The first quarter moon describes the first ‘face off’ the sun and moon share since the new moon. On Earth, this is when the moon appears as half full. Mathematically, the sun and moon are 90 degrees apart. Astrologically, I have found this to be a time when tensions arise as they relate to the intention seeded at the new moon.

Currently, January 25th 2026 until January 27th or so, we are under this first quarter moon – the first direct conversation these luminaries have had since the new moon on January 8th, 2026.  The sun ☉ in Aquarius ♒︎ wants to grasp innovation, while the moon ☽ in Taurus ♉︎ may be slow to accept. 

At this juncture, it is imperative a kind of solution is reached that satisfies both luminaries: sun/moon, center of consciousness/emotional center. With the moon transiting Taurus, for example, there can be a tendency toward laziness and overindulgence. This is a shadow of fixed-Earth Taurus; it can delight so much in the sense that action and progression become secondary. We may find ourselves placated by the physical pleasures (sex, overeating, lethargy – especially for those snowed in), and thus dissociating from the more heady energies with which we are called to task.

This especially rings true if intentions set during the recent new moon suddenly feel unattainable. The irony of this particular moon ☽ square  □ sun ☉ configuration is that the moon in the sensual-solidity of Taurus is a blatant rejection of the aspirational airs of Aquarius. We will likely find, upon taking inspired action, that we are propelled ↑꩜ into a higher vibrational state than anticipated. 

The sun is in Aquarius, still with Mercury☿️, Mars♂, Venus♀, and Pluto♇ at its helm, just as they were during the new moon in Capricorn one week ago. The trick right now is to stay committed to the same visions set then. Our response to this square can either be to abandon what was seeded, or synthesize current tensions to push through toward the full moon and realization of our goals. 

An alternate prescription could also be to literally bring down to Earth all the mental and ideological activity represented by the current Aquarius stellium. This can look like:

+ Talking about it vs. tweeting about it

+ Expressing creatively ones thoughts (Leo ♌︎ as the other energy completing the square)

+ Keeping it stewing under the surface (Scorpio ♏︎ being the other energy completing the square)

How do you feel under this energy? Have you tracked the sun-moon square cycles as closely as new and full moons? Let me know in the comments.