Jan 18, 2026 at 2:51pm eastern time New Moon in sidereal Capricorn, Uttara Ashadha: Bit by Bit, Step by Step
The first New Moon of the calendar year is in sidereal Capricorn in Uttara Ashadha, “the latter victor”: an even keeled nakshatra that carries the stamina and dedication required to give meaningful goals their proper attention. Ruled by Saturn and the Sun, it asks us to not dismiss or diminish our skills - especially those earned through practice, devotion, and steady effort. Instead, we’re encouraged to humbly acknowledge the work we have done on our dharmic paths, and to continue with efforts to grow in this purposeful way. Uttara Ashadha reminds us that success is inevitable when we stay aligned and consistent.
This Uttara Ashadha New Moon is governed by the 10 Vishvadevas, a group of deities said to be a guiding force offering divine support. They remind us through their names that embodying their virtues - not taking shortcuts - is necessary on the path to lasting success. Their names are:
Vasu (goodness)
Satya (truth)
Kratu (willpower, intent)
Daksha (skillfulness)
Kala (time)
Kama (desire)
Dhriti (fortitude, firmness)
Kuru (ancestors)
Pururavas (brightness, abundance)
Madrava (joy)
When planets converge in the same Vedic sign, their effects can be quietly powerful, supportive, and determined. This New Moon is sitting in very close degrees to many planets: the Sun (as do all New Moons), Mercury (the planet of communication and connection), Venus (the planet of love, relationship and the arts), Mars (the planet of action, friction and courage), and the Pluto (the outer planet of transformation, death and retribution) — all in Uttara Ashadha in sidereal Capricorn. Mars, while sometimes impatient or belligerent, is currently exalted, allowing its energy to become focused, grounded, and highly effective over the next six weeks - if we can keep our cool.
With so much emphasis in Capricorn, our attention turns toward its ruler Saturn, who is in Pisces for the next two years (March 2025-Feb 2028). This placement often requires a pivot, a softening of rigid paths, and a willingness to continue even when momentum feels slow. Saturn works on a long timeline and requires commitment; it asks us to rest, not quit. Capricorn’s current prominence directs us to our reliable systems and structures that support both ourselves and the collective. Remember: among other things, Saturn is a servant leader; Pisces is the shepherd. Both ask us to consider how our choices impact the whole.
This New Moon brings an excellent opportunity to plant seeds and draft thoughtful, realistic plans for projects over the next lunar cycle, and even the next calendar year. Some questions to consider:
🪐What areas of life are organized?
🪐Which systems work, and which do not?
🪐What is being done consistently?
🪐What needs refinement or an upgrade?
🪐Are projects, goals, and paths broken down into manageable action steps?
🪐What must be released so in order to move forward?
🪐Do I feel in alignment with my dharmic path?
To navigate overwhelm, this New Moon encourages us to lean on the qualities of the Vishvadevas and focus on the steps required to move from point A to point B to point C. We have a beautiful living representation right now of many aspects this New Moon energy with the Venerable Buddhist Monks and Aloka the Peace Dog as they Walk for Peace, step by step, mile by mile.
https://dhammacetiya.com - photo credit
https://www.instagram.com/walkforpeace.usa?igsh=MXMyMjhudXFmaDRqcA==
::PEACE::
