On Monday, July 17 at 11:32 am PST we have a new moon occurring in it’s home sign of Cancer, marking a new beginning, fresh energy, and a chance to set intentions. This lunation occurs as we begin to wrap up Cancer season, and gives us one last opportunity to honor and embrace our emotions, release any limiting patterns and plant seeds for what we wish to manifest in our lives. During a new moon, the sky is completely dark like a blank canvas. It’s a peaceful and introspective time, perfect for you to find alignment in yourself and set intentions for the next cycle.  Making this New Moon extra powerful is the Nodal shift into Aries and Libra, sparking flames of authenticity and self-discovery for the next 18 months and providing one of the most potent days for manifestation in 2023.

The nodal shift refers to the movement of the lunar nodes into different zodiac signs. The North Node and the South Node are mathematical points in an astrological chart that represent the intersection of the Moon’s orbit with the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. The points are often associated with themes like karmic lessons, destiny, life purpose, and soul growth. The lunar nodes also determine what signs the eclipses will occur in—so for the next 18 months, Aries and Libra themes of the Self in relationship to another will continuously be brought to light and “eclipsed” out again. The last time the lunar nodes were in Aries and Libra was between 2004-2006. 

The North Node, also known as Rahu, or “Head of the Dragon” in Vedic astrology represents uncharted territory that we are stepping into in order to learn and master new skills. Think evolutionary growth and fulfilling-your-destiny vibes. This is the higher path you subconsciously feel pulled towards throughout your life that feels unfamiliar, but challenges you to explore it and your own capabilities. You’ll know what this is for you because it sparks your passion, joy, and curiosity. Life seems to synchronistically match you up with opportunities to follow it.

Shifting into Aries, this means an entirely new cycle, becoming a leader, and exploring the unknown. As a cardinal sign, Aries takes the initiative and shows you how to assert your individuality, express your desires, and makes your dreams a reality with Mars-driven action. The shadow to this transit is to learn how to express yourself and take initiative without bulldozing over others, it’s all about finding balance between expressing yourself and listening to another.

The South Node, also known as Ketu, or “Tail of the Dragon” represents the skills that you have already mastered in this lifetime as well as past lifetimes. These are skills that come naturally to you, AKA your comfort zone, which is why it has to be “released.” The skills you learned in this sign will stay with you, but you are being called to learn more. This area of the chart signifies what is ending and what needs to be let go.  

South Node in Libra symbolizes a need to release patterns of excessive compromise, indecisiveness, and over-dependence on others. Libra is the sign of justice, equality and harmony- with this sign in the South Node, we are being called to reassess any relationships that do not align with these values. 

To best understand how this transit will affect you personally, look to see which houses you have the signs Aries and Libra in your natal chart, and especially if you have any planets in these signs. This will give a more clear idea of how this transit will influence you personally. The house with Aries is where there will be an emphasis of focus on, and the house with Libra is what is being slowly released or undergoing change.

Make the most of this rare cosmic alignment with a powerful manifestation ritual.

NEW MOON MANIFESTATION RITUAL

1. Create a sacred space. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus without distractions. Light candles, burn incense, or use essential oils of your choice to create a sacred atmosphere.
2. Journal & Reflect: Take some time for introspection before the New Moon. Reflect on your goals, desires, intentions. What do you want to manifest in your life? Be specific and clear. Imagine the feeling you would have when you accomplished your goal.
3. Write your intentions. Use positive language and write as if your desires are already coming true. For example, instead of saying, “I want to be more confident,” write, “I am confident and believe in myself fully.”
4. Visualize your desires: Close your eyes and visualize your intentions as if they are already happening. Feel the emotions associated with achieving your goals. The more vivid and detailed your visualization, the more powerful your manifestation becomes. 
5. Charge your intentions: After writing down your intentions and visualizing them, you can charge them with energy. Hold the paper in your hands and infuse it with positive energy and intention. You can also add a crystal or gemstone to enhance the energy.
6. Release and Surrender: Once you’ve charged your intentions, release them to the universe with a sense of trust and surrender. Let go of any attachment to the outcome and have faith that the universe will work with you to manifest your desires. 
7. Gratitude and Closing: End your manifestation practice with gratitude. Express gratitude for the opportunities and abundance that already exist in your life. Thank the universe for supporting you in your manifestation journey.
8. Take Inspired Action: While the New Moon is an excellent time for setting intentions, remember that manifestation requires action too. Be open to opportunities and take inspired action towards your goals. Stay mindful of any signs or synchronicities that may guide you on your path.

Remember that the new moon energy lasts for about 48 hours, so you have a window of time to perform your manifestation ritual. Repeat this practice during each new moon, and watch as your intentions begin to manifest in your life. Happy Manifesting!