All New Moons are a new beginning. The math of it is so simple, so elemental. The New Moon is the official start of the Moon’s 29.5-day cycle, and it always occurs in the same zodiac sign as the Sun. So not only is it an awesome opportunity to reboot, but it will also refocus your energies on the archetype of a sign. Today’s New Moon is in the watery sign of Cancer, and its archetypes are the Mother, the Matriarch, and the Nurturer.
The middle of the summer is always a time when our focus returns to the family. And rightly so; Cancer rules the home and the hearth, the family and extended family, and beyond that – yourtribe. Part of yours is made up of your genetic line, your blood root, and the values that stem from that. Your tribe is also your immediate community where you live: the neighbors, friends, and coworkers that become like family. During Cancer season, let yourself revisit that. Here is why.
Despite all cliches to the contrary, Cancer needs to be able to go home again. Always. Preferably with any and all pets and children it has managed to acquire along the way, and with all their collective gear, homework assignments, cute outfits, and dirty laundry. Preferably where you - or someone - prepares all its favorite meals and makes it feel loved and safe and protected like it did during the best moments of its childhood. It's not that Cancer doesn't care about anything else, it's that everything else is useless if it cannot be used to further the aims and strengthen the connections of those it holds most dear.
At this Cancer New Moon, the tricky part about any homecoming – physically or emotionally – are the transits. There are a couple of them that are particularly volatile right now. One of them has to do with the direct conjunction of a retrograde Mercury – also in cancer – within 2° of the Sun/Moon conjunction. Making things even more complicated is a T-square to Mars and Uranus in Gemini. Fortunately, this is separating rather than applying (falling away rather than growing in intensity), but you're still going to feel it. So, let’s make a plan.
Or a couple of them. Both transits are famous for breakdowns, meltdowns, adult tantrums, arrogance, ignorance, violence, and false pride. On a bad day, your world and your tribe will be populated with erratic and unstable humans who will fight to the death for their right to make poor choices. Get clear on your boundaries, your limits and your risk tolerances. Practice communicating graciously and effectively about them; be prepared to do so when necessary. Make peace with the process.
On the upside, these transits are absolutely magical. They can be filled with nourishing connections and synchronicities. On a good day you are filled with the kind of insight and inspiration that changes hearts and minds, lives and worlds. If you can find and hold that vibrational tone, you can create brave and bold new solutions to old problems that had hitherto seemed insurmountable. Look for that.
Ultimately, you are going to have opportunities to create more of the kind of family experiences and tribal relationships that you have wanted for a long time. For some of you, lifetimes. In as much as you can, try to be patient and present with the processes you find yourself in. Ask your Gods, guides, guardians, angels, archangels, and ancestors to guide your words and your actions, your thoughts and your deeds. Ask them to help you to seize these opportunities to create more of the life you want with the people you love in the world you want. Listen to the guidance you get. Look for synchronicities. Follow where they lead. And if you get stuck, call me.
We'll figure it out.
Calendar
These are the dates when your opportunities to love your family and tribe - and be loved in return - will be the greatest.
July 14
Bastille Day
New Moon in Cancer
July 22
Sun moves into Leo
Tisha B’av begins at sunset
July 23
Mercury goes Direct at 16° Cancer
Mercury Retrograde Shadow Period begins
Tisha B’av ends at sunset
July 26
Saturn Retrogrades at 14° Aries
July 29
Eclipse Prelude Period Begins
Full Moon in Aquarius (the Barley Moon, Grain Moon, Green Corn Moon, Harvest Moon, Red Moon, and the Sturgeon Moon)
Lunar Lammas/Lughnassa
August 2
Lammas/Lughnassa
August 3
Chiron Retrogrades at 00° Taurus
August 6
Venus moves into Libra
August 9
Mercury moves into Leo
August 11
Mars moves into Cancer
August 12
New Moon in Leo
Total Solar Eclipse at the New Moon: The Sun and New Moon are conjunct at 20° Leo, and loosely conjunct Jupiter at 09° Leo and Mercury at 05° Leo. The Sun and Moon are opposing a retrograde Neptune at 04° Pisces.
