New Moon in Cancer 2023

Tomorrow is a big day astrologically. New Moon in Cancer and the Lunar Nodes shift into Aries & Libra. While the effects of the former will be felt most strongly in the next three days, the latter will loom overhead for about a year and a half.

For those who aren’t familiar with them, a CliffsNotes version is that they are the points where the apparent orbital path of the Sun and orbital path of the Moon intersect. Sitting opposite one another and changing signs every 18 months, they reveal collective, karmic directives. The North Node is the aim while the South Node is where we need to move away. Because they are direct opposites, we, as a collective, feel a push and pull between the two that we’re always trying to balance. Thank god we get 18 months to do it.

(Note: You have Nodal placements in your Natal chart too, and because it’s a long “transit” you don’t need to know your exact time of birth to get the sign! For an individual, the sign of your North Node reveals what qualities you can embody and strive towards that can lead to growth, opportunities, and fulfilling a sense of purpose; it can be uncomfortable trying to make it a part of your life, but that’s how you progress! On the flip side, the South Node represents your natural gifts and/or where you’re more comfortable. If you wanna learn more about the Nodes, a great book is Jan Spiller’s Astrology for the Soul.)

On the 17th, the North Node moves into Aries, the sign of independence, enterprise, action, and audacity; as you might have guessed, this means that the South Node will be moving into Libra, the sign of diplomacy, communion, aesthetics, and of course, justice. While the exact meaning of this will depend on your chart, when combined with the New Moon, here are the basics of what you need to know:

It’s time to start a new story especially in matters concerning nurturance, care, independence, connection, diplomacy, and art.

  • Are your needs being met?
  • Where are you feeling support and connection?
  • What do you want to forge ahead with and who can you trust to be in your corner when you do?

There will be tension between wanting to do things for yourself (Aries) and acting in service to your relationships (Libra). Although we will be striving towards the former, it doesn’t mean we completely eschew the latter. But it does mean being discerning. It does mean being selective about those with whom you’re willing to keep close. It does mean you will likely be walking away from certain people (or will be trying to do so) for your highest and greatest good.

If you’re unsure where to start on writing this tale, I’ve pulled a card for each sign. I chose Trungles’ “Star Spinner Tarot” because it balances both etherality and materiality. There’s a soft, whimsical style to the expressions of the figures but the color palette and detailing feel grounded. Plus, he makes amazing Sailor Moon art too and we are still in her season~

Tarotscopes

At first glance, it’s clear there are big things at play. There are mostly cards from the Major Arcana, which are tied to bigger, overarching themes; the timelines are longer. There are cards from the Minor Arcana, but they’re rooted in the Suit of Wands, where our ambitions, creativity, and willpower reside. That cardinal heat from Aries is letting itself be seen.

These cards are meant for your rising sign (if you know it), but you may find some resonance with your sun, moon, and any other strong sign placement.

“Star Spinner Tarot” by Trungles

Aries. 9 of Wands.

Are you exhausted? If so, rest, no excuses. You’re almost at the finish line though, so don’t call it quits too early. Do you have systems in place that allow you to take a breather when you need it? Do you have people or a routine to help you avoid burnout?

Taurus. Queen of Wands.

What is your relationship with support and encouragement? Are you more likely to offer those things or accept them? Or are both missing from your daily life? This new moon, contemplate where you can create more opportunities for yourself and others that are better aligned with genuine values and ambitions.

Gemini. Justice (Key 11).

How are you balancing making and taking? Furthermore, what is balanced isn’t necessarily fair. You, or the other party(s) involved, may be past the point where a one-to-one exchange is appropriate. When someone or something requires more than you have, it’s time to reexamine that relationship. The same is true if they’re not interested in what you have to offer.

Cancer. The Sun (Key 19).

When was the last time you felt free and young at heart? When was the last time you felt proud? This new moon gives you a chance to be bold and be bright… but first, you have to give yourself permission to do so. Don’t let anyone dull your shine.

Leo. The Lovers (Key 6).

Do your choices reflect your dreams? Do your dreams reflect your choices? Your season is coming up soon and I hope you feel held and uplifted in whatever you’re seeking. That being said, don’t get too lost in those dreams that you can’t decipher what’s up and what’s down.

Virgo. Wheel of Fate (Key 10).

Have you been feeling stuck? The new moon and nodal shift are here to break whatever patterns of stagnancy have been forming. If these have been inextricably tied to others or any resources you share with them, keep an eye out for any significant changes. Even if you’ve been wishing for them, they can still feel abrupt.

Libra. The Emperor (Key 4).

Do you feel like you’re in command of your choices and situation these days? How do you feel you’re being perceived and understood? Do you feel like you’re able to exercise enough of your own agency and authority these days? Don’t be afraid to put your foot down and let your wishes be known.

Scorpio. The Chariot (Key 7).

When was the last time you went after something for intrinsic purposes? Is there something you’re interested in learning or trying out? Somewhere you’d like to go? For this new moon, do what you can to go after that, with consistency. Depending on your circumstances and resources, this could simply look like opening up a book or watching a video, and that’s okay! Every step counts, as long as you take them. If you get too caught up in figuring out what’s the “right” step, you’re not going to get anywhere.

Sagittarius. King of Wands.

What needs to be transformed in your life? What needs to be burned up or melted down? You have more control over your destiny than you know, but you may need to clear some things- or relationships- away to make room for what you want to create. The King of Wands has a clear vision of where he’s going because he doesn’t allow himself to be distracted. Don’t alight if you don’t need to.

Aquarius. The Star (Key 17).

Where can you pare things down in your daily life? Can you simplify your processes? If you can use 5 words instead of 10 to convey your meaning, do so. This doesn’t mean you have to be brusque. You can be kind and concise. Have hope that people understand your intentions and give them the chance to ask for clarity if they don’t. Freeing yourself up like this will make those bigger goals and ideas come through much more easily.

Pisces. The World (Key 21).

When was the last time you looked at the bigger picture of what you wanted and what you have? Zoom out to get a better perspective on your personal projects and relationships. How do they all connect? What needs more time and energy? You may find that some things aren’t as lacking or incomplete as you may have thought… and that some things can be laid to rest.

If you found any of this resonant, please let me know! If you feel inclined to share it on your Instagram, TikTok, newsletter, blog, or website, all I ask is to credit me and please link back here! Tips are always appreciated. Thank you!


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One response to “New Moon in Cancer 2023”

  1. […] new moon also serves as a good check-in to what’s happening with the Lunar Nodes. Around last year’s new moon in Cancer, the nodes went into Aries and Libra. They’ll stay there until the next of January 2025 and […]

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