Before Cancer season ends, we have one more emotional wave to ride: the new moon in Cancer, which arrives on July 17 at 2:32 p.m. EDT. This lunation can help us integrate new lessons regarding our emotional security and foundation. Now is the time to make your needs known in close relationships and to ask for those needs to be met.
Cancer is also a nostalgic sign, and its ruling planet is the moon, which is associated with our memories. We may be tasked with confronting the past in some significant way: Which memories are worth preserving, and which ones are you ready to stop feeling defined by? Answering these questions could be a part of your new moon in Cancer journey.
What is a new moon, and what does it mean in astrology?
A new moon occurs when the sun and the moon align in the same zodiac sign, and the moon sits directly between the Earth and the sun. It happens once a month and marks the beginning of the monthly lunar cycle, giving the lunation its association with a period of renewal.
The new moon is also the time when the night sky is the darkest (the moon is nearly black, blocking the light of the sun), and as such, we’re asked to embrace our instincts and intuition. Energetically, you may feel more tired or self-reflective than usual. As the new lunar cycle begins, we’re also closing out an old cycle and releasing what no longer serves us. This can be an exhausting and emotional process as we learn to surrender, trust, and let go.
New moons are considered auspicious times to set intentions, perform rituals or spells, or call in desires or manifestations.
As we release, we also create space for new opportunities to find us. Because of this, new moons are considered auspicious times to set intentions, perform rituals or spells, or call in desires or manifestations. When you do so, visualize where you would like to be six months from now (when the full moon in the same zodiac sign will occur). Get specific: What and who do you see around you? What are the habits you keep as this future version of you? As the moon’s light continues to grow over the course of the next few weeks, your intention will grow, too.
Since a new moon is all about listening to your intuition, there is no wrong way to work with this energy. Turn inward, and ask your spirit team for a sign (in your dreams or waking life) about your next step. Trust that the universe will show up for you in divine timing, remain curious, and get ready to be surprised as your intentions come to life over the coming months.
It’s important to note that every new moon carries a different energetic signature based on the sign in which it occurs and the connections it forms with the other planets in the sky. Some new moons are ideal for manifesting abundance and love, while others are powerful for releasing old and outdated patterns or behaviors. You’ll want to read your new moon horoscope to learn more about the specific energy of each new moon with which you decide to work.
What can we expect from the new moon in Cancer in 2023?
This year’s new moon in the nurturing sign of Cancer packs quite a punch. Normally, the moon is comfortable in Cancer, the sign over which it rules. But under this new moon, the sun and moon form a tough aspect with Pluto, the planet of crisis, taboo, decay, transformation, and regeneration. While the moon in Cancer wants us to cultivate an environment that feels safe and comfortable, Pluto’s influence forces us outside our comfort zone.
We may be tasked with confronting our shadow side or addressing our relationship with power, control, or jealousy. It’s important not to define yourself by whatever emotions come up, but rather, to remain curious about them. What are these heavier emotions trying to tell you? Being honest about any fears, guilt, or shame you’re carrying can lessen their power.
It’s important not to define yourself by whatever emotions come up, but rather, to remain curious about them.
Luckily, at the same time, the new moon will be angling gently toward Neptune in Pisces, a planet of compassion and healing. This will add a layer of understanding, forgiveness, and ease in our interactions with others and ourselves, and further open the door to our intuition.
On the same day, Mars, the planet of action and frustration, will oppose Saturn, the planet of limits and responsibility. While Mars is fast-moving and energetic, Saturn is one of the slowest planets in the sky—and their opposition can leave us feeling stuck or blocked. Though you may want to push forward, this is a day to remember that slow and steady wins the race.
To get a clearer picture of how this transformative energy will affect you, read on for your sun, moon, and rising signs. Then, pick up a unique self-care practice to help you move through this lunation with a little more ease.
How the new moon in Cancer may affect your sign
Aries
You’re ready to cut ties with the past, Aries. The new moon in Cancer lands in your fourth house of home, family, and foundations, making this a private, tender time for you. You are presented with an opportunity to start over when it comes to family relationships or to let go of grudges or memories from the past that weigh heavy on your heart. And you’re becoming more aware of your own needs, as well as your dealbreakers.
Your new moon self-care practice: It’s the season to declutter. Clearing out and organizing your physical space can create more energetic room, too, for more aligned people and opportunities to come your way.
Taurus
You’ve landed on a game-changing idea, Taurus. Your thoughts are your superpowers under this new moon as it activates your third house of the mind. Now is the time to follow your curiosity, whether that means reading the books you’ve left unattended on your nightstand, signing up for a new course, or even taking a trip to a new place. Information you learn today has the potential to alter the trajectory of your life or shift your perspective.
Your new moon self-care practice: Try some automatic writing. Grab a pen and paper, and close your eyes. Visualize a white board, and then imagine wiping it clear of any and all of your current thoughts. Without skipping a beat, put pen to paper, and start writing.
Gemini
You’re redefining your self-worth, Gemini. The new moon illuminates your second house of income, resources, and values, leaving you ready to reclaim your inherent worthiness. In a literal sense, it’s possible that a new financial opportunity comes your way, or you land on a new strategy for reworking your budget. Or, you could have a breakthrough when it comes to your self-esteem, granting you the confidence to ask for what you deserve.
