There is a New Moon in Cancer spiralling into the universe on July 18, 2023, which will bring with it the perfect opportunity to reset under the transit. Because the Moon (usually gendered feminine in astrological parlance) moves so quickly (it passes through a new zodiac sign every few days), we tend to dismiss its transits as mere minor affairs in contrast to the more major movements of the Sun (gendered masculine) or, say, Saturn or Jupiter (both masc., too). So patriarchal.

Let’s correct this. Let’s celebrate the Moon more. But first, let’s try to understand the difference between Sun and Moon, in terms of their astrological impact.

And to do so, let’s pursue this line of thought: Think of Sun and Moon transits as types of movies. The Sun is a garish, outlandish Hollywood blockbuster–big, obvious, with lots of explosions. It takes up our attention. It’s heavily advertised. It’s bright and shiny. It’s a crowd pleaser. It’s about appearance. It’s about close-ups and outsized performances.

The Moon and its transits, however, are something more subtle, textural, emotionally deep: like cinema out of Europe in the 50s, 60s, or 70s. “Hiroshima Mon Amour” by Renais comes to mind. A man (Japanese) and a woman (French) fall in love against the devastated background of that titular city after WWII. “Hiroshima Mon Amour” teaches the importance of the everyday–that little things matter (like small Moon transits themselves). It’s not just the extraordinary and the historical that give our lives meaning.

A Moon transit, then, is like a trace, a whisper, a secret, or a moment shared. Its smallness, brevity, and ephemerality lend it its value. Recall the final scene to “Lost in Translation,” Sophia Coppola’s early Aughts masterpiece about transience and jet lag in Japan: Scarlett Johannson’s character whispers something into the ear of Bill Murray (playing an ersatz version of himself). We don’t hear what is said, but we intuit that this moment will never be forgotten for either one of them. This is like the Moon in our lives.

The Moon’s transits are subtext, while the Sun’s are plot-driven. Of course, you need both for a great story. But by taking a strictly solar approach to astrology, we forget about the shadows, which give depth to a scene.

And so we should pay special attention to the Cancer New Moon on July 18, for it is the Moon of Moons on our lunar calendar. It will be in its domicile (Cancer is the only sign the Moon rules). Moreover, it’s a transit that occurs at the midway point of the year. And being a New Moon, which indicates opportunities for setting goals and intentions, it’s a perfect time for maybe jotting down or journaling mid-year (as opposed to New Year’s) resolutions.

These resolutions, though, should be less global and more local. Cancer rules over the home. In our natal charts, it governs the hearth and lineage, which is our most private sector (as opposed to our most public sector, ruled by the Sun). How can we bring life, feeling, love, emotion (all Cancer themes) to the “local” in our lives?

Because we want to think texture rather than a big plot, Cancer New Moon resolutions might involve something like invitations to dinner amongst our closest friends with no forced agenda–just togetherness. Or spending the afternoon with Mom and Dad. Or intending to spend more time with Mom and Dad. Or purchasing bespoke objects for the home (that green ceramic bowl) to add literal texture/colour to its visual field. Little things take on significance over time.

In general, anything that speaks to emotionally rich and affectively nourishing activities around familiar sites associated with past and present should be favoured (of course, since Cancer is a water sign, we could also align with this Moon by being near brooks, safe harbours, spas, pools–the life aquatic).

Which signs will struggle most during the New Moon in Cancer?

Of course, this lunation will heighten sensitivity for water signs (that is, Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). You could be feeling even more emotionally attuned to others–and desiring more connection to family. A desire for nostalgic activities could predominate. Feed your desire.

For those with earth signs (Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus), this is an especially potent transit for finding emotional comfort through material goods. You may feel more inclined to buy things of sentimental value around now (rather than seek out fresh experiences).

Aries, Leo, Sagittarius (fire signs)? Here, anticipate your innate passion for life, for ideas, for profession, and/or for calling to swell even more during this lunation. The impulse to protect others (rather than argue with them) could take precedence, as well. Cancer is a protective sign–and you tend to be fiercely loyal.

And, finally, if you are an air sign (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), this is a “processing” Moon, where your love of discussion and words could get routed through issues related to Cancerian care. Expect feeling more inclined to talk through and check on the well-being of those closest to you in order to get to the emotional core of issues they may be having.

Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash