New moon

Once again, Jenny asks one of her favorite astrologers, Sabra Ricci, to give us a rundown of what to expect in the weeks ahead.

Tomorrow, the new moon in Libra occurs at 4:34 p.m. PDT. This signifies the beginning of a new cycle, as it does each month, when we are given the opportunity to start again with new energy and new goals. When the moon is in conjunction with the sun, they align, opening a powerful portal to the universe from which we can manifest our hearts’ desires. There are many ways of connecting to this energy, ranging from merely lighting a candle to performing full-blown rituals — but the most important thing is to make a commitment and open your heart and mind to receive all the support that the spirit has to offer.

One of the simplest ways to ignite this energy is by asking in the form of a wish. Why a wish? Think about the different times and reasons you’ve made wishes: When blowing out the candles on your birthday cake, when seeing a falling star, when tossing a coin into a wishing well or when breaking a turkey or chicken wishbone. You’re expressing your intent, you’re completely focused and then you complete the action of making your wish. This is much more powerful than merely asking.

The difference between standard wishes and those made on the new moon is that there are guidelines for making new-moon wishes. You must write them down by hand, using a special tablet or journal; don’t use a computer or typewriter. Technically, you have 48 hours after the new moon to complete your wishes, but the energy is more potent during the eight-hour period following the new moon. Personally, I like to make my wishes as close to the exact timing of the new moon as possible.

You can make as many as 10 wishes on each new moon, but no more, as the energy can be dispersed and then there won’t be enough power for them to come true. It’s alright to make fewer wishes, but you are allowed 10 total. The wording of each wish needs to be stated clearly, so your feeling and desire comes through. Do not make wishes for other people — they need to be “I” statements to come true. If a loved one needs help of any kind, make a wish such as, “I easily and effortlessly find myself being a channel of information to help my daughter with her health.”

There is a theme each month regarding what to wish for, and it’s directly related to the sign of the new moon. The general energy surrounding the moon in Libra is about relationships, balance, agreements, cooperation, codependency, negotiation and several other things. For each of the 12 signs, there will be different aspects of the Libra moon that will be beneficial and have special, individual meaning. To get a deeper understanding of the process, you can check out New Moon Astrology by Jan Spiller.

ARIES

For Aries, the Libra new moon is about issues of marriage, relationships and contracts. Wish suggestions for Aries are about becoming more tactful and diplomatic, becoming sensitive to others’ feelings and perfecting teamwork. Sample wishes are: I easily and effortlessly find myself using words of understanding and cooperation when speaking to others. I easily and effortlessly find myself being naturally more patient and loving. I easily and effortlessly find myself attracting the right romantic partner and beginning a supportive relationship.

TAURUS

The Libra new moon is about daily work, duty and health for Taurus. Suggestions for wishes are in the areas of development of perception, learning to not be a victim and maintaining routines that are healthy. Sample wishes: I easily and effortlessly pay attention for better perception of details. I easily and effortlessly reject allowing myself to be a victim. I easily and effortlessly adopt healthy practices for my mind, body and spirit.

GEMINI

Gemini looks to the Libra new moon for help with issues concerning children, pleasure and creativity. Wish suggestions for Gemini are about building self-confidence, learning to seek what the heart wants and experiencing the power of your creativity. Sample wishes: I easily and effortlessly feel my body surging with self-confidence. I easily and effortlessly follow my heart in all matters. I easily and effortlessly become aware of my creative nature.

CANCER

The Libra new moon represents the home, family and the mother for Cancer. Areas covered by wish suggestions are personal fulfillment, developing the maternal side and becoming vulnerable. Wish samples: I easily and effortlessly realize my feelings are as valuable as those of others. I easily and effortlessly develop my nurturing side. I easily and effortlessly ask for the support I need.

LEO

New moon in Libra is about siblings, neighbors and communications for Leo. It will assist in the areas of establishing journaling as a daily habit, accepting everyone as unique individuals and acquiring exemplary communication skills. Sample wishes: I easily and effortlessly write in my journal every day. I easily and effortlessly value all individuals just as they are. I easily and effortlessly communicate my thoughts and ideas in a way that does not threaten others.

VIRGO

For Virgo, the Libra new moon represents money, material possessions and values. Areas for wish suggestions include establishing good management skills surrounding money, developing feelings of good self-worth and overcoming judgmental tendencies. Wish samples: I easily and effortlessly find myself being responsible in money matters. I easily and effortlessly find myself developing a healthy self-worth. I easily and effortlessly overcome my judgmental tendencies.

LIBRA

The Libra new moon is about the self, demeanor and vitality for Libra. Suggested areas for wishes include developing qualities of self-love, creating healthy assertiveness and finding your unique leadership qualities. Sample wishes: I easily and effortlessly develop a deep quality of self-love. I easily and effortlessly learn to be assertive in a healthy way. I easily and effortlessly find a unique style of leadership that is for the good of all.

SCORPIO

The new moon in Libra represents things that are hidden, secrets and things of a spiritual nature for Scorpio. Wish suggestions for Scorpio are in the areas of learning to be humble, connecting to a higher power and loving unconditionally. Sample wishes: I easily and effortlessly learn to accept everything about myself just as I am. I easily and effortlessly release all problems to my higher power. I easily and effortlessly see all others for the unique people they are.

SAGITTARIUS

For Sagittarius, the Libra new moon is about friends, collective projects and protections in life. Suggestions for wishes are in the areas of awareness of the needs of others, humanitarian issues and creating a friendship before moving into a romantic relationship. Wish samples: I easily and effortlessly create win-win situations that are the best solutions for all. I easily and effortlessly find myself contributing to humanitarian causes. I easily and effortlessly explore friendship first with someone I am attracted to.

CAPRICORN

The Libra new moon represents social success, career and the father for Capricorn. The focus areas for wishes include establishing security that will last, building self-respect and reaching goals. Sample wishes: I easily and effortlessly find myself accepting opportunities for financial security. I easily and effortlessly make choices that build my self-respect. I easily and effortlessly find myself reaching all goals that I set.

AQUARIUS

For Aquarius, the Libra new moon is about travels, higher education and spirituality. Suggestions for wishes include quieting an overactive mind, trusting your intuition and embracing life as your great adventure. Wish samples: I easily and effortlessly meditate to still my overactive thoughts. I easily and effortlessly listen to my intuition and allow it to guide me. I easily and effortlessly see my life as an adventure and live it to the fullest.

PISCES

Pisces uses the Libra new moon for expressions of passion, transformation and sexuality. Suggested wishes regard freedom from stubbornness, letting go of anything oppressing and promoting financial security with partnerships. Sample wishes: I easily and effortlessly release stubbornness to gain flexibility. I easily and effortlessly let go of all the things that oppress me. I easily and effortlessly attract the right business partner who has values I respect and begin making money with them.

Sabra Ricci is an accomplished astrologer and has appeared on numerous television shows, including “Chelsea Lately” and the “Today Show,” and featured in many publications, such as Life & Style, Woman’s Day, Self and Spa magazines. She contributes regularly to About.com, Tarot.com and DailyHoroscope.com.

Her books combine her true passion for cooking with her love of astrology. “Lobster for Leos, Cookies for Capricorn: An Astrology Lover’s Cookbook“ (St. Martin’s Press) hit the shelves in January 2012 and “Sexy Star Sign Cooking: An Astrology Cookbook for Lovers” was released in January 2013. She currently has a cooking show in development.

Contact her at Sabraricci.com or at Facebook.com/pages/Sabra-Ricci/117912528252. Follow her on Twitter @Mauichef.