Cancer New Moon

The Cancer New Moon attunes us to family themes, especially maternal roles modeled from previous generations. The New Moon is in its natural sign and conjunct Black Moon Lilith (a mythical figure and Zodiac point), adding a distinctive edge: the traditionally caring, devoted mother figure or wife takes a backseat to one who rejects a subservient or second-incommand role.

In Jewish mythology, Lilith was the first woman, very beautiful, and a companion and mate for Adam, the first man — created from soil, by contrast with Eve, made from Adam’s rib. Even so, it was thought that Lilith was made not from pure dust like Adam, but from “impure” dust (i.e., filth and sediment).1 In rabbinic writings, Lilith saw herself as equal to Adam and refused to “lie beneath him.” Such phrasing is open to interpretation — perhaps standing as an equal, being unwilling to adopt the missionary position, or refusing sex altogether. Either way, in the folklore, Lilith instead fled from the garden of Eden and was then punished by Jehovah for not returning. The punishment was harsh: he made her watch as 100 of her children were killed each day.

In myth, these children were demonic spawn, often identified as incubi and succubi, possibly from copulation with archangel Samael.2 And these night demons were said to engage in sexual activity when individuals were asleep — often through their dreams.3 Lilith’s revenge was to attack pregnant women — often resulting in stillbirth, or illness and death in the first three weeks after birth. Ultimately, her reputation was as a seducer and child-killer. In art, she inspired Dante Gabriel Rosetti’s 1866 painting Lady Lilith, depicting his mistress.4 For those concerned about Lilith’s destructive powers, it is said that possible protection may be achieved by wearing an amulet depicting angels.

5 How we relate to Lilith’s presence depends on context: are we in a relationship where we resist being subservient, second best, or manipulated through another’s will? Maybe we don’t have literal maternal leanings, or simply tire of playing a nurturing role. Perhaps we feel forced to take others under our wing at work, in social and committee settings, or in relation to other families and community members. Some may feel they have to parent a partner or spouse, or deal with others’ childish behavior. Possibly, we are happy as the maternal figure but feel vulnerable to a visitor in our realm who threatens to destabilize our marriage, partnership, or family equilibrium.

Whatever our connection with Lilith’s story, the square aspect between the New Moon and Jupiter in Aries suggests that support is harder to find. Someone may be so attached to self-interest — perhaps filling a deep emptiness inside — that they are unable to concern themselves with another’s needs. In this event, it’s important to emphasize our own self-care and protection, rather than rely on the goodwill of others. Opinions on how others “should” act won’t help us, even if they offer a little moral support in knowing we are probably not doing anything wrong! If we identify with Lilith, maybe feeling unfairly treated, then we also need to take special care of ourselves. This needn’t involve acting vengefully toward others — but finding our power through recognising our own, unique strengths, beauty, and equality.

References (All URLs accessed February 2022.)

1. See https://mythology.net/demons/ lilith/. 2. See https://www.britannica.com/topic/ Lilith-Jewish-folklore. 3. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Incubus. 4. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Lady_Lilith/. 5. See https://www.bibliotecapleyades. net/sumer_anunnaki/esp_sumer_ annunaki15d.htm

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer written by Diana McMahon Collis