We begin 2021 with what feels to be like a clean slate. We are eagerly wanting to release the pain, fear, frustration and disappointments of 2020. A new dawn is approaching, but we must first endure the darkness of the night.
January 1, 2021: As it is the first day of the year and the Last Quarter Moon is swiftly approaching, today is excellent for protecting the home and building an energetic barrier.
Grab a lighter and a Cedar Smudge or Pine Smudge and head outside. While standing at the front door of your home, looking out towards the street, light your chosen smudge bundle. Affirm aloud that you are protecting your home and family. You may choose to invite the spirits of your deceased ancestors to help guard your home. Walk clockwise around the exterior of your home, thoroughly smudging every side door and window. If upstairs windows are present, gently blow the smoke in an upward motion towards the windows. Finishing back at your front door, allow the smoke to envelop the exterior of the door. Open the door, and gently blow the smoke inside and on the door's threshold. Finally, smudge your physical and non-physical body, which includes the 3 feet below your feet' soles (you will need to sit or lay) and the 3 feet above your head. Scatter the ashes under your doormat.
January 6, 2021: Last Quarter Moon. This is the time when we become very aware of what needs to fall apart so that we can rebuild anew. Anxiety can heighten during this time, as can emotional troubles. If old heartbreaks and disappointments arise, brew a fresh batch of the Black Walnut Water tonight. Add it to bathwater, or simply rinse yourself while standing in the shower. Allow the heartache and disappointment to be washed away. Burning Palo Santo or Rosemary after the Black Walnut bath will stabilize energies, allowing you to think clearly from new, heightened perspectives.
January 12, 2021 9pm PST / January 13, 2021 Midnight EST: Dark Moon in Capricorn. This is a time for stillness, contemplation and banishment. Capricorn is a realistic sign that loves having solid ground under its feet. This Dark Moon helps us find our footing and get out of the limiting hole in the ground we've been stuck in. Excellent time for banishing roadblocks to financial wellness, as well as releasing draining energies, entities and influences. Allow the darkness of this Dark Moon to reveal your inner (AND outer!) blockages and banish all that no longer serves you.
January 13th-14th, 2021: Uranus Retrograde comes to an end. Uranus Direct in Taurus can bring about unpleasant surprises. Usually it is something that has been hidden in recent months, suddenly resurfacing and showing its ugly head.
January 14, 2021: Mercury pre-shadow begins. Time to slow down and review the upcoming important dates and tasks. Projects may begin to stall as soon as today. Double-check travel itineraries, inventories, and anything that may be critical for your job. Learn more about Mercury Retrograde 2021 here.
January 14th-15th, 2021: The New Moon of the Old World Witch is called the Witch's New Moon. It is when the very first crescent or sliver of the Moon is visible. This is typically 2-3 nights after the Dark Moon.
With some variations, the Witch's New Moon rises in the daytime before noon and becomes visible in the day sky. It will be most visible at sunset and usually sets well before midnight. The Witch's New Moon is the same percentage all over the world - both in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. However, which way the tips of the Witch's New Moon point depend on the time, date, and your location on Earth. The moment you see the first crescent of the Moon, know that the Witch's New Moon is upon you.
Note: Depending on your location, most will not see the first crescent Witch's New Moon until January 15th.
The Witch's New Moon is excellent for beginning a new venture, launching a project, beginning a series of devotion/marriage spells. Also ideal for building and reinforcing personal spiritual protection.
January 17, 2021: If you often experience various problems during Mercury Retrograde, begin your Mercury Ritual tonight. The Mercury Ritual evokes and draws upon Mercurial energy, which causes an energetic reversal of the retrograde. Doing so lessens, or often eliminates completely, common Mercury Retrograde issues, such as miscommunication, technical problems, and travel delays. If desired results are achieved and you are not experiencing any retrograde-related problems, you may choose to pause ritual repetition. If problems persist, repeat the ritual on January 24th and February 1st.
January 19, 2021: Sun enters Aquarius in an oracle-like fashion. Rigid hierarchies are now immediately challenged. Egalitarian principles of humanity, compassion, and equal rights take the reins. Excellent sun cycle for self-development, taking risks, and exploring the outer edges of your comfort zone.
January 20, 2021: The First Quarter Moon compels us to take action and reminds us of our power. If waiting/wanting to hear from a romantic interest, now is an excellent time to perform the communication rituals for lovers. Rituals for influence and control are also particularly powerful when started tonight.
January 28, 2021 11:16am PST / 2:15pm EST: Full Moon in Leo awakens a deeper understanding of who we are - and catch a glimpse of all that we can truly become. The blinders of self-doubt will temporarily come off. The inner flame will now brightly shine and illuminate the greatness of all that we can achieve. Potent energy for all love spells, and of course, ideal time for the Sacred Full Moon Ritual
January 30, 2021: Mercury Retrograde begins. Three or four times every year, we experience the illusion of the planet Mercury traveling backward, which is called Mercury Retrograde. Mercury rules communication, travel, technology, and the legal system. When Mercury is in retrograde, these areas of life are at their absolute weakest point. It is the absence of Mercurial energy that is the cause of these problems. Click here to learn more about Mercury Retrograde, view the 2021 dates, learn what you should expect, and what you should avoid.
Wishing you health, warmth and prosperity on these cold winter evenings.
Love & Magick,
