New Moon Divination, January 2025

Note: New Moon Divination is migrating to the blog this year. Subscribers will still get first view via email for each new moon; everyone else will have access a few days later (probably about a week). I'm not making edits to the messaging with the time differences, though, so buckle in for what might feel like time travel...grammatically, anyway.

Hello, friends – What a January it’s been, OOF. Though I spend a good amount of time in meditation before I do this ritual and ask for guidance, my mind is very tangled with fear, disappointment, and a million possible futures. The guidance hasn’t yet gelled into a cohesive story in my mind, but each ogham offered solid perspective in its position. 

For our second year of this tradition, I’ll be including more information about the process for this ritual. Since I’m a priestly type, there will be a lot of talk of gods and goddesses. Feel free to filter for what’s most useful to your experience. For example, the goddess I rely on most for these readings is Andraste, whose devotee Boudicca had some experience with hostile powers. So. 

I hope you’ll find some insight and comfort here. 

1. Overall Theme: Birch, for beginnings. Calling up beginnings in January is a bit overdone. But here, I wonder if Birch is telling us that, whatever we choose to do, the power is in BEGINNING. The view doesn’t change until you start walking. Begin imperfectly if you need to. Take that first step. And then another.  

2. Potential & Allies: Reed, the modifier for the Sea. Now, you know I have a billion ocean metaphors up my sleeve. I think the key with this ogham is to “be like water” in these coming days. Persist like waves wearing down a coastline and turning rocks into sand. Swim with the current, not against it. Focus on buoyancy and breath. It’s worth noting here that one of the deities I work with for these rituals is Manannan mac Lir, who fished baby Lugh out of the sea. He is a foster father/uncle figure who can help with questions of navigation and purpose.  

3. Static & Obstacles: Alder, for trust and faith. I think a lot of us don’t know where to place our trust right now and many of the places we used to turn for guidance are becoming (or being revealed as) not in alignment with our values after all. It feels like a type of grief? And, while I know grief and integration are processes that can’t be skipped, maybe don’t stay there permanently. Having faith that we can make things better is vital. 

4. Letting Go: Honeysuckle, for gathering sweetness. This one threw me for a loop, but then I remembered that some varieties of honeysuckle are invasive. Like, viciously invasive. In today’s context, I see honeysuckle as a warning against over-consumption, hoarding, and individualism. We can’t afford to cling to behaviors that choke out mutual aid and equity and community. 

5. Helping Grow: Rowan, for protection. Specifically, Rowan’s action is protection against unseen forces - maybe magical, maybe not. There’s a lot of contagion in the air these days (like tuberculosis, ferfuxake). Wear a mask, wash your hands. Don’t talk about protesting and resistance on unsecured lines. Learn what the ACLU says you should say (or not say) if you encounter aggressive LEOs so your lawyer can protect you. Help this ogham protect you from harm you can’t see. 

I’m always curious to hear what you think of these readings. We’ll likely be investing less attention and energy in social media in the months ahead, so keep an eye out for updates to the website and blog going forward!

Brightest blessings. 

Nicole