Cancer NEW MOON 2018   

By Tracy Cook

Where should my focus be during this next 29-day cycle? 

When we draft a chart for the new moon we can get a sense of the energy that will be up for processing for the next 29 days.  

Okay what is this cycle about?  There is nothing more powerful than your emotions.   Do you even know what they look like?  Take this time to get acquainted.   

Sabian symbol:  

A Famous Singer Is Proving Her Virtuosity During An Operatic Performance

https://cafeastrology.com/sabiansymbols_degreemeanings.html

Cancer New Moon

Partial Solar Eclipse

July 12, 2018

10:47pm  

20 Cancer 41 

Welcome to Cancer New Moon and partial solar eclipse.  This is the first of three eclipses that will punctuate Cancer, Aquarius and Leo energies for the next 58 days.   Get the sunscreen it is going to be a hot summer.   

Speaking of hot summers.   Please check out Steve Forrest’s write up about Chiron this summer.  A must read. 

https://www.forrestastrology.com/blogs/astrology/square-of-chiron-and-saturn?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_campaign=b40f298f94-Oct2017_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4f203108d0-b40f298f94-14443319&goal=0_4f203108d0-b40f298f94-14443319&mc_cid=b40f298f94&mc_eid=7384e6bc5c

Treasure Map Tune In

On the Cancer New Moon we look at our treasure map that we made three months ago.  How much of the map has started to manifest?  Where are there green shoots?  If some areas have not sprouted yet, take the time to embrace the Cancer energy that still binds you to emotions that no longer serve.  How has that impacted your map?   What can you do to shift the energy?   Also if you need to edit your map (a bit) you can do it on the three days of new moon.  Although, think carefully about your edit before you do it.  Don’t get rash.   

The First Water & Second Cardinal

Cancer The Crab; is the first water sign of the zodiac. Having just wrapped up Gemini lunar cycle where we were in our heads for 29 days we now get in the elevator and go down to our roots and our ‘gut’.   And like roots, which are always searching for water we will spend 29 days searching our emotions.   Cancer knows if emotions are ignored or blocked they get smelly and rotten and serve no one.   Sad, happy, depressed, elated, disappointed, bored, disconnected, humored, tender, rage -- you name the emotion and it will probably show up.   The key is to let it come up and not put it in a box.   Let it flow through you like water.  HOWEVER it is not necessary to get it all over others.    This is about your process of figuring out what is going on with you under your emotions.  Not about making life miserable for others who have to ride a roller coaster with you.   They have their own emotions they need to process.  

Cancer is the also the second cardinal sign and that speaks to movement.  The first cardinal was Aries where we planted seeds on our desires for the year (Treasure Map).  Now we put energy on our emotions and make sure they are in sync with our actions.   If we are out of sync then like a crab shedding his shell, we consider shedding.    Are we shedding a person, a place, a job or a thing?  Let it go.   But don’t just shed the item in question take the time to go under it and find the root emotion that kept you out of sync.  Had you outgrown it awhile but still kept it around?  What was the emotion that made you keep it?   Again let the emotion flow through you and remember that the power of Cancer is the ability to nurture.  Embrace your tender self and respond.   Find the need, go under the need and respond with an action or a simple release.    The important thing is remembering to respond.  Not just react.  

Cancer rules home, family, childhood, memories and cozy.    Perhaps you have told yourself you don’t need family or memories and you have walked a long distance from your childhood.   Okay.  But if you think there is no place for cozy or tender in your life you are mistaken.   You may not spend a lot of time there and how you define cozy is up to you but stop kidding yourself if you think you don’t need it.    Take these 29 days to find it.    And don’t be afraid to ask for a cozy moment.    

