The New Moon Solar Eclipse on January 4, 2011 will be an ideal time to set your New Year's intentions, dreams, and goals.  The New (waxing) Moon is the most auspicious time to literally write down your visions and light a candle to usher them in. 

2011 Comes in with a Bang! A solar eclipse in the sign of Capricorn bringing up last summer's cardinal climax issues heralds in the New Year. This eclipse brings us an opportunity for new beginnings with our business, government and structured groups. In my opinion, it is the best day to start your new year's resolution rather than on January 1st. Partially because this is the new moon, good for new starts and also because it is in the sign of Capricorn which rules structure, willpower and discipline.

There is a beautiful cycle for financial gain also on January 4th with Venus trine Jupiter and Uranus. Whatever you start now, has great potential to make strong financial gains. Because Venus is involved in a strong position, new romance is favored too. Some of you may meet a new lover unexpectedly under these circumstances.

At the same time, the eclipse brings new duties and responsibilities to handle. Some of us may feel overwhelmed and like we have lots of obligations to tend to.

This particular eclipse, occurring in Capricorn, will pair a powerful New Moon with the intensity of the Sun to present you with a focused message: Allow your heart and mind to become one. The Universe wants you to perfect one particular area of your life so you can take a giant leap toward more fully developing both who you are as a person and who you could become.

The one thing this Solar Eclipse will not allow you to do is stand still. You can either dive into these energies and initiate some sort of major life change yourself, or you can sit back and wait for some life-altering event to occur in the weeks to come. If you opt for the latter, you won't have control over the events, and they will likely be much more challenging and stressful, whereas opting for the former might just be a lot of fun!

The areas of your life that this eclipse will impact most will vary depending on your Sun Sign:

Aries: You should push harder at work and focus on your greatest ambitions.

Taurus: Try to pick some aspect of your life and set your sights higher than you ever dreamed.

Cancer: You'll want to make new arrangements in close relationships and you'll need to work on adjusting to meet those.

Gemini: Immerse yourself in confidential and financial agreements.

Leo: Look into matters involving work or health, or both if you're feeling really ambitious.

Virgo: You'll just want love and fun right now.

Libra: Try to focus on home and family matters.

Scorpio: You must manage your daily schedule more efficiently.

Sagittarius: You'll want to try to get a firmer grip on your personal finances.

Capricorn: The Solar Eclipse is in your sign and you'll find you're at a significant turning point in your journey. You'll need to reflect carefully on your choices to determine what comes next.

Aquarius: You'll just need to take time out for more inner reflection.

Pisces: This is a time for you to make new friends and sort out longer-term plans.

Many recent transits have required a lot of work on your part, but they're about to be offset by the joint action of Jupiter and Uranus. After jaunting along together since May, these two planets will soon part ways, but not before bestowing one final gift - the gift of good times, adventure and lucky breaks. The best part of it all is that whatever happens will come as a complete surprise, so you won't have to do anything to make it happen.

The Sabian Symbol for this (new Moon) solar eclipse is Capricorn 14: An Ancient Bas-Relief Carved In Granite Remains A Witness To A Long-Forgotten Culture.

Some things never fade. They stand as reminders of ancient eras, bringing messages, being ‘Witnesses’, from the past. They remind us of how life and civilization was in ‘Long-Forgotten Cultures’. Messages may be found in these reminders about the stability and the longevity of the foundation of your society, or possibly that of some other culture, however distant in time and space. It could be something that resonates with you or draws you. Spiritual messages may be coming out of the past (or out of time and space), perhaps speaking through ‘Granite’, concrete or things “written in stone”. This can be very enriching and rewarding as these things can be beautiful remnants of the past, reminders of how life used to be
 
This eclipse isn't the only major event today: Jupiter and Uranus are conjunct and both planets trine Venus! This is incredibly auspicious: ancient astrology considers Jupiter and Venus to be the two luckiest planets, the trine represents easy, effortless connection, and Uranus can bring sudden awakenings. The universe is definitely opening the year with a powerful portent of wonderful breakthroughs!

This day's other important aspect suggests an excellent strategy for sensitizing yourself to the intuitive guidance you'll need to make the most of this year: a Venus-Neptune square, which can be used to empower your relationship with Spirit!

May we all have the courage to bring forth the best of ourselves: to heal, inspire, and create, while guided by our heart. Allow the internal hero to emerge and do not wait to be rescued by another.