Transforming a Single Star into the Big Dipper
new moon solar eclipse in aquarius & year of the fire horse
It’s been stormy here in Hawaii for the past week. I have spent a significant amount of time cooped up in my little bungalow practicing new qi gong forms (which seems to be my new favorite topic of these substacks) and reading long novels. I am learning the Yi Jing Jing set of qi gong forms. Each of them translate from Chinese to English in sweet and funny ways that I really enjoy. Last week, I became obsessed with one in particular. “Transforming a Plucked Star into the Big Dipper.” One way to translate it.
The movement consists of creating internal resistance, reaching up and back for a single star, sweeping your arm across the sky, and eventually floating the hand down as the energy moves into the body. It’s a fairly relaxing form. As I do it, I like to imagine my ability to fill the night sky with an entire constellation with the simple sweep of my arm. I like the idea that I have the power to transform a single star into an interconnected web of sparkling gems.
Which brings me to the new moon/solar eclipse in Aquarius. Tuesday, February 17 at 7:01 est. This is also Lunar New Year - the beginning of the year of the fire horse. In many ways, this day is quite cosmically potent. February, in general, is jam-packed with astrological magic, but this day in particular marks an important shift. From the Chinese Zodiacal perspective, we complete the shedding of the snake skin and prepare to launch into a full gallop of the fire horse. There is activation, speed, and momentum present here. Where do you feel ready to launch? Step forward? Expand?
In terms of this solar eclipse in Aquarius, I get the sense that it is a peculiar lunation. Something about it seems new and mischievous. As with all eclipses, there is an air of uncertainty and magic. We can never really predict what is lurking around the corner, waiting to unfold before us. This is the first eclipse we will see in Aquarius as we prepare to shift into the new Aquarius/Leo eclipse axis over the next few years. A new storyline begins. I have a feeling this narrative is going to increase the rapid changes we see in technology and AI, and in turn urge us to move closer to physical connections, experiences, and ways of living.
Aquarius always emphasizes the evolution of the collective experience. Given the major astrological changes we are undergoing this month, we are preparing for many new storylines to begin taking form. Instead of gripping on tighter to what was once certain, this new moon in Aquarius is inviting us to open our hearts and minds to the unknown. It certainly won’t be easy. It will likely be scary and awkward. But we won’t be alone, this sign reminds us. We will be traveling together into future hopes and dreams.
Imagine yourself as a single star, being plucked from one end of the sky, gently moved over to become a part of the Big Dipper. You, a single person, with a chance to contribute your unique gifts to a larger constellation of people. How would you like to show up? What would you like to contribute to the interconnected web of sparkling gems as we shift into a new year of fire, power, motivation, and expansion?
4-3-2-1 for the Aquarius New Moon (Solar Eclipse)
4 (aquarius) things
/lava lamps (i miss those)
/online friends
/frozen yogurt toppings that only make sense to you
/revolutionary change !
3 pictures
2 prompts
what gifts to i wish to contribute?
what does the year of the fire horse want to activate within me?
1 word
c o l l e c t
UPDATE! 🦊
I am currently in a creative cocoon dreaming up some new offerings for the spring and beyond! I am starting a mailing list for physical offerings. Anyone remember last year’s luminary journal?! If you wish to sign up for seasonal surprises in your mailbox, sign up here!
My books are re-open for astrology readings! Perfect for upcoming birthdays or to gain some clarity on your current season.
See you on the full moon! 🌝