Cancer New Moon

Cancer New Moon - A Little Frustration

"People need trouble -- a little frustration to sharpen the spirit on, toughen it."

— William Faulkner

The seeds of profound frustration are sown this week and are likely to be fully apparent by Thursday's Cancer New Moon (7:57 PM PDT 20° Cancer). Mercury has entered the shadow of the next retrograde period (July 27th - August 19). As well, Mars is now retrograde and won't turn direct until August 27th, leaving us without effective levers to effect direct action. There are likely to be serious temptations to demonstrate our frustrations with explosive outbursts — or more. With Mercury in dramatic and demonstrative Leo, we may seek to display our feelings with extra flair and flourishes — even bombastic emphasis. However, no matter what pronouncements we may make or demands we issue, we are not likely to feel the kind of satisfaction or see the kind of action we are trying to effect. It may not be easy to find gratitude for the kind of slow-downs that we see this week. There are strong temptations (especially as the Cancer New Moon opposes Pluto in Capricorn) to place blame squarely on others and the outside world instead of seeking ways to resolve the inner struggles which keep us feeling frustrated and — to some extent — shut down and stymied. This is essentially a spiritual journey even though it may be completely understandable to become frustrated with any number of given circumstances. When we are blocked by road construction. Are we better off to scream at the one holding the stop sign or might we take the opportunity to look around and perhaps notice things we might never have seen without being asked to stop and wait? Of course, what if we decide to ignore the sign and plow ahead? Won't that get us into an even worse situation? These are the questions we must ask ourselves this week and through the extended period, through August, while Mars and Mercury are retrograde and whispering that we look at trying something profoundly different.

Even though there there is plenty of inspiration available on Sunday, attempts to make tangible progress begin to sow the seeds of frustration. Monday's unstable energy is seen in numerous demands and pronouncements that display stubborn determination but little action. It isn't easy to find a productive give-and-take. There is a tendency to seek retreat — if not surrender — on Tuesday as our confidence wanes. Activity increases on Wednesday. Jupiter stations to turn direct, offering a hint of optimism and a glimpse of a big picture perspective. The Cancer New Moon, opposing Pluto, on Thursday seems to set up a significant stand-off. Frustrated explosions are possible. However, we find a more free-flowing atmosphere on Friday, despite the undercurrent of developing frustration. By Saturday, the obstacles begin to seem intractable. However, we're likely to find that we're somewhat concerned over how we appear to others. As a result, any outbursts may be moderated and constrained. It is also important on Saturday to take a good look at who we're associating with and how well they're serving our best interests.

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