This Month's Cancer New Moon Will Be Wildly Emotional — and That's a Good Thing
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Heartfelt water sign Cancer might have a rep for being the crybaby of the zodiac, but there's a lot more to Crabs than their mushy, deeply nurturing, sentimental perspective. As a cardinal sign, Cancers are visionaries, driven to set ambitious goals and initiate big picture projects. And that's just one reason that June's new moon in the sign of the Crab is one you'll want to take advantage of.
Falling on Tuesday, June 28 at 10:52 p.m. ET/7:52 p.m. PT, this emotionally-charged astrological event could be one of those new moons that actually feels more like a full moon. But instead of being a gasp-worthy, drama-packed culmination point, it'll serve as a launch pad for getting after a dream that's connected to your sense of security and inner bliss.
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The new moon in Cancer is a time to tend to your nest.
New moons — which happen when the confident sun pairs up with the intuitive moon — always present a monthly opportunity to get clear on which new chapter you want to write over the course of the next two weeks (up until the next full moon) and next six months (when the corresponding full moon occurs). Most new moons are considered opportune times to check ourselves and consider how we've been faring in a particular area of life, and this particular one, falling in Cancer, which is ruled by the moon itself, is a chance to touch base with your heart, spirit, and inner world.
In general, Cancer new moons set the stage for self-reflective practices like meditation, journaling, doing a ritual with your tarot cards or crystals, or even just carving out dedicated time to connect with the people who know you best. Any kind of domestic routine that brings you a sense of comfort and security (like cooking a favorite recipe, tending to your plant babies, or zhushing your wall art) can also be a fantastic way to get grounded and figure out what direction you'll do best to move in now.
The moon's square to Jupiter will crank up the intensity of whatever it is you're feeling now.
Not only is this new moon ruled by la luna herself, but it'll form a tight square — the most tense but also activating angle between two planets or points — to Jupiter, the planet of expansion and abundance, in fiery, impulsive Aries. Because it's one of the benefic (aka helpful, positive) planets in astrology, a square to Jupiter is rarely as daunting as to, say, aggressive Mars or power-hungry Pluto. But it will amplify and magnify whatever emotions are coming up for you around this transit.
Jupiter also tends to nudge us to hit the gas, even when we're not quite ready or bite off more than we can chew. So being that assertive, go-getter cardinal energy sets the tone of this new moon, you could be tempted to take action sooner versus later or by committing to more than you can realistically handle. It's a case for doing your best to go slow and be mindful of how you want to proceed.
Neptune's retrograde serves up reality checks.
It's been tough to decipher fact from fiction with Mercury retrograde from May 10 to June 3 and then moving through the retroshade period up until June 18. Thankfully, the planet of communication is now plowing full steam ahead, making it easier to nail down the correct info you need to move the ball forward. On the same day as the new moon, another eye-opening transit will make it easier to think logically: Neptune will go retrograde until December 3. While the planet of dreams and spirituality moves forward, it tends to cloud rational thought, but when its retrograde, it can be easier to take off those rose-colored glasses and see the truth of any given matter — for better or worse.
Although Neptune retrogrades are slow-moving events that certainly won't clobber you over the head like a faster-paced Mercury backspin, this year's could make it easier to understand what's really going in a relationship, at your job, or with your health, so that you can set an even more precise and powerful new moon intention.
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Fiery Mars will be moving toward a square with shadowy Pluto.
Remember how Jupiter's considered a benefic in astrology? Well, Mars — the planet of aggression, anger, and energy — is one of the malefics, often presenting us with challenges we need to overcome. While not traditionally considered a malefic, Pluto — the planet of control issues, power, death, and rebirth — usually pushes us to face some of our darkest shadows, which can no doubt be overwhelming and even disturbing. And on the day of the new moon, Mars will be approaching a square to Pluto, laying the groundwork for potentially explosive power struggles. It's just one of the reasons that this lunar event might be a bit more volatile than the average Cancer new moon. But it's also an opportunity to pick your battles — then go all in on whatever it is you've decided is worth your time, energy, and passion.
Here, how this Cancer new moon will affect you, based on your sign. (Pro-tip: Be sure to read both your sun and your rising sign, if you know it. If you don't, you can find it on your natal chart or via this CafeAstrology calculator.)
Aries (March 21-April 19)
This new moon falls in your fourth house of home life, squaring off against Jupiter in your sign and first house of self, so you may find yourself butting heads with loved ones because you're feeling out how you want to stand in your sense of self. However, moving through this challenge could strengthen your security and sense of calm.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
With the new moon in your third house of communication squaring Jupiter in your twelfth house of spirituality, you'll be especially in touch with your intuition — and sense of curiosity — now. Consider how you want to communicate your dreams and desires to friends and even siblings.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
With the new moon falling in your second house of income, squaring off against Jupiter in your eleventh house of networking, it could be a key moment for dreaming up or launching a new moneymaking venture with a little help from your friends.
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Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Falling in your first house of self, this new moon is your once-a-year opportunity to own your needs and set a powerful intention. Squaring off against Jupiter in your tenth house of career, your ambitions are running high, so it could be time to swing for the fences to make professional dreams a reality.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
With your season just weeks away, this new moon falls in your twelfth house of spirituality, squaring off against Jupiter in your ninth house of adventure. You'll probably be quite restless, dreaming of long-distance trips and big picture passion projects you want to achieve in the near future. It's time to clarify your ultimate vision.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Landing in your eleventh house of networking, you'll be focused on teamwork and collegial relationships. And because your eighth house of emotional bonds is activated too, wearing your heart on your sleeve could expedite collaborative efforts.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
With the new moon in your tenth house of public image, squaring off against Jupiter in your seventh house of partnership, you're realizing that the people you align yourself with need to be on the same page as you if you have any hope of hitting major professional goals. It could be time to prioritize your most supportive bonds.
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Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Your ninth house of adventure and sixth house of daily routine are activated by this new moon, so you might be entertaining the idea of taking a leap of faith in order to improve your day-to-day hustle, wellness, and sense of inner balance.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
The new moon activates your eighth house of emotional bonds and fifth house of self-expression and romance (where your ruler, Jupiter is transiting), so it's a steamy one. Speaking up about your needs between the sheets and in matters of the heart can set you up for much more fulfillment going forward.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Your seventh house of partnership and fourth house of home life shape your focus during this new moon, so your inner life and one-on-one bonds are top of mind. What needs to change to bolster both reciprocity and your sense of security?
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
This new moon falls in your sixth house of daily routine and squares off against Jupiter in your third house of communication, so it's time to commit to habits that will boost your well-being. If you're not sure what that might look like, talking it through with friends could be a wonderful first step.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
With the new moon activating your fifth house of romance and self-expression while squaring off against Jupiter in your second house of values, you're reflecting on how you value yourself and voice your needs. You could be inspired to take an empowering stand.