Your new moon self-care practice: For the next 30 days, start your day by journaling about your gratitude. In what ways are you already abundant? Ask that question of yourself every morning when you first wake up, and watch the ripple effects pour over into other areas of your life.
Cancer
You’re ready for a refresh, Cancer. The new moon moves through your sign (aka your first house of identity and personal ambitions), putting you more in tune with your authentic self. In turn, this lunation asks you to shed projections from others and break free from old stories that no longer define you. It’s time to proudly claim and embody all of the growth you’ve experienced over the last year. You may also feel called to start an important project or set a big goal; at the moment, nothing feels too far-fetched.
Your new moon self-care practice: Write a list of any limiting beliefs you may hold about yourself. Cross them out one by one, and rewrite them in a positive light. Record those new affirmations as a voice memo, and listen to it right before you go to bed and just after you wake up every day for the next 30 days.
Leo
Your inner world is expanding, Leo. As the new moon lands in your 12th house of closure, rest, spirituality, and healing, you could reach a turning point in your relationship with your intuition. If you’ve been fearful of going after the life you desire, this new moon asks you to take the leap. It’s time to let go of old, self-destructive patterns so you can create space for more supportive habits. Remember: As one cycle ends, another begins.
Your new moon self-care practice: Ask the universe for an important sign or symbol about the next step on your journey. Get specific, and trust that your spirit team will deliver your message in divine timing.
Virgo
You’re redefining your sense of belonging, Virgo. The new moon illuminates your 11th house of friendship, community, allies, and hopes and dreams for the future. If you have a desire on your heart, today is an opportunity to take a bold step toward making it come true. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your network for support. If you’ve noticed tension or unspoken power dynamics in any of your friendships, now is also the time to address it.
Your new moon self-care practice: Make a vision board. Where do you want to be six months from now? Create a visual representation of your future life, and let the magnetic energy of your desires do the rest of the work.
Libra
You’re stepping into the spotlight, Libra. The new moon activates your 10th house of career, public reputation, and ambitions. You may be starting an exciting new chapter today in your professional or personal life. Perhaps you’ve received a promotion and are taking on additional responsibilities, or maybe you’ve decided to pursue something new that makes you feel more fulfilled, regardless of what others think. Today, you can break free from the past and from others’ projections in a cathartic way and move confidently toward the life you want.
Your new moon self-care practice: Think about the life you wanted to live when you were little. Which parts of your childhood dreams have come true? Lean into gratitude, and choose to celebrate yourself and your accomplishments today, no matter how big or small.
Scorpio
You’re ready to infuse more excitement into your life, Scorpio. The new moon lands in your ninth house of expansion, travel, perspective, and learning. You may be feeling more curious than normal and eager to soak up all life has to offer. This is an aligned time to plan a trip, sign up for a new class, or zoom out and reflect on what you truly desire. Conversations that take place today can lead to interesting perspective shifts, too.
Your new moon self-care practice: Put yourself in a new situation, or otherwise push yourself beyond your comfort zone. When you try new things, you increase your ability to be adaptable, and as you expand in your personal life, you may witness other areas of your life growing, too, as a bonus.
Sagittarius
You’re re-evaluating how you spend your time, money, and energy, Sagittarius. What once felt like a priority may shift under this new moon as it moves through your eighth house of shared resources, investments, and your psyche. Consider: Who and what is worthy of your precious energy? Practically speaking, you could find yourself settling a debt at this time, making an important investment, or deepening some of your closest bonds.
Your new moon self-care practice: Dare to be vulnerable. If there is something you’ve been keeping to yourself that’s been causing you stress or anxiety, confide in a trusted member of your inner circle. You deserve to receive support just as much as you give your support so freely to others.
Capricorn
You’re ready to invest more deeply in one of your relationships, Capricorn. The new moon lands in your seventh house of one-on-one partnership, marking a fresh start in an important collaboration. If you have a romantic partner, you may need to address a power imbalance in your relationship; if you’re single, you could be tasked with confronting any lingering fears of commitment. A new beginning is around the corner, and choosing to trust and nurture your bonds will ultimately feel nourishing.
Your new moon self-care practice: Set aside time to check in with a partner or an important person in your life. Is there any pent-up frustration or tension that needs to be addressed? Though doing so may feel uncomfortable, that feeling is temporary—and well worth it to create a healthier dynamic for the long haul.
Aquarius
You’re focused on building the everyday life you want to live, Aquarius. The new moon in Cancer illuminates your sixth house of daily habits, routine, and responsibility. This is a powerful opportunity to rework your daily schedule, adding supportive habits and removing patterns that are keeping you from making progress on your dreams. As you create more consistency in your life, your relationship with commitment will strengthen, and it’ll become easier to embody the person you hope to become.
Your new moon self-care practice: Try habit stacking. Select a habit you’d like to incorporate into your daily routine, and “stack” it right after a habit you already do in order to create more consistency and flow.
Pisces
You’re feeling more connected to the present moment, Pisces. The new moon moves through your fifth house of creativity, passion, romance, and play. In turn, you may recognize more clearly than ever that your time is limited and precious—so, why not spend it on activities that bring you joy? You may be picking up a new hobby, starting a new creative project, or even getting back into the dating world.
Your new moon self-care practice: Do an inner child (or inner teen) guided meditation. Visualize meeting your younger self in a place where you used to spend time. Ask them about their hopes for the future. Share with them what you’ve accomplished, and before you leave, ask them for guidance on the next step of your journey.
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