The new moon, January 2023's reflective lunation, will be the most powerful for these 4 signs

The new moon, January 2023's thoughtful lunation, will feel like a weight being lifted off your shoulders.  

Now that we've welcomed a new year, perused our 2023 horoscope predictions and started thinking about what we want over the next 12 months, it's time to put those thoughts into action—but you're going to have to let go of what's holding you back first. 

The January full moon, 2023's peaceful lunar phase, slowly ushered us into the first month of the year with a calming, peaceful energy. Now, the next new moon, which takes place in Aquarius, is looking for us to let go à la Elsa before getting serious with our intentions. 

"Aquarius energy is big on visioning for the future, leaping ahead and thinking outside of the box to reach your goals in a way which is fresh, innovative and perhaps slightly disruptive to your normal," says astrologer Noush.

She suggests we think about our focus over the past several years—whether it'd be career-related or pertaining to relationships—as it'll be telling how we'll move ahead. 

"The area of life which comes up for you can be a great indication of where you're ready to release blocks from the past and quantum leap your life into the future you desire," she adds.

Ready to learn more? Let's get ready to glow! Consider our guide to this moon phase as one of our astrology gifts to you!

Meet the expert: Noush

A western tropical Astrologer and creative at heart, Noush believes in the combination of Astrology and spiritual energy work to bring us closer to soul alignment and divine love. Learn how to reach your souls purpose during an astrology reading with her or go on a self-directed journey of divine manifestation using the 2023 Zodiac Calendars available now! 

New Moon January 2023: what to know

Although there will be a focus on release for the new moon, we can also expect a few more areas of our life to be highlighted, according to astrologer Liz Simmons. 

"Since new moons represent new cycles, we can expect this lunation to bring out our innovation, individuality, desire for friendship and aptitude for technology over the next six months," Simmons says.

How it works with us on an individual level vs. a community level might be different, though. 

"On a personal note, the new moon could help you expand your network and get comfortable with your inner oddities," she adds. "On a collective note, the new moon is an excellent time to seek unique or unconventional solutions to modern problems."

And, like most events, there are pluses and minuses (though the downsides are nothing you can't work on). 

"The good aspect of this new moon could lead to greater collective acceptance and technological miracles. But the bad aspect of this new moon is potential detachment, ego clashes and technical restrictions," she says.

Meet the expert: Liz Simmons

Liz Simmons is a freelance writer, astrologer, and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. She views astrology and tarot as another tool in our arsenal to understand the cosmic interplay in our lives. Currently, Liz contributes astrological articles and horoscopes to StyleCaster, POPSUGAR and Astrology.com. She is also the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. Check out Liz’s Instagram @the__crone and her website, the-crone.com. 

January new moon and Aquarius season

The next new moon coincides with the start of Aquarius season 2023. 

"They’re [Aquarius] quirky and eccentric and aren’t afraid to be themselves. Because Aquarius season also falls in the first month of the new year, it encourages people to embrace change and new beginnings," astrologer Michelle Bell, founder of Cosmic Fusion.

Additionally, Aquarius rules greater community and friendship, so now is a great time to connect with those around you, especially if you didn't get a chance to do so during the holiday season.

January new moon tips

Though things will be smooth sailing for the most part, we do have to watch out for big egos and emotional moments, thanks to the moon's sextile Jupiter in Aries. If you want to plan ahead, Noush recommends working with crystals. (Check out our guide to crystals for beginners if you're new to the practice.) 

"You can work with black tourmaline to absorb and remove any negative or heavy energy which may be holding you back," Noush says. "When you are working with setting intentions, I like Amethyst, as this crystal can help you increase the power of your mind, particularly as you are planting a new seed of thought at the time of the new moon. I also like Labradorite for this new moon as it speaks to the mysteries that are yet to be uncovered over the next year."

Simmons suggests taking another approach by delving into astro specifics. 

"We can make the most of this new moon by finding the House that is in Aquarius in our individual birth charts and manifesting new opportunities that are aligned with that House," she says. "Check your rising sign!"

To make things easier, Simmons has mapped it out for us: 

• Aries Rising: 11th House of Greater Community, Friends, Friend Groups, Social Groups, Technology, Dreams, Humanity
•  Taurus Rising: 10th House of Career, Legacy, Recognition, Public Status
• Gemini Rising: 9th House of Long-Term Travel, Higher Education, Spirituality, Law, Ethics, Morals, Beliefs
• Cancer Rising: 8th House of Merging, Joint Assets/Finances, Marriages/Divorces, Taboo, Occult, Psychology, Sexual Bonds
• Leo Rising: 7th House of Contracts, Commitments, Partners (of all kinds)
• Virgo Rising: 6th House of Work, Daily Grind, Routine, Healthy Habits/Practices, Pets
• Libra Rising: 5th House of Joy, Fun, Hobbies, Past-Times, Pregnancy/Children, Dating/Romance, Drama
• Scorpio Rising: 4th House of Home, Family, Heritage, Mother/Mother-Figure
• Sagittarius Rising: 3rd House of Neighborhood, Local Community, Local/Short-Distance Travel, Communication; Siblings
• Capricorn Rising: 2nd House of Personal Finances, Financial Security, Material Items, Personal Property, Values
• Aquarius Rising: 1st House of the Self; Perception
• Pisces Rising: 12th House of Self-Undoing, Hidden Enemies, Hidden Weaknesses, Hidden Talents

Who will be most affected by the new moon?

