Wendy Cicchetti

Cancer New Moon

The Cancer New Moon introduces a new phase of caring, whether our role is to look after another or pay more attention to our own needs. It may be time to shift focus to who’s last on the list. Perhaps we feel the impetus emotionally before doing so. But, in certain scenarios, it will simply be that the task rolls itself up, like a boulder we just can’t get around. Our job is plain: press on with whatever is required.

This role doesn’t have to be onerous or thankless. Maybe the deeper task is to work out methods that feel positive to give and pleasant to receive. The Cancerian Moon often brings a reminder of the mother archetype, offering unconditional love, which we frequently crave, but find can be in short supply. To receive it, we may first have to give it — or model something of that nature.

The New Moon opposes Pluto, so we could finally put an end to a chapter, relationship, or mode of being. When Pluto hangs over us, we can get fed up with a state of oppression and want out — whatever the cost may be. A resulting state of freedom can be worth so much more. Ensure that whatever is stipulated or agreed to can hold, so the situation is finally declared “over.”

During a Moon–Pluto opposition, matters may not roll out especially simply, which could pit our energies, desires, or needs against someone else’s. A dramatic showdown might be followed by a void or sense of nothingness. We should not worry too much, however, because any alarming drama should end once the energy has been expended. There’s work to do but the new direction that needs to be built will likely be more clear. The ground we thought safe is different, or the resource we relied upon may have run dry. It’s time to set sights elsewhere and ascertain where fertile land exists — it’s surely out there somewhere!

Occasionally, with Pluto transits where we’ve faced some situation, lack, or devastation, there is gold to be panned or a prize to be had. We might just need to dig deeper or try harder to uncover it! This will require extra energy of us, and we’ll have to work out whether we have enough, or if we’re willing to wait until we do.

Since the Moon trines Neptune in Pisces, the really good news is that we can escape from people or situations that are stifling, blocking, or tempestuous. We can sail on calmer seas or find easier-going people to hook up with. A Neptune trine can be a little like receiving salve on a wound: we get the care and healing we need, no matter how deep the injury. And now we sense that things can only get better!

A sextile between the Moon and Uranus indicates an opportunity to leave behind an outdated system or situation, opening the door to a new lease on freedom, a breath of fresh air, and a chance for more individual expression.

The strength of our feelings counts more when the Moon is in its own sign. Tuning in and listening to their messages may move you to tears, intense joy, anger, or delight. But with outer planets involved, feelings can be more subtle, showing up as signals in the body. The chakra energy centers — bands through the body from head to feet — indicate points of healing. If we work out correspondences for where we feel sensations, we can see where healing is possible.

One method is to sample single aromatherapy essences and notice in which part of the body you feel a resonance (e.g., the heart, the stomach). Particularly, if you like the aroma, it’s likely some healing can be achieved in the corresponding body area (if you plan to apply that oil in the same place). This could be part of a plan to help change an emotional pattern or offer a physical boost. (Note: Essential oils should be diluted before use.)

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis