Today both the Sun and New Moon are in Cancer (exact at around midday). Remember that the moon rules Cancer – so this placement feels something like coming home.

The New Moon is a time of growth and beginnings – I for one am looking forward to ‘moving ahead’ after a few weeks of waning energy. I only wish I’d taken the time to clean out my wardrobe during the dark moon! If you haven’t already, there is still time this morning unclutter a few cupboards, or free some mental clutter via journalling, or some such.

A couple more points about the New Moon in Cancer:

This is apparently a very fertile time – if you are trying to conceive, give it a go. Otherwise, use protection!

And I know I’ve said it before (I’m sounding like a nagging mother now, how appropriate!) – but seriously, look after yourself. You’ll feel a lot better for it.

After spending time in dramatic Leo since early May, Mars travels through Virgo from this Wednesday 2 July until mid August.

We may notice a shift from Leonic grand guesture to a more analytical, practical frame of mind. ‘If Mars is how we assert our initiative and will, and if Virgo is the sign of purity and idealism,’ says Astrobarry, ‘then naturally we must put on our reading spectacles and look very closely at what we’re doing.’

Or, as Mystic Medusa puts it, this is the ultimate get your shit together fast transit. We may begin to assess the cogs of our daily lives and plan some finetuning. Even more shockingly – we may put those plans into action! Complete them! And then move onto the next target!

We’ll be helped along the way by more than just Virgo. Mars is conjunct Saturn for the next three weeks or so, making this is one of our best moments all year to tackle the work we’ve been either unconsciously shrinking from or consciously avoiding.

Good thing too – after all, it is the beginning of the financial year. AKA time to start thinking about those pesky tax returns. My in-tray is filling up with receipts and PAYG statements as we speak (yes, I do have an in-tray at home. Yes, really). Not to mention all the other things I’ve been putting off… painting the house for example… and the yearly doctor’s appointment (several months overdue)… also, my wardrobe could do with a little reorganising…

Which brings me the full circle, back to the Venus-in-Cancer-mother-yourself stuff I was on about yesterday. It’s good to get things done. But let’s not get carried away (always an option when Mars is in the equation). We need to look after ourselves too!

Fortunately, Virgo is concerned with more than just the mundane nitty-gritty of life. She is intimately interested in our health as well. Nutrition. Healing. Exercise. Detoxifying.

Like I said yesterday – take a walk, draw a bath, eat some vegies. You’ll feel good physically and get that wonderful virtuous glow, all at the same time. Perfect!

Venus joined the Sun in Cancer recently, and will be there until 13 July. At their best, Cancer is all lovely-nurturing-motherly-warm, and Venus shows us the beauty and pleasure of emotional self-care. So – take a leaf out of Astrobarry’s book and draw on these loving, motherly, feminine energies to take some RnR time.

Switch off the tv and listen to some soothing music. Take a warm scented bath. Book a massage. Go for a walk in the gentle wintry sunshine. Substitute healthful, nurturing food for that greasy takeaway. Snuggle with your loved one (be they significant other, family member, animal companion or best friend). Whatever your pleasure might be – give yourself permission, and then do it. I cannot emphasise this enough!

Rest is not laziness,
or torpor,
or sloth.
Rest is the arms of creation
around us,
holding us gently,
lovingly,
eternally.
It is the place of the womb.
Molly Vass

So – go forth and rest! You deserve it.