This post may contain affiliate links, if you choose purchase through them we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links you are directly supporting us to continue creating free mystical musings. Thank you!

New Moon in Cancer Rituals

New Moon rituals are a wonderful way to connect with the energy of the Moon as well as yourself, grounding and anchoring your intentions into practical reality, as well as nourishing yourself and body— key themes for Cancer.

Before we go on to how to do a ritual for the New Moon in Cancer specifically, let’s briefly cover what a New Moon is, what New Moon rituals are, and what a New Moon in Cancer is:

What is a New Moon?

A New Moon is when the Sun and Moon are visually aligned in the sky from our vantage point on earth in the same Zodiac Sign and “conjunct“ by exact degree (e.g. at 4º Cancer). It occurs in the Zodiac Season of that Sign (i.e. 4 days into Cancer Season).

While the Zodiac Seasons occur roughly at the same time each year (hence why it is easy to do “Sun Sign Astrology”) as the Sun moves roughly 1º per day, the exact date of the New Moon (or corresponding Full Moon in the opposing Zodiac Sign more or less 6 months later) will vary.

As the Sun and Moon are aligned on a New Moon it is the start of the cycle— a yin period of introspection and planting of seeds. When there appears to be no Moon in the sky, it is time to turn within for our light.

When they square each other, at a 90º angle, roughly a week later, is the time for taking first major action on our intentions.

This lunar phase would be the equivalent of Winter seasonally. In farming, according to Magic of I., the gravity from the Moon is stronger now and pulls up water which aids in germination. It would thus be a time of planting plants that produce seeds outside of the fruit, such as lettuce, cabbage, and grains.

When they square each other, at a 90º angle, is the time for taking first major action on our intentions.

New Moon in Cancer

A New Moon in Cancer is the most emotionally tender of Moons and generally good for planting seeds of nurturance and reparenting of the body, emotions, and mother wound. It is a useful one for working with all matters relating to home, family, and our personal needs. As the Archetypal matriarch, it is potent for deep soul healing and nourishment of our heart.

-> If you’re a Cancer Sun, book in a Year Ahead Reading with me for details about what your Solar Return heralds for you!

New Moon in Cancer Rituals

All New Moon rituals tend to focus on the intention setting for the upcoming cycle (either over the following two weeks until it peaks to fruition in the Full Moon phase; until the next cycle begins again with the following New Moon 4 weeks later; or until the corresponding Full Moon in the opposing Zodiac Season 6 months later— in this case, the Full Moon in Cancer during Capricorn Season).

As the Moon is at home in Cancer, it can be a particularly fruitful one for initiating new beginnings (especially as a Cardinal Sign)!

Here is the basis for all my New Moon rituals:

Cleanse your space - This can be as simple as ringing a bell or spraying an aura mist (e.g. crystal and Reiki-infused Moon water with essential oils); or opening the windows and smoke cleansing; to throwing salt in the corners and sweeping it out anti-clockwise; and mopping with a herbal wash.
Set up an elemental circle - Many rituals may begin by calling in the elements, acting as a grounding focal, and protective, point. I put incense in the East for Air (or feathers/bells etc.); a candle in South for Fire; a bowl of water in the West for Water; and crystals (or plants) in the North for Earth. You can choose where the directions are (using a compass if you don’t know where the Sun rises/sets), or using your left as East. Call upon the assistance of each element for fresh insight and new beginnings, grounded spirit, intuitive wisdom, and rooted guidance respectively.
Centre + ground yourself - I do some breathwork followed by a visualisation meditation. This could be a simple few deep breaths or Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing). Then I visualise excess energy draining from me like a waterfall or tap and my roots growing down into the earth, with my energetic cord rooting me to the centre and extending up above me. I then fill myself with a warm, bright light, protecting me in a bubble, and extend that out to the whole world.
Journal on your intentions - Write down what you wish to call in using positive affirmations or mantras, you can finish with “so it is” and sign/date it. Sometimes I begin by pulling Tarot cards to see what messages come up for me.
Plant your seeds - Read your intention out loud three times to call it in, fold the paper three times clockwise and plant it in soil outside or in a plant pot. You can also add seeds, coins, crystals, a key— anything that resonates.
Water your plant - Thank Mother Nature and the Spirit of Water for their assistance. Take a moment to visualise your goals coming to fruition and your seeds taking root and blossoming. Snuff out the candle and let the incense burn down as an offering, thank the rest of the elements for their guidance.
Ritual bath/shower - For a Cancer New Moon specifically, a nice way can be to finish with a ritual cleansing. Pour salt in your tub and ask the water to help release any stagnant energy. Natural bodies of water (lakes, rivers, the ocean) are also particularly beneficial now. Eating comfort foods, yin yoga, and watching nostalgic films also aligns well!

