The July New Moon in Cancer Brings the Perfect Soil to Build Something New

The July new moon in Cancer happens in the ninth at 6:17p.m. Pacific Daylight Time at 18°02’ of Cancer.

This Cancer new moon awakens the maternal instincts within us all. Whatever our gender, and whether or not we have children of our own, each of us is “giving birth” to some new form of life—and nurturing it with tender love and care.

With Cancer’s themes of home and family, this might be a new living situation, or a renewed commitment to creating safe and sacred space. Perhaps we’re reconnecting with relatives, to relive old memories and rekindle traditions. Or maybe we’re choosing to form new families with people who feel like home to us.  

Since the moon is most at home in Cancer, it’s also a good time to familiarize ourselves with her movements and moods. Incorporating some lunar rituals into our monthly routines can put us more in sync with our own natural rhythms.

Whatever our intentions, though, we’ll first need to create conditions where they can thrive. With the Cancer moon opposite Pluto in Capricorn, this means clearing away any “dead weight” so new life has room to grow. Certain systems and structures may have supported us in the past. But if they’re no longer sustainable, it’s time to break them down—and use their energy for something more constructive.

A watery trine between the Cancer moon and Neptune/Pallas Athena in Pisces helps dissolve these older, more rigid ways of being that no longer nurture our growth. But it also reminds us not to throw out the baby with the bath water. Some boundaries and rules are necessary, especially when you’re protecting something fragile and new.

What Does the July New Moon in Cancer Mean?

Most of all, we’ll want to guard against Cancer’s biggest weakness: caring for others too much at the expense of our own feelings and needs.  Fortunately, a Venus/Mars conjunction forming in Leo (exact July 13) makes us less willing to put ourselves on the back burner. Knowing our worth gives us the confidence to ask for what we deserve.

Still, we probably won’t get away with making diva-like demands. Venus, after all, is still in orb of her square with Uranus (exact July 8) and opposition with Saturn (July 6). This activation of the Saturn/Uranus square keeps our sense of entitlement in check, reminding us that our personal comfort is never guaranteed.

With Mercury in Gemini for the last two months, we’ve all been learning to embrace uncertainty and open ourselves up to a wider range of ideas and experiences. But Mercury’s T-square with Neptune/Pallas in Pisces and Vesta in Virgo could test our limits at this lunation. Find clarity in the midst of confusion by turning down the noise, and tuning in to your own inner knowing. Once Mercury moves into Cancer (July 11), we can draw upon a deeper emotional intelligence.

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Keep in mind, though, that the Cancer moon cares just as much for physical needs as it does for emotional ones. Indeed, they might be more connected than we think. A Grand Earth Trine (Pluto in Capricorn, Vesta in Virgo, and Ceres/Black Moon Lilith in Taurus) supports us in nourishing body, mind, and soul this month—providing a fertile ground in which the seeds of our wellbeing can grow.

Read on for your sun and rising signs to learn more about what this new moon means for you.

Horoscopes  for the July New Moon in Cancer

Cancer

Get ready for rebirth, Cancer! This new moon could be the beginning of a personal renaissance for you, as you shed old identities and slip into new realms of possibility. Just choose carefully where you want to go, and who you want to go with you into this next phase of life.

Leo

Feeling a little “crabby” at this July new moon in Cancer, Leo? It might be your subconscious telling you that it’s time to turn within. Give yourself whatever nourishment your body, mind, and soul are craving at this time. Learn how to soothe yourself, so you can keep putting your best foot forward.

Virgo

“Your vibe attracts your tribe,” Virgo. So at this new moon, you’ll want to be mindful of the vibes you’re putting out. The safer and more welcoming your energy feels to others, the more likely you’ll be surrounded by friends and acquaintances who make you feel at home.

Libra

When you love what you do, Libra, work can become like a second home—and clients or colleagues can start to feel like family to you. Still, at this new moon, you might make some distinctions between the personal and the professional to give yourself a better work/life balance.

Scorpio

You are what you consume, Scorpio—not only the food you eat, but also what you “feed” your mind. And at this new moon, you might be craving some comfort food for the soul. Nourishing yourself with uplifting and inspiring images, ideas, and influences can be an act of self-care.

Sagittarius

Sharing is caring, Sag. So at this new moon, look for ways to share what you’ve got with others. Resources may feel scarce right now. But add your money, possessions, skills, talents, energy, or time to what others have to offer, and you’ll find that there’s plenty to go around.

Capricorn

There’s strength in vulnerability, Capricorn. And at this new moon, it has the power to transform your relationships for the better. Still, there’s nothing wrong with being selective about what you share and with whom. Open your heart to others in the way that feels most safe and appropriate for you.

Aquarius

Change starts within, Aquarius. But it’s the little things you do each day to nurture your growth that add up to true transformation. Whether you’re aiming to learn a new skill or establish a healthy habit, tend to your new-moon intentions with care—and handle yourself with care as well.

Pisces

When you’ve given your all to a project, it becomes like a “baby” to you. So it’s only natural, Pisces, to feel a bit protective of your creations. Still, at this new moon, you shouldn’t close yourself off from receiving constructive criticism—especially from the people who care about you most.

Aries

“Homebody” isn’t a word that’s often associated with you, Aries. But your family and cultural roots go deep—and this July new moon in Cancer calls you home to them. Knowing where you come from gives you a safe place to land, and a launching pad for all of your activities out in the world.

Taurus

Try a little tenderness, Taurus! While you’re typically more matter-of-fact, and pride yourself on “telling it like it is,” at this new moon you might work on choosing your words more carefully. A little sensitivity can go a long way toward making other people feel seen and understood.

Gemini

We all have needs, Gemini. And at this July new moon in Cancer, you’re most concerned with getting those bare necessities—for yourself, and for the people you care about the most. Remember, though, that emotional needs like love, acceptance, and belonging can be just as vital for survival as food, clothing, or shelter.