This week we have a New Moon in Aquarius on February 17 at 7:01 am  EDT (find your time here).

Typically, we talk about New Moons as a time of new beginnings and wiping the slate clean, of setting your intention for the lunar cycle ahead. But this New Moon is a Solar Eclipse, which means we treat it a little differently.

Eclipses bring change, and can often be unpredictable. Because of this, they aren’t the best time for beginning anything new, but instead can be powerful motivators of change.

Another thing to note is that this New Moon occurs as the Void Moon begins. Void Moons are seen as a cosmic time out. They’re great for self-care and finishing up tasks already begun, but they’re not the best energy for beginning anything new.

An Aquarius New Moon urges us to look to the collective, to how we can contribute to our local community, make an impact in the social sphere, and innovate for the greater good. With Aquarius energy, our outlook shifts from the Capricorn ‘me’ to the Aquarius ‘we’. Aquarius energy is all about being yourself, and celebrating who you are as an individual, while also acknowledging that we are all connected, and until we are all celebrated, none of us are.

This is a time to shine your light, knowing it helps everyone around you see.

You may be called to make an innovative change during this New Moon, to turn something upside down and go about something in a new way. Uranus, the planet of lightning-quick change, is one of the rulers of this sign, so take inspiration as it comes to you and roll with it as best you can.

A New Moon in Aquarius is innovative, and it aids us in seeing things outside of the box. With Aquarius, sometimes we’re ready to throw the box away entirely. Uranus is squaring this New Moon, which can active our nervous system and bring unexpected change our way.

And the thing about change - even if we’re anticipating it and looking forward to it, our base, primal instincts will often resist this change. Even when change is good for us, the habits we have are habits for a reason. They are ingrained in us. And changing them isn’t easy, even when we want the change.

It’s important that we remember that Uranus can also bring about impulsive behavior and knee-jerk reactions. Gentle reminders to wait to act can be helpful in navigating this intense energy, as well as compassion for yourself (and others!) when you slip up. We’re all human, after all.

We’re also building towards the Saturn-Neptune conjunction that will be exact on Friday. This transit can erode our sense of self and leave room for doubt to creep in. Old stories around doing ‘enough’ can start playing again on a mental loop, and we can get caught up in lashing out because it feels like the ground is shifting under our feet. Know that this is temporary and the path will become clear again.

With all that in mind, we’ll all probably be feeling very activated this week and really today for the New Moon. So be sure to take time to sit with yourself and do what you need to do to tend to your energy and what you need.

Some questions to ask yourself on this New Moon:

• How can you step up into standing up for others?

• How can you stand firm as the ground shifts under your feet?

• What change do you need to make for the greater good?
  

Horoscopes below.

Below is where you may be feeling this New Moon highlight something for you. If you do not know your Rising Sign, you can look it up here

♈Aries & Aries Rising
You're really feeling the community vibes lately, wanting to spend time with those that are on the same wavelength as you. Working with groups and cultivating a team who has your back is on the agenda this New Moon.

♉Taurus & Taurus Rising
For you, this time of year is all about your career and higher calling. This New Moon is sending a jolt of energy to the career sector of your birth chart and helping you plan out your next steps to climb whatever ladder you have your eye on.

♊Gemini & Gemini Rising
New ideas are swirling for you, opening up your vision to new possibilities and avenues of learning you have yet to explore. This New Moon calls you to dive into your philosophical and metaphysical side, the one that craves all the knowledge you can find. Let yourself go exploring.

♋Cancer & Cancer Rising
This New Moon is urging you to slow down, at least just a little, and get reacquainted with your sexuality and what brings you pleasure. Real estate, investments, and legal matters could also be on the agenda.

♌Leo & Leo Rising
Relationships are the focus for you this New Moon. Your focus is now on structure and boundaries, and you'll want to make sure you're being emotionally open and vulnerable, even if it feels awkward. Keep practicing, it will get easier.

♍Virgo & Virgo Rising
Have you been thinking of making a change to your routine? Look into what apps or devices can help you make those changes and stick to habits that empower you rather than help you procrastinate.

♎Libra & Libra Rising
Express yourself through art and play. Follow your muse and see where it leads. This New Moon is giving your creativity an energy boost to help you create some special magic.

♏Scorpio & Scorpio Rising
What siren song is calling to your heart now? You're weaving your foundation, sprinkling magic throughout your home, and creating a nurturing nest for yourself and those you love. Take a break from the action and carve out some downtime.

♐Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising
Your social calendar is about to get full! This is the best time of the year for you to connect with others through meetings, networking, or just hanging with your best pals. You may find that one of these connections bears fruit in a new opportunity later down the line.

♑Capricorn & Capricorn Rising
Money is on your mind right now, and the stars are on your side to make a plan that will pay off. The key for you will be staying focused - that could be sticking to a budget or focusing on just one or two projects at once.

♒Aquarius & Aquarius Rising
This New Moon is like your personal New Moon, a time when you are getting clear on who you are and what you want out of life. Follow your heart and intuition, they never lead you astray.

♓Pisces & Pisces Rising
This New Moon is inviting you to slow down and rest. We all need periods of downtime and healing every once in a while. And that just means you'll be able to burn ever brighter when the sun illuminates your rising sign in a few weeks.