Second Cancer New Moon – 2020

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?     Your emotions and feelings can guide you as we begin to navigate bumpy waters.  You can do it.   

Please note all times in Pacific.   

Cancer New Moon 

28 Cancer 26

July 20, 2020 

10:32 am PDT 

Second Time Around

Welcome to our second new moon in Cancer.   Every couple of years we end up with two new moons in the same sign.   Last month we had a New Moon at one degree of Cancer.  This new moon is near the end of Cancer at twenty-nine degrees.   We had our last back-to-back new Moons in 2017.  At that time, the new moons were in Leo, encouraging us to find our strength, creativity, self-esteem and jettison ego which relies on bravado, exaggeration and bully tactics.  Strong Leo will attract and inspire, misbehaving Leo repels and misuses power.      

Sitting where you are now, in the summer of 2020 you may want to think back on summer of 2017 and ask yourself if you tapped into all the power offered to you by those two Leo Moons?  Are you using some of those skills now?   Are you tapping into something that brings your bravery and strength to the front and center?    The lessons of two new moons should never be marginalized.   What we gather with back to back cycles during the 58 days (two 29 day cycles) can be ingrained into our psyche and put to use at a later time.   Now we have the gift of ingraining the power of Cancer in our second 29 day cycle.  

As we discussed last new moon, Cancer is when we tap into our emotions and feelings.   Emotions are a universal response and feelings are personal.   As an example from last month; humans know to be scared of a bear.  But when you see a bear at a zoo, your feeling is not fear because you take in everything ---the bear is behind a fence- therefore you feel, “I’m safe.”    During this cycle watch what emotion is touched in you and how your feelings respond.  A lot of what will come up will be connected through the Cancer lens of: Home, family, childhood, memories, cooking, nurturing, being helpful and coziness.     

At the same time, we could be snappy like the Cancer the crab’s pinchers, moody and unresponsive we could put up our cold hard shell.      All of that is fine, of course, but it would be smart to go deeper when the less productive side of Cancer presents itself and ask, “Why I am I responding this way?”    “Am I lonely? Am I tired?  Is there a deeper fear not being addressed?  Are my boundaries being crossed (big Cancer issue) or am I not feeling reciprocated? “   In short, what can you  learn about your own behavior when your emotions are charged?   Also, resist hanging out in any feeling too long.   Cancer is a water sign and it is better served to let the water and emotions flow so they can evolve and change.   Stuck emotions like a clogged -up pond with no access to fresh water can get skanky fast which is not good for anyone.  

Both charts for these Cancer New Moons are potent.  Last month’s Cancer New Moon was a solar eclipse which may have stirred up a lot of emotions and feelings but we may not have known exactly how to address them.   In this New Moon chart, the Sun and Moon in Cancer oppose several planets which adds depth that require work.  The Sun and the Moon in the current chart are opposite Saturn in Capricorn.  Saturn rules timing and Saturn is also our taskmaster.  Saturn is our boss, our father, our elected official and someone in authority.   Capricorn is reserved, cold and somewhat of a lone wolf.   During these 29 days we could feel abandoned or left out to dry.  But, in the quiet and solitude we could also find solutions to issues that we could not find last month.  Saturn in Capricorn knows the timing is ‘off’ and also good solutions come with patience and consistent work. Saturn may delay, but it does not deny it only waits for better timing and also for us to mature on some issue.   

On the chart, the Sun and Moon oppose Pluto suggesting any emotion that comes up could be tapping a deep nerve perhaps one that has not been addressed in a very long time.   We should not be surprised if we think about something or someone who has not crossed our mind in forever.  This memory may remind us how much we have evolved, or it could lead us to a new transformation.  Pluto speaks to death and rebirth.  It is not just death and ending where we should get stuck or hyper focused it is the other side, the empty space where something new can arrive but only when we let go.   Emotions will be so deep this cycle that many of us may finally hit the place of, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired” and we will finally end something so that a new beginning can be launched.  There is power in Pluto and in our evolution.  Watch where a desire for our own evolution pops up on this 29 day cycle. 