The fixed signs (Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo and Taurus) are likely to feel the energy of this lunation the most, according to Simmons.

"Aquarius may feel like this is the time to prioritize self-awareness, self-improvement and self-confidence over the next six months," she says. "Leo may find that the new moon is the time to set the intention to find a best friend in a partner."

She continues: "Meanwhile, Taurus can view this new moon as an opportunity to focus on creating a unique career path and reputation. Lastly, Scorpio can view this new moon as a chance to create a unique sacred space and to reframe their perspective of their family."

How will the January new moon affect each sign?

Astrologer and author Desiree Roby Antila has kindly broken down how each star sign will fare during this transit. Regardless of what your astrological birth charts reveal, you'll know how astrology's next big event will affect you. 

Aries Sun/Rising

Time to get virtual, Aries. 

"This new moon lands in your 11th house of collaborations and technology which makes it the perfect time for you to upgrade your online presence," Roby Antila says. "Launch a new website, make a new logo or give your socials a makeover."

Taurus Sun/Rising

It's all about careers for you, Taurus. Make sure to start planning for where you'd like your professional journey to take you over the next six months. 

"Change starts with vision, so start manifesting what career goals you want," she adds.

Gemini Sun/Rising

"This new moon in your sister air sign lands in your 9th house of education and travel," Roby Antila says. 

If you were thinking about booking an online class—perhaps even a getaway—now is the time to expand your mind and add a few stamps to your passport.

Cancer Sun/Rising

"What do you want to merge or acquire with someone over the next six months," Roby Antila asks. 

Cancer's 8th house of mergers will be activated, so it's time to think about how the partnerships in your life might start to transform.

Leo Sun/Rising

You've got good news in the love department, Leo—just in time for Valentine's Day! 

"Things will start to move forward organically, and this moon is here to kick things off," Roby Antila says. "As this new moon sizzles in your 7th house of partnerships, relationship goals make their way to the top of your mind. Single? You could meet a love interest over the next few weeks."

Virgo Sun/Rising

Spring cleaning is coming a little sooner for you, Virgo. Take the time to make your abode sparkle and shine, which will help as you pursue new goals throughout the year. 

"This is a great time to simplify and declutter to give yourself a fresh start to this year," Roby Antila says.

Libra Sun/Rising

Like Leos, Libras will be hyper-focused on love, as their passionate 5th house will be stirred. But this isn't just about relationships, this could be pertaining to passion projects, hobbies or things that are of interest to you right now. 

"Oh, baby! This new moon is stirring things up in your passionate 5th house bringing some heat to your love life and a focus on things you love to do," Roby Antila says.

Scorpio Sun/Rising

Take some time for yourself, Scorpio, whether that means taking a bath or playing around with new meditation apps. If you need, our favorite self-care day ideas can help put you in a TLC state of mind! 

"Spending some nights in for 'you time' will be important over the next few weeks. Focusing on home life will bring wonderful contentment."

Sagittarius Sun/Rising

Ideas about for you, Sagittarius, but don't necessarily act on them all right away. Think and choose which one works best, then go from there. 

"Have fun watching things come to fruition over the next six months," she suggests.

Capricorn Sun/Rising

Since your 2nd house is in question, you'll start thinking about your finances. Are you saving appropriately? Spending wisely? Review it all before 2023 gets underway. And, should you need it, we've rounded up expert-backed financial wellness tips to help you stay on track. 

Aquarius Sun/Rising

It's okay to be a little selfish, Aquarius—we promise! Use this time to think about what you want to see come to fruition over the next several months.

"It is your time to shine as this auspicious new moon enriches your 1st house of self. It is all about you right now, so do not be shy and let yourself sparkle."

Pisces Sun/Rising

"Releasing allows room for something new to grow," says Roby Antila. "This can be both literal and figurative, so let it go!"

After this lunation, the next full moon in February is a great time to put those ideas we've been thinking about into action. Plus, since it'll be taking place in the fiery Leo, things will be particularly passionate. 

"Our creativity and self-expression could soar, so this full moon could lead to projects, ideas and other artistic ventures coming to fruition," Simmons says. 

Though we will probably feel like the star of the show during this moon phase, don't get ahead of yourself, Simmons warns. 

"Since the full moon will oppose the sun in Aquarius, this will act as our reminder to remain genuinely generous and friendly without expecting much in return. The full moon's opposition with the sun could even be our cosmic cue to bring others into the spotlight with us," she adds. 

Be sure to also have a look at our 2023 full moon calendar, stay on top of what planet is in retrograde and have a look at our calendar of each astrology season.