New Moon in Capricorn

The New Moon in Uttarashada Nakshatra evokes the sense of victory or the condition of being victorious. This period can be approached as a time for engaging in serious and thoughtful planning that helps us to emerge victorious over the next fortnight or so. Along with the luminaries, Venus, Mars, and Mercury are also placed in Capricorn, and because of this prominence, it becomes extremely important to accept and embrace the necessity of hard work in almost every area of life. Capricorn signifies meticulousness, careful planning, attention to detail, and the willingness to accept challenges as an inherent part of any meaningful process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL80k-RJKerpq4H_fLDkwfM3APSclZLUyl&v=5Ko2MaCf39A

Uttarashada, ruled by the Viswadevas (the Universal Gods), is symbolised by the elephant’s tusk. The Viswadevas are a collective of cosmic beings who uphold and maintain cosmic order. Uttarashada signifies victory or emerging victorious, but more importantly, it represents the culmination of sustained effort. If we have not yet put in the required effort, it is unlikely that victory will manifest meaningfully during this phase. Instead of interpreting the symbolism in a literal sense, it is more useful for us to adopt a practical perspective. The year has only just begun, and not everyone has a clear vision of what they intend to pursue over the coming months. Engaging in careful planning and strategic thinking becomes the means through which victory is achieved. Rather than viewing this as a period where victory arises from something rooted in the past, it is more appropriate to think in terms of setting realistic targets and working towards their achievement during this fortnight. Smaller goals will take us closer to a greater vision. Focused effort and proper channeling of energy will allow us to accomplish what we genuinely set out to do.

Mars is placed in Capricorn and is closely conjoined with the lunation, which can create an emotionally charged atmosphere filled with desire, drive, and motivation to push ourselves towards necessary action. This becomes a crucial period to move forward decisively in whatever we are pursuing, while consciously avoiding attachment to outcomes. Philosophically speaking, Krishna, in his discourse on Karma Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasises that one should not remain attached to results, but should continue performing their duty with sincerity.

Making the best possible use of Mars’ exaltation is one of the most constructive approaches during this fortnight. To do so, it is necessary to establish clear daily priorities and to methodically complete and strike off tasks from a structured to-do list. With Venus and Mercury also present alongside Mars in Capricorn, the mind and senses derive satisfaction from seeing tasks completed and marked off. This process itself becomes a source of motivation for Mars in Capricorn, encouraging forward momentum and pushing us more efficiently towards the next milestone.

Venus in Capricorn as part of the lunation focuses attention on defining relational dynamics and adopting a pragmatic approach towards relationships. Passion, desire, and sexual drive may increase during this phase, and it is natural to become carried away by expectations within relationships and to place disproportionate emphasis on that area. On a lighter note, in the US legal drama Suits, Louis Litt, played by Rick Hoffman, tells Mike Ross, played by Patrick J. Adams, “More importantly, no sex of any kind,” believing that it slows the mind down. The scene is intended to be humorous, but beneath the humour lies a reminder about the importance of priority and also balance to some extent. Therefore, conscious effort is required to balance and prioritise the different areas of life during this period in order to utilise the Capricorn platform effectively and drive life forward in a meaningful way, ideally laying a stable foundation for the rest of the year.

Relationships inevitably require effort, and the application of practical wisdom becomes especially important during this phase. If we become excessively absorbed in work, which is a real possibility during this Capricorn-heavy period, we may experience emotional distance or a sense of being deprived of human connection. In such situations, working alongside our partner or spouse can be beneficial, as shared presence helps in preventing disconnection. At times, it is not always about constant conversation, but about being together while attending to individual tasks. Simply sharing space while remaining focused can be a healthy strategy during this fortnight and through this Capricorn season, and this New Moon offers an ideal opportunity to recognise and begin such a mindful practice.

Mercury in Capricorn resembles a playful child entering a serious environment, bringing moments of lightness into an otherwise disciplined space. While this lunation strongly supports detailed work, careful analysis, and the execution of foundational tasks through clear thinking and intelligence, Mercury with Venus also reminds us that fun and mental ease are necessary for sustained productivity. Once again, maintaining a written to-do list serves as an effective psychological tool during this period. The Sun in Capricorn will lighten up the areas that require attention, helping us focus on what truly matters so that appropriate actions are taken at the right time.

My lovely long-distance sister Tara Aal describes the Moon as our internal “OK Meter,” and this idea resonated with me profoundly, as it points directly towards the need for balance. With so much Capricorn energy encouraging performance, work, and external validation, it becomes easy to neglect the body and mind, or to deprive ourselves of the mental space required for clarity and proper functioning. In the Rig Veda, Soma; always associated with the Moon, symbolises nourishment and revitalisation. Rig Veda 10.9, the Apah Suktam, invokes the waters as agents that restore inner order and calm. Sitting before still water places the mind in the presence of one of the fundamental elements of the universe, allowing a natural healing process to unfold. Whether after a long day, before beginning one, or even in the middle of a demanding schedule, water can act as a cleanser. Washing the face with cold water or observing the reflection of my face in a bowl of water has been a personal ritual that helps pacify the mind. Such practices are also mentioned in later Vedic texts like Grhya Sutram, where water is considered as a means of restoring balance through attention and stillness, rather than through force or action. 

Just like silence embellishes music, calmness strengthens action.