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  • Writer's picturePamela McDonough

February 23 Healing New Moon



A Powerful Healing New Moon

The new Moon in sidereal Aquarius has powerful healing energy! (remember this is a sidereal Vedic forecast!). This is due to the nakshatra the new Moon occurs within (read on - more on the nakshatra below).


There is a very interesting and unusual planetary configuration at play during the new Moon phase...the new Moon (therefore both the Sun and Moon) are almost exactly mid-point between disruptive Uranus and a fiery Mars/Ketu conjunction.


Oh, and an aspect from that rascal Rahu, too!


Not my favorite combination of planetary energy to be honest...expect the unexpected.

The Moon can act as a trigger for events and when combined with unpredictable planets like Mars, Ketu and Uranus, it's difficult to say how things might go. Just be conservative and don't take unnecessary risks the day before and the day of the new Moon.Uranus will goad you into breaking through, fiery warrior Mars could behave very headless due its close proximity to Ketu, and Rahu just adds to the confusion!

In spite of everything the house that Aquarius represents in your birth chart is about to get connect with a huge amount of healing energy!


Focus on tapping into the healing energy of the new Moon in Shatabishak nakshatra.


If you are Aquarius rising or have any planets in Shatabishak nakshatra, this could be quite a healing new Moon for you! Be sure to read your new Moon horoscope.


Schedule a reading with Pamela to find out how this new Moon and other planetary movements will influence you through the end of the year!

SHATABHISHAK, “A HUNDRED HEALERS” Deity: Varuna Symbol: 1,000-Petal Lotus Shakti: The Power of Healing Quality: Movable


Shatabishak nakshatra and the new Moon energy is good for: ▪ Starting a new healing regime * Giving healing treatments to others ▪ Depending upon your own birth chart, this new Moon can activate healing in a specific area of your life and part of your body.



Best Timing for New Moon Rituals

February 23 PDT 7:33am Pacific Time through February 24 2:50am Pacific Time.


New Moon Phase begins: February 22 5:34am Pacific Time New Moon Phase ends: February 23 7:32am Pacific Time


New Moon Intention

"I am fully open to the healing powers of this new Moon energy and I will give myself adequate time and space for my mind, body and soul to heal."


VEDIC ASTROLOGY FOR BEGINNERS

When people ask me what the best part of being a published author is, one of the first things I think of is how meaningful it is to know that the book I wrote is actually helping people to start their journey into Jyotish.It’s an incredible feeling to read through emails from readers, comments on social media, and reviews for the book on Amazon.If Vedic Astrology for Beginners has made an impression on you, please consider sharing your thoughts about it in an online review so your experience can help others decide if the book is right for them. And so I can know what you think!Here’s the link to the Amazon page where you can leave your honest review: http://bit.ly/vedicastrologyforbeginners And a huge thanks to all of those who have already read the book and left a review - thank you so much!Namaste, Pamela

New Moon Horoscopes by Sign

Newsletter subscribers are the first to have access to the new and full Moon forecast and horoscopes. Read your new Moon horoscope here


I shifted to a monthly horoscope in January 2020, and the new Moon forecast is part of the monthly forecast and is clearly marked within the forecast.


Go to your horoscope page https://www.moondanceastrology.com/horoscope and scroll down to the "New Moon February 23" section that is in bold.Your horoscope for the month of February (and all other future months) will posted on first of each month!


Be sure to check back on my site on the first of each month for that months horoscope. I will send a reminder email for the first few months, as we all adjust to the new forecast calendar.

February 23, New Moon in Aquarius

The new Moon in Aquarius is fabulous for extending your social network, either online or in person! If you have been considering getting involved in a new group or network for fun or to support your career, this is the time to set your intentions.


Focus more attention online and reaching out to a global network since Rahu is in a harmonious sign and very strongly influencing this new Moon.


Since Mercury is retrograde in the same sign and house as the new Moon on February 23, there is a double emphasis on social networking for fun or for your career. Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. This has major implications for career and earnings from your work. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


Please note: This is a sidereal forecast based upon the system of Vedic astrology. If you do not know your rising sign, you can order a birth chart and your planetary cycle information here.


Or you can calculate your Vedic birth chart on this page


This is a powerful new Moon for you Taurus since it occurs in the most potent house of your horoscope – the tenth house. This is the zone of your birth chart that concerns your career, public reputation, fame and karma. A very strong Rahu in Ardra nakshatra is in close aspect to this new Moon in Shatabhishak. Shatabhishak is a great nakshatra for transacting business, travel, getting healing treatments or doing healing work for others.


