On Tuesday, June 28th 2022, we have a New Moon in Cancer. Cancer is a cardinal water sign, ruled by the Moon - so this New Moon is always a powerful one.
Since the dawn of humanity, the Moon has fascinated us. Evidence suggests that the Moon was the first planetary body to be tracked, its varying yet predictable cycle captivating early star-gazers. Its significance as a symbol and expression of the Divine Feminine is unavoidable: its 29.5-day cycle aligning with the menstrual cycle of women solidifies it as analogous to the feminine.
Like women, the Moon is changeable and mysterious. Its gravity pulls on the tides, affecting the water of the Earth, just as women are so attuned to the emotional tides that reside within. It is a beacon of hope in the darkness, shedding light on that which is misunderstood. The Moon is the Great Mother in the sky, and the New Moon in Cancer has us searching for her now more than ever.
Motherhood, like all things in life, holds within its very essence a fascinating paradox. A child is born completely and inextricably reliant on its mother. To care for and nurture an infant is a 24/7 commitment, requiring an enormous sacrifice of the mother (or primary caregiver). And yet slowly but surely, the child becomes more and more independent. Therein lies the great paradox of motherhood: the nurturer, if no fully conscious, can become the one who smothers.
This is the spectrum of Cancer emotions. We can dive deep into the unconditional love of caretaking, nurturing, demonstrating our affection for others. Or, we can sacrifice ourselves in that caretaking, giving from an empty cup, and then asking our "children" (or partners, or projects, or work) to give back. Ultimately, it is up to us to determine where we fall on this spectrum.
Inevitably, the New Moon in Cancer has us deep in our feelings. Where Gemini season's medicine is keeping things light and humorous, Cancer's medicine demands that we descend to the emotional depths. The Moon rules our needs, so this New Moon has us asking, "What are my emotional needs? What truly matters to me? What is my relationship to love and nurturance in my life?"
In order to find the highest vibration of our inner Cancer selves, we must do two things. First, we have to allow ourselves to feel our deepest feelings. Cry. Rage. Scream. Sob. Lament. Retreat into the safety of our home, our bed, our innermost selves and let the tears flow down our faces.
Then, and only then, when there are no more tears left to fall, is it time to turn to the Great Mother within and ask for her help and guidance in embodying her true essence: unconditional love-- not only for others, but first (and yes, foremost) for ourselves.
The intention we set at the Cancer New Moon is this: May I embody unconditional love and extend it first to myself.
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