posted July 21, 2004 12:05 PM              

Cancer New Moon - July 17, 2004
by Stephanie Austin, M.A.

The charts for this lunation is set on the natural wheel with 0° Aries rising.

 In Tibetan Buddhism, the period from the New Moon in Cancer to the New Moon in Leo is considered to be one of the two most auspicious times for spiritual practice (the other is the lunar month following the New Moon in Pisces). It is perhaps no coincidence that these two signs, Cancer and Pisces, represent the most yin, receptive energies in the zodiac. This New Moon invites us to deepen our attunement with the feminine aspect of consciousness.

The word "matter" comes from the same root as the word for "mother" (mat). In the beginning was the Word, but also the Mother, the cosmic womb from which all life springs. New Moons invite us to rediscover the fertile void, the place within us that has infinite intelligence and creativity. We always have access to that Source, but this New Moon in Cancer opens the door a little wider.

Several aspects make it easier for us to tap into our inner wisdom. Venus (the only planet in our solar system, other than the Moon, that has a feminine association) is involved in close aspects to Neptune, Jupiter, and Mars. Venus forms a partile trine to Neptune (15° Gemini-Aquarius). Trines represent interactions that can occur with little exertion or struggle; in this case, a little effort goes a very long way. The Goddess of Love's domain is personal affection; the God of the Sea rules unconditional love. In the first and third air signs, this combo facilitates communication and collaboration with like-minded souls. Venus in Gemini loves to share ideas; Neptune in Aquarius is devoted to dissolving barriers to progress. Together, they inspire innovations and new coalitions.

Because of Venus's retrograde motion, she forms aspects to planets between 10° and 26° three times this year. With three passes, the stimulus for change is extended from a few days to several months (beginning with the first pass and continuing through the third), deepening the lessons and expanding the opportunities for growth. This is the third of Venus's trines to Neptune (all at 15° Gemini-Aquarius). The first formed on April 21, the second on June 12, and the third occurs on the eve of this New Moon in Cancer, signaling a readiness to enlarge our concept of family and friends.

A few days after the New Moon, Venus forms the third of three squares to Jupiter in Virgo. The first was on April 14 at 10°, the second was on June 19 at 12°, and the third is on July 20 at 17° Gemini- Virgo. Venus in Gemini loves information; Jupiter in Virgo discerns what is useable. Their square reminds us that more is not always better and that we need to separate the wheat from the chaff. Retrograde Venus also approaches her third opposition to Pluto; the first was on May 1 at 22°, the second was on June 2 at 21°, and the third will be on July 25 at 20° Gemini-Sagittarius, bringing us a greater awareness of what's true and what's spin.

Venus makes a tight sextile to Mars in Leo as she trines Neptune, easily linking the intelligence of the Twins with the heart of the Lion. Mars, in turn, opposes Neptune, kindling fantasies but also shifting desires toward more egalitarian concerns. The Red Planet makes a wide conjunction to Mercury, potentially quickening tongues and tempers. The Messenger forms a close trine to Pluto (20° Leo-Sagittarius), helping us to become more conscious of outdated religious and cultural beliefs - the stories we were told and continue to tell ourselves. Pluto trine Mercury in Leo says: "Change your mind and you change your world." The Sabian symbol for the New Moon at 26° Cancer refers to the importance of being open to new ideas and sharing our resources: "Guests are reading in the library of a luxurious home."