Pluto 

On the new moon chart Pluto opposes the Sun and Moon, which amplifies the accent on release, cut and shed.  Pluto in Capricorn is asking all of us to build upon our higher ideals and ambitions while acknowledging our values.   Of course, we can’t build anything up unless we are strong at our base.   Pluto, like the volcanoes that it rules, will dig in deep and bring up everything that needs to be exposed and then create a new terrain.   On the personal level, for 29 days we will assess if our external life matches our internal values.   We also consider if some of our struggles are based upon lacking self-esteem (more of that in the next two eclipses as well) and in general we take a look at our fears.   

Cancer for all its strong instinct can get in its own way with nervous fears.  Misbehaving Cancer can be so scared (even when it denies it) that it will pull out its pinchers and poke around so much until it generates a real enemy.   Watch your poking for 29 days.  Watch your insecurities.   

On the global scene we will see high- strung emotions worked up perhaps to a lather.  There may be legitimate fears mixed with something less than real (perhaps a bit paranoid.).  All we have is our    B R E A T H.   And remember H.A.L.T   don’t do anything important if you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired for 29 days.   If you can master HALT during Cancer you could make a meaningful change.   

Take a break when you are tired, stop and eat something.  Drink plenty of water.   Don’t call someone who is going to work you up. The crab has his home on his back, we all need to ask, “How can I take care of myself?” 

A Neptune Gift

On the chart Neptune trines the Sun & Moon which gives us a gift of intuition and faith.  For 29 days see if any ‘coincidences” fall in place.   If you get stuck with your emotions and feel like it is all too much then take a break and let the universe unwind for you and offer up a gift or two.   Faith and intuition are nice but you need to access them to get the real benefits. Follow your gut and see where it takes you.   Neptune is there to help even if it is a fuzzy help.  

Mars retrograde & Lunar Nodes!

Important dates 

May 12:  Mars enters Shadow  28 Cap 37 

June 8  (Mars direct) 7 Aquarius  conjunct south node

June 26: Mars stations retrograde 9 Aqu 13

July 20  (Mars retro) 6 Aquarius  conjunct south node

Aug 12: Mars re enters Capricorn 

Aug 27: Mars stations direct 28 Cap 37 

Sep 11:  Mars re-enters Aquarius 

September 26  (mars direct) 4 Aquarius conjunct south node

Oct 8:  Mars exits shadow 9 Aqu 13.  

As we discussed last cycle, Mars retrogrades every couple of years and at the end of June Mars the warrior stationed retrograde in the sign of Aquarius.  This is the first time it has retrograded in Aquarius since the summer of 1971 and before that the summer of 1939.   Okie dokie.

In his journey, Mars can go over the nodes every year or so (both conjunct & oppose) but this is a particular interesting time since Mars retrograde is right in the hot spot of the lunar nodes and he drives over them three times.  The nodes speak (broad strokes) to karma and dharma.  Skills we have to access because it is part of our life purpose and behaviors we need to jettison because it is our life burden.   Obviously, the nodes in our natal chart have the most meaning to us personally.  But the transiting nodes are also important and can churn up stuff both personally and globally.    This summer Mars will be driving over the nodes like some kind of crazed Viking. The first hit was June 8^thso you can think back if anything came up around the first pass.  The second hit is July 20^thand the final time is September 26.  So much of the angst of this aspect speaks to people who are either with their tribe or not with their tribe— and are they with people who inspire them?   It is not enough to be connected on low energy—think complainers who like to be with complainers that is not the lesson of south node in Aquarius.  Watching the young soccer players caught in the cave in Thailand has been an allegory of Mars on South Node in Aquarius.   The fraternity, the unusual circumstance and more to the point large groups (again Aquarius) coming together in heroic ways to rescue (Leo). We all are cheering them along from all over the world.   

