Shell photo by Alice B. Gardens.
Tomorrow we welcome the second lunar cycle in Cancer in a row; a rare but not unusual occurrence. At 10:32AM PT on July 20th, the moon and sun will join in the late degrees of the sign of the crab. One month ago, we experienced the summer solstice and major solar eclipse in the very early degrees of Cancer. Eclipses tend to rock our world and bring all sorts of turbulence. As we move into this next lunar cycle, we will actively be responding to the turbulence and looking to create new ways of living in order to survive or thrive in our current environment.
I’m so relieved to leave the eclipse season and the recent Mercury/Venus retrograde cycles, though we have learned so much from these experiences. We have been through a lot; I cannot emphasize this enough! At the start of this lunar cycle, we stand in a place of sober reality. Each of us have peeled away various layers of illusions, and hopefully we have a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
The new moon is receiving a direct opposition from Saturn, who has newly returned to the sign of Capricorn. We may feel more restrictions and stricter boundaries surrounding us, but we are likely to feel prepared to work with these challenges in realistic ways. All new moons are new beginnings which welcome growth, regardless of any stark realities we are facing. With our illusions stripped away, we are empowered to move forward with strength and sensitivity.
Saturn’s opposition can also be a sign we are finally ready to let go of a particular chapter of our lives. If you have been putting a lot of energy and resources into something (or someone) you no longer feel passionate about it, you may be feeling ready to finally make a shift towards a more authentic path. Pay attention to when you feel emotionally drained or depressed.
We might not readily perceive the sign of Cancer as creative, but as a ‘cardinal’ water sign she is the ultimate creator. Cancer is the sign of the fertile mother who is a constant resource of love and care. She births new life from her divine womb and promises new beginnings. With her hard shell exterior, she protects what is vital and most vulnerable.
When I picture this lunar cycle playing out over the following weeks, I see a devout mother coming up with creative solutions in tough situations. True creativity comes from having great boundaries. Creative solutions are birthed through restriction. We all entered this crazy beautiful world through great pressure and a woman in labor.
The card I pulled for this new moon is the 10 of Pentacles, and I’m reminded of the importance of family and tradition to the sign of Cancer. This tarot card represents a supportive family or family-like unit that carries long-standing traditions and a firm structure. As we move through the next few weeks, we are promised the opportunity to create new ways to connect with family and ancestors, gain support or create stable prosperity. This would be a great time to start a new family or group tradition.
Here are a few ways to further your connection with this Cancer new moon:
Identify a part of your life that may no longer be supporting you and perhaps feels like it’s holding you back. Feeling ‘emotionally drained’ is a key sign at this time.
Identify any road-blocks in your life. How can you shift away from what is not working and prioritize other opportunities? Let your creativity blossom.
Cancer is the sign of the nurturer. Seek opportunities to nurture or heal others, as well as yourself.
If you need extra support of some kind, consider reaching out to your family or family like structures.
The most sensitive sign of the zodiac is Cancer. If you identify with this, how can you treat your sensitivity like a strength (rather than a weakness)?
Allow yourself to truly feel your emotions and process them fully. This may be a period of ‘waking up’ on an emotional level.
Begin a new ‘family’ tradition of some kind that creates joy and connection.
Happy new moon!