17 July 2023 finds the New Moon conjunct the Sun both in Cancer.
New moons always provide us with an opportunity for a fresh, new emotional start because of the sign of Cancer:
The higher expression of Cancer includes being nurturing, sympathetic, family- oriented, sensitive and intuitive/psychic.
The lower expression can lead to being overly emotional, moody, dependent and fearful.
Cancer is a cardinal water sign - meaning it is active, a starter - and always want to create new things. Water is associated with our emotions, therefore our feelings play a very central role during Cancer New Moons, thus we may be extra sensitive, highly intuitive and creative. Our emotions may be felt more strongly which can affect everything from intense happiness to frustration and sadness. We need to be extra gentle with ourselves and seek support if we need it.
The other focus during Cancer New Moon can center around issues of the home - our family, safety and security and how we define it. The qualities associated what this time can be either helpful or taken to an extreme. It is possible during this time we may be called upon to compassionately take care of our own needs or someone we care about, however be wary of becoming too smothering. Providing nurturing energy is a healthy choice as opposed to violating anyone’s boundaries in an attempt to help them fix it.
The same day as the Cancer New Moon, the lunar nodes are changing signs and these nodes impact us both individually and globally. The nodes always move in retrograde - that is backward motion - through the signs - and they are always in opposition to each other. For the past 18 months the North Node has been in Taurus and the South Node in Scorpio. During this time our focus should have been finding ways to dig deeper into healing and transformational energy (Scorpio) while staying grounded in our earthly bodies and allow our souls to enjoy sensual experiences (Taurus).
Now for the next 18 months - until 28 January 2025, the North Node will be traveling through Aries and the South Node will be settling into Libra. This will be a major shift in energy and we are going to be asked to find a balance between our independence and our relationships.
The south node focuses on what is familiar and comfortable - it is what we tend to revert to under stress. The north node in contrast is associated with what we need to develop for our evolutionary history. In other words, while in Libra we want to rely on making connections and keeping the peace, but in Aries we are being encouraged to explore our individual expression and stand up our individual view of truth.
While successfully navigating the issues associated with the nodes can be tricky, it’s all about finding balance; the Aries North Node tells us we need to learn how to avoid sacrificing what is truly important to us, while at the same time we can tap into Libra South Node in order that we don't hurt others.
In addition to the New Moon and the Nodes changing signs, the Sun and Moon will be in a opposition to Pluto and both the New Moon and Pluto are squaring the newly shifted Nodes. This configuration is called a Grand Cross. Normally the influence of a New or Full Moon only last about seven days (3 three days before or 3 days after). However Pluto will be forming three exact squares to the nodes: Saturday, 22 July, Tuesday, 25 July and Friday, 28 July,.
This means that the last half of July and the first part of August will be influenced by the squares. The potential for intensity is very real. Many of us may recognize that a relationship, situation or even way of being in the world needs to come to a natural end. Given this, the change may have been brewing for sometime. You may see that by remaining, it could cause you some doubts about your ability to pursue your own dreams and goals thereby limiting your freedom. You are encouraged - if this is happening to you - to make a final break.
Make no mistake, there could be some drama associate with this decision especially if you are using the lower expression of Pluto. To access the higher expression of Pluto, you need to find a way to use your personal power and express your needs in a healthy, mature way - especially if emotions are high. You should remember - these emotions will pass.
Just a few days after the New Moon on Saturday, July 22, Venus begins its six-week retrograde phase through the sign of Leo. It is always a big deal when Venus goes retrograde because it only happens every 18 months. No matter what sign Venus is in when it REtrogrades, this is a time where you are to go inward, to review, reevaluate and rediscover what your core values are, and what you truly desire. Venus’ main focus represents relationships and finances, so during this time you should ask yourself tough questions such as “what feeds my soul”? and “what fills my life with passion and excitement”?
***Remember that any planet that retrogrades simply means that you need to review, rethink, revise, redo, revamp - go over everything once again in relation to what the planet and sign means.
In Leo, Venus will require opening our hearts and figuring out what we want to create in the world. You may ask yourself whether you are feeling loved and whether we love truly others or what do we want others to value about us. Dating and romance may
play a big part over this time.
There are many more astrological influences around the time of this new moon too many to go into. Emotions and sensitivities of all kinds maybe heightened. The strong influence of Pluto and the new note changing signs means that situations or relationships could certainly come to a timely end. The expression “enlightened self-interest” is often used to describe the energy of the Aries/Libra nodal axis, so make sure that you avoid compromising just to keep the peace.
Until next time.
Be good to yourselves.
Tara, xx
Hey Tara
Thank you for the heads up. I’m thinking I’ll be rereading this article often in the upcoming weeks.
Hope you are making wonderful progress in your recovery!
A very complete account for the astrological current weather , detailed and helpful.
Thank you Tara and take it easy.