Basic details and main features
Cancer New Moon: 25th June 2025, 10:31 UTC, 4+ Cancer
As I write this, it is impossible not to acknowledge the tense situation we have experienced in recent days, which has resulted in, if nothing else, a lot of frayed nerves. I will not attempt to analyse it here or predict longer-term outcomes; that I leave to more experienced and articulate voices.
Instead I will say this: the astrology of today’s New Moon, as with much divinatory material, seems to offer each of us some useful resources, opportunities and food for thought. To begin, the lunation is conjunct Jupiter and sextile Mars, each to within one degree. True, Mars is the planet traditionally associated with aggression and war; yet here it is making a harmonious contact with the New Moon, and from a sign not exactly famous for belligerence. With Mars in Virgo, other qualities perhaps come to the fore: diligence, for example; practicality; and sharpness of mind.
Jupiter conjunct the New Moon, in a sign where the big planet is naturally strong, suggests a blessing of some kind: possibly relief from what might otherwise feel like painfully heightened tension. That’s expressed in part by a difficult aspect to Pluto. Centaur Asbolus in the mix (see below) potentially adds a note of familiarity; I tend to find Asbolus a useful stand-in for the human condition, human limitations, or an understanding thereof.
Remember that the macrocosm reflects the microcosm, and vice versa. Broader circumstances aside, it may be worth carefully considering any dispute or irritation or impasse in our personal lives, and what we could do to calm the waters (always provided we are safeguarding our wellbeing and that of others affected). Perhaps there is a way to restore peace; a concession that can be offered, a kindness given, a period of grace implemented, an agreement reached. I imagine no movement in the right direction can be dismissed as too small. Each may be precious; any could become a critical action. Such is our capacity as a species. We are the power, and the power is in us.
Introduction page | Jump to chart image | Jump to report by sign
Some minor planets involved
Conjunct New Moon:
- (41) Daphne – Large asteroid of 174km diameter, with one moon, Peneius. Named for a Naiad who was pursued by Apollo; she fled his advances and in desperation cried out for help to Gaia, who transformed her into a laurel tree. Daphne may represent being able to spot incompatibilities that might initially go unnoticed; also courage, intellectual and magical arts, earth power, divine grace, unrequited love or clear vision.
- (290) Bruna – Main-belt asteroid identified with Brno, a city in the Czech Republic inhabited since prehistoric times. Correspondences suggest art and culture, home and the suitability of one’s environment, preservation and questions around it, varied expressions of the human soul and character, physical embodiments or symbols.
- (395) Delia – Ch-type asteroid in the main belt. Delia is an epithet of Artemis, from her birthplace Delos. May represent irrepressible passion, subtlety and intelligence, the drive of a specific calling which excludes other facets of life, uniqueness that requires an outlet.
- (646) Kastalia – Main-belt asteroid named for another Naiad chased by Apollo, who threw (or transformed) herself into the sacred springs now bearing her name. She may be another iteration of Daphne. Likely related to self-determination and self-expression, and the accompanying gifts in creativity, personal empowerment and healing.
- (744) Aguntina – FX-type asteroid in the outer main belt identified with Aguntum, an ancient Roman site in what is now East Tirol, Austria. Correspondences imply the interaction of one’s conscious mind and primal instincts, including relevant questions of identity; repurposing; novel perspectives; foundations and material elements.
- (947) Monterosa – Main-belt asteroid probably named for the Monterosa, a ship used by the University of Hamburg on their outings on the North Sea. Interpretations given include new worlds, new horizons, naivete and helpfulness. Associations further point to the errors to which the human condition is liable, and their rectification; courage, heroism, determination, spiritual inspiration and insight.
- (8405) Asbolus – Grey centaur crossing the orbits of Saturn and Uranus; the mythical creature was a seer who predicted the critical battle with the Lapiths but, once intoxicated by the smell of Herakles’ wine, also led the other centaurs towards it and thus helped cause the fight. The name Asbolos means ‘sooty’ or ‘carbon dust’. Various sources offer indications including: intuition, psychic ability, seriousness, intensity, mysteries, difficulty receiving compliments or advice, pessimism, heaviness, solidity and consistency.
- (19521) Chaos – Cubewano and likely dwarf planet candidate named for the primordial void state before the creation of the universe in Greek myth. Themes may include unlimited potential, anarchy, disarray, “spiritual laws that support personal freedom and free will”, Robin Hood style figures, orderliness amid confusion, and mellowness.
