Every now and then we get two consecutive New Moons in one Zodiac Sign. It can only happen when the first is at the very beginning and the second fits into the very end. I think this is the origin of the famous ‘blue moon’, although others tell me it’s when two new moons come in the same calendar month. My reason for thinking it’s about the same Sign is because the second one would be what astrologers call ‘void of course’, which means that the Moon makes no more aspects to other planets before leaving the Sign. In Horary Astrology, the branch of astrology dealing with answers to questions, a void-of-course Moon in the chart of a question suggests there will be no further developments in a situation until circumstances change, an absence of events.

Last time two new moons happened in one sign was August and September of 06 in Virgo, and it happens in Cancer this year – next month will be the Second New Moon in Cancer. Just so you know . . . :-)

Cancer – emotional nurturing

The first of these two New Moons in Cancer is at the very beginning, a day and a half after the Sun enters Cancer at the Summer solstice. (At this time the Sun is the furthest North it gets during the year, appearing to circle directly over what we call the Tropic of Cancer on a world map.)

Cancer in the Zodiac is like the first taste of water, growth in the womb, diving into an emotional experience and swimming around reacting emotionally to everything. In our bodies, Cancer relates to the area of the stomach, so food is important, but it is also the area of the solar plexus and it needs emotional sustenance at least as much as food, if not more.

Intense emotional neediness

On 22 June, the Moon and Sun were opposite Pluto, which may have us feeling like victims of circumstance this month, and ranting against the changes. We may find ourselves really fearful of scarcity, feeling that things should be as they used to be, resentful against the unfairness of it all. We will need to watch out for reactions in ourselves of adolescent-type expectations that we ought to be taken care of, resentment when that doesn’t happen, and jealousy of others who seem to be having an easier time.

These emotions stem from baby survival needs, which are rarely far below our adult surface - not nearly as dealt-with as we would like - and this month we could become quite intense about everything to do with home and family. In your birth chart, the House where Pluto is at present (where you have the beginning of Capricorn) could indicate which problems in your life feel most important. These will be the circumstances that require you to relax your grip, so that changes in your life can change you in ways that will delight your soul.

Be your own parent

It all makes this month a perfect time for remembering to take care of ourselves. Because, of course, how we feel about the world ‘out there’ is very largely an internal matter. A good way to begin is to re-prioritise exactly what we do need for survival. What we really need is often, not so much about the physical world, as emotional closeness and sharing. As far as possible take care of yourself, which can include allowing yourself to receive sweetness from others. Where you do need others, stretch out to care for them too - remembering to first find out what they need that might be different from what you need! Thinking through your supporting network at this time, you may find that you have changed, and that different connections would be more appropriate now.

Which leads into the other striking planetary link-up:-

Life is in the details

In this New Moon chart, Venus and Mars are together in the middle of Taurus, and in complete acceptance of (trine) Saturn in Virgo. In the organisation of our relating this month, we could be subject to the details. The worst of it could be feeling constrained or limited by things that feel unimportant in themselves, but assume great importance in the event – like tripping over the thing we forgot to explain.

At its best, this arrangement speaks of understanding the different, but equally important, roles of men and women in cooperative activities, and an acceptance of the need for commitment. In individual relationships, instead of making unconsciously invasive criticisms and demands, we will be supported in respectfully negotiating new boundaries. In committees and community projects, fresh work arrangements could ensure greater efficiency and productivity – and more harmonious personal relating.

But all this depends on us not wailing or whining about personal grievances; we need to hold fast to serving the needs of us all together. (Chiron is still catalysing our spiritual growth, and the North Node is still in Aquarius, pointing us towards new ways to be a humanitarian race.)