The new year may still be on the horizon, but Jetteke van Lexmond, cofounder of the Moonsisters, already senses that the shift from 2025 to 2026 will feel smoother than in years past. “The energy between the two years is much more fluid than before,” says van Lexmond, creator of a widely popular Moon Calendar. “We are really entering a new energetic era. You may have felt it already, as we’ve been immersed in this frequency for several weeks.”

Right now, we’re in Capricorn season—an energy that brings pressure and can create a tug-of-war sensation. “You can experience Capricorn’s energy in two ways: as challenging and frightening, because escaping, ignoring, or going back to the old no longer works; or as liberating and exciting, because movement and inspiration are finally flowing again.”

Yet many are also feeling restless or impatient lately—a pulsating energy in the body that’s hard to ignore. “The heart feels and knows what the mind does not yet understand, or cannot yet understand.”

Capricorn season ends on January 19, but halfway through, on January 3, we’ll experience a new moon in Cancer. Here’s what that means:

Capricorn energy meets a full moon in Cancer

After the harder, masculine energy of Capricorn—which van Lexmond links to “ambition, structure, and responsibility”—the full moon in Cancer arrives on January 3, 2026. Cancer is a water sign “associated with feminine energy, emotional security, care, and home,” she explains. Not to worry: it brings a wave of gentle, feminine energy.

Capricorn and Cancer sit directly opposite each other in the zodiac—good news for anyone in need of relief. This opposition can create tension between feeling and thinking, between being and doing. Altogether, it’s a “cosmic dance” that reminds us true strength lies not only in perseverance, but also in allowing, nurturing, and slowing down.

“You may feel a conflict between your head and your heart,” van Lexmond adds. “If so, try to notice how this full moon helps these opposites work together. They can complement each other perfectly. True balance happens when the masculine and feminine energies within us are in harmony.”

Sensitive Cancer teaches pragmatic Capricorn to express feelings, while responsible Capricorn offers Cancer stability and security. “This creates a strong, harmonious relationship that blends depth with practical, down-to-earth strength,” says van Lexmond.

Have faith that some things simply need to be let go

This full moon also carries a reminder: try to release the need for control and trust the process instead. That freedom creates space to recognize “that certain structures and patterns have completed their cycle. Not everything needs to be restored or repaired—some things you should simply let go of gently.”

January’s full moon doesn’t demand anything. Instead, it speaks through feelings, images, and memories. Or as Jetteke van Lexmond puts it: “The full moon on January 3rd reminds us that vulnerability is not weakness, but strength—and that you don’t have to harden yourself to stand firm. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply come back to yourself.”

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Making the Most of Januarys New Moon

Basics Definitions
What exactly is a New Moon
A New Moon is the lunar phase when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun making it invisible in the night sky Astrologically it symbolizes a fresh start and a blank slate

Why is the January New Moon special
It coincides with the energy of the new calendar year creating a powerful doublewhammy for setting intentions making resolutions and planting seeds for the year ahead

Do I need to be into astrology to benefit from this
Not at all Think of it as a natural monthly checkpointa mindful moment to pause reflect and consciously decide what you want to focus on

Benefits Purpose
What are the main benefits of working with the January New Moon energy
It helps you align your personal goals with the natural cycle of renewal Benefits include clearer focus increased motivation a sense of calm purpose and a supportive feeling of starting fresh

Can it help with my New Years resolutions
Absolutely Its perfect for refining or reenergizing those resolutions Instead of vague goals the new moon encourages you to set specific heartfelt intentions

Is this just about goalsetting
Its more about intentionsetting Goals are external targets intentions are about your inner state and the energy you want to cultivate

Common Problems Mistakes
Whats the biggest mistake people make
Trying to do too much The energy is for planting seeds not harvesting Overloading a list with 20 intentions can scatter your energy Focus on 13 key themes

I missed the exact date and time Is it too late
No The potent energy of the new moon is strongest for about 48 hours after the exact moment You can still work with it the day before or up to two days after

What if I feel skeptical or silly
Thats normal Start small You dont need a big ritual Simply taking 5 minutes to write down one thing youd like to invite into your life is a powerful first step

Practical HowTo Examples