“The sea that calls all things unto her calls me, and I must embark. ”
Kahlil Gibran
The next New Moon, which falls on February 11th is placed in the last decan of Aquarius, beginning the next lunar cycle which will culminate in six months, in the first decan of Aquarius on the 24th July 2021. Leading a large stellium of planets which are in Square aspect to both Mars & Uranus, we may see an increase in popular dissatisfaction with the status quo, and the public expression of outspoken beliefs. This particular decan is associated with The Seven of Swords in the Tarot, and the Egyptian God Osiris, the God of the dead. Unlike our views today, the Egyptians believed that on death, the soul departed to a more noble place, much like earth, but populated by the gods themselves. The journey however was not easy, the journey to to the other side, and it was not guaranteed that you would make it.; so in many ways, this New Moon is about departure, to an unknown but desired destination.
Seven in the Tarot has a strong affinity with spirituality, the maturing of the idea into something that does not rely on what can be seen, a departure if you like from the material towards the etheric. In the cards below, I have pictured several examples of The Seven of Swords, and in the first one, from The Mythic Tarot, it is easy to see the symbolism, the figure escaping under the cover of darkness, carrying the swords that he has managed to salvage before his escape. What isn’t shown in this card though, and which is more clearly shown in the following two, is the soul searching and self examination that has taken place prior to the event of departure, something which is described quite visually in the Thoth Seven of Swords, with the six small swords chipping away at the central sword, describing the wearing down of purpose and belief, the undermining of ideas, the fragmenting of individual resolve.
The Seven of Swords 
Air 7 
The Seven of Swords
In Thoth Journey-The Oracle of Change, we take this idea a step further, taking charge of all the opinions and points of view, letting them have their say, considering them and then letting them pass by with the knowledge that we ourselves hold the knowledge that we need in order to move on to the next phase, trusting in the wisdom of those that have gone before us. In this card, it is no longer necessary to hold fast to what may have served us in the past, but to step back from the need to be a certain way, safe in the knowledge that we have been learning all along, and that the right path will emerge, this sacred road that we deign to travel, the one that is opening up before us.
In the suit of swords, in the element of Air, this “new beginning” or “departure” is likely to fall mainly in the realm of ideas, and so relevant at the moment as I see all around me, the division occurring between countries, factions, ideas and even between friends and families, as the “new normal” that has been touted by those “in charge”, grates against the individuals sense of freedom, fairness and justice. Aquarius, although all about progressive thought, purification, unity and idealistic vision, is still ruled by Saturn, a cold, hard and limiting planet. This “brave new world” that is envisaged, with its “separation” “social distance” “safe space” and “shielding”, all promoted for our “safety” and “protection” could be experienced either as a “safe container” or as “a prison”, depending on which side of the fence you stand on. As with all things, a one sided viewpoint only serves some, and this clean, protected and sanitized world, free from viral threat that is promised, seems to me to be about as impossible a vision as the various eugenics movements that were popular in the last century. We certainly live in unsettling times, and it seems to me that in order to come together in a better way, to uphold the “Aquarian” vision, perhaps more division is first required, for all of us to depart from the narrative that has been written for us and to find our own star, and to commit to that, rather than upholding someone else’s vision of what the world should be.
New Moon Blessing
I am the power of the bursting seed, dancing in the beckoning void, ripe with limitless potentials. A kaleidoscope of outcomes seduces, invites and tempts you, but be still in the darkness of the Moon. Sense the power of her black womb, and wait. Trust that in the stillness that I, the right “seed” for now, will find you, a vision for your soul to nurture…… In Aquarius-I Know: more than I can explain, for I am in touch with the power of the collective human mind. All thoughts are mine and yet I own none of them. I am the power of the group, the heart of humanity, a child of the world. I speak for all peoples, I am beholden to no-one, I am a wanderer between heaven and earth. ©JKG.
At this New Moon, take a moment to pause, to reflect, to look within. Aquarius is a sign associated with humanity, social justice, reform, purification, progressive thought and unification under a common banner. Idealistic, this sign sees the best that mankind has to offer, but may often be disappointed at the more self serving habits of humanity’s members. The Astrological sign of Aquarius has long been associated with the tarot card The Star, number 17 in the Major Arcana, and this image of The Star is from The Oracle of Change, by Aia Leu. You can read the journey of The Star, from which this image arises, by clicking on the link below.
Read the story of The Star
The Astrologers Diary
The New Moon every month offers an opportunity to sow new seeds, and as an Astrologer, I find it to be a useful exercise for myself and in working with others, to use the energy of each particular New Moon, according to where it falls in the Natal Chart. Such considerations can be invaluable in steering through ups and downs, and in becoming “easy” with the ebb and flow of what life brings.
This New Moon falls in my own 9th House, which is, miraculously, the house in the chart associated with publishing, so I am proud to say that finally, I am in possession of the long awaited book, Thoth Journey. Accompanied by its own beautiful deck, The Oracle of Change, this book and deck is a labour of love that has taken over five years to complete, a collection of short vignettes that describe the journeys that I made into each of the 78 cards of the Thoth Tarot. These stories were then illustrated by the artist Aia Leu, and the result is the collaborative work that you see illustrated above.
Find out more about Thoth Journey-The Oracle of Change HERE
My name is Joanna Grant, I am an Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Writer, who lives on the beautiful Beara Peninsula in the South West of Ireland. I can often be found at home, deep in arcane research, or practicing some new form of divination whilst burning the dinner! My children probably wish that I was “normal” but may well remember my eccentricities fondly when they come to face the challenges of their own paths. My long knowledge of Astrology leads and informs my practice, in offering guidance, empowerment and healing, helping others to lead a more authentic and magical life. You can read more about me here.
Joanna-Kate Grant 