Fixed Zodiac Signs May Have A Harder Time During New Moons. Here's Why

New moons are a time of reflection, letting go, and embracing transformation. We may feel the pull to turn inward and quiet the external world, aligning with our inner voice. New moon rituals often center around releasing the old so as to make room for the new (via Goop). Essentially, new moons are a time for change, intentions, and manifestation.

If you're familiar with the basics of astrology, you likely know that the cosmic map of the stars and the placement of the moon affects each zodiac sign in a particular way. The new moon will also be in the same zodiac sign as the sun at any given time (via Shondaland). So, if the sun is in Aquarius, then the new moon will also be in Aquarius.

And as you may have guessed, some zodiac signs are likely to thrive during the rebirth of the new moon, taking initiative to recreate themselves and put in place healthier habits. Others, however, may have a harder time during new moons, like the fixed signs. Let's take a closer look at why that is.

There are three modalities in astrology: cardinal, mutable, and fixed. The fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius — one sign of each element, as you likely noticed. The fixed signs are known to be, above all else, quite stubborn. They are also consistent, stable, reliable, and great lovers of tradition.

While flexibility may not be their strong suit, you can depend on a fixed sign to be there for you when you need them the most (via Astrology Zone). Having a fixed sign in your corner is something to be deeply grateful for. They're likely to stand by your side and defend your honor, loud and proud.

Fixed signs appreciate a job well done and the rewards of a long, satisfying project. They can work alone and see things through to the end — even when throwing in the towel is a more logical option. The fixed signs love to plan and struggle to deviate from the blueprint (via LiveAbout).

So, how does the new moon affect the fixed signs? As you likely gathered, it tends to be a time of internal struggle. The fixed signs aren't thrilled about letting go and welcoming in the new. They'd far rather stick to what is tried and true.

"New moons are an opportunity to plant fresh seeds, but fixed signs typically prefer to tend to the garden they've already nurtured," Erin River Sunday, resident astrologer for Birthdate Co., told Bustle. "New moon energy might conflict with fixed signs because starting something new isn't always a fixed sign's modus operandi."

The energy of the new moon can feel confusing and unstable to fixed signs. They may feel like they can't quite get their feet grounded on the Earth. The mystery and abstract potential often aren't inspiring for them as they may be to cardinal signs, for example, who thrive on rebirth and becoming new.

While it may seem that Aquarius, the visionary inventors of the zodiac (via LiveAbout), might be the exception to the rule, they too may struggle with the new moon as the other fixed signs do.

While new moons can be a disconcerting time for fixed signs, when the new moon itself is in a fixed sign, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius will feel slightly more at home than they do during other new moons. When the new moon is in Aquarius, for example, we tend to zoom out and gain a wider perspective on situations.

"Aquarius is a fixed air sign, so themes of communication, connection, humanitarianism, advanced technology, and swift changes will be prevalent," Tamerri Ater, astrologer and founder of Gift of the Nile, told POPSUGAR. "The fixed nature of Aquarius will help many of us bring ideas to fruition that can change the course of our lives for years to come."

So, while new moons may often be a hard time for proactive, radical Aquarius (via Astrology Zone), when the new moon is in their sign, they may be able to harness some of that "take charge" energy and not get lost in the flowy birth of change.

The good news is that if you have fixed placements in your chart, you can take a few steps to make the new moon a time of grounding, clearing, and letting go — even if it doesn't come naturally to you at first. Many celebrate the new moon with intentional rituals like journaling, affirmations, and ceremonies of release. These rituals can be particularly helpful for fixed signs.

Highbrow Hippie recommends the following: find a quiet space on the night of the new moon (preferably outside, if the weather is nice) and write down what you'd like to release and what you'd like to welcome into your life over the next 29 days. Light a white candle, position yourself to be facing North, and focus on the intention. Imagine your intention as already having happened. For more detailed directions, check out the ritual here.

Mantras are another great avenue for new moon cleansing and release. A few good mantras include "I can welcome a new idea without reinventing the entire wheel" and "Change is required for growth," Sunday suggested to Bustle.