As the world becomes slowly but steadily more artificially intelligent, emotional intelligence is one key fact that will always be human. When I think of 'Cancer,' I sense a sign that introduces emotional intelligence to the zodiac. This is the New Moon where we move from AI to EI; artificial intelligence to emotional intelligence. The term was introduced by Peter Salovey and John Mayer in their article Emotional Intelligence, published in the journal Imagination, Cognition, and Personality in 1990. I’m sure you’ve seen the concept on social media or in conversation, so let’s review the fundamentals in preparation for this New Moon.

Salovey and Mayer define emotional intelligence as: 'the ability to perceive emotions, integrate emotions to facilitate thought, understand emotions, and regulate emotions to promote personal growth.' Another seminal voice on the topic, Daniel Goleman, defines it as, 'the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships.' So you can see that emotional intelligence is a skill set that promotes not just individual growth and well-being but the vitality of our relationships too. While I don’t believe that a specific zodiac sign has a monopoly on emotion, I do believe that Cancer’s introduction of the water element and its relationship to the 4th House in our Natal Chart situates emotional intelligence as the bottom line of our capacity to flourish in all areas or houses of our life.

So here I’d like to make another point: human beings are much more emotional than rational. We like to pretend that we’re rational beings that get visited by this strange thing called emotion infrequently, but the complete opposite is true. So what would it mean for you to accept this truth as fundamentally true? Because I believe that when we do, we come home. Home to ourselves. Home with others. And home in place. The New Moon in Cancer promotes a self-acceptance of emotion and wants our intentions to work on improving the quality of our emotional intelligence so that we can find individual and relational happiness.

Some aspects of this New Moon invite us to bring emotional intelligence to places where it’s the hardest, like our relationships and our political dynamics. With Mercury in Leo opposite Pluto in Aquarius, what if we challenge our social and political dynamics with a lens of empathy and compassion? Mars conjunct Uranus in Taurus asks for a different conflict strategy that turns it into connection. Mercury will also sextile Jupiter in Gemini, giving us the most supportive words and active listening skills to frame these topics in ways that help them become more actionable and less abstract.

As we embrace advancements in artificial intelligence, it becomes increasingly crucial to cultivate emotional intelligence. The New Moon in Cancer symbolizes this shift, encouraging us to harness our emotional awareness for personal and relational growth. By integrating empathy, compassion and effective communication into our daily lives, we can navigate our social and political landscapes with greater understanding and connection, ultimately fostering a more harmonious world of care and belonging.

 

Aries

Vulnerability, Home, Family & Emotional Agility

Happy Homecoming, Aries! The New Moon in Cancer invites you to embrace emotional exposure within your home and family dynamics. This is a time to explore emotional agility, allowing yourself to express your true feelings and connect deeply with loved ones. Trust that this openness will strengthen your relationships and create a nurturing environment. Have a heartfelt conversation with a family member or close friend to share your feelings and listen to theirs.

Taurus

Curiosity, Observation, Dialogue & Active Listening

Use your words, Taurus! Curiosity and observation are your guides during this New Moon in Cancer. Engage in meaningful dialogues and practice active listening by summarizing what others say to you back to them. By paying attention to the nuances in conversations, you’ll foster deeper connections and gain valuable insights into the emotional worlds of those around you. Participate in a group discussion or attend a lecture, focusing on listening and observing more than speaking.

Gemini

Finances, Security, Clarity of Values & Pleasure

What does 'safety' mean to you, Gemini? This New Moon encourages you to reassess your finances and security through the lens of emotional intelligence. Reflect on your values and ensure they align with your financial decisions. Embrace the pleasure that comes from living authentically and securing a future that resonates with your true self because that’s the highest safety there can be. Review your budget and spending habits, making adjustments to ensure they align with your core values and long-term goals.

Cancer

Identity, Desire, Autonomy & Freedom

Happy Birthday, Cancer! The spotlight is on you. Use this New Moon to explore your identity and desires, seeking autonomy and freedom from limiting circumstances so that you can have the freedom to be who you want in all areas of your life. Embrace your emotional depth and let it guide you towards self-acceptance and a stronger sense of self. Write a personal manifesto outlining your desires, goals and the steps you will take to achieve them, celebrating your unique identity.

Leo

Completion, Surrender, Healing & Spiritual Support

Take inventory, Leo. The New Moon in Cancer offers you a chance to complete unresolved matters and surrender to the healing process. Seek spiritual support to navigate this journey by deepening your spiritual practice. Embrace the emotional release and allow yourself to heal, finding peace in the process of letting go. Create a ritual to mark the completion of a chapter in your life, such as journaling, meditation or a symbolic gesture.

Virgo

Friendship, Activism, Collaborations & Shared Humanity

Power to your people, Virgo! Focus on your friendships and collaborations during this New Moon. Engage in activism that aligns with your values and promotes shared humanity. Emotional intelligence will help you navigate these relationships, fostering a sense of community and collective growth as you attune to each other. Join a community group or volunteer for a cause that resonates with you, using your skills to make a positive impact.

Libra

Career, Leadership, Integrity & Discipline

Wisdom, Publishing, Discovery & Higher Education

Apply the learnings, Scorpio. The New Moon in Cancer invites you to seek wisdom and engage in higher education and/or travel to learn new ideas that need to be implemented. Explore publishing or sharing your discoveries with others. Let your emotional intelligence enhance your learning experiences and broaden your understanding of the world because they’re so instructive. Consider crafting a text, writing an article or starting a communication platform to share your insights and knowledge with a wider audience.

Intimacy, Empathy, Sexuality & Transformation

Go even deeper, Sagittarius. Focus on intimacy and how empathy can bring you closer in your relationships during this New Moon. Empathy is about feeling with someone and knowing the emotion that underpins an experience. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to transformative experiences that deepen your connections. Embrace your sexuality and the emotional growth it brings. Plan a meaningful and intimate experience with a partner or loved one to foster deeper emotional bonds.

Romance, Boundaries, Partnerships & Trust

Summer lovin’, Capricorn? This New Moon emphasizes romance and the importance of setting boundaries in your partnerships. Trust and mutual respect are key to maintaining healthy relationships. Use emotional intelligence to navigate romantic dynamics and strengthen your connections. Have an honest conversation with your partner about boundaries and expectations to enhance mutual understanding. If you’re single and ready to couple, write down the kind of love you want to give AND receive for clearer understanding.

Aquarius

Habits, Systems, Wellbeing & Routine

Small goals only, Aquarius. The New Moon in Cancer encourages you to evaluate your habits and systems, focusing on your overall wellbeing and routine. Focus on the process and the system—not the outcome or result right now. Emotional intelligence can guide you in creating sustainable practices that support your mental and emotional health. Develop a new daily routine that includes time for self-care and emotional reflection.