Theano’s thoughts
Who are we really? We each answer that question for ourselves; not only directly through our understanding, but also with our self-expression, actions and the various ways we exercise free will. Parameters can change over time, as our behaviours and philosophies may. Perhaps now is a helpful moment to underline a quality in ourselves we cherish, alter something with which we are less satisfied, or take fresh and decisive steps towards becoming the person we wish to be.
Potentially, indeed, such is true of every moment.
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| Chart for the 2025 Cancer New Moon: 25th June, 10:31 UTC. Solar sign is displayed as the first house. |
Minor planet report by sign
For more details on the objects featured below, please see my links page, check out this index on Wikipedia, or contact me.
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Aries In focus: (566) Stereoskopia – Ch-type asteroid from the Cybele group in the outer main belt, named by the inventor of the Blink comparator in honour of being the first asteroid discovered through its use. Themes may include seeing people or matters in their entirety, without prejudice; the search for nuance or difference; precision, rationality, determination to find the core truth. (385446) Manwë – Kuiper belt object identified with the King of the Valar in JRR Tolkien’s mythology; he was lord of the air, wind and clouds, associated with birds, especially the eagle. Interpretations given so far include self-rectification towards right attitudes and actions; occultism, mysticism and astrology; communication, quick wits, verbosity, logic at the expense of emotion, oaths, and various Mercurial themes. Position in event chart: Both are quincunx Mars from Aries; Stereoskopia is additionally square the New Moon. Theano’s thoughts: Whatever one wishes to believe, the population of humans wholly uninfluenced by their past or roots is rare to nonexistent. You are not a machine, and that’s absolutely OK. Try allowing yourself to feel your emotions; this is often a significant step towards reconciliation with one’s former challenges, and with oneself. |
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Taurus In focus: (16) Psyche – Most massive M-type asteroid, thought to be the exposed iron core of a protoplanet. Psyche is a mortal princess, who becomes the wife of Eros and joins the gods at his side after enduring several hard tests. Interpretations given so far include “trials and tribulations on the path to true love”, intense passion, mutual trust; appropriate beginnings to relationships, reconciliations, unpredictable developments; brains, psychological challenges and recovery, mental health; soul journeys, transcendence, self-discovery, reflection, self-actualisation, the sacred marriage. (999) Zachia – Main-belt asteroid with a mean radius of 8.95km. Named for Baron Franz Xaver von Zach (1754-1832), a Hungarian astronomer born at Pest, Hungary. He organised the “celestial police”, a group of 24 astronomers, to look for the “missing planet” predicted by the Titius-Bode law between Mars and Jupiter. Ceres was discovered by accident just as the search was beginning. However, on New Year’s Eve 1801-2, von Zach helped recover Ceres’ position after it was lost, using predictions by C.F. Gauss. The discovery Sabian is indicative of changing one’s own consciousness by altering life patterns; there is a sense of determination, hard work, custodianship and the force of will. Position in event chart: Both are conjunct Venus in Taurus. Theano’s thoughts: Truly important journeys almost never follow a straight and simple path. If you’re feeling stuck or lost, or are simply seeking a change in direction, maybe try to recollect what inspired you to undertake your quest initially, and rekindle the originating impetus that has propelled you all this way. |
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Gemini In focus: (74) Galatea – Dark C-type main belt asteroid identified either with one of the Nereids, or with a mortal crafted from a statue. Meanings given so far include forming or reforming someone in one’s own image, or defining what one wants; the idealised beloved or perfect match, love as inspiration, or destructive jealousy. May relate also to taking on independence and autonomy, originality, orderliness or enforced structure, devotion, skill or its application. (102) Miriam – Moderately large, very dark main belt asteroid. Named for an Old Testament prophet, the first asteroid to be designated for a biblical figure, breaking with a tradition that such characters could not be classed as mythological (apparently chosen to annoy a member of the discoverer’s acquaintance whom he thought overly pious). May represent abundance and fulfilment, especially achieved through co-operation; just judgment versus assumption, honourable action or heroism. Position in event chart: Both are semi-square Mercury from Gemini. Theano’s thoughts: Current circumstances might be demanding adjustments in terms of how you view your most precious resources: their purpose, their reach, or whether they can meet the needs of the moment. It’s probably worth going with the flow and being open to the various possibilities. This could save a lot of future effort. |
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Cancer In focus: See main list above – Daphne, Bruna, Delia, Kastalia, Aguntina, Monterosa, Asbolus, Chaos. Position in event chart: All are conjunct the New Moon in your sign. Theano’s thoughts: Your identity and character may be founded in family, community, education and social mores, among other factors, but they are also part of a continuous process in which free will is inextricably involved. Nothing about you can be fully determined without your input and agreement; your power may be challenged or subsumed at times, but it is never extinguished. Stand firm in your truth, as thoroughly as you can manage. |
