it is about what we can give. This is the required rebuilding. Then every step becomes a choice. Every lesson is an opportunity and a dedication to give back, inspire, or serve in some way every day.
Let that be your intention for the New Year and let your choices reflect it.
“An authentic and genuine life grows like a sturdy tree. And like a tree, it grows slowly. Every time you make a different and better decision, it grows a little. Every time you choose to do the right thing, even when nobody would find out otherwise, it grows a little. Every time you act with compassion, relinquish your right to strike back, take a courageous stand, admit fault or accept responsibility, it grows a little.” ~Steve Goodier
Want to know what this time is revealing for you? Contact me, for more information.