When crafting your ritual, apart from the basics listed above, and tailored to the corresponding Zodiac Sign and your own preferences— you can also align your rituals with the place in your Natal Chart they are occurring for you, i.e. the House they are falling in. Read on for more:

Cancer New Moon in the Houses

We each have all the Zodiac Signs in one of our “Houses” in our Natal Chart, these are like areas of life— when Planets are transiting through them their energy is expressed in this area for us. Anchoring your New Moon intentions to the House it is falling in for you can help personalise your experience.

Cancer New Moon in the 1st House (Cancer Rising)

This is your time to shine! The Sun is illuminating your 1st House of Self these 30 days and the New Moon is a prime time to plant your seeds of intention relating to your body, identity, vitality, and how you show up in the world.

-> If you would like rituals and magick to connect to the energy of this period, get the Cancer Season Workbook!

Cancer New Moon in the 2nd House (Gemini Rising)

This is the perfect New Moon to plant your money seeds! It can relate to your finances in general, how you make an income, your values and money mindset, or your skills, resources, talents, and self-worth.

Cancer New Moon in the 3rd House (Taurus Rising)

This is a good New Moon for you to plant seeds of self-expression and any new mindset habits you would like to introduce. It can also relate to learning, writing, communication, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, early childhood education, and your local neighbourhood.

Cancer New Moon in the 4th House (Aries Rising)

This is a good time to plant your seeds of home and family, your sense of belonging, and literal house. It can be related to real estate and property, or things related to your lineage, ancestry, and upbringing.

Cancer New Moon in the 5th House (Pisces Rising)

This is a good Moon to plant your seeds of intention relating to pleasure, joy, fun, romance, sex and sexuality, creativity, play, and children (or related themes such as inner child).

Cancer New Moon in the 6th House (Aquarius Rising)

This is a good New Moon to set your health goals with! It can be related to your general wellness but also the daily structure of your life, your habits, routines, and rituals. It can also be related to your work, colleagues, job, professional environment, acts of service, and pets.

Cancer New Moon in the 7th House (Capricorn Rising)

This is a good New Moon to plant your seeds of romance and intimacy, whether that be with a spouse or long-term partner(s), your best friend, business associate, or therapist— any committed, personal relationship is in focus now.

Cancer New Moon in the 8th House (Sagittarius Rising)

This can be a good New Moon to plant deep seeds of intergenerational and trauma healing, of overcoming shadows, triggers, fears, and anxieties, as well as what you’ve inherited— literally or figuratively. It can also be a good one to set boundaries with (as well as the more practical investments, taxes, grants, and debts aspect of this House).

Cancer New Moon in the 9th House (Scorpio Rising)

This can be a good New Moon to plant seeds of adventure with! Of where you want to explore and vision quest to next, of new beliefs, philosophical pursuits, higher education, publishing, expanding your world view (literally or figuratively), religion, or spirituality.

Cancer New Moon in the 10th House (Libra Rising)

This is a good time to plant your professional seeds of career ambition! It can relate to your legacy, public image, recognition, and sense of calling or purpose and vocation, as well as what you seek to build in the world and show up (such as on social media).

Cancer New Moon in the 11th House (Virgo Rising)

This can be a good New Moon to plant seeds of communal belonging and friendship for you, to gain new alliances and aspirations, for collective wellbeing or aspects relating to social media, groups, and memberships. Have fun!

Cancer New Moon in the 12th House (Leo Rising)

This is a good New Moon for planting seeds related to any patterns of self-undoing, of subconscious, shadow work, your inner dreams, or mental health. Cancer Season in general for you can be a profound time of introspection, solitude, and retreat— rest and renew.

So that’s a brief overview of the New Moon in Cancer and rituals you can perform, I hope it’s insightful for you! Let me know in the comments section below if you have anything else to add or any questions.

For a personalised Astrology reading, book in a 1:1 session with me, I’d be honoured to be your celestial guide. To uncover the secrets of the cosmos yourself, enrol in my Traditional Astrology 101 course!

For a personalised monthly horoscope + more Astro guidance: join me in my exclusive Spirit Subscription ✨

And for a FREE weekly horoscope and Tarot card pull, as well as discounts and more, subscribe to my newsletter!