Our new lunar cycle begins with New Moon in Cancer,
June 22 , 2009, 3:35 pm EDT

the surrounding forest is so thick that it's as if our house and yard are surrounded by a wall of leaves , with not a glimpse of the road or neighbors to be seen until we get to the end of the driveway. And New Moon is in a water sign!

New Moon , 1 Cancer 30, June 22 at 3:35 pm, EDT
Cardinal water—Cancer, first of the three water signs, with Scorpio and Pisces, all sharing "emotional" as a primary keyword. It's a nurturing sign, closely associated with home and mother. I've often suggeted house cleansing as a ritual for this Moon sign... now that I'm thinking about the column, after having reminded myself just minutes ago that—aack, it's New Moon tomorrow—I realize that I've spent most of the day doing just that—house cleaning—clearing out stuff that's no longer needed to make space. I must be feeling my own lunar return approaching. The mood struck this morning— MUST clear that clutter in my studio so I can work more effectively. It does feel good to have it restored to order again! So, charging it with new energy? Yes, that, too, would be a great way to make a new start for this new lunar phase cycle!

Ritual for New Moon in Cancer
Begin with the preliminary work I've just described: declutter your chosen area, be it your entire home or office or particular room, then sweep it, dust it...whatever. Then do a magical cleasing and charging the room(and with it yourself) for your intended use of the space. I'll also tell you what my favorite house cleansng & blessing recipe has in it:

1 part frankincense
1 part sandalwood
1 part wood betone
2 parts lavender buds
4 parts rose petals
1/2 part basil
1 part copal
2 incense spoonfuls of magnolia oil

(by that I mean small demitasse size spoons—I have a few that I use for mixing incense and oils.) For the basic house or room cleansing, begin by lighting a white candle as you ask for spiritual blessing of your intent. Then blend and bless salt and water, representing the elements of earth and water, then sprinkle lightly by dipping your fingers into the salted water, and then flicking it all around the area moving sunwise. Next light the incense (fire and air) and walk sunwise again, wafting the smoke and scent. Finally, carry the lighted white candle of Spirit around. Focus on blessing the area with your intent for it and for yourself (and others, if applicable) within this space. Pause at each opening (window or door) and trace a solar cross with the candles, repeating As above, so below, as within, so without, as the Universe, so the soul.

Astrologically, this New Moon includes a large number of aspects, extending into early Wednesday morning and ending with Moon trine Uranus. Within the many lunar aspects there's Mars trine Saturn on Monday (10:45 am EDT) and Sun opposite Pluto at 3:39 am EST Tuesday. Lunar aspects are a mixture of cooperating and challenging, but overall I think the potential is excellent for effective work and changes for the better.I'd say don't waste this New Moon—use it for a productive new beginning.

Crescent Moon, 19 Leo 34, June 25 at 8:30 pm EDT
Moon in Leo looks like a time that could live up to the Crescent theme of "two steps forward, one step back," with aspects mostly challenging. Something may need to be throught through again, with some changes made, but if you have to shift gears a bit, then do it. This is an intermediate passing phase. Keep that New Moon theme and its goals in in your sights and move on.
But, I see that Moon opposes first Jupiter, then Neptune, still moving conjunct at 26 Aquarius...slowly, both retrograde. This aspect separates for awhile, but recurs late in the year when Jupiter goes direct again. So, it has been with us for while already and will remain with us for months to come, especially felt by those of us with strong emphasis in our charts on the late degrees of the fixed signs: Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio, Taurus. This includes President Obama. (Node-Uranus 27 and 25 Leo, and MC/IC for published birth certificate 28 Scorpio-Taurus, 18 Aquarius rising, 12 Leo Sun. It's spiritually idealistic combination, Jupiter-Neptune. Neptune at best is idealistic and inspired, but is also prone to delusion and deception. Jupiter is expansive both for good or ill—enthusiastic, optimistic. The combination can be hypnotic, inspiring hope...or impossible expectations. Obviously, the financial risk within the general mood of all this is pretty high, and an old adage comes to mind that is worth some serious thought and conservative plannng ahead: "Don't risk what you can't afford to lose."