Full Moon in Cancer 2023 Update

Full Moon in Cancer, Venus/Mars square off, & Mars and Mercury station direct

Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

This first lunation and Full Moon of the new year occurs just before the Sun/Mercury conjunction in Capricorn, the midpoint of Mercury's retrograde cycle. Between now and the New Moon in Aquarius (January 21), Mars stations direct (Jan. 12), followed by Mercury (direct on Jan. 18). With two inner planets stationing within a week, there can be some slowdown of momentum, as well as detours and delays. 

This waning lunar cycle (between now and the New Moon) is ideal for finishing revisions, strategizing, and otherwise preparing for a return to the normal pace. Mars' retrograde, especially, has likely led to some alterations in various tactical approaches and envisioned endpoints. The next two weeks can help in gaining more clarity about big moves and how to make them happen. 

And for those really big moves, look forward to the New Moon in Pisces (Feb. 19) as all the big planetary players will be moving direct, plus Mars begins to pick up its normal directed momentum. Lastly, Venus will be moving into a trine with Mars (exact Jan. 9) and will square Uranus (Jan. 14). Typically, Venus/Mars trines are not too significant. 

Still, with Mars' station, this one has some extra flair, combined with Venus' building square with Uranus (also stationing direct Jan. 22). Simply, this emerges in the realm of relationships, firstly, as an augmentation of desire, attraction, and connection. Secondly, in a kind of liberating way, perhaps an unexpected shift in a relationship opens new domains of rapport, or a sudden awareness of needs catalyzes new interests (romantic, platonic, or professional are all possible). 
 

Top left: Ace of Pentacles card from the Cosmic Tarot; artwork by Norbert Losche. Bottom right: Ace of Pentacles card from The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck; artwork by Pamela Colman Smith.

The tarot card pulled for this Cancer Full Moon is the Ace of Pentacles. At first, this card seemed strange and misplaced with the watery Moon in Cancer until I focused on the latter end of the Full Moon polarity--Mercury retro and the Sun in Capricorn. The Ace of Pentacles is a rather "earthy" card; it deals with the material world of money, possessions, survival, and the body. Like all Aces, it speaks to beginnings such as seeds being planted or those formative steps with a tangible, concrete project or endeavor. 

In relation to any new beginnings sprouting alongside this Full Moon, there could be some element of the past playing a role, the reworking or reviving of an idea or plan. Also, consider this an omen of remaining practical and level-headed before jumping forward with anything. As mentioned, there are some obstacles to move through the next month especially, but if you plan carefully and start from a beginner's mindset, success is possible by taking a slower, step-by-step tactic. 

I am absolutely feeling this myself. I just finished another semester and am ready to take a break from academics for a bit to focus on my own projects. The first is completing my 2020 retrospective article, then moving on to some other planned articles. Additionally, I'll be working on an herbalism course that I project to complete by this summer (fingers crossed). I hope you are all having a great start to 2023! 

For the Full Moon article, click here.