New Moon In Aries: 6 Ways To Maximize The Mojo Of The Ram

Refresh, renew, release!

Tonight's new moon in Aries is like a cosmic spring awakening, rebooting our systems for another 365-day cycle. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, sending our focus to fresh starts, creative opportunities and new beginnings.

This is one of the most fertile times of the year for planting seeds. Ruled by red-hot Mars, Aries energy fires up our passion and gives us the courage to compete, even fight for our dreams.

Here are six ways to maximize the mojo of the zodiac’s Ram:

1. Let anger lead you to passion.

Be honest ... what pisses you off to no end? Anger in and of itself is not a negative — it’s how we use it (constructively or destructively) that determines everything. The new moon in Aries calls forth our inner warriors. The things that make us fume are often the pointers to our passions.

This new moon can even awaken our slumbering activism. Founding feminist Gloria Steinem is born under the sign of the Ram, as was civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. Their confident, courageous world-changing impact is an example of harnessing Aries ire to start a revolutionary fire.

We all have the power within us to shape the world. Rather than raging randomly when we’re feeling frustrated, we can create constructive change, fighting the good fight for our beliefs.

In some cases, this can be as basic as saying “no” to a degrading offer, or daring to express an unpopular (but enlightened) idea in the face of extreme opposition.

2. Find your fight.

Sometimes, it’s smart to throw in the towel. You’re done, and the energy you expend is never gonna pay off. In that case, it might be quitting time. But other times, fear of the unknown is why you suddenly have that migraine, cancel plans, pick a fight with your loved ones, crave another candy bar/ cigarette/ drink. Take inventory today and see where you’ve given up too soon. Then hoist yourself up and get back on the mat.

3. Be selfish … for a cause.

Nakedly honest and unapologetic, Aries energy can stun us with its entitlement. It can also inspire us. Aries is unafraid to want more, to desire — and this can be the basis for prosperity.

In our amateur Kabbalah studies, we learned an interesting principle; Kabbalah teaches that there are two kinds of desire: the desire to receive in order to share, or the desire to receive for the self alone. When we want just for ourselves, we burn out fast. When we desire an abundant crop to feed the village, the universe is happy to give us more and more.

4. Tune your passion meter to E (for Excitement).

When was the last time you felt genuine excitement or joy about something? The Aries new moon prompts us to awaken that molecule-swirling, spine-tingling feeling. Let the hot blood pump through your veins, springing you into action.

As it turns out, passion is an essential element of living a fulfilled life, and the Aries new moon serves up a reminder. As we’ve heard it said, emotions are E-motion — energy in motion. When we can FEEL something, we can move it. So let joy and passion help you get unstuck. For a treatise on this, we like Danielle LaPorte’s post on the difference between happiness and joy

Excitement also leads to synchronicity — which tells us that we’re plugged into a higher field of consciousness and attraction. So the next time you’re stuck in “analysis paralysis,” just look for the next exciting thing you can take action on — and do it.

5. Embrace your inner "fame monster."

Daring, in-your-face Aries is the zodiac’s superstar, so it’s no surprise that self-professed “Fame Monster” Lady Gaga was born this way. She’s in good company: Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Mariah Carey are also Aries divas.

Given that surveys show that people are more afraid of public humiliation than they are of death itself, we have to give these spotlight stealers a few extra props, no matter how we feel about their musical prowess. Under the lunar spell of this new moon, we could all tear a sequined swatch from their repertoires.

Commit to developing a talent this week; one that could potentially catapult you into the public eye. Singing, dancing, acting, writing, design, photography, debate, engineering, urban farming: what’s your poison? This new moon wants us to pursue our passions and awaken our gifts. Who knows? We could see our names in lights near the Aries full moon six months from now. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so take it now.

6. But don’t let it go to your head ...

With all the daring Aries energy swirling around, there’s bound to be a good deal of stress that accompanies it. Hello, migraines — ouch! As the "head" of the zodiac, Aries rules the cranium and this new moon turns our healing focus there.

Pro tips: Dehydration is often a cause of major headaches. Keep a pitcher of filtered H2O (with decadent slices of lemon or cucumber perhaps?) close at hand. Go for a scalp massage or a rubdown of your neck and shoulders, which are often the cause of cranial agony. You could also try this home reflexology remedy: use one thumb to rub the fleshy part of your hand between your forefinger and thumb.

Want to get a little more ethereal? Nurture your noggin with a ritual that balances your Crown Chakra (Sahasara) energy. This will ensure that you don’t fall prey to tension headaches — or ego trips — both signs of a Crown Chakra gone awry.