We probably should expect some cult news to pop up in this cycle which is not a superior use of the Aquarius energy.   Personally, it is more important to be connected with people that bring out the best in you (NN Leo) and you share with them not from ego but more like you are sharing food with friends.   “Hey I have this thought, action, inspiration that you might like.”   With Mars retro we may realize we are sharing with people who don’t care or don’t get what makes us special.  So then what do we do?    Perhaps it is time to expand your circle?   Say Yes to something you would normally say NO.   Watch what comes up around the 20^thand see if you get informed about your circles or lack of them or if you are not being understood in your group.    See how much you learn between June 8 and September 26 when it finishes its Viking-ness on the nodes.   

Mercury Retrograde 

July 26 1:02am  

Dates:

July 7^: Shadow begins

July 26 retrograde 23 Leo 27 

August 18 direct 11 Leo 31 

Sept 1: Leaves shadow 

And here is that special time in the astro world where we announce, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are back to having 5 planets retrograde.”  About two weeks after Jupiter turns direct (thank you, Heaven) we get his nosy little friend Mercury turning retrograde in the sign Leo. 

So, let’s make this easy.  Leo is not subtle.  Leo is loud.  Leo wants to tell the truth unless it makes him look bad.   But the bravest Leo around knows that a willingness to own their mistakes and their character flaws and still do the right thing makes them attractive and natural leaders.  What will we do when Mercury retrogrades in Leo?  Last summer we had two days of Mercury retrograde in Leo, most of the three weeks were spent in Virgo.    As annoying as last summer’s retrograde was this one might be a tinge tougher.   Last year we were inclined to beat up self.  This time people will really tick us off especially if they step on our pride.   There will be the usual miscommunications and mayhem around technology and yes someone didn’t write your name down for something important.   On the day of the station retrograde (and therefore an influence on the 3 week period), Mercury is in a tight square with Uranus.   Unexpected issues and fumbles could cost us both time and money and we may want to fight hard and have someone pay for it.   Given this Mercury retrograde spends two thirds of its time in the Cancer lunar phase we will be called upon to explore our emotions when we hit stumbling blocks.   Do we collapse?   Or do we gather our resources and persevere like a real leader?   How strong is our self- esteem?   Remember self- esteem is not the same as ego.     Like all Mercury retrogrades we will do the best we can but remember this one is pushing for people to stand up and be leaders in their homes, communities and perhaps work.  Watch and see if between now and August 8 (when it turns direct) if you don’t come across a bump that brings out your fearlessness.  

And then there is Uranus 

August 7 12:49pm EDT 

Uranus station retrograde 2 Taurus 33

Dates:

May 15, 2018 Uranus enters Taurus 

August 7, 2018 Uranus station retrograde 2 Taurus 34 

November 6 Uranus returns to Aries 

January 6 Uranus stations direct 28 Aries 35 

March 6 Uranus returns to Taurus where it will remain until April 26, 2026

So, are five planets retrograde leaving you with the feeling of wanting more?  Oh, good because on August 7 we get one more planet retrograde:  Uranus.  Six is the charm!  

Uranus spends around forty percent of every year retrograde so at first blush this is no big deal.   But this retrograde is a wee bit more profound in that it is the first retrograde since Uranus moved into Taurus (May) and it is going to back to our dear friend and warrior Aries.     Uranus retrograde can be a bit chaotic in general but when it goes back into Aries it may remind some of us that we left a soldier on the field.    Since 2011 when Uranus began to transit through Aries we learned the value of self- motivation, personal identity and relying on ‘self’ for our future.   It does not mean we don’t have spouses or family or friends or coworkers it is more about what does “Self” need and want and where is it heading?  And just for clarity Uranus rules technology and the fact that “The Selfie” originated during this period was not lost on any astrologer.   Anyway, now with Uranus retrograde back into Aries one last time and we may realize there is one area left that needs our Self directed energy.  Perhaps we have been careless and have put someone else in charge of our happiness.   Or perhaps we have found out that there is someone not on board with our future as we thought or planned.   Whatever it is, we have from November until March to figure out where we need to put “I” back in our life.  And then on March 6 we go back to the task at hand and build something from the ground up in a way Taurus respects.  No short cuts, we do it bit by bit. 

