Cancer New Moon | The Great Preparation

Today's Cancer New Moon at 18 degrees Cancer at 9:16 pm EDT is a time for exquisite self-care and deep reflection. The Moon is in its home sign and as it fuses with the Sun, it begins a cycle of reset, restoration and renewal. The phrase that came to me for this cycle is "The Great Preparation," as the internal alchemy transforms our inner landscape in preparation for an external expression.

The New Moon is applying to oppose powerful Pluto in Capricorn, symbolic of an impending metamorphosis. We may sense the intensity building, as if there is something around the corner that will challenge us in unfamiliar ways and call forth greater levels of responsibility, courage and life force.

Perhaps we feel that we can't allow ourselves to rest or soften because of the intensifying pressure. But Cancer reminds us that we cannot give from an empty cup and that self-care isn't a luxury, but a necessity. Cancer craves the familiar and the sense of emotional protection and security that it offers. A trine to Neptune tugs on the heartstrings with a yearning for satisfaction that's elusive or otherworldly.

The Sun-Pluto opposition on July 17 is a 'flashpoint' in the Pluto retrograde cycle which brings to light the hidden themes that Pluto seeks to eradicate. We often see this aspect show up in power struggles, ego battles or shadow projections. At its best, its an inner transformation where we succeed in getting out of our own way and rise to our purpose, freed from internal oppression.

This process is best served by both honesty and gentleness. In the wise words of Pema Chodron, “The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.”

For now, nourish your roots and protect what is sacred and precious. When we focus upon the essentials, we reconnect with the sacred and our own soul essence.