Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the new moon in Cancer.
The July 2023 new moon falls in the sign of Cancer. The Cancer archetype is emotional, intuitive, nurturing and healing. It also symbolizes “home” and all the things that home represents – not just our physical home, but also our emotions, energy, body, and the spiritual hearth of our souls.
Spiritually, the Cancer archetype is one of compassion, of recognizing that people, in general, act to the best of their abilities, limited by their education, upbringing and current awareness. The Cancer archetype knows that love and forgiveness, where possible, are the best way to respond to destructive behavior – along with firm boundaries, of course.
The July 2023 new moon also highlights the concept of home. Where we lay down our roots, the people we consider family, and more importantly, this body that we inhabit, which is our home on this planet that we call home.
This new moon highlights the need to ground – into the home we live in, the land we move on, the body we inhabit, and the thoughts we engage with. How can we create a sanctuary, a meeting place, for ourselves and the ones we love? That’s the focus of this Cancer new moon.
Astro-Tarot influences for the July 2023 new moon
To throw some more light on the July new moon astrology, let’s take a look at the astro-tarot influences of this lunation. The Cancer new moon falls in decan 3, which is represented by the Four of Cups. This is to be interpreted in conjunction with The Chariot, which is associated with Cancer.
The Daily Pause Oracle Deck
I designed this beautiful, 40-card oracle deck to bring in some stillness, to give us a word or an idea to reflect on as we go about our day.
Supported by the four elements – earth, air, fire, water – and a carefully thought-out structure that connects the cards, The Daily Pause oracle will help you to listen to and trust your own inner knowing.
There’s no learning curve involved with using this deck. Just get quiet, shuffle the cards, pull one out, and reflect on the word you’re presented with.
When was the last time you were bored? When you didn’t turn to your phone because you had a free moment and nothing to fill it with?
When was the last time you just sat with a cup of coffee and allowed your mind to wander….to daydream?
That’s one of the things that the 4 of Cups reminds me of. A person who is bored with everything around them. And then, there’s a cup emerging from a cloud in the sky — an idea? A solution? A spark of inspiration?
And could that moment of boredom — and subsequent inspiration — be the catalyst to helping you determine the next right step?
That’s what these cards seem to indicate.
So keep an eye out for sparks of inspiration during this new moon and see where they lead you!
Sabian Symbol for the July 2023 new moon
The Sabian Symbol for Cancer 24 degrees is Leader of People Wrapped In An Invisible Cloak of Power.
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This symbol reminds me of James Fraser from Outlander. If you’ve been bitten by the Outlander bug, you’d know exactly why that is. Even when he’s a young outlaw, there’s a quality he possesses that makes him a natural leader — one that I think is more easily seen in the books than in the series.
As Lynda Hill writes in 360 Degrees of Wisdom: The Sabian Oracle, “There is often an unavoidable need to accept powerful responsibilities and to respond rationally to anything that needs to be done. It is almost as though this has been thrust upon you, but it is as much because you have placed yourself in this position of power and responsibility and you both understand and accept the consequences of the role.”
A pretty apt symbol for a new moon that promises a side of sizzling inspiration!
Tarot spread for the July 2023 new moon in Cancer
Here’s a tarot spread to tap into the energy of this new moon.
A spark: This card represents a creative spark. Use your first intuitive hit for this one.
A path: This card represents what could be the next right step for you at this time.
A journey: This card represents where this journey may lead. Remember, if you don’t like the outcome, you have the power to change it. Brainstorm ways to avoid the pitfalls that this card may represent.
Mamma moon says: This is always an encouraging message
If you share your spreads on Instagram, please use the hashtag #moontarotstories or tag me @moderngypsy.in so we can connect with each other.
Journaling questions for the new moon in Cancer
There are no journaling questions this month. Instead, I have a little exercise for you:
Spend at least 30 minutes this week getting bored. Let your mind be idle. Let it wander. See what happens.
Wondering why I’m asking you to do this? I explain it in this article on the link between boredom and creativity.
Learn how to work with the cycles of mama moon!
Are you interested in spending an entire year cycling with the moon, creating art, journaling, and deepening your connection with mama moon? Would you like to learn art witchery, establish your own art witch practice, and use mixed media art as a spiritual tool? Join me on Moonshine 2026 – a year-long journey into the realm of moon-based art witchery in all its glorious forms, hosted by Effy Wild!
You will join a coven of the most fabulous moon-loving art witches, some of whom have been in the program since its inception in this format six years ago!
Here’s what you get:
- Membership in this year’s Moonshine Coven + Lifetime membership in Moonshine Cafe (both on Facebook).
- Lifetime access to the course materials.
- Monthly Book of Shadows, exploring the energetics of the month—moon lore, Celtic Tree Calendar, astrological correspondences, journal prompts, and pathways into your practice. Over the course of the year, these monthly documents form a complete training system in art witchery. Included within the course materials are art witch tips, essential oil blends, herbal and crystal lore, and more.
- A full-length monthly painting tutorial (downloadable video + PDF walkthrough) that teaches you mixed media techniques AND different types of art witchery.
- Documentation for each full and new moon, both of which include astro-tarot forecasts and oracle reading layouts.
- On the New or Full Moon, we meet on Zoom for a guided ritual and ceremony where we raise energy through art together. These are either at 1 p.m. EASTERN (if the moon falls on a weekend) or 7 p.m. EASTERN (if the moon falls on a weekday). Gatherings are recorded for those who can’t attend live.
- A live activation gathering on Zoom on the first Saturday of the month to connect as a coven and deepen the understanding of the documentation. (Replays available for those who can’t attend live).
This experience is meant to give you deep training in art witchery AND mixed media art as a spiritual tool with an emphasis on establishing your own art witch practice based on thorough, scaffolded guidance that will get you sound, self-possessed, and in pursuit of your most deeply held desired outcomes.
Sounds interesting? Click the button for more details + to sign up!