January 2025: Tarot spread for the new moon in Aquarius

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, journal prompts, and herbal lore for the new moon in Aquarius.

The January 2025 new moon falls in the sign of Aquarius. The independent, free-thinking Aquarius archetype encourages us to examine our inner wild self and celebrate everything that makes us unique. It is the archetype of the reformer, the idealist who strives for tolerance, unity, and a better and brighter society. And despite these rather lofty ideals, the Aquarius archetype isn’t afraid to get in there and get its hands dirty.

Spiritually, the Aquarius archetype teaches us how to be true to our own voice, to listen to and follow the calling of our own heart and soul. By learning how to tune in rather than out, by being true to the things that make us unique, we undertake the journey to individuation.

This new moon also highlights our work life. If you’re currently working, especially in a job or providing a service of some kind, take a moment to reflect on how you are feeling with regards to your work. Are you overworked? Bored and de-motivated? Thriving and striving? Pay particular attention to any feelings associated with your work life and career goals during this Aquarius new moon.

This lunation also brings forward our fears and the ways in which they hold us back from achieving our bold and beautiful goals. Once we understand the ways in which we allow fear to control us, we can take more strategic action to move towards our goals.

This new moon also reminds us that though we may living in interesting times and despair may be nipping at our heels, we should endeavor to hold on to love, to hope, because without hope, what else is there?

Astro-tarot influences for the January 2025 new moon in Aquarius

To throw some more light on the January new moon astrology, let’s take a look at the astro-tarot influences of this lunation. The Aquarius new moon falls in decan 1, which is represented by the 5 of Swords. This is to be interpreted in conjunction with The Star, which is associated with Aquarius.

I cannot help but look at the 5 of Swords and overlay the sense of despair, dejection, and hopelessness that we are collectively feeling…have been feeling…since what probably feels like forever. The world seems to be spiraling down a path of right-wing fanaticism, with capitalist-colonial-supremist ideologies and fascism making a resurgence. It feels like our lives, our identities, the very values that we hold dear are under attack. That the oligarchs dance on the rubble of our homes, while our forests blaze, our homes burn or are bombed, our children are snatched from our arms.

Deep breaths, my loves, deep breaths.

There is no denying that things are bleak collectively. That some of you or your loved ones have been or will be directly impacted by the events that are currently unfolding. And, this I know to be true: there will always be organizations and people who will speak out against the oppressor. They will be suppressed, imprisoned, banned, ridiculed, but they will soldier on, giving us glimmers of hope in dark times. We are living through it, and our ancestors have undoubtedly lived through it. We will emerge on the other side — bruised, but with our spirits unbroken.

Meanwhile, there is a world that is right outside our window. While our rights are being stripped away, our freedoms curtailed, when we look outside our window, maybe we are still okay. There may be a rise in hate crimes, we may have to hide our identities, ButAndAlso there will be a rise in networks of care — this is something I know, that I have seen, in my own country, which began its descent into right-wing fascism in 2014. There is hope, even in the darkness.

On a more personal level, this Aquarius new moon offers us some gentle healing and optimism. With the moon forming a trine with Jupiter, and with the moon in visionary Aquarius, we are being supported in expanding our worldview, imagining new possibilities, and finding new perspectives. Even in the midst of challenges, Jupiter can help us to find the silver linings, if only we pay attention.

Mercury and Pluto are also active at this time, forming a conjunction with the moon. This configuration, at this time, can help us examine the values we stand for and want to be known for, and determine how best we can show up given our own individual capacity and circumstances.

The dwarf planet Ceres also lends us her beautiful energy of nurturance, mothering and comfort during this time, reminding us that we can mother and be mothered; that we can advocate for the vulnerable and also ask for and receive comfort.

Overall, though we may be experiencing collective grief and anxiety, there are also glimmers of hope, healing and comfort.

Herbal medicine for the Aquarius new moon

Every new moon, I will choose a herb for us based on the astrology around the moon, using the Herbal Astrology Oracle by Adriana Ayales. I’ll include a bit about the herbal lore and some guidance that you can weave in to your new moon workings.

The herb that I chose for the January 2025 new moon in Aquarius is Cordyceps.

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that has traditionally been gathered at high altitudes, traditionally in Nepal and Tibet. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fatigue, weakness, kidney conditions and heart disease, as well as to boost endurance and enhance lung capacity.

Cordyceps is ruled by Jupiter and Pluto, and provides a jovial energy, a sense of renewal, resilience and accomplishment — qualities that are much needed at this time.

Cordyceps indicates that its time to soar to new heights. You have the energy to manifest your deepest desires, your passion is in alignment with knowledge and you’re blessed with connection to the Divine. If you have been walking in the shadows, this is the time to reconnect with the Divine as you know it, and with your higher mind, to heal your broken wings with love.

Note: I am not a herbal practitioner, and the herbs that I choose for us on each new moon are not meant to be ingested. If you own a copy of the Herbal Astrology Oracle, you can place the card on your altar. Alternately, you can find a photograph of the herb and paint or sketch it in your journal while you reflect on its healing properties and how they may resonate with you at this time.

Tarot spread for the January 2025 Aquarius new moon

Here’s a tarot spread to tap into the energy of this new moon.

Anchoring into the now: How can you anchor yourself in the present moment? This card may prompt a mantra or an action that will help you ground. Listen to your intuition and your first impressions when you draw this card.

Self soothing: How can you soothe yourself through trying times? Imagine this card as a wise friend. What words of advice would they offer you?

Ancestral wisdom: What wisdom do your ancestors have to share with you about living through difficult times?

Mamma moon says: This is always an encouraging message.

If you share your spreads on Instagram, please tag me @moderngypsy.in so we can connect with each other.

Journaling questions for the new moon in Aquarius

Not a cardslinger? No problem. Here are some journaling questions for you instead.

What networks of support can you lean on during difficult times?

How can you offer systems of care and support to your family and community?

Look for silver linings and glimmers of hope. Keep a running list in your journal.