Last Quarter Moon in Cancer ☾ Oct 9, 2020

Friday, Oct 9 at 5.41pm PDT

Imagine looking down from above and seeing the earth as a vertex of a 90 degree angle. At one end of this angle is the moon, and on the other is the sun. This is the geometric configuration of each quarter moon, happening twice a month. The new moon always falls in the same sign as the sun (aka conjunction); the full moon always falls in the opposing constellation; and quarter moons always fall in constellations that square the sun. For example: each year when the sun is in Libra, the new moon will always be in Libra; the full moon will always be in Aries; and the quarter moons will always be in Cancer and Capricorn. These geometric relationships in the zodiac are fixed and unchanging.

At the last quarter, the moon rises at midnight, peaks at dawn and sets at noon all over the world, no matter your time zone. At this station, the tender moon in Cancer squares the thoughtful Libra sun. The moon initially moves into Cancer on Oct 8, one day before this moon phase. Luna then transitions to Leo on Oct 10. Quarter moons are turning points. Last quarter moons clear the way for the new moon / new lunar cycle. This phase prepares us for the graceful New Moon in Libra.

Libra is the goddess of love, Cancer the great mother spirit. Together these archetypes coalesce in absolute harmony. Moon phases during Libra season are significant in a social sense. Libra moon phases are about interpersonal relationships.

This phase often leads us from one setting to another – a change of scenery. At this moon phase a couple years ago, my partner and I traveled back to our Midwestern childhood roots. From the top of Sleeping Bear Dunes, we gazed down, quietly observing Lake Michigan as she lapped peacefully on the shore. All around us, a sea of rainbow leaves and dark tree trunks, streaked with rain water. We munched on wild grapes and smoked herb with nothing but the wind filling our ears.

Heads up: this moon phase will be especially intense / stormy / painful because the moon will be under enormous pressure with an opposition to Jupiter in Capricorn. The other two outer planets in Capricorn (Pluto and Saturn) are not far off either – and don’t forget Mars Retrograde in Aries, forming a loose square to the moon too. This signals that the quarter moon will be very contentious for the heart and body. The only saving grace is a peaceful trine to watery Neptune Retrograde in Pisces.

Also need to mention that this quarter moon will follow a very potent square between Mars Retrograde and Pluto in Capricorn early that morning. We last saw this aspect on Aug 13 and will see it again on Dec 23. This square points to more pain and discomfort in the body and psyche. Our behavior may be erratic or unusually forceful. Power dynamics and divisions will be explicitly clear. This moon phase may be so intense that we might not have time to practice self care, but do it if you can – the body and mind will need some healing.

Power flower is the rose. In meditation, focus on the heart chakra. Open your heart with Cancer Yoga. To find your personal moon sign, click here.