Today there’s a new moon in Cancer (during Cancer season). If you’re feeling tender, tired, or otherwise more sensitive than you normally are, this could be why.
I’m feeling especially moody and home-oriented myself. As a Cancer sun (with 5 placements total in the moon-ruled sign) I’m hoping to find some time over the next day or two to slow down and tune inward a bit.
I’ve canceled overly-ambitious plans and penciled in more time for self-care this week, which I know is a buzzy word, but is truly the assignment during this new moon.
Cancer and the moon are ruled by the mother archetype, which brings up something different for each of us and requires the appropriate level of self-compassion.
It’s a watery placement that also rules the home and the body. Today and tomorrow especially, take care of yourself, your body, and your space in one or two ways that you know you need better than anyone else. For some, imagine doing this just as good or better than your own mother or primary caregiver ever did. Do this knowing they might have been doing the best with what they knew at the time and especially if they were not.
If you identify as a mother yourself, notice one way you can celebrate all that you do for those who are lucky enough to be cared for by you. It can be a little thing, but I promise you deserve it.
At new moons, the primary goal is (typically) to set intentions for a new cycle. Honestly, I don’t do this each month. Lunar workings should be intuitive and aligned with your reality, not transactional or compulsory. If you were to ask me what one thing I do prioritize during new moons, I would say cleaning and napping every time. Without a doubt.
If you are called to honor this new cycle, this is a good one to work with. The moon, of course, loooves to be in Cancer. There’s a harmony to this new cycle, so go for it and ask for what you want to nurture in your life, either broadly or specifically.
How to honor this New Moon
Make some space by letting go of old, stagnant, heavy shit that has overstayed its welcome. Do this by writing a list of things that are weighing on you and are taking up precious space. These things are draining your energy. Write down anything you want to let go of, even if you can’t see how yet. It can be a mindset, an obsessive thought pattern, a relationship, a job, a bad habit, or even something small. Then burn it. Invoke fire safety here, folks.
Return to the present moment. Notice what is good, what feels good, and what is working. Write it down, pen to paper, to refer to throughout the month.
After you do this, maybe you can start to invite in some intentions. Write those down too, somewhere you can see daily. Or maybe you just enjoy the space that was created and how it feels. Enjoy this space and liberation. Follow up with one or any combination of the actions from the list below.
I generally take 3-4 days to move through the new moon phase each month, despite the sense of urgency that our modern lives are attuned to. The moon does not rush, and when it comes to self-excavation, you don’t have to either. It takes as long as it takes.
Some practical ways to let go (in no particular order)
Water your plants.
Drink more water, you probably need it.
Wash your sheets and blankets. Sweep under and around your bed. Do your laundry (spiritual).
Mop your floors with cleansing oils and Florida water. Make this a ritual and drop used citrus halves and peels in.
Burn incense while you listen to your favorite music.
Delete your social media apps for a day.
Write a list of what is going right for you.
Write a list of ways you could take care of yourself this month.
Write a list of ways you can mother yourself in a way that you need and want.
Move your body in a way that feels good for you.
Take an intentional bath or shower with nourishing Epsom salts and cleansing sea salts. Choose any and all herbs, oils, flowers, and candles that beg to embellish your bathroom. If you’re not a bath person, try bringing your plants into your shower or bathroom to enjoy the humidity while you let go and wash away the old.
Eat a home-cooked meal.
Take a nap and/or sleep in.
Spend quality time with yourself and/or your inner circle.
Do something special for your inner child.
Wear white, silver, and grey clothing. Adorn yourself and your space with pearls, quartz, and selenite.
Know that your wants are also your needs.
Do none of these things. Do less things.
Cry.
Lots of love, y’all, and stay hydrated.
XO,
A