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Leo In focus: (55) Pandora – M-type asteroid named for the first human woman in ancient Greek myth, who possessed a rather famous box. May represent meddling, unwise choices and their consequences, intercession making things more challenging; a sudden event requiring the use of latent talents, new possibilities; spiritual development through trials; “some action which results in a multitude of new paths…to synthesize whole new parts of the self”, need for fresh stimuli or changes; enticement by curiosity or an intriguing idea; rebellion, turbulence, adventurousness, desire for personal growth and fulfilment, many abilities, new beginnings. (659) Nestor – Jupiter trojan in the Greek camp, identified with the king of Pylos in the Iliad and Odyssey, an elderly warrior who frequently offers advice to others. Meanings offered include sound but ineffective advice, frustration of plans or convincing speech lacking solidity; desire for a home and settling, or lack thereof. Correspondences suggest the voice of intuition or returning to base, traditions that still serve a purpose, or active sympathy. Position in event chart: Both are semi-square the Sun from Leo. Theano’s thoughts: Glossing over one’s innermost feelings, especially if they disagree with the conscious consensus, is an easy temptation; however, these emotions have a way of breaking out unexpectedly. If your reaction to a particular situation surprises you, it’s likely worth understanding the reasons. Let your curiosity lead, and investigate. |
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Virgo In focus: (358) Apollonia – Large main-belt asteroid named for an Ancient Greek trade colony founded around 600 BCE in southern Illyria (now Fier County, Albania), which developed into an independent polis. It was located at the crossroads of a prehistoric trade route, on the bank of the Aoös/Vjosë river. May represent multiple interests and developments, combining, travel, long-distance connections, focused energies, strategy, working with available resources. (4581) Asclepius – Near-Earth small asteroid discovered after passing very close to our planet in March 1989. Named for the god of medicine and patron of doctors, raised by Chiron; eventually became the constellation Ophiuchus. May represent healing of all kinds (physical or psychological) and one’s beliefs regarding the matter, hospitals, medicine and doctors, shamans, alternative care, the inner healer. Position in event chart: Apollonia is sextile Mercury and Asclepius sextile the New Moon, both from your sign. Theano’s thoughts: Especially in the story of Virgo natives, self-doubt tends to be a stubborn recurring villain; and vanquishing it can require repeated effort. Fortunately, there are usually some means to hand; just now, these may take the form of friends or your wider community. If you need or desire aid, sound out your allies. |
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Libra In focus: (780) Armenia – Main-belt asteroid and namesake of the Armenia family, identified with the European country in the South Caucasus. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Armenia is a democratic republic that continues to be in danger from Azerbaijani attacks. Correspondences imply resilience, justice, the power of community and communal ethics, independence and unique wisdom. (69230) Hermes – Near-Earth asteroid and member of the Apollo group, named for the Greek messenger god. Various mercurial interpretations have been offered, along with military and radio communications, and connecting with the unconscious. Might also represent longer-term strategy, indirect and measured approaches, receptive or intuitive knowledge. Position in event chart: Both are square the New Moon and sesquiquadrate Venus from Libra. Theano’s thoughts: Falling in with expectations only carries one so far; eventually one must pursue an independent course. Embarking on yours successfully may require patience, resilience and tact; it would be wise to practise caution in terms of what you reveal at which moment. Keep your ultimate goal in mind, and move one step at a time. |
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Scorpio In focus: (57) Mnemosyne – S-type asteroid with orbital period close to a 2:1 commensurability with Jupiter. Greek Titan goddess of memory and mother of the nine Muses by Zeus. May signify recall, remembrance and, perhaps, their roles in creative work and transcendence. (777) Gutemberga – Dark background asteroid approximately 66km in diameter, named for Johannes Gutenberg, a German craftsman who developed the movable-type printing press. His version enabled a much faster rate of printing than that already used in East Asia, and sparked an information revolution. He is considered among the most influential figures in human history. Associations may include craftsmanship and formal training therein, order, humility, ideal conditions, creation, dissemination, unfolding. Position in event chart: Both are sextile Mars (Mnemosyne also sextile Pluto) from Scorpio. Theano’s thoughts: If you’re uncertain regarding your current trajectory, particularly in terms of creative expression, it might be helpful to spend some time returning to first principles. Call to mind the ideas you received in earlier learning phases; note which of them took root most firmly, and why. There could well be inspiration within them for your present projects. |