Rahu as the co-ruler of Aquarius where the new Moon occurs will amplify your efforts surrounding career and healing! Remember, this is the ONLY new Moon of 2020 in your tenth house of career – make it count! Reach for the stars but try to be realistic – remember, Rahu can be overzealous.


A few days to pay close attention to Taurus and note on your calendar is February 22 through 24. Fiery Mars in fiery Sagittarius is headed straight for extremely fiery Ketu (and vice-versa!). That’s a lot of the fire element all in place. Your partner may be experiencing some difficulties around this time. Pay close attention to your sleep and dreams the few nights leading up and during the full Moon day. Powerful messages may be coming through the ethers.


With the recent shift of serious Saturn into its own sign Capricorn, and your ninth house you may be traveling abroad for work or importing products from another country over the next few years. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn forecast here.


Don’t forget that Venus is strong in Pisces almost all month and be sure to connect with the Venus energy on Fridays, especially on Friday, February 14! Make Fridays your date night, go see a movie or visit an art gallery, socialize, join a club. Create something beautiful. ANYTHING!


Your good friend Mercury is headed retrograde in February so heads up on that. Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here.


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


Please note: This is a sidereal forecast based upon the system of Vedic astrology. If you do not know your rising sign, you can order a birth chart and your planetary cycle information here.


Or you can calculate your Vedic birth chart on this page


The new Moon occurs in the same house that Mercury is retrograde in and this is like putting an exclamation point at the end of a sentence! The new Moon in the ninth house in Shatabhishak nakshatra is supportive for beginning a new spiritual practice, taking any kind of workshop or course that is associated with philosophy, healing or spirituality, travel to foreign places and signing contracts.


Gemini, a few days to pay close attention to and note on your calendar are February 22 through 24. Fiery Mars in fiery Sagittarius is headed straight for extremely fiery Ketu (and vice-versa!). That’s a lot of the fire element all in place. Your partner may be experiencing some health difficulties around this time. Or you just may have some intense conversations with your partner on these dates. This is not a good time to get into a significant power struggle with a partner.


Meanwhile, after February 2, your good friend Venus is exalted in your tenth house for almost the entire month. Venus is strong and in the most powerful zone of your horoscope. Your career status, public persona and reputation may get a boost in February from lovely Venus!


If you are looking for a new job this will be a fantastic time to look for something that really speaks to you and what you are passionate about, Gemini! If you are happy where you are, be sure to take advantage of this special movement of Venus through Pisces and get creative at work. It only happens about once a year! If you happen to be running the main or sub period of Jupiter, Saturn or Mercury, you may experience better results than many.


Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here.


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


Please note: This is a sidereal forecast based upon the system of Vedic astrology. If you do not know your rising sign, you can order a birth chart and your planetary cycle information here.

Or you can calculate your Vedic birth chart on this page


New Moon energy, along with Mercury retrograde in your eighth house is placing an emphasis on transforming your communication. Since you are ruled by Moon, you may feel the new and full Moon phases more intensely than others.


If you have any interest in studying astrology, tarot, crystals or any of the other esoteric arts, this is a great new Moon to set your intentions. Especially since the Moon is in the healing nakshatra of Shatabhishak during the new Moon.


Cancer, a few days to pay extra close attention to and mark your calendar -- February 22 through 24. Fiery Mars in fiery Sagittarius is headed straight for extremely fiery Ketu (and vice-versa!). That’s a lot of the fire element all in place. In this case it is focused upon work, service and your daily to do list.

There may be some changes ahead in your workplace or maybe you are considering a job change or shift in your career path? Be very mindful of your children on these days if you have young kids at home. Be sure they are being watched carefully and do not have access to anything they should not have for their age group.


Once Mars gets past Ketu, he’s off to hook up with joyful and expansive Jupiter! This can create a lot of great energy surrounding your work and career goals and can energize your daily routine significantly. If you are in the healing field for your work this will be an extra powerful time for your practice.


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. This has major implications for you regarding romance, partnerships and personal transformation. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here.


Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


The new Moon signals a new beginning for your relationships! If you are currently in a committed partnership, then this can be a time of renewal and healing old wounds from past relationships.


If you are not in a committed partnership, but want to be, this is the only new Moon for 2020 to set your intentions for what you desire in a relationship! Rahu however will be influencing the new Moon so be sure to check yourself and your expectations for realism. Rahu can be overindulgent!


Leo, pay close attention to Mars in late February. Put a big mark on your calendar from February 22 through 24. Fiery Mars in fiery Sagittarius is headed straight for extremely fiery Ketu (and vice-versa!). That’s a TON of the fire element all in place. If you are in a romantic relationship, be mindful of headless (Ketu) actions (Mars). This conjunction also occurs in the house of the MIND. So extra careful around communication and actions around your children, too.