Finally, Sun Moon oppose Jupiter.   Jupiter is the largest planet of the zodiac and speaks to things that are 'foreign', spreading our wings and ‘traveling’.  Whether is literal travel or mental.  What do our emotions and feelings tell us about getting a bigger perspective?  As personal as Cancer can be, having Jupiter on the other side of the Sun and Moon reminds us, “Hey, that big opinion you have, how much of it is based on old business from childhood?  Does the opinion match your current reality?”     During the cycle we should take note if we or others are being childish (less evolved Cancer) and would benefit by being more responsible (Capricorn) or are we being insecure and pessimistic (less evolved Capricorn) and would benefit by finding joy and optimism in an innocent approach to something (Cancer)?  Jupiter is looking for the bigger way but you first have to put aside any judgements and opinions that no longer serve.   Watch what comes up for 29 days and see if you can get a higher or bigger perspective.  Reach out to friends, especially those who really do things different (Jupiter) from you and ask for advice.  You may be surprised by the answer and how it gives you a helpful perspective.  

Personal Vs Mundane 

We have been discussing for some time the dynamic changes that are taking place in our current astrological climate.   We know that in January, the solar eclipse and the aspect between Saturn and Pluto were powerful influences for 2020, along with Jupiter’s transit through Capricorn.   Adding to that discussion is the USA’s astrology chart which is in the run up of its Pluto return.  This is something we have not seen since the country was founded in 1776.  These are not itty-bitty aspects.  Honestly, we look no further than Covid19, with all of us sheltering at home and all the issues, including financial to tell us we are in a different era.   The truth is, there is life PreCovid and life PostCovid and how we make our way in this new world will depend on our visions and our ability to harness our emotions.   Two Cancer new moons will tell us a lot about tapping into and using our emotions and feelings to guide our future.   Cancer knows how to make everything personal and the intuitive knowingness of Cancer is important for us to connect.  Of course, do not get trapped in fears, which are low hanging fruit for Cancer.  Reach out to trusted friends and family to guide you if your fears are overwhelming during this 29 day cycle.   You should find wisdom and sobriety especially with Saturn so prominent in this new moon chart.   

Looking Beyond Cancer - Mars

Mars will be a major player for the rest of the year as it travels in Aries and touches off aspects with Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn.  Mars is the action planet and he has tremendous energy.  When focused he can accomplish a lot from just pure willpower.  In the sign Aries the focus is on independence and finding a new way, carving a new path and finding self-power.   Self- motivation can be very rewarding however, in the era of quarantine and Covid19, fuses could be short.   Plus, there is a component of Mars in Aries that can make war at the drop of a hat with a tinge of, “I’ll show you” accent on ‘I’ll.”  But getting lost in Mars anger and meaningless skirmishes is a misuse of Mars in Aries.   If you find yourself going down roads where you see an enemy in everyone, the lifeguard on the beach, the check-out attendant, the neighbor, you should figure a way to shift your energy.  Seriously, everyone is not an enemy.   Take a walk or move your body.  On the personal front whatever house has Aries in your chart expect a lot of action.   Even if you do not know your chart you may find yourself digging in and doing battle on some area or theme and then doing it again and again.   For the record, in a normal year Mars stays in a sign for about six weeks and comes up about every two years.  But when Mars is retrograde it is in a sign for six months.  In this case Mars will be in Aries until January and along the way he’s getting into it with the planets who are already the big players in 2020.   Apparently, god has a sense of humor sending Mars in Aries retrograde this year.  Yi yi yi.    If you would like to get the flavor of Mars in Aries, play Gustav Holst’s Mars symphony. 

So, in order to prepare you for the Mars energy here are the important dates for this year:  

July 25     Mars enters Shadow 

Aug 4        Mars square Jupiter

Aug 13      Mars square Pluto

Aug 24      Mars square Saturn

Sep 9         Mars stations retrograde 28 Aries 09

Sep 29       Mars square Saturn

0ct 9          Mars square Pluto

Oct 18       Mars square Jupiter

Nov 13      Mars stations direct 15 aries 14

Dec 23       Mars square Pluto

Jan 2         Mars exits shadow 

Jan 6         Mars enters Taurus 

Take note of your energy around these dates.  On the mundane level Mars will be activating a lot of stuff and manifesting many events in the news.    Sorting through what it all means to us personally will depend on how it hits our chart and other natal planets.   Some people will feel a call to action on some level that maybe they had not felt in previous years.   Whether it is personal or mundane, Mars is a catalyst for the next six months.   God speed. 

