New Moon in Cancer: exact at 9:48pm, Thursday 7/12th.

Our sense of belonging becomes top priority during this New Moon. Our loyalty to family (or chosen family) will be the driving force behind every decision we make during this time. Our ability to read other people’s needs will be nearly as strong as our desire to provide for those needs. Intuitive talents will be at a peak.

The only complication is that this New Moon is in opposition to Pluto. This can easily put people into a defensive mode if they feel any sense of danger of neglect. This defensiveness is more likely to manifest as a withdrawing behavior rather than an aggressive lashing-out. It is a good time to reach out to others if you notice that they are feeling down or seem to be isolating themselves. Make sure everyone feels cared for.

And speaking of Pluto…Pluto is currently retrograde in the sign Capricorn. Pluto was last in this sign from 1762 – 1779 (American and French revolutions, etc.), and will now be in this Capricorn from 2009 – 2024. This period promises deep societal changes and new structural foundations. We are likely to see new business strategies, economic views, and governmental shifts. Any form of authority will be reassessed for its effectiveness and appropriateness. But this process might seem even rockier than necessary from April 22nd – September 30th, while Pluto is retrograde. Hang on, everybody! Take good care of one another.

For some assistance in getting through this New Moon, try Shoyeido’s “Hope” incense from their Angelic line. Robert Place’s Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery can be a great tool for helping to see things a little clearer. For further exploration, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel’s book The Way of Tenderness is an excellent place to start.