Also pay close attention to any issues that might crop up around your home space. Be extra mindful with candles or if you are burning sage for a new Moon ritual or if you have anything else that uses fire in your home. The conjunction occurs in Mula nakshatra presided over by Nirṛtī, so do use caution and stay mindful during these days. Especially if you are in Ketu or Mars planetary periods.


And with Mercury doing an about face in your house of partnerships, and the new Moon in that very same house in your birth chart, you will definitely want to take a close look at how your joint finances are managed, or how you want them to be in a future partnership. Connect with this new Moon energy and focus on the kind of life you want to create with a partner.

Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here.


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


Please note: This is a sidereal forecast based upon the system of Vedic astrology. If you do not know your rising sign, you can order a birth chart and your planetary cycle information here.


Or you can calculate your Vedic birth chart on this page


Along with your ruler Mercury being retrograde in Aquarius during the new Moon, the new Moon places an additional stimulus to your sixth house and the area of life connected to work, service, daily routine, healing and health. New Moon in Shatabhishak nakshatra signals a doubly powerful time to begin a health regime or start taking healing medicines. If you are in the healing profession, this is a terrific time to set your intentions for the new year ahead. Rahu will be powerfully influencing the new Moon, so contemplate a journey to a foreign land or taking a spiritual healing course that you can use on others in your healing practice.


Virgo be sure to mark your calendar for these days: February 22 through 24. Fiery and sometimes impatient Mars in fiery Sagittarius is headed straight for extremely fiery Ketu (and vice-versa!). So much of the fire element concentrated all in one sign/house. Be especially mindful of headless (Ketu) communications with others. Particularly with your mother, since this is occurring in the house associated with mother. This is also the zone connected to your deepest emotions, so things may feel a bit intense during this conjunction.


This meeting takes in your fourth house of home so be extra mindful with candles, or if you are burning sage for a new Moon ritual or if you have anything else that uses fire in your home. The conjunction occurs in Mula nakshatra presided over by Nirṛtī the Goddess of Destruction, so do use caution and stay mindful during these days whether it is destructive speech or actions. Especially if you are in Ketu or Mars planetary periods or sub periods.


Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here.


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


Please note: This is a sidereal forecast based upon the system of Vedic astrology. If you do not know your rising sign, you can order a birth chart and your planetary cycle information here.


Or you can calculate your Vedic birth chart on this page


The new Moon is offering you a fresh start in romance, fun and your investments! While new Moon energy is good for new beginnings, Shatabhishak nakshatra is good for new beginnings connected to the healing process. In this case contemplate what needs to be healed from previous relationships so that you can start this new Moon cycle off with intentions to support and heal romantic partnerships, add more joy to your day to day and grow your investments.


The new Moon may also signal a new beginning or offer an opportunity to heal a relationship with your children if you have been experiencing difficulties with your relationship.


Mars does connect directly with Ketu on the new Moon day, though! If you are in a committed relationship, be mindful a few days before and up until the new Moon day – this time period may be a bit tough on your partner, or on your relationship, or both! Be particularly mindful of your written communication on these days, especially on social media.


This meeting of Mars and Ketu is going to put forward a lot of passionate communication and the potential for headless (Ketu) written communications (third house) and with Mercury retrograde…need I say more? Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here. Saturn is the BEST planet for Libra rising! This has major implications for happiness and well-being, as well as your creativity.


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


Please note: This is a sidereal forecast based upon the system of Vedic astrology. If you do not know your rising sign, you can order a birth chart and your planetary cycle information here.


Or you can calculate your Vedic birth chart on this page


New Moon beginnings in your home zone! New Moon in Shatabhishak nakshatra is a particularly healing nakshatra, so connect deep into your heart chakra and contemplate what it is that will TRULY make you happy! You get only one new Moon in this area of the birth chart a year. That said, your passionate ruler Mars will be super close to Ketu (also co-ruler of Scorpio!) at the time of the new Moon and it will be important to tap into the intuitive, spiritual and heart centered side of Ketu, rather than the headless and detached version of Ketu!


Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here.


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


Please note: This is a sidereal forecast based upon the system of Vedic astrology. If you do not know your rising sign, you can order a birth chart and your planetary cycle information here.


Or you can calculate your Vedic birth chart on this page


The next big event is Mars moving toward detached and spiritual Ketu for the next two weeks, finally joining Ketu on February 23, the day of the new Moon. Ketu has extreme fiery energy, as does Mars and Sagittarius! This is a potentially explosive combination, especially if you are in the main or sub period of Ketu. And if your rising degree is within a few degrees of 11 degrees Sagittarius this will have a stronger effect for you. Mars connects to children, so if you have adult children, this is a good time to be conservative in your relationship with them and not the time to bring up potentially conflicting issues. If you have young children be extra watchful of them from February 22-24.


