More Than a Feeling
July’s New Moon on July 12/13 sees the Moon in her favorite place, the homey, nurturing waters of Cancer.
But these waters are more intense than comforting right now. What’s moving in the depths may change you. Forever.
What’s stirring the pot? Let’s see what astrologers around the Web have to say.
Cancer New Moon
New Moons occur as the Moon returns to meet the Sun once each month. New Moons are dark, invisible to Earthlings; it’s a time of endings and new beginnings.
The annual New Moon in the sign Cancer turns focus to emotional safety and expression, as well as home, family and tradition. Kathryn Andren, The Love Astrologer, explains:
“The Moon represents our connection to the past as well as the ebb and tide of emotion. In the water sign of Cancer, there is an added emphasis on surfing emotional highs and lows, then creating a safe space to feel your feelings.”
Eclipse Shadow Magic
One reason for this Cancer New Moon’s intensity: It is a partial solar eclipse, which will be visible over the ocean between Australia and Antarctica.
Although few of us will see the solar eclipse, we will all experience it. My forecast explains the effect:
“A solar eclipse temporarily blots out the light, then brings it back up. Symbolically it’s akin to rebooting a computer system to install updates. Programs shut down, the computer shuts down and restarts, and when it comes back up, some files are gone, some programs are new, and some are in different form. As a solar eclipse resets areas of your life, priorities, situations and people depart – and new come in.”
It’s also the first of the summer’s three eclipses. The others are the Aquarius Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 27 and Leo New Moon Solar Eclipse on Aug. 11. Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology, considers the Cancer Solar Eclipse in combination with the two that follow.
“It is a first taste of events that will manifest. Events whose impact we will intensely experience, and surely, events that will concern us for the whole duration of the summer, if not for much longer.”
“Issues that relate to homeland (Cancer), cause reactions and peaked collective and political expression (Aquarius), that in its turn, triggers rapid developments regarding leadership figures (Leo).”
The Cancer New Moon is also the first in the next cycle of eclipses in Cancer and Capricorn, which I call the Mommy/Daddy axis:
“This polarity involves emotional and worldly security, home vs. career, nurturing vs. providing, and questions of Who’s the Mommy? Who’s the Daddy? Who’s the baby? The emphasis now is on the home/mommy/family/nurturing end, with the New Moon falling in Cancer, the sign it rules. (Hint one that this New Moon is maximum emotional.)
“Issues and situations are coming back from the time we lived through this cycle, from late summer 2000 to late summer 2002 – with a marked difference. We’ve been through massive, permanent structural changes since then, which stripped down and refocused our priorities. They are fewer and more fiercely held as we go into this next cycle, which will continue through the summer of 2020.”
Dark Side of the Supermoon
The Cancer New Moon Solar Eclipse is also a Supermoon. Supermoons occur when the Full or New Moon occurs near the Moon’s closet point in its orbit to the Earth, aka it’s perigee. When it’s a Full Moon Supermoon, it appears 15 percent larger and nearly 40 percent brighter in our skies.
But for New Moon Supermoons, the effect isn’t so obvious to the naked eye. Nevertheless, we feel it. The Earth’s ocean tides run higher during Supermoons, as do our emotional tides. For Full Moons, these may be the surface emotions and how we express them in the outer world. But for New Moon Supermoons, the churning turns the dark places within.
In otherwords, you might find what’s forgotten and ignored – or what you’ve convinced yourself you’ve already dealt with—resurfacing in some ways.
Let It Go
And yet another reason for this New Moon’s intensity and discomfort: The luminaries are in a tight opposition to Pluto, within 41 minutes.
Pluto’s presence enhances the “out with the old, in with the new” nature of an eclipse. Says Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology:
“Anything that’s outlived its time will be swept away…. Pluto means death, but it’s often a metaphorical death (the complete ending of a situation). That doesn’t make the “death” any less overwhelming, especially if you’ve been clinging to something. Pluto is relentless – when time is up, it’s up. The end.
“But this is a potent new beginning, so whatever’s shutting down will immediately open a new door. You may feel insecure and exposed. Maybe you’ll want to turn back to what was. Don’t do that – there will be nothing left. You have to move forward. Watch for parent/child dynamics to come into play.
“A Pluto-flavored eclipse will be intense, oh yes. A powerful craving for that Cancer sustenance. Pluto creates intensity to push you forward – you can’t evolve if you stay in one place. So there may be an obsessive drive to seek out a new source of comfort or emotional satisfaction. Follow that craving, as long as you’re moving in the right direction (the future).”
Pluto’s also at a potent point in its own orbit, one we haven’t experienced since it’s discovery in 1931. Just a few hours before the eclipse, Pluto will cross its own south node, to spend the next 161 years traveling below the ecliptic plane.