Jupiter & Pluto & Saturn

Three of the big outer planets who will have Mars up their grill are, as we have discussed (ad nauseum), in their own little battles with each other.   Jupiter and Pluto have been on top of each other twice (April 4 and June 29) and they have one more roundup on November 12.   These aspects are part of the Covid19 story.  Jupiter is so large and Pluto’s influence is wide plus he rules viruses.  There was no way Covid19 was going have small impact.  But more to Pluto’s nature is that he is the planet that will break something down so it can be built up again.  The expression, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” speaks to Pluto’s desire to rebuild that which is broken.  Even if you can't see it, Pluto will find the flaw that weakens the whole structure.    As Jupiter and Pluto spend time being close to each other all summer they will no doubt reveal more ‘broken’ for the world to process.  Especially for Americans who are living through the USA’s Pluto return.   In the meantime, Saturn who has returned to its home sign of Capricorn is also putting the emphasis on what works and what does not work.   Saturn can find the discipline and patience to work on solutions.  Eventually Saturn will turn direct, return to Aquarius and be joined by Jupiter on the winter solstice in December.   In 2021 Saturn will push on Uranus for more changes, including economic but we will save that conversation for later in the year. 

It's is hard to say how this will all unfold during the summer and fall but it cannot be overstated that we are in a profound astrological period that has huge transformation and evolutionary drivers.   While we do this extraordinary astrological dance it would be good to watch the moon.   When the Moon is in cardinal signs it will have its own push on Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto that might point us in direction of our worldly and personal evolutions.  We may hit our head with our hand and say, “Gotta change that nonsense.”   Watch these Lunar Hot Zone dates:

Moon in Libra- July 25/26

Moon square Mercury

Moon oppose Mars

Moon square Jupiter 

Moon square Pluto 

Moon square Saturn 

Moon in Capricorn Aug 1/2

Moon square Mars

Moon conjunct Jupiter

Moon sextile Neptune 

Moon conjunct Pluto 

Moon oppose Mercury

Moon conjunct Saturn

Moon in Aries Aug 8/9

Moon square Jupiter

Moon conjunct mars 

Moon square pluto 

Moon square Saturn 

Moon in Cancer Aug 16

Moon oppose Jupiter 

Moon trine Neptune 

Moon oppose Pluto

Moon square Mars

Moon oppose Saturn

Jupiter & Neptune

On July 27 Jupiter sextiles Neptune for the second of three aspects.  The first one took place on February 20 and the final one will be on October 4^th.  Jupiter and Neptune have some shared values since there was a time that Jupiter ruled the sign Pisces.   Once Neptune was discovered it was assigned to Pisces and Jupiter dropped to co-ruler status.  The sextile aspect is supportive and comes up once every four years and then followed by nine years.  Last time they formed a sextile was 2011 and the next time they do it will be 2024.   Because of their shared history Jupiter and Neptune speak of a belief that there is something bigger than us mere humans. We are not just flotsam and jetsam floating through the universe.  There is a divine energy that brings us all together.   We probably should all thank our lucky stars that in this difficult year, the two planets of faith have been coaxing the best out of each other all 2020.  Finding the good in humanity, walking one’s talk, sharing inspirational stories is the practical application (Jupiter in Capricorn) of faith (Neptune Pisces).   

There may be a call back to February both in our personal lives and world affairs as we build to July 27.  Be willing to be inspired. 

Uranus retrograde. 

April 28    Uranus enters shadow 

Aug 15      Uranus retrograde 10 Taurus 42

Jan 4         Uranus direct 6 Taurus 43

April 30    Uranus exits shadow 

Uranus spends half the year retrograde.  This year when it stations retrograde it will join Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto who are already retrograde.  Uranus is the mad scientist and the revolutionary and is not exactly comfortable in earthbound Taurus. 

As we have discussed, but it bears repeating, the last time Uranus was in Taurus was 1934-1941 which was the bottom of The Depression.   During that period FDR launched many programs that we still rely upon today such as social security, which at the time were considered revolutionary.   Boundaries that are physical such as international borders were violated in the 30’s and launched conflicts including WW2.  Dictators emerged quickly.  Farming and food manufacturing is ruled by Taurus.  Drastic changes impacted the country during the 1930s Dust Bowl, when land was parched and crops failed.  Throngs of Americans pulled up stakes and moved to better opportunities as depicted in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath(1939).   At the same time the technology of food expanded including the frozen food industry.  Taurus is land and Taurus is jobs.   In the 1930’s large projects under the WPA were launched, including pavers who built over a million miles of road.   Currency and money is Taurus and during the 1930s Britain took the pound off the gold standard followed by FDR a few years later.    