In Closing

Besides its powerful emotions Cancer brings us the gift of intuition.  Cancer can get a beat on something where they put 1 +1 together and get 2.  And darn it if they aren’t correct.   Yay what a gift let’s all go to the track and get our Cancer to pick a horse!   Unfortunately the other side of Cancer is it gets wrapped up in fear.   The nervous energy can be a tsunami where they see the negative equation in every situation. For 29 days avoid the booby traps of Cancer. Let fear process through you and then get to the doing of practical work that needs to be done.   Let your emotions be harnessed and drive your engine.  Get your cozy on.  Find the warm gooey spot with your friends and family. Even if it is only one hour in the 29 days go find it and then take care of the practical work that is your home. You know that is that thing you are carrying around on your back.   

See you at Leo Solar Eclipse on August 11 5:58am EDT

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and blog 

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The 8 phases

Cancer New Moon

July 12, 2018

10:47pm EDT 

20 Gemini 41 

New moon: Plant seeds, make calls, activate, start projects.   Activate something that will ideally lead you to more.  This is the phase where INTENT is critical.  Even if the results are not immediate, the intent is there.  You may not have all the answers or road map but you should put out your Intent.

This focus:  How are your emotions?  How are they popping up?  How are you accessing the depth of your emotions?  What are they telling you about where you need to act?  How is your ability to respond?  What brings out your tenderness?    How are you brave through your emotions?  

Special focus 

7/13:   Venus trine Saturn:  Improvements of daily routines that support values including love and money.  

Crescent Moon Phase

July 16, 2018 

3:51  EDT  

Crescent:  We will receive information, we will research a bit more, perhaps get feedback on stuff that we planted on new.  Perhaps get some information that will help down the road on a seed we planted a while ago.  We can collect some data now.  Even if you think you are not getting information, stop, and re-look at everything. Who called you?  Even the silliest things, when they come up during Crescent are note worthy.  A parking ticket?  An argument with a spouse?  A refund check from the phone company?  All of it needs to be considered a message from the universe.  How can this information help you?

Focus on: What information are you receiving that speaks to your feelings and how they impact your daily calendar?  What are you learning about your daily routines?  And how are they impacted by need to protect?  Or your need to nurture?  What are you learning about your critical nature?   How much is it based on nurture or protection? 

First Quarter Moon 

July 19 

3:52 pm EDT 

First quarter: We do more actions based on the information that we just received. Or we feel our instincts guide us on something.  We pursue again.  We make another call or we see someone. We mail something.  We stir the pot again.  This can be a time when we realize that the goals we planted on New need more action from us, perhaps actions that involve breaking away.   Are there people who say they have our best interest in heart but fear us growing away from them?  Maybe we need to get help from others not the usual suspects. Some independence may need to be exerted. 

Focus on: What actions are you taking that speak to your emotions with in your relationship?   How are your emotions and feelings and need to protect or nurture highlighted within your partnerships?  How are your partnerships like family?   Even the ones who are not family?   Is it healthy?   Great. Is it not healthy?  What changes can you make to bring a healthier approach? 

Special focus

7/20: Mars conjunct South Node/Oppose North node (see above)

7/22: Sun enters Leo 

Gibbous Moon

July 23

1:22pm EDT 

Gibbous:

We refine our information.  We pick and choose, we discriminate, and we organize to be ‘Virgo’ like.  We sort through details.  Have we missed something?  How are we sifting through the information?  Go back and make sure something hasn’t been neglected.  Refine our actions.  

Focus on: 

How are you refining your big picture ideas?  How are you observing judgmental thinking and how it works or does not work in your world?  How are you fine tuning your opinions so that they are more in alignment with your emotions and feelings? 

Special focus: 

7/24: Venus oppose Neptune:   Values include love and money seem to melt or are in desperate need of inspiration.  

