7 Things You Need To Know About The Heart-Opening Cancer New Moon

Here are seven ways to make the most of the weekend's emotive and dreamy Cancerian energy, and open your heart during the sensitive Crab's new moon:

Decorate your home with familiar symbols: Place your grandmother’s silver candlesticks on your dining table, or frame childhood photos and put them on display. And maybe your family of origin falls into the "crazymaker" category ... so skip back a few generations and learn more about your ancestral heritage. You might even select a cultural object or artifact that reflects your roots to display as artwork in your home. That Viking spear or West African mask will surely spark some interesting conversations with your houseguests.

Changing times demand new strategies. For the more seasoned saver, schedule a meeting with a financial planner to explore new options for growing your wealth. Retooling your approach under the light of this new moon can help you get back in the driver’s seat of your financial future … even if that means clutching the wheel of a giant, snowbird-style, four-door Lincoln Town Car for this ride.

Cancer is a water sign, and this new moon reminds us of the soothing and regenerative power of H2O. Take a ritual bath to cleanse your energy near this moonlight. Pour in the Epsom salt, which is high in energizing, detoxifying magnesium (which most people are deficient in nowadays). Bring a crystal or two to the tub to “charge” your bath with healing energy. We suggest moonstone, which embodies the feminine vibration and is said to enhance intuitive powers. Add a generous sprinkling of rose petals and a drop of pure essential rose oil. This gorgeous flower is known to have a soothing effect on the mind, and can ease depression. Given the moodiness often associated with Cancer, a little boost goes a long way.

Cancer rules the digestive system, so try some tummy-soothing tricks as well. Infuse your drinking water with herbs that are known to aid digestion. Try fresh mint, lemon, even a few leaves of basil. Experiment with the work of Dr. Masuro Emoto whose studies reveal that words and thoughts can change the shape of water molecules. Print an inspiring phrase or mantra onto a sticker and affix it to your refillable water bottle. You might just lift your spirits with every swig.

As the ruler of the heart, Cancer is all about trusting and respecting our feelings. Unfortunately, we still live in a culture that dismisses emotional people as “weak.” Pure insanity! Today, suspend your focus on practical matters and instead tune into that inner voice. Can’t find it? Put your hands on your belly—the area ruled by Cancer—close your eyes, and breathe. Within a few minutes, your emotional truth will have its say. Grab a pen and free-write whatever comes up.

Cancer rules motherhood, and this new moon is a powerful day to connect with your mama or other matriarchal figure (or your children). On this family-focused day, you might also want to explore your ancestral lineage. Are there rifts among your relatives that seem to keep repeating themselves? Check out "Family Constellation Therapy," a healing modality that helps break generations-long family patterns … in a downright fascinating way. We like the work of Natalie Berthold or the book Health, Happiness and the Family Constellation: How Ancestors, Family Systems, and Hidden Loyalties Shape Your Life—And What YOU Can Do About It.

When all else fails, let those tears flow. There's nothing more cleansing—or Cancerian—than the soothing power of an emotional release. It turns out that tears also have surprising medical benefits. They release toxins—namely, the chemicals that raises cortisol, the stress hormone. Who knew? You can read about more of the helpful effects of crying it out here. In the meantime, enjoy the Cancer new moon's healing vibes—and pass the tissues as you work though issues!