New Moon in Cancer

Luna is dignified in it's own sign at the July 18 New Moon (27 Cancer) that's square Saturn (23 Libra, conjunct the benefic star Spica). Cancer the Crab is most concerned with personal affairs regarding home, family, and emotional connections. The challenging aspect from Saturn suggests new beginnings in the personal arena are best seeded with focus and a healthy sense of responsibility now.

From Asia & Mideast

The astrological environment is actually more complex and multi-layered because Mars is translating the Uranus-Pluto world transit. Positively, this t-square alignment reflects energetic action to build on the ruins of the old, and face crisis with courage and creative will. Negatively, those predisposed to extremes and fanaticism may act out the collective impulses through violence or destructive mania.

The trine between Mars and Jupiter could be the mitigating factor that turns things in a somewhat favorable direction, as this combination reflects the spirit of enterprise and enthusiastic energy. Again, the fundamentalists might go overboard, but thats the tendency of those who think they know better then everyone else.

About 3 days after the Cancer New Moon, the Sun enters it's home sign of Leo the Lion where it can shine in all it's glory. The energetic shift from yin (Cancer) to yang (Leo), from inwardly emotional (Cancer) to outwardly affectionate (Leo), will be palpable. It's time to play, create, and have fun- so enjoy the Summer.

Mercury retrograde in Leo until Aug. 7/8 is still a factor to consider, but a relatively benign one, given the soft aspects it forms to other planets during it's back-and-forth dance.