7/25: Sun square Uranus:   Pride and practicality are at odds.  Ego versus humble workhorse.   What is the best move?  

7/26: Mercury retrograde 1:02am  23 Leo 27 (see above) 

7/26:  Sun oppose Mars actions based on just being a rebel?  Or actions based on ego bruises?  Or actions based on  heart truth? 

Full Moon Phase

Full Moon 

July 27, 2018

4:20pm EDT

Partial Lunar Eclipse 

4 Aquarius 44 

Full Moon:  We make the needed adjustments on the things we planted. Usually emotions are up and running and for those people who perhaps did not utilize the new moon and the rest of the waxing moon, this is when emotions can get the better of us. There can often be a big emotional break, for no other reason than to get back on track.   Some partnership will offer up some balance.  The moon is bright and full and there is no room for shadows, what is reflecting on you?  

Go to blog for full moon report. 

http://tracyastrosalon.blogspot.com/

Focus on:   Lunar eclipse & Full Moon in  Aquarius. How would our emotions and nurturance benefit by being with like-minded community?     How are we benefiting by energized and creative thinkers who inspire us?   Do we know how to find our unique voice in a community?  How are we no longer inspired?  What no longer rocks our boat?  How would we benefit by letting Mars cut those cords?  It does not have to be mean but just more of a release.  

Special focus 

7/27: Venus trine Pluto depth of values including love and power.  Going deep is easy and reveals new growth.  Practical application of that new growth.  

Disseminating

July 31

6:30pm  EDT

Disseminating: Share information; find a teacher or someone who has more knowledge. Perhaps there was a big ol’ blow out on the full and one feels in need of support and help, this is the phase to reach out to one who knows more. This is when we find a rabbi or a minister or therapist who gives us more insight.  And of course, you too may be ready to teach and share your own information.  

Focus on:  How are you sharing your knowledge of faith and spirit?   How are others sharing their understanding of faith?  How do you share your intuition with others?  

Special focus:

8/1: Mars square Uranus.    Are you in sync with your associates?  Are you building something together bit by bit?  Are you out of sync with your tribe?   Do you need to cut bait?  Do you need to fish?   

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Last Quarter Moon Phase

August 4, 2018 

2:17am   

Last Quarter moon:  Now we do the final adjustments to the seeds we planted on new. The final call, the final letters to send, we follow all the trails that came up that still make sense. And we let the other parts lay fallow. It is a time of action but wise action.  It is a time for living  “The serenity prayer” 

God, grant me the Serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change Courage to change the
things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference.

Focus on:

What actions are you taking that speak to your emotional need to build something of substance?   How do your emotions help you build meaningful and practical solutions in your life?   Are you feeling a wake up call to retool? 

Special focus:

8/6  Sun Square Jupiter Ego is in conflict with big ideas.  Watch the hypocrisy.  Beware of giant blow hards--

8/6 Venus enter Libra 

8/7 12:49 pm Uranus retrograde  2 Taurus 33 (See above) 

Balsamic Moon Phase

August 7 2018

2:01 pm EDT 

Balsamic:   We let go.  By releasing we can prepare for the new.  

Focus on How are you releasing your emotions?  How are you releasing your hard shell of protection? How are releasing your need to over nurture others?  How are you releasing your crabbiness?  

Special Focus:

8/7: Venus Trine Mars  Actions and values are in sync.   Warrior for love and for money and relationship can be a thing of beauty. 

8/8: Sun conjunct Mercury Thinking needs a tune up. What did you forget about your self esteem?   How is your thinking supporting your internal truth and value? 

8/9: Venus square Saturn values like love and money feel tight.  How are they out of sync with your outer appearance?   

8/10: Mercury square Jupiter .  Big opinions and noisy conversation serves whom?  Think about the warring words and whom they benefit.  

August 11, 2018   5:57 am EDT  New Leo Moon Solar Eclipse