By SUZANNE O’CLAIR
Kitsap Week columnist

Suzanne O’Clair is a practicing astrologer available for readings. Contact her at 360-509-6400 or at ostarsabove.com.

New Moon in Cancer
July 15, 6:24 pm. PDT

We could load up the car and head for the hills, but, baby, it’s too damn hot!

A “staycation” gives time to hang out and enjoy summer from an afternoon in a hammock, or a beach chair with our feet in the cool, cool waters. Frankly, these options are more in the style of a new moon in Cancer (July 15). Home, family and close friends, cocktails at 5, shrimp on the barbie and long twilights with kids laughing on the lawn is summer simplified.

Suddenly, a flashback rises from our subconscious like “Jaws” on a mission. Remember when the world shone in living color, when we were delighted by it and we had roaring emotions, energy and active imaginations? We were so alive!

What happened?

Somewhere along the line, rich outer lives became more important than our rich inner lives and our connection to kin and the living world.

This new moon in Cancer moves us into healing waters where we remember what home means — that place of family and comfort, and our place in it. We re-awaken basic instincts that long for closeness and we return to our tender heart. We woke up to see that our inner world deserves as much care and tending as our outer lives. And that changes everything.

Two pushy escorts to this new moon prod us to act on our new awareness. How do you need to rebuild home base to have time to care for yourself and your family on an emotional level? Do it and your life will be as juicy as a summer peach!

Horoscopes — July 15-31
If you know your rising and moon signs, read those, too.

Cancer, speak and act for yourself or those under your wing with extra charisma this month. If low-level crabbiness shows up, you are off course. Your normal soft voice and sideways approach benefit from direct, pointed and louder-than-normal instructions. You have “gentle” power!

Leo, feelings are bubbling up in night’s restless dreams. Self-nurturing rides in your blind spot, so you may need a friend to talk you through a rough patch. Crabby and dramatic can spoil the Leo happy-dance, so give yourself lots of unstructured time until your birthday. That alone is self-care.

Virgo, your style would be clubs on organizing but consider joining a touchy-feely group to explore your moodiness. If you aren’t speaking up for yourself, look to mother/nurturing issues you “thought” you had handled — don’t you hate that? It’s back! Feeling your stuff is the short route.

Libra, your “precious” Venus is doing that fandango with Jupiter in Leo. Let her teach you how to let go and just be you — flamboyant, beautiful and, dare I say it, selfish! You aren’t, but keep at it, it’s a new trick. At work, quit trying to balance everyone’s needs and take care of your own — inner and outer.

Scorpio, now that you have (almost) finished transforming, what is your philosophy of care and nurture for the masses? Often, a blanket and cup of water will do, but it’s always one-by-one and personal. As a spiritual warrior, you have the temperament to speak up for others. Show us the way.

Sagittarius, you are quite heroic, but when it comes to emotions, you can be a big dork! Your intimacy area needs a roto-rooter. There’s no shame and guilt about basic needs. Is it just too scary to ask for what you want? What?! The faith and kindness stars lend a hand, so expect good things!

Capricorn, others need so much … Let them pick up their burden of responsibility — as in “ability to respond” to their needs. You are on a marathon rebuilding your life, take rest where you can and notice what care you wish for others, you need yourself. Follow the light in the dark — faith and love.

Aquarius, dear airhead, so many thoughts for humanity and not enough time for feelings. So, how does your body feel? Is it processing your emotions and making daily work, well, physically painful? Clean up your eating and add some movement to give your body a break. And try feeling …

Pisces, fun, games, romance, and recreation access personal feelings. Carrying the world’s emotions lets you overlook yours, but, that is against the rules in this Earth-game. Take care of your inner child or risk acting-out (a temper-tantrum, a binge?) and reaping those rewards. Not!

Aries, man or woman, you like that big, strong, safe warrior-stance. But you have a family, too, for good or bad. You are setting yourself free these days of self-limiting views. This month focus on feelings, mothers and home. The choice isn’t independence or dependence — look for the third way.

Taurus, home is where your heart is but don’t miss the family reunion. Family secrets, how you and siblings grew up and got along or not, and other household myths are told. Careful, feelings may get hurt as stories are told, but insights are at hand. Friends are on hand for further “talk therapy.”

Gemini, the twins. One looks out at the world and one looks inward where Mercury is talking Mars’ ear off. Listen to your feelings. You deserve a rich, secure life emotionally and financially. Siblings offer support and clues to where the mismatch lies. Last call on reworking healthy habits!

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SIGNS
Aries: March 21-April 19
Taurus: April 20-May 20
Gemini: May 21-June 20
Cancer: June 21-July 22
Leo: July 23-Aug. 22
Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Libra: Sept. 23-Oct. 22
Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb.  18
Pisces: Feb. 19-March 20