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Sagittarius In focus: (38) Leda – C-type asteroid named for an Aetolian princess and renowned beauty whom Zeus seduced in the guise of a swan. She is the mother of the Dioscuri, Klytaemnestra and Helen. Correspondences suggest Leda may represent bringing forth a new paradigm or custom (and the dismantling needed to produce fresh ideas); beauty, beguilement, inspiration and vision; determination to complete what is begun, and to forge a legacy. (65489) Ceto – Binary scattered disc object identified with a primordial sea goddess in Greek mythology, whose satellite is named for her husband Phorcys. Meanings offered so far include pictures and photography, light, optics, monsters, imagination, adventure, health, dreams involving the ocean or the unknown and strange creatures. Correspondences further imply a potent, untamed energetic source that can unexpectedly rise up, childlike strength, or paving the way for the next generation. Position in event chart: Both are on the cusp of your sign. Theano’s thoughts: Poking around in the murky waters of one’s deeper yearnings is often a discomfiting concept, especially since buried or long-forgotten feelings can emerge, and suddenly one’s conscious framework seems rather less robust. However, such an exploration may prove useful in forthcoming decisions. Think of it as an adventure. |
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Capricorn In focus: (132) Aethra – First Mars-crossing asteroid to be identified; lost to astronomers for nearly 50 years after its discovery. Likely named for the mother of Greek hero Theseus by Aegeas, king of Athens, and/or Poseidon. She and her father Pittheus raised the boy until he was old enough to travel to the city and claim his inheritance. May be linked to learning, work, skill, equality, justice, caretaking, watchfulness. (474) Prudentia – Main-belt asteroid with a mean radius of about 37.6 km, named for a Roman allegorical female personification of prudence. Her attributes are a mirror and a snake, and she is frequently depicted alongside Justitia. By enabling discernment between virtue and vice, prudence regulates all other virtues. The astrological relationship to prudence is likewise borne out by various associations; additional meanings may include commitment to learning or information gathering, a sense of duty, a cautious approach to reaching conclusions, and self-knowledge as the foundation of other wisdom. Position in event chart: Both oppose the New Moon from your sign. Theano’s thoughts: Allow your connection with a specific person to develop at its own speed. It’s entirely possible there are unseen, perfectly valid reasons for a delayed denouement. Provided your own boundaries are free from interference, your best strategy is likely to involve kindness, patience and cherishing what exists in the present. |
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Aquarius In focus: (30) Urania – S-type ellipse-shaped asteroid in the main belt, identified with the Greek Muse of astronomy and astronomical writings. Interpretations given so far include: astrological/astronomical interest or capacity, logic, rationality, abstract knowledge, seeing the larger theme; inventory lists, time units and quantification; universal love and compassion, appropriate use of our gifts; apperception, an intellectual framework, bias and distorted thinking; mysticism, measurement. (83) Beatrix – Asteroid from the inner main belt with a diameter of at least 68km. Named after Beatrice “Bice” di Folco Portinari, an Italian woman who has been commonly identified as the principal inspiration for Dante Alighieri’s Vita Nuova and as his guide in the last part of the Divine Comedy, where she symbolises divine grace and theology. Dante’s love for Beatrice is a well-known example of unrequited and/or courtly love. Correspondences indicate both the clarity inherent in justice and truth, and yearning towards the unattainable or distant desire, as well as the sense of love itself. Position in event chart: Both are semi-square Saturn from Aquarius. Theano’s thoughts: Our daily lives almost always vary from the personal ideal; whether from a lack of specific resources, or from inability to meet our own more exacting demands. If you’re harbouring a questionably realistic picture of what you ‘should’ accomplish, try walking back any value judgments. Instead, be clear on what you can achieve each day. |
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Pisces In focus: (859) Bouzaréah – Dark asteroid in outer main belt, named for a suburb of Algiers in which the observatory used was located, and which continues to be a local science and astronomy hub, in part owing to its high altitude. Correspondences suggest biological sciences, landmarks, focus on the crux of the matter, faith, revision or retirement of a perspective, assertion versus letting one’s record speak for oneself. (1181) Lilith – Metallic asteroid from the middle region of the main belt, named for gifted French composer Lili Boulanger (1893-1918); nickname evokes the mythological first wife of Adam. Separation, rejection, gender equality, intelligence and right-brain talents, the hidden/deeper self, “the destruction of rationalizations”, emotional/instinctive responses to sexual stimuli. Position in event chart: Both are semi-sextile Neptune from Pisces. Theano’s thoughts: Leaps forward in scientific and mathematical knowledge are often owed to flashes of intuition, though we are used to considering logic and imagination as two different worlds. In fact, they are not quite so disparate. If you’re grappling with a problem in either field now, perhaps try experimenting with a line of thought from its counterpart. |