Cancer New Moon: What is Patriotism?

You’ve probably never heard of him, but James Lafayette is a man worth remembering. Born into slavery in 1748 (records are sketchy, but he was likely a Sagittarian), James served bravely in the Revolutionary War under the Marquis de Lafayette, whose name he later took. His efforts as a spy were crucial to the American victory at the 1781 Battle of Yorktown – which became the turning point of the war.

When the war began in earnest in 1775, James volunteered to join the Continental Army. With the permission of his enslaver, ardent patriot William Armistead (who had taught his manservant to read and write), James posed as a runaway slave and infiltrated British headquarters. Employed by the British as a courier, he traveled between the two camps and often overheard officers speak openly about their strategies. He prepared written reports and delivered them to American spies. Thus, he fed the British false intel while bringing accurate, detailed accounts to the Americans.

James (he refused to use his enslaver’s name Armistead) greatly admired General Lafayette, who was adamantly anti-slavery. And yet, despite his meritorious deeds and eminent supporters, due to a law that specifically freed only slaves who had been issued firearms (which James had not), he was returned to slavery when the war ended. It wasn’t until 1787 that he finally received his well-deserved freedom.

At this time, the USA is in great turmoil once again. From its Pluto return at 27 Capricorn (2020-24), which initiated a massive death and rebirth cycle, to the current Saturn-Neptune conjunction at 1 Aries on its IC (point of the heartland) in 2025-26, the country is in major transition. Nebulous Neptune last crossed the IC at the start of the Civil War, another intense, pivotal time in which the country got split down the middle ideologically and ended up battling it out.  In July, Uranus will dash into Gemini on its way to initiating the US Uranus return (2026-28), so a whole new version of freedom is on the horizon.

Bringing home and heartland into the spotlight, we have the upcoming Cancer New Moon (June 25, 3:32 a.m. PDT). At this lunation, the Sun, Moon and Jupiter begin activating the patriotic US Cancer planets (Venus, Jupiter, Sun and Mercury) for an entire year. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, where its blessings are multiplied. Yet Saturn and Neptune are squaring the Sun-Moon-Jupiter, whipping things into a frenzy just prior to the nation’s July 4 birthday. Blessings may be difficult to see, and going on faith might be necessary. Instead of just watching fireworks and eating potato salad, many Americans will be rallying to the cause of preserving the union. That’s sure to look different, however, depending which side of the political divide you’re on. But either way, it’s apt to be a highly emotional and sensitive time.

This lunation is also sextile Mars in earthy, detail-oriented Virgo, which can help us create a plan and get things done. Yet the square from Saturn and Neptune in Aries makes it difficult (yet essential) to part the veil, eliminate distractions and do what’s necessary. A new dream wants to arise, on the personal as well as collective level, as an old one is dying. Cancer is a sign of new birth, and especially for those of us with planets in that sign, Jupiter’s activation can help us move beyond the past and embrace something new.

Meanwhile, it’s a good time to ask yourself what patriotism means to you. Is it a matter of “My country, right or wrong?” Or perhaps it’s more about loyalty to kin or the broader family of man/woman. What are you prepared to support, even to death if need be? That’s what James Lafayette vowed to do for the country that had enslaved him, taking patriotism to a whole new level. The legacy of this man, by all accounts a master of courage and cunning, reminds us that being a patriot can look different ways – from cleverly undermining enemy forces to feeding folks at a soup kitchen to birthing something beautiful that helps perpetuate life. At this New Moon, feel into whatever you’re called to defend, nurture or deeply love. And let’s call upon Lord Jupiter to bless and protect us all, as these tumultuous times unfold.