Retreating Back Into Our Shells: July 2020's New Moon in Cancer

On Monday, July 20th, 2020, at 1:32 PM EST we will have yet another New Moon in Cancer, this time at 28'26 degrees of the sign. Here's what to expect.

What is a New Moon?

A New Moon represents the beginning of the lunar cycle when the moon is conjunct the sun and invisible to the human eye. New Moons are a good time for fresh starts and new beginnings. It is a good time to start a new project or make a radical change. It's also a good time to find clarity on what you want, and release what no longer serves you. The effects of a New Moon generally last for about two weeks, up until the next Full Moon.

With the New Moon in Cancer, we can expect new beginnings related to our emotional well-being, our homes, our families and the things that make us feel nurtured and safe.

It may be helpful to think back to what was going on in your life during the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn or the Full Moon in Cancer six months ago, or even the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Cancer last month, for certain themes may be repeating themselves.

Whatever intentions you set now should come into fruition by the time of the Full Moon in Aquarius on August 3rd.

Those of us with planets or angles between 23 & 30 degree of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) will most especially be affected by this New Moon.

July 2020's New Moon in Cancer

Cancer is the sign of the crab, a very vulnerable and sensitive animal, protected by it's thick hardy shell. Often, the sign of Cancer is associated with the home & family. As a cardinal water sign ruled by the Moon, Cancer is probably the most sensitive and emotional out of all the signs, but also a powerhouse, driven to defend and protect themselves along with those they care about.

In Greek mythology, Cancer can be identified as the giant crab named Crios who, blessed with immortality, guarded the sea nymphs in Poseidon's Kingdom. When the gods were being terrorized by the monster, Typhon, Poseidon went into hiding with the rest of the gods, leaving Crios in charge to protect the sea nymphs. Because Crios was so tough and wouldn't let any of them out of his reach, the sea nymphs eventually became restless and swam out to the open sea. Crios asked a giant squid named Vamari to help him, but instead of helping out, Vamari devoured the sea nymphs, and lied to Crios, claiming he was unable to find them. Crios knew he was lying and after a long battle killed him. However, the crab was badly injured and had to spend the rest of his life in pain. When Poseidon came back, he relieved Crios of his pain and placed him in the night sky as the constellation Cancer in reward for his bravery. This myth illustrates both the strong protective nature of Cancer, as well as it's skilled intuition, inability to see beyond the veil, and it's sensitivity or moodiness.

The New Moon is making an opposition to the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn. The Sun and Moon's opposition to Saturn Retrograde at 28'39 degrees is almost exact. This brings restrictions and limitations, perhaps, a loss of freedom. Interestingly, many cities across the globe are going back into lockdown as a result of the coronavirus and perhaps, people feel oppressed in some way because of it, or depressed, at the very least. After all, this aspect creates a sense of loneliness and melancholy. We may feel inhibited from expressing ourselves. We may feel the need to suppress our emotions, for whatever reason. Perhaps, we feel a heightened sense of responsibility and a need to be or appear strong and have trouble acknowledging our truest & deepest feelings because of it. The opposition between the Sun, Moon & Pluto at 23'37 degrees also creates power struggles. Our trust in authority may be waning. We may fear losing control of ourselves and put up walls in defense. It is important we remain wary of manipulation within our personal lives & not cave in to the desire to hurt others before they hurt us. It's important we protect ourselves from toxic feelings of jealousy, possessiveness or revenge.

Meanwhile, Mercury, retrograde for four weeks or so, is now Direct at 8'39 degrees Cancer. Mercury is making a sextile to Uranus at 10'25 degrees Taurus, indicating spontaneous bursts of genius and creativity. However, Mercury also makes a square to Mars at 12'48 degrees of it's home sign Aries. Be careful not to let any feelings of defensiveness lead to vindictive behavior or the exchange of cruel words that we don't really mean.

Venus at 15'24 Gemini is separating from a sextile to Mars and about to make another square to Neptune now retrograde at 20'45 degrees. While Venus is now Direct, it's still in it's shadow phase, and I think the separating aspect to Mars indicates waning passion, while the square to Neptune indicates disillusionment over the idealized love we thought we had experience when Venus was Retrograde.

Conclusion

The July 2020 New Moon in Cancer will probably have many of us retreating into our shells. The New Moon's opposition to the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn indicates feelings of restriction & power struggles. While some of this may be externally-driven, much of it may also be self-imposed, due to intense, overwhelming feelings and a need for self-protection. Some other important aspects include a square from Mercury to Mars indicating angry messages or arguments, probably born out of defensiveness, and a square from Venus to Neptune, indicating disillusionment in love, all things that may contribute to our overwhelming feelings. In any case, there is a need to go within and listen to what our emotions are telling us. Now is a time for self-care.