Planets moving south of the ecliptic suggest moving deeper into our watery subconscious realms. In this case, on the day of a shadowy eclipse, Pluto embarks on his own sojourn into the depths for the next few centuries. What this means for all of us is uncertain; we haven’t experienced it since we’ve been aware of Pluto’s discovery. But, symbolically speaking, Pluto’s regenerative alchemy will begin working on our collective’s deepest shadows.
The nodal crossing also occurs at Pluto’s opposition, or it’s closet point to Earth in its orbit. When outer planets are close to the Earth, it’s also when they appear to retrograde as the faster Earth catches up to them and passes from the “inside lane” orbit. Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology, factors in Pluto’s retrograde motion.
“The excavation of our soul has already begun. Pluto’s retrograde period is usually felt as a psychological process that seeks regeneration, purification and survival.
“Taboo issues, embarrassing or repressed urges, oppressed sexual desires, may have come to the surface as a result of this process.
“As a result, Pluto in opposition to the eclipse, may cause violent emotional outbursts, behaviors that have a strong element of manipulation, oppression which we are receiving from others or that we, because of our strong will and our mental strength, are causing to others.”
Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, explores the Pluto opposition’s personal impact.
“Things [may] seem to happen out of your control. In a way they help you to realize that you don’t need to have total control over others or your environment. Even though you may experience a bruised ego from the solar eclipse, there is also great potential for positives if you are open to change. Change may be forced upon you, or better still, you may instigate it and this solar eclipse will be less disruptive.
“A solar eclipse opposite Pluto urges you to transform for the better. To evolve your soul so that you may live a better life and experience more satisfaction. It is most common that this would occur through a close relationship, such as a family member, close friend or partner….
“Powerful forces are at play and they are out of your control. So the only way forward is to surrender your power and control to a higher force. ”
Focus on the essentials, especially loved ones, counsels Kathryn Andren, The Love Astrologer.
“Take the time to connect with those who are most important to you in your life. Pay your respects. There is an added emphasis on honoring traditions and acknowledging authority. It is also important to create clear and healthy boundaries with the people you care for the most.”
Three Is a Magic Number, Reprise
Whatever abides promises to be tangible, grounding and a bit off the norm. Credit the grand trine connecting love goddess Venus to order-loving retrograde Saturn in Capricorn and free-thinker Uranus in Taurus.
The line-up pleases Marina Marcario, Darkstar Astrology.
“The healing mud of Saturn in Capricorn connects harmoniously with a sensual and fertile Venus … in Virgo. Sparky Uranus newly in practical Taurus completes the circuit. The Earth’s energy itself will be very potent and transformative. There is a great opportunity for detoxing also since Pluto is the great purger of…well.. waste matter.”
Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology, elaborates on the potential.
“Whatever happens, you’ll be grounded. Saturn’s influence means you have to be an adult about this. Cancer is the sign of the child, but now is not the time to act helpless. Change is here (Pluto and Uranus!) so work with it and integrate it into your life.”
Some astrologers break the grand trine into pieces. Let’s follow their analysis.
Free Love
Venus in Virgo is trining Uranus, the agent of unpredictable change. Relationships are likely to benefit.
“A beautiful trine, lasting almost for a week, from July 8 to 16, and which allows a degree of freedom in our relationships, especially in matters that concern practical issues and issues of material security.
“We leave space to the other person, we enjoy opportunities for being more social and, above all, we are open to mind-sets different from our aesthetics and from what we usually like.”
Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology
“Venus trine Uranus gives an urge to try something new that can apply to all areas of life, from hobbies to romance. Your affections will be stimulated, and new love is possible. If you already have a partner then you will be seeking a different kind of pleasure. Experimentation in the bedroom may be necessary to keep your eyes from wandering. If single, an electric or kinky type of attractiveness will bring eccentric or different types of people within your range.”
Jamie Partridge, Astrology King
Put a Ring on It
Venus’ trine to Saturn fosters responsibility and growth in relationships; It lasts from July 10 -19.
“Venus trine Saturn is ideal for committing to a relationship and making long-term investments. All relationships can benefit from your sensible approach and steady affections. New love found now may be with someone from a different age group and would likely be a long-lasting, soul mate union. Existing relationships will enjoy closer bonding and stability. If a relationship has been stressful lately then this is a good time to work through the problem and find a solution.”
Jamie Partridge, Astrology King
Chaos and Order
Rule-maker Saturn, aka the planet of adulting, is traveling all summer in a trine to radical Uranus.
“This is the most helpful of all the aspects, since it allows us to manage the changes and the sudden events that can result from the eclipse, in a responsible manner.
“It gives a relative stability within the changing landscape, PROVIDED that we take good advantage of Saturn’s retrograde movement and we do the necessary self-criticism so as to understand: If and where we are oppressive, which are our limits, and we begin to formulate an awareness of our responsibility.”
Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology
“Saturn trine Uranus represents a transition phase in life which works so well with Pluto as the transformer. This is the ideal solar eclipse to make a positive change in your life because the grand trine will smooth out the more dramatic nature of the Pluto transformation. It will help you stay calm and patient and plan every step methodically. This is also a good eclipse for experimentation and creative self-expression. So you can find new ways of doing old things without rocking the boat.”
