Black Moon in Cancer “Hunger Games”

“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.     

George Orwell

The next New Moon, which falls on July 20th, is the second New Moon in Cancer this year, and when two consecutive New Moons fall in the same sign it is referred to as a “Black Moon”. This event only occurs every two to three years, so marks the beginning of a Black Moon Cycle. Because there is no corresponding “second” full moon in Capricorn in six months, this is not a six month cycle but a 32 month cycle lasting until the next black moon, which falls in Aries in March 2023. This Black Moon in Cancer is a powerful event which augurs a significant new emotional phase. Depending on where this falls in your birthchart, it is possible to use the energy to prepare for deep shifts that have the potential to assist in deep and powerful change in your life, should that be required. The Cancerian nature of the energy indicates a powerfully emotional signature, where issues regarding family, women, emotional security, home, personal boundaries and the protection of those you love, all come into play.

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In the current climate, it could be all to easy to fall into a fear based reaction to life, the “Us & Them” mentality. This Black Moon is opposed by heavyweight Saturn, powerful in his own sign of Capricorn, and also retrograde in motion, so there is a real oppressive feeling around, with authorities such as governments, peer groups and the all invasive media, stoking our fears and inciting mistrust, narrow thinking and phobia in those of us who fear for the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. The Astrology of this year is extraordinary to say the least, with the base themes being about control, and the devolution of long standing structures in our society (and our personal lives for that matter) which are no longer valid. The planet Pluto destroys all in its path that is no longer valid, he is merciless and leaves no stone unturned. Pluto moved into Capricorn at the time of the economic crash in 2008, beginning a process which continues until into 2024, when Pluto finally moves out of Capricorn.

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The deep message that is available at the time of this New Moon, is to try to stay in touch at all time with our intuitive self, the inner “knowing” part of us that connects us to the universe, and knows what is the best for us personally. We all have this sense, but it is often the case that we choose to ignore it much of the time, especially when our minds, fed by external information, direct the course of our lives in tune to other, perhaps less painful or controversial agendas. It is the deep sense of the mother, (although there for men and women) that is employed to protect her children against harm, and is invaluable tool to gauge the truth of what is happening around you, and the reality of where your life is heading at the current time.

The Tarot cards representing the energy of this New Moon, lie below, and are taken from the Thoth Tarot. The first is The Priestess, the Tarot signature of The Moon, followed by The Four of Cups, the card associated with this particular New Moon and whose astrological associations are The Moon in Cancer. The third card is the card associated with Cancer, The Chariot. All in all a powerful trio, alerting you to look at where emotional stasis may have entered your life, and where you may be afraid to move forward on an emotional level. Are you involved in any unhealthy relationships in which you give far more than you take? Are you stuck in a comfort zone, where you fear making the changes that you know will be of benefit to you? Or do you lack the courage at the present time to follow the dreams that your heart aspires to?

These cards talk of moving forward in a challenging time, in tune with what your intuition is telling you, rather than obeying the messages that you have been receiving from others, perhaps even for your whole life. In order for this to happen there will be loss, as much of what may have been important to you in the past, cannot be taken with you, and will only impede your further growth. There is also a powerful element of give and take within this phase, the recognition that while we may “have”, that it may also be necessary to consider those who “have not”. This is a polarity that seems to be becoming more and more evident on a global scale at the current time and alerts us to the potential new beginnings available at this time where we might take a pause to consider how we balance our resources, or whether we hoard them for our own use. This does not just apply to money, physical resources or material goods, but also to emotional, spiritual and intellectual energy. Do we share what we have in order to benefit others? On the world stage we can see clearly the battling for resources that takes place, and the lack of consideration for the welfare of others that this creates. It is certainly not a pretty sight.

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At this Black Moon, take a moment to pause, and reconnect with your intuition, listen carefully to your own wisdom, and allow it to rise above the fears that clamour from every source at the present time. Like a mother, you will know what is right for you to do, for you, and those closest to you, you will be able to feel the path ahead, and to set out on the journey of of your dreams.

NEW MOON BLESSING: 

I am the power of the bursting seed, dancing in the beckoning void, ripe with limitless potentials. A kaleidoscope of outcomes seduces, invites and tempts you, but be still in the darkness of the Moon. Sense the power of her black womb, and wait. Trust that in the stillness that I, the right “seed” for now, will find you, a vision for your soul to nurture” In Cancer-I Feel with every atom of my being, my tides turning with the vagaries of the moon. I nurture and care, my home is my castle, and I protect all that reside there with fierceness and devotion. I am mother, seductress, queen of the sea, from limpid calm to savage storm I can turn, in the break of a wave. Fear not under my command, I am the carer, the source divine ©JKG

The Astrologers Diary

The New Moon every month offers an opportunity to sow new seeds, and as an Astrologer, I find it to be a useful exercise for myself and in working with others, to use the energy of each particular New Moon, according to the Sabian Symbol that it falls on, together with the position in which it falls in the Natal Chart. Such considerations can be invaluable in steering through ups and downs, and in becoming “easy” with the ebb and flow of what life brings.  

This particular New Moon falls in the 29th degree of Cancer, which Dane Rudhyar describes as follows: 

PHASE 119 (CANCER 29°): A GREEK MUSE WEIGHING NEW-BORN TWINS IN GOLDEN SCALES. KEYNOTE: The intuitive weighing of alternatives.

This particular New Moon falls in my own 2nd house, an opportunity to make a new beginning in terms of my personal wealth and resources. The second house, being opposite the 8th, the house of death, may also be considered to be a house of rebirth, having connections with the ascent from the underworld. As a house connected to return of hope, and physical & spiritual increase, it seems that I have chosen the perfect time to be working on the final edit of my book “Thoth Journey” which should be published next year. I wrote collection of shamanic style “journeys” between 2015 and 2018, at a time when I felt very much as if I was living in the underworld, so it seems relevant that the universe has arranged matters so that it is now that I have the time and space to do the work necessary to bring what I have created into the light.

My name is Joanna Grant, I am an Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Writer, who lives for now in the South West of Ireland. Throughout my life, I have watched as the planets have woven their stories around me, for it is a truth that my love affair with the stars has been and will be life-long. I can often be found at home, deep in arcane research, or practising some new form of divination, usually whilst trying not to burn the dinner! My long knowledge of Astrology leads and informs my practice in offering guidance across the thresholds of life experiences as defined by the outer planet transits. Through combining Astrology with Tarot and Shamanic techniques, I work with you, the client, to open the way to self-empowerment and healing, helping you to lead a more authentic and magical life. You can read more about me here.