On July 2, 2019, in the afternoon hours, we will enter a new moon phase in the zodiac sign of Cancer. This new moon is significant in that it coincides multiple planets in retrograde and a solar eclipse. This moon will be cleansing and deeply emotional, compounded with eclipse energy, expect some major change ups and revelations, especially involving what is near and dear.

Cancer is a water sign and is ruled by the Moon.  The moon rules our emotions, which are represented by water. The moon also represents our intuition and emotional intelligence. Cancer also represents feminine emotional energy, connection to our mother and maternal nurturing. She is a cardinal sign who often can have a more childlike approach to relationships. Cardinal signs welcome in the change of a season-a change in the season of life.

Cancer is a deeply emotional sign with a crustacean shell. She is hard to crack. The crab does not like to be vulnerable and keeps their deepest feelings safe inside their shell. Cancer is a family oriented sign who is very dedicated to those in her world. She is childlike and playful. She also hates to disappoint others and can hold a grudge like no other.  Cancer prefers to be at home and around people that feel like home and make them feel safe. She is often very entertaining and very nurturing. She can be a bit of  people pleaser.

Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, and Neptune are currently in retrograde and Mercury is currently in shadow to go retrograde July 7th. Mercury is one of the most powerfully felt retrogrades, but during a new moon, especially an eclipse, all of these energies will be magnified.

Jupiter is retrograding in its home sign of Sagittarius. Jupiter and Sagittarius are energies about luck, travel, expansion and higher learning. This energy can create an itch to travel, dive deeper and learn something new, or a lust for new experiences. It could represent the culmination of efforts or reaching the final benchmark of something you have worked hard for.

Saturn is retrograding in its home sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is the hard worker of the zodiac and known for keeping the “nose to the grindstone.” Saturn is about boundaries, routine, and discipline. Areas of your life where you need more boundaries or issues of work/life balance could come into focus. Also, issues around a father figure or what reigns over you could come into focus.

Pluto is retrograding in Capricorn as well. Pluto is a planet of death and rebirth. Being in Capricorn, you may feel a need to declutter your life and let go of what seems impractical. This can also be a physical declutter and a call to organize your physical world. You will feel a need to shed what is dead and old to make space for change.

Neptune is retrograding in its home sign of Pisces.  Neptune is a planet about dreams, spirituality, and intuition. Pisces is a water sign that is very dreamy and a hopeless romantic. With Neptune retrograding in its home sign, this will draw us to focus on intuition and our emotional nature. It is a lesson on listening to  inner knowing and dive deeper. You may crave deeper connection around this moon. It is a good time to start a spiritual practice or reprioritize an existing practice.

Mercury will be in shadow about to go retrograde on the 7th and that will have an affect on this moon. Mercury goes retrograde multiple times a year and is usually well known by even the most novice astrology follower. It is a cosmic event that creates a lot of fear mongering. Mercury is a planet that controls communication, planning, travel, thoughts, and ideas. In retrograde, misunderstandings can arise, plans get hazy, and forward motion can be full of missteps. It’s just a period the sky is asking us to slow down. It is time to re-review, re-examine, and re-prioritize. Also, Mercury is retrograding in Leo. This energy can be filled with passion and a desire to be seen and noticed.  Communications can also come off as strong and demanding when maybe they are not intended to be. People can seem very self focused. The mishaps of Mercury retrograde typically draw us closer to areas in our lives that need attention. Aspecting Leo, this could make you evaluate how you communicate and express yourself.

So on top of all that, we have two eclipses this month, the first one a solar eclipse coinciding this new moon. Eclipses can bring people back and cut people out. The past comes back to finish up a cycle or a lesson.  A flailing relationship may reach its final demise. A sudden opportunity pops up out of nowhere. An eclipse is also a great time to quit a bad habit. The energy can aid in easing that which is hindering you out of your life.  It can also bring literal birth and death.

So what does all this mean? This moon is really going to be focusing on safety and nurturing elements. What makes you feel of service to others? Where are you over giving?  Where do you need support? What makes you feel loved and safe? Your inner child is coming out. Let’s get out and play.

Eclipses typically bring in endings. Sometimes the ending taking weeks or months to fully materialize.  You may also realize where you need more boundaries and routine needed to reach your goals leading to removals. This is a challenge to go with the flow and pay attention to what is not flowing. Re-evaluate and re-group.

Be careful not to let the clingy Cancer energy wedge an idea in your brain or view of a person that is a little naive. It will have major holding power. Hold out until you get more information and learn more. Illusion and fantasy can come easy this moon with Neptune retrograding in Pisces. Understand that people may over promise or stretch the truth a bit more. It’s not always intentionally deceptive, but well intentioned unrealistic expectations. Pisces and Neptunian energy can really create an environment where we are not seeing things clearly or communicating clearly. 

Let’s slow down and keep it light.