A Fresh Start Under the Capricorn New Moon

The dawn of 2026 brings with it a powerful celestial event that beckons us all toward renewal and ambition. On January 18, 2026, at 2:52 p.m. Eastern Time, the new moon will rise in Capricorn at 28°43, creating a cosmic clean slate for manifestation and intention-setting. This particular new moon carries special significance as the first of the new year, occurring in a sign known for its practicality, determination, and strategic thinking. As the sky darkens, we’re invited to look within and plant the seeds of what we hope to cultivate in the coming lunar cycle. This moment of celestial darkness isn’t something to fear, but rather an opportunity to connect with our deepest desires and chart a course toward making them reality. The earth sign Capricorn lends its energy of persistence and long-term vision to our intentions, making this an especially potent time to commit to goals that might require sustained effort.

Tarot reader Kerry Ward offers unique insights for how each elemental group might best harness this powerful new moon energy. For the passionate fire signs—Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius—The Fool card appears, signaling that it’s time to embrace new beginnings with courage and spontaneity. Ward emphasizes that these signs are being called to take action, particularly in career, personal development, or material pursuits, with a deadline of springtime for meaningful movement. This action may involve travel or technology and might not receive universal approval from others. However, Ward reminds fire signs that following their instincts is more important than seeking consensus, and that the crucial element isn’t having every detail planned, but simply finding the bravery to take that initial step forward. The Fool’s appearance suggests that sometimes innocence and openness to experience can be more valuable than careful calculation.

Earth signs—Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn—receive guidance through the Queen of Cups, a card suggesting that these typically practical individuals are being called to reconnect with their emotional purpose and heartfelt passions. Ward’s advice runs counter to the usual earth sign tendency toward pragmatism, instead encouraging these signs to pursue what truly resonates with their hearts rather than what simply makes sense on paper. This is a time for earth signs to allow their authentic selves to shine through in their work and creative endeavors. The Queen of Cups represents emotional intelligence and intuitive wisdom, suggesting that earth signs can achieve fulfillment by integrating their feelings with their actions. This new moon offers earth signs the opportunity to become the satisfied, purposeful individuals they’re capable of being by honoring their emotional truth alongside their practical nature.

For the intellectual and communicative air signs—Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius—The Hermit appears as a guide, calling for serious reflection about ambitions and potential. Ward interprets this as a signal that playtime is over; air signs are ready to step into their full power, but must first engage in thorough research, planning, and innovation. The Hermit represents withdrawal from external distractions to focus on inner wisdom and careful preparation. For air signs, this new moon period should be dedicated to identifying their unique contributions and competitive advantages. Ward encourages these signs to create detailed plans, including backup strategies, and to engage in meaningful networking. The message is clear: 2026 will be a year of finding and claiming their rightful place, but this can only happen after proper groundwork has been laid. Air signs are especially adept at conceptualizing possibilities, and this new moon asks them to channel that gift toward concrete advancement.

Water signs—Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces—receive The Magician card, suggesting that their natural imagination and creativity will finally find profitable expression. Ward sees this as a powerful moment for these emotionally intuitive signs to channel their gifts into tangible creation, whether through entrepreneurial ventures, career objectives, artistic projects, or educational pursuits. The Magician represents manifestation power—the ability to transform ideas into reality by utilizing all available resources. For water signs, who sometimes struggle to bring their rich inner worlds into concrete form, this new moon offers special support for making dreams tangible. Ward emphasizes that water signs are surrounded by magic during this period and encourages them to tune into it, suggesting that the universe is particularly receptive to their creative energy now. This is a time for water signs to fully believe in their capabilities and commit resources to their vision.

As we all stand beneath this Capricorn new moon, regardless of our sign, we’re reminded of the universal opportunity to begin again, to set intentions with conviction, and to commit to the work necessary to make our aspirations real. Capricorn’s influence brings a sense of responsibility and determination to our new moon wishes, suggesting that whatever we begin now has the potential for genuine longevity if we’re willing to invest the necessary effort. The darkness of the new moon isn’t an ending but a beginning—a moment of potential waiting to be shaped by our choices. Whether we’re called to leap bravely into new territory, follow our hearts despite practical considerations, withdraw to plan and prepare, or manifest our creative visions, this celestial moment offers cosmic support for growth and achievement. As astrologer Reda Wigle reminds us through her insightful research on planetary configurations, the stars don’t control our destiny—they simply illuminate possibilities that we might otherwise overlook in the hustle of daily life.