Jamie Partridge, Astrology King
Believe It Or Not
Expansive Jupiter has been traveling retrograde in Scorpio since Mar. 8. His direct station coincides with the eclipse.
“It happens just one day after Jupiter has turned again direct, at a point when we have just concluded an introspective cycle regarding issues of faith and morality. … The events of this eclipse may exactly unsettle this newly formed moral attitude.”
Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology
Water, Water Everywhere
Jupiter in Scorpio is still traveling in a trine to Neptune in Pisces. The contact enhances the Cancer New Moon. Kathryn Andren, The Love Astrologer, explains:
“[P]lanets in the water signs support a deep dive in the emotional realms. You may have the opportunity to take your empathic connections to another level with Neptune in peaceful Pisces continuing a conversation with expansive Jupiter in the zodiac sign of Scorpio.”
Other Considerations
The sky is vast, and so are the number of ways astrologers have found meaning in the heavens above. Let’s look at how some of these add meaning, nuance and depth to the Cancer New Moon.
Fixed Stars
The New Moon is close by Castor, the brightest star in Gemini. Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, discusses its influence:
“Like the planet Mercury it gives distinction, a keen intellect, success in law and many travels, fondness for horses, sudden fame and honor but often followed by loss of fortune and disgrace, sickness, trouble and great affliction…. It also gives proneness to nervous breakdowns and neurotic distress. Castor represent the fine line between genius and madness.”
Asteroids & Minor Planets
My forecast adds the archetypal feminine asteroid Ceres into the analysis of the Earth grand trine:
“Venus in Virgo has a lead role, handing out towels, remedies and pointers for living sensibility. She’s in the company of Ceres, goddess of grain, fertility and motherhood. She represents how we nurture ourselves and others, as well as the mother/child relationship – echoes of core interests of the Cancer Moon, and fused via Venus to our relationships, values and desires. The pair are traveling in a grand trine with Uranus and Juno in Taurus and structure-oriented Saturn in Capricorn.
“The trine is the way out and path to sanity out of all the water that’s been pouring over and through us. This teamwork is birthing innovative, startling desires, unexpected twists and unusual commitments. It’s causing some long-building developments to blossom and manifest seemingly effortlessly (the effort’s already happened). It’s also leading to equally effortless imposing of structure, rules and order.”
Sabian Symbols
Over the years, astrologers have devised systems to assign meaning to each degree of the Zodiac. The most popular of the past century has been the Sabian Symbols, proposed by Marc Edmund Jones.
The Sabian Symbol for the 21st degree of Cancer is: “A Famous Singer Is Proving Her Virtuosity During an Operatic Performance.”
In his commentary on the Symbol, astrologer Dane Rudhyar gave as its keynote: “The emotional reward accompanying cultural excellence.” He explained,
“The operatic prima donna is not only a merely performer… but he or she is the star in a collective effort. The opera is not only music but a story, a mythos, which embodies some of the most basic images and emotions characterizing the culture that gave it birth.”
Lunar Mansions
Far older than the familiar 12-sign Solar Zodiac, the Lunar Zodiac highlights how the Moon’s energies help birth spirit into matter. Each of the 28- (or 27-) signs suggests auspicious or inauspicious activities while the Moon resides in each sign, known as “mansions.”
The Moon falls in Lunar Mansion 9, which the Arab astrologers called Al Tarf(The Glance). Donna Woodwell of Donna Philosophica nicknamed it “The Eye.”
The mansion’s purpose is for separation, division and letting go. Donna counsels:
“Pull back and conserve your energy. Release what no longer serves you. Forgive and don’t dwell on the past. Also avoid travel, unnecessary appointments or anything else that might drain you.”
Summing It Up
Intense and life-changing, this Cancer New Moon. My forecast catalogs the influences:
“Rebooting emotional, home and family definitions; radical change, departures, losses; sudden shifts in (or in perspectives on) relationships, money, desires and values; yet coupled with sensible, practical strategies, responsibility, commitment and structures.
“Yep, sounds like a just another lazy summer moon, alright.”
Lunaria Datebook
Last Moon Phase: June Full Moon in Capricorn
Next Moon Phase: July Full Moon in Aquarius
July New Moon Times and Dates:
San Francisco: Thursday, July 12, 7:47 p.m. PDT
New York: Thursday, July 12, 10:47 p.m. EDT
São Paulo: Thursday, July 12, 11:47 p.m. BRST
London: Friday, July 13, 3:47 a.m. BST
Istanbul: Friday, July 13, 5:47 a.m. TRT
Mumbai: Friday, July 13, 8:17 a.m. IST
Tokyo: Friday, July 13, 11:47 a.m. JST
Sydney: Friday, July 13, 12:47 p.m. AEST
FREE WEBINAR:
The 3 Reasons You Should Be Looking At Eclipses In Your Chart
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