Mark your calendar a few days before these two meet up! Unpredictable Uranus will be in the mix too, so go slowly, breathe, take your time when engaging in any physical or athletic task. Be sure to watch your head around this time – Mars rules your first house which is the top and back of the head and remember – Ketu is HEADLESS! There is great potential for “headless” or mindless behaviors that could lead to less than desirable results. Note your calendar is February 22 through 24. Especially if you are in Ketu or Mars planetary periods or sub periods.


Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here.


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


Please note: This is a sidereal forecast based upon the system of Vedic astrology. If you do not know your rising sign, you can order a birth chart and your planetary cycle information here.


Or you can calculate your Vedic birth chart on this page


February’s new Moon is a time to renew your commitment to family and your objectives regarding your savings. More personal intentions for this new Moon might include a dietary lifestyle change.


This is the one new Moon in Aquarius and in the healing nakshatra of Shatabhishak, this is an excellent time to create a healthier approach to the foods you eat and beverages you drink. Or you may want to set new savings plan for 2020. Whichever you choose, set your intentions for this new Moon and do your ritual and begin your new plans during the times listed in part one of this forecast.


As Mars moves toward Ketu from 2/7 – 23 (new Moon day) you will be contemplating what really makes you happy and what is in the subconscious mind that needs to be revealed and might be standing in the way of your happiness. February is also great time for exploring and joining a spiritual group or workshop that supports meditation and spiritual practice. Pay close attention to any fires you might have in your home from candles or burning sage, fireplaces, etc. Fiery Mars is the planet that is responsible for your physical home environment and your social networks and the close proximity to Ketu around February 22-24 can create some headless (Ketu) actions (Mars) in these areas of life. Be extra mindful!


Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here.


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


Please note: This is a sidereal forecast based upon the system of Vedic astrology. If you do not know your rising sign, you can order a birth chart and your planetary cycle information here.


Or you can calculate your Vedic birth chart on this page


The only new Moon in YOUR sign for 2020 Aquarius! This is super important and is the one chance you have all year to focus your energy and intentions on YOU! Additionally, since the new Moon occurs in the very healing Shatabhishak nakshatra this is a powerful time for healing related to anything physically that you need to heal from. This new Moon signals a time to begin new healing modalities, especially as they connect to the mind, children, romance, speculation or creativity. Set your intentions around the new Moon and be sure to check for the times that are best for new Moon rituals.


That said, the first part of the fiery Mars in Sagittarius transit is the movement of Mars toward detached and spiritual Ketu until February 23, which is the day of the new Moon. Ketu has extreme fiery energy, as does Mars and Sagittarius! This is a potentially explosive combination, especially if you are in the main or sub period of Ketu. And if your rising degree is within a few degrees of 11 degrees Sagittarius this will have a stronger effect for you.


Mark your calendar a few days before these two meet up! Unpredictable Uranus will be in the mix too, so go slowly, breathe, take your time when engaging in any physical or athletic task. Be sure to watch your head around this time – action-oriented Mars rules communication and career/public reputation for you – Ketu is HEADLESS! There is great potential for “headless” or mindless behaviors that could lead to less than desirable results in your career, especially due to a glitch communication. Be extra mindful of written communications and especially the recipients of texts or emails! Note your calendar for February 22 through 24. Especially if you are in Ketu or Mars planetary periods or sub periods.


Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here.


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


Please note: This is a sidereal forecast based upon the system of Vedic astrology. If you do not know your rising sign, you can order a birth chart and your planetary cycle information here.


Or you can calculate your Vedic birth chart on this page


Your subconscious mind, dreams and sleep are being deeply activated during this full Moon. This is a powerful time to mine important message from your subconscious mind. If you can spend some time meditating upon what you want to excavate and bring to the surface to put into place during the remainder of 2020. Pay very close attention to your dreams this new Moon evening. New Moons are also amazing for going inside – for receiving powerful internal messages and messages from the ethers. Set your intentions around the new Moon and be sure to check for the times that are best for new Moon rituals.


Mercury retrograde forecast coming on February 15 - check back here for your forecast!


Saturn shifted signs last month and will be in his own sign Capricorn for almost three years. You can read your Saturn in Capricorn through January 2023 forecast here.


Want new and full Moon forecasts delivered to your inbox twice monthly? Click here to sign up for my newsletter


Schedule a consultation with Pamela


Please note: This is a sidereal forecast based upon the system of Vedic astrology. If you do not know your rising sign, you can order a birth chart and your planetary cycle information here.


Or you can calculate your Vedic birth chart on this page

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