Are you ready to implement those New Year’s resolutions? It’s time to design a powerful and practical action plan under the Capricorn New Moon on Jan. 9, 2016.

There’s extra power and passion to materialize your goals for 2016 at the Capricorn New Moon, since it’s aligned with potent Pluto. Added energy is available to bring your inspired ideas down to Earth, supported by Uranus in impulsive Aries. However, Mercury Retrograde (Jan. 5 to 25) invites you to slow down and think things through before you launch too far ahead. Harness this energy as fuel to move forward, but be patient and take your time before you commit your energies fully.

Harnessing the Energy of a New Moon

Every month as the Moon and Sun meet together in a new Zodiac sign, we earthlings experience their symbolic marriage of energy and emotion. So the three days before and after a New Moon is a powerful time to seed your intentions for the coming month.

New Moon questions to consider:

  • What gifts do I receive from being patient in the dark?
  • How do I celebrate the joy of knowing that the light is returning to the world?

Capricorn Inspires Our New Year’s Resolutions

To align with this month’s celestial themes, embrace Capricorn’s qualities of being responsible, reliable, and disciplined. There’s a reason it’s the season of making resolutions for self improvement – the Capricorn New Moon usually falls in January!

The ruling planet for Capricorn is slow-and-steady Saturn, the lord of time. Know your limits. Be effective and efficient. Saturn is like your own personal trainer; work with him and you’ll become a better you.

Here are a few questions for contemplation to help you manifest the best of Capricorn’s qualities:

  • In what area of my life am I too controlling?
  • Is there an aspect of my life where I could be more responsible?
  • How can I further embody my own inner authority?
  • What concrete steps can I take to make my life more organized?

5 Ways this Capricorn New Moon is Unique

The other planets aligned with the New Moon change from month to month. Since four other planets are in Capricorn during this New Moon, this is a further reminder to plan ahead and take your time.

Here are a five other areas of life to watch out for this coming month:

  1. Reality check in the realm of love.

What do you most value in the realm of life and love? Patience is implied as the love goddess Venus meets up with serious Saturn in Sagittarius. Saturn supports slowing down, being responsible and persistently managing situations over time. Since Saturn meets with Venus at this New Moon, be extra clear with boundaries particularly in the area of relationship.

You may reassess your overly optimistic ideas or beliefs. Hold on to what you value the most, then let go of unnecessary thoughts that no longer serve you. Take your time to ask yourself, “What do I believe in and whom do I trust.”

  1. Roll up your sleeves and do the work.

The earth signs are all about how to make a practical plan to make your life work for you. Sun, Moon, Mercury and Pluto are all in the earth sign of Capricorn, expanded by Jupiter in earthy Virgo. Dot the i’s and cross your t’s. There is an added emphasis to be effective, efficient and get things done this week.

  1. Be patient and delay gratification.

In today’s fast paced world of instant messages and instant gratification, planet patterns this month suggest slowing down. Remember, when you work hard you are rewarded with results over time.

  1. Double check your work.

With Mercury retrograding from Jan. 5 through 25, it’s time to reconsider your thoughts before opening your mouth this month. Mercury Retrogrades are a time to reflect and repeat. I’ll say this again: slow down! If you feel the need to speak up, think before speaking.

  1. Time to turn a corner, unpredictable Uranus shakes things up!

Be open to new ideas, but don’t go too far, too fast. Sun, Moon, Pluto and Mercury in Capricorn are all being challenged by inspiring Uranus in Aires. Reflect on your traditional way of doing things – you might need to shake things up.

Lunaria Datebook

Last Moon Phase: Full Moon in Cancer, Dec. 25, 2015

Next Moon Phase: Full Moon in Leo, Jan. 23, 2016

The Capricorn New Moon is exact on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at 8:30 pm EST/5:30 pm PST.