Cancer
July 1, 2008
On the year’s longest day, we enter the emotional waters of Cancer the Crab. The Crab rules until July 22. Cancer is the sign of the mother. In the beginning was the word but also the mother, the cosmic womb from which all life springs. Astrologer Stephanie Austin reminds us that the word matter comes from the same root as mother.
Cancers are the protective nurturers of new life and the family. Their sign is at the bottom of the circle, linking them with ancestors and family roots. This powerful angular sign addresses the importance of home, family and comfortable surroundings. Cancer is also our mother land and our Mother Earth.
The Moon is Cancer’s ruling planet. Forever waxing and waning, the changeable Moon is the appropriate ruler of this emotional, moody, and very feminine sign. Cancer natives are soft on the inside though you may not notice because, like their totem Crab, their exteriors are hard. Those born when the Crab is on the Eastern horizon often look like the Crab, having moon faces, long arms and legs, and large hands and feet.
The Moon children have strong intuition, almost a sixth sense. Many psychics are strong in Cancer as water is the most receptive of the elements. A highly protective sign, Cancer is loyal to its own. A sign deeply linked to the past, Cancer likes history and antiques. The Cancer in your family is the best choice for the keeper of the family tree and the family valuables. Being a nurturing energy, Cancer likes to cook and to feed others. Cancer rules the beginning and the end of life as well as the vulnerable, so it is the natural realm of babies and old people.
Shadow Cancer is the pouter who takes things personally, the scaredy-cat who is insecure and overly cautious, and the hoarding packrat. Gluttony is a Cancer problem and, on a mass level, so is nationalism. The devouring mother archetype is another Cancer shadow.
Many little Cancers were born to mothers too young or inexperienced to nurture them. These are the children who mothered their mothers. Now they give to others in order to get something back. These Crabs need to learn to nurture themselves.
Countries also have charts. America, born on the fourth of July, is a Cancer herself. Like other Crabs, she is mothering, territorial and emotionally immature. We Americans love our homes, our flag, and our apple pie, all rules by Cancer. The high level of patriotism found in America could be expected since Cancer rules patriotism and the native land.
In America’s chart we find big Jupiter also in the sign of Cancer and sitting right next to our Sun, bestowing great good fortune. Venus, also in Cancer, is close by. However, the shadow side of this celestial cluster is obesity, over mothering, and the super-sizing of everything. With the large number of entitlement programs here in America, a mother sow with many teats is an apt metaphor.
Our President, George Bush, born July 6th, is a Cancer and a true American son. Under his presidency, America has once more reached out to mother the world. Isn’t that why we’re in other countries fighting for their freedom? Homeland and security are both Cancer concepts. So is the fencing of America.
In the body, Cancer rules the vulnerable and nurturing parts: the stomach and the breasts. Cancers are prone to digestive problems. Their oversensitivity makes them unable to “stomach” situations that don’t bother their tougher brothers. The Crab can become bloated if he doesn’t feel his feelings. Women who over mother or those resentful of the burden of mothering or of their inability to have a child could have breast problems.
Since the New Moon is early this month, the first two weeks are best for new beginnings. The best days for major purchases are July 3rd, 4th, and 5th. The 6th and 7th (until noon) are good days to begin projects that require hard work. The morning of the 13th is the best day to begin an adventure. The 20th is good for purchasing electronics or appliances. Remember, no surgeries during the 3 days of the Full Moon which are the 17th, 18th and 19th of this month.
By the New Moon on July 2nd, nights have begun to lengthen and our attention begins to be directed inward toward more subtle levels—the mystery and magic of the Sacred Feminine. This is the time to meditate, to listen to our inner guides, to trust our intuition. Stephanie Austin says that the New Cancer Moon widens our opening to source. Use this energy to become empty and open. Listen deeply. Welcome the mysteries of the Moon, for it is here in the void that new things begin.
The Full Capricorn Moon on July 18th asks us to step into our power. This lunation is asking us if we are climbing the right mountain. In keeping with the up and coming paradigm shift we should be tempering our materialism and seeking the true power of a light spirit. The Sabian symbol for the Sun at this Full Moon is this: A violent storm in a canyon filled with expensive homes. The Sabian symbol for the Full Moon degree is this: Pilgrims climbing the steep steps leading to a mountain shrine. The polarity couldn’t be more obvious now.
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