That’s a tiny thumbnail of history of Uranus in Taurus in the 1930s. Accent on the word, ‘tiny.’   I often bring up the bigger picture of the 1930s Uranus in Taurus around our current retrograde and station directs of Uranus transit in Taurus.   Case in point, on January 10, two days before the Saturn-Pluto aspect and on the same day as the Solar Capricorn eclipse, Uranus stationed direct and I asked you to assess your money and resources.  I asked what had you learned between August 2019 and January 2020 about your finances, property and did you feel solid?  I asked what changes can you make to feel more solid in an economy that is going to have a lot of fluctuations during Uranus in Taurus?   I also asked if you have any innovations or ideas which are ruled by Uranus that perhaps could serve your personal finances and the greater good?   I reminded you that Uranus is the higher octave of Mercury so brainstorming and communicating with others on your idea or solutions to financial issues could be important.   

This is not to make me Ms. Smarty Pants, I am not, but, seriously, think about all those questions now in light of Covid19.   Industries are forever impacted.   How we make our way through our day now (in this era) is not the same from a year ago. Not the same even from January 10^th.   Given all that we have in front of us --it is safe to say how we are making through our day today could not look the same in January 2021.   So, now with all that in mind, consider this five- month period of Uranus retrograde as an opportunity to research changes that you may want to make that  are innovative, tighten up your skills, solidify your finances and are rooted in soundness but still allow for nimbleness.   If you have planets between 6 and 10 degrees of Virgo or Capricorn, you may feel inspired with new ideas and electric bolts of innovation. Hit while the iron is hot.    If you were born April 25-May 1,  July 29-Aug 2, Oct 29 – Nov 2 and Jan 27 – Feb1 you may feel like the changes around you are akin to a rug being pulled out from your feet.   Reach out to friends, get support where you need it.    Breathe.  Seek others who are going through the same experience or people who have been there and know that in your new landscape you can still find your place and may even thrive.   

Special Note

It is not easy or a day in the country as the USA goes through its Pluto return.  People are sad, people are angry.   Lots of changes have already begun and there are more to come between now and 2025 (exact 2022).  The fact is simple, when the USA formed in 1776 there were baked in issues that now are getting addressed.  As an astrologer I believe I should do my best to help people understand the bigger cycles that we are processing and it is part of the reason my reports are long.   Sorry about the length btw.   I have also reached out to others in my astrology community and have said that I believe there is a place for astrologers to call ‘balls and strikes’ as our nation goes through the Pluto return.  I reached my own threshold on the last full moon when I spoke of the death of Elijah McClain, the young African American man who pleaded for his life and said, “I don’t judge others, I have moon in Gemini.”   My heart was pierced on so many levels. You can read my full moon here: https://tracyastrosalon.blogspot.com/2020/07/capricorn-eclipse-july-4.html

Since his death many moms with African American sons who are on the Autistic Spectrum have come forward to talk about their own fears when police do not understand their ‘different’ child.    I called out this incident as a ‘strike’ but I did not just give a knee jerk response.  I think it is vital go down and see the depth.  This is what Pluto demands.  Not just bend to knee jerk responses but use depth to find the nuances.  Going forward know that I will always bring depth if I call a strike.  

Finally, I want to leave you with this write up that I did last week. I think it speaks to you and me in our Cancer little shells that we carry on our back and all the emotions and feelings we are all processing. 

 ***

Tomorrow is July 13. On March 13, In Los Angeles everything went into a new gear on that day. It was when LAUSD said, "We are shutting down schools, it's not safe" 

Whether you are a parent or not, March 13 meant that the 2nd largest city in America went into a new phase. We will have completed 4 months of staying at home and will be beginning our 5th month on July 13. 

Just that fact alone is extraordinary, and something not seen in the USA since 1918. Seriously, take note that you have done something that your mother, grandmother and your great grandparent (if they are alive) have not done. And for some you are raising your family in a quarantine.

The stress of living through a health pandemic and the financial repercussions of that pandemic are tremendous. The reality that this is not going away anytime soon is hard to grasp. If you are young, middle age or old it has been a tough journey to watch and experience. Of course, those of you with kids, especially little ones it is really hard because your children just want everything to go back to the way it was before March 13. And it is not all sunshine and lollipops when kids are frustrated. 

To all of us, whether we have kids or not: 

We will find a way through this mess. But every now and then we should stop down and say, "Wow, I am in extraordinary times and I'm still here, and it is hard, but I am slogging away." And oh, yeah, I am tired."

