What July's New Moon in Cancer Means for Your Zodiac Sign

On Monday, July 17, the New Moon in Cancer will peak at 2:32 p.m. ET–the same day that the lunar nodes move into Aries and Libra, unlocking a new cycle of cosmic karma.

In astrology, the moon follows a monthly cycle from the new moon to the full moon and back again. Each lunar phase carries a unique energy that can be used to align your energy and life with the stars. The Full Buck Moon in Capricorn forced you to confront the limitations that exist in your physical reality–and now the New Moon in Cancer wants you to turn that focus inward. The moon feels at home in the sign of Cancer, so it’s easier to feel connected with your emotions, dreams, and desires during this time.

This month, the New Moon in Cancer occurs on the same day that we enter a new eclipse season–making it a powerful and life-defining lunation. “Full-circle moments and twists of fate will likely reveal themselves as the North Node enters Aries during this lunation. This new moon ushers major life lessons for us all, so expect things to get a bit rocky on the way,” says professional astrologer and horoscope writer Brittany Beringer. The new moon marks the beginning of a new emotional journey in life while the lunar nodes work to push you toward your destiny and self-actualization. And with so much cardinal sign energy fighting for the spotlight, expect themes around power, obsession, and security.

Not only that, but Venus in Leo is preparing to settle into a summer-long retrograde–and yeah, there’s another Mercury retrograde coming up in just a few weeks. With all of this happening ahead of the Cancer New Moon, emotions will be running high. You’re going to want to watch how you assert yourself with other people and avoid starting problems that you can’t finish. Instead, the energy of la luna this month is here to show you that letting go of control is the secret to true freedom.

Keep reading to see what the New Moon in Cancer has in store for your zodiac sign, plus tips for maximizing your rest and relaxation amidst all the drama.

The Spiritual Meaning of the New Moon in Astrology

A new moon marks the beginning of each new lunar cycle and sets the tone for the following eight phases of the moon that will follow. New moon phases usher in a time of new possibilities, fated opportunities, fresh beginnings, and idealism about the future. The darkness of new moon phases makes it an ideal time to reflect on the past and explore what’s been revealed in the present. It’s a time for discernment and decision-making. And if you’re looking for some clarity in your life, the new moon will give you honest feedback.

What to Expect From July’s New Moon in Cancer

The July 2023 New Moon peaks on July 17 at 2:32 p.m. ET and will remain in this phase for a few days. Because we’re near the end of Cancer season, and the Moon rules Cancer, this lunation will be an important one. During the New Moon in Cancer, the focus turns back toward our personal lives. Whether you’re hoping to deepen the connections you have with loved ones or reexamining your relationship with yourself, the new moon is asking you to come to terms with any codependent habits you're holding onto.

You might find your emotions feeling heavy or unusually complicated this week, thanks to a tense Moon-Pluto opposition. This energy is going to be a major source of conflict surrounding the new moon. Pluto is the planet of destruction and reimagining, so this transit will feel like a purge. New moons are normally an ideal time to manifest new opportunities or start new relationships; however, this month's New Moon in Cancer wants you to wait just a little bit longer. It’s difficult for you to see your life clearly during this lunation. And there’s a chance you don’t have all the information yet. It’s best to focus on spiritual practices that help ground and purify your energy instead.

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This new moon will also be cosmically supported by Uranus, the planet of breakdowns and breakthroughs. When the Moon and Uranus join forces during a new moon, the collective is more sensitive to spiritual downloads, clairvoyant insights, and visions of the future. Expect this transit to bring your innermost fantasies and subconscious desires to light. Even if you’re not someone who believes in the ‘woo-woo’ side of things, you’ll certainly be feeling your intuition stronger than usual during this new moon. Cancer energy is connected directly to what makes us feel safe and secure. And during this new moon cycle, Uranus wants you to embrace your independence and eccentricity.

And finally, the new moon also forms a harmonious trine to Neptune, the planet of dreams and inspiration. This transit opens the portal between the physical and spiritual realms. Cancer is a sign that is deeply tuned into the subconscious mind and dream world–so don’t be surprised if you start having weird, vivid dreams this week. When the moon and Neptune connect in the sky–it’s a chance to encounter your true self. Take time to track dreams this week and look for common themes that can show you what your dreams are really telling you.

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How To Work With the New Moon in Cancer Energy

Learning to track the lunar cycles is a very popular and easy way to harness the power of the stars in your daily life. Moon mapping is a practical and easy way to use the energy of the lunar phases to make decisions about your daily life. Because the new moon begins the monthly lunar cycle–it’s a perfect time to try your hand at moon mapping.

As a water sign, Cancer energy is all about seeking security and comfort. The energy of this new moon is heavy and very volatile–so experts recommend taking it easy and prioritizing your peace. Think–ritual baths, yoga classes, crystal healing, meditation, journaling, and tarot card readings. “When the restful new moon is at home in the sensitive water sign, you can expect emotional encounters and freaky-accurate predictions via your intuition,” explains Beringer. The moon is the emotional center in astrology–so working with the moon's energy can help you make breakthrough revelations.

This Cancer New Moon could definitely become emotional and uncomfortable for some. The energy will be unpredictable thanks to the influence of the lunar nodes and Uranus, but as long as you approach this new moon with an open mind and heart–there’s room for healing. “Things are about to get extra sentimental under the new moon in compassionate Cancer,” Berginer says. “This month’s new moon is your excuse to shake off logic and lean into the gut feelings you’ve been having lately.” Don’t fight the necessary changes coming your way during this new moon. Go slower than you feel like you should for a few days, and fill your week with some much-needed personal time.

What Does the New Moon in Cancer Mean for Each Zodiac Sign?

This Full Moon will be felt the most directly by the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) and serves as a reminder that it’s okay to ask for help. With the new moon and the lunar nodes all moving into cardinal signs on July 17, you might feel restless and uncertain about your desires and ambitions. Pay attention to your gut feelings and subtle intuitive nudges. And don’t be afraid to call in a few favors. “Cardinal signs will be leaning on their support system as they navigate challenges and tough feelings that arise with coming into their external ambitions,” says Berginer. “It’s an extremely personal lunation for the cardinal signs, so they should be encouraged to be vulnerable and confide in those they trust most.”

Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) can expect to experience a serious spiritual glow-up during this new moon. Venus will spend the entire month in fiery Leo, and when Venus goes retrograde on July 22, everything about your current reality is up for review. Luckily, the chaos of this month’s new moon will also lead you to find wisdom in unexpected places. And according to Berginer, following your gut during this new moon just might be your saving grace. “From having borderline psychic dreams to clandestine encounters, the fixed signs will be seeing things from a totally supernatural perspective under this lunation. It’s all about having an open mind and the will to seek their inner world right now,” she explains.

And finally, the New Moon in Cancer will have mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) dealing with their insecurities in a major way. You have a deep need for acceptance to the point that you’ll compromise your own values in the name of fitting in. This transit empowers you to shift the narrative and reclaim your personal power. “Stability is a major lesson for the mutable signs, who must practice safe boundaries to help build trust in those around them. This lunation emphasizes our social lives and the relationships we provide and seek for and in others — specifically, your chosen family,” says Berginer.

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