We have a right to be tired.

We should all be hugged and applauded for what we have done so far.

Be well see you at Leo New Moon. I will recognize you, you will be the person wearing the cape.   

Tracy

During the month check out my blog 

http://tracyastrosalon.blogspot.com

Please note all times Pacific 

The 8 phases

Cancer New Moon 

28 Cancer 26   

July 20, 2020  

10:32am PDT  

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:   We pay attention to our feelings and emotions.  We go in deep .  What things do we need to start?  What is our ‘gut’ telling us to do?   How can we plant seeds that are in alignment with feelings we have had for awhile?  Where are we ready to be sick and tired of being sick and tired?  What can we start now that put us on a new path?   

Special note:

7/20:  Sun oppose Saturn.  Responsibilities are paramount.  Restrictions are onerous but perhaps later will prove important and vital. 

7/22: Sun enters Leo

Crescent Moon Phase

July 23, 2020 

8:42 pm PDT

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 learning about details and facts?  How do on the ground facts impact your emotions?  How are you informed by concrete details?  How does your schedule inform you about your emotions?   Are you being stressed by too much on your to-do list or is there too much free time leaving you in need of structure?   Where do you need relief?  Where do you need an anchor? 

Special Focus

First Quarter Moon 

July 27, 2020

5:32 am PDT 

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 death and rebirth?   What actions are you taking that end something so something new can begin?  How would your emotions benefit by letting go?   

7/27:  Venus square Neptune: Values feel weakened.  Humanitarian feels marginalized by comfort for self. 

7/27:  Mercury squares Mars.  Sharp thoughts. Sharper tongue.  Thin skinned thinking is defensive 

7/30: Mercury oppose Jupiter.  Thoughts that oppose judgements.  Communication that opposes beliefs. 

Gibbous Moon

July 30, 2020 

10:25am PDT 

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 knowledge?  How are you refining your ability to stretch your knowledges?  How are you refining your opinions?  Do your opinions hurt, aggrevate or soothe your emotions?   

Special focus

7/30: Mercury trine Neptune.  Gentle thinking.  Inspired thinking.  Gentle information envelopes thinking. Humanitarian conversations excel.

8/1: Mercury oppose Pluto:  Penetrating thoughts, perhaps depressed thinking, thoughts of releasing from the roots. 

8/2:  Sun sq Uranus.  Where does pride need disruption?  Where doe ego need to be shaken.  How does Self Esteem need physical support and concrete actions 

8/3: Mercury opp Saturn.  Serious thinking.  Concrete discussions.  Sober mental connections. 

Full Moon Phase – Lunar Eclipse

August 3, 2020   

8: 58 am 

11 Aquarius 45

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?  

Focus on:  

Are we tapped into our inner hero or heroine?  Are we tapped into our inner --weirdo/genius/rebel?   How is our mind open for change?  Where are we so stuck that we cannot see genius?   Where is humanity and how does it connect to our uniqueness?  What do our emotions tell us about being 'weird'?  And how are are feelings impacted when we let our unique voice carry us? 

Go to blog for full moon report. 

http://tracyastrosalon.blogspot.com/

Special focus 

8/4:  Mars square Jupiter (see above)

8/4:  Mercury enters Leo 

Disseminating

August 7, 2020  

7:06am PDT  

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 singular personality?  How are you sharing YOU?   We are not all the same no matter how many groups we belong (racial, religion, locale) how are you connecting to your identity and sharing it?   How does it impact your emotions? 

Special focus:

8/7: Venus enters Cancer

8/10: Mercury square Uranus.  Disruptive, chaotic thinking.  Breakthroughs that push back on ego.  What’s under the ego?

Last Quarter Moon Phase

August 11, 2020 

9:44am  PDT 

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 are building something from the ground up?  How are you getting into the ground, physically?  How are your emotions connecting to concrete actions? 

8/13 Mars squ Pluto (see above) 

8/15 Uranus station retrograde (see above)

Balsamic Moon Phase

August 15, 2020

7:47am  PDT   

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

Focus on How are you releasing your emotions?  Read that twice.  

8/16 Sun trine Mars:  New roads, new opportunities, creative solutions are supported by actions 

8/16 Mercury trine Mars: new thinking, playful thoughts, joyful actions.  Good times begin with good thinking 

8/17: Sun conj Mercury.  Inspired thoughts on creativity, bravery, self esteem, 

Leo New Moon August 18 7:41pm PDT    26 Leo 35