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Summer
Solstice, when the day and night are equal at the equator, marks the start
of the Summer. This like the spring is typically announced on the radio. Astrologically
it is the precise moment that marks the ingress of the Sun into the zodiacal
sign of Cancer at 12:10 PDT (P.M.) on June 21, 2003. (Astrological calculations
agree with astronomical ones - see http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.html.)
Sun makes Cancer his home until July 23 (16:42 PDT), the publishing time of
the Leo Edition of this column.
This month there is a separate monthly horoscope for July and August (on-line the first of the month), which is published by Shared Vision Magazine, BC, Canada, with a more horoscope type of write up, no Astrologese. In addition each weekly Wednesday column is presently written by yours truly. (So to read just the horoscopes Find the weekly and monthly horoscope off the adjacent menu.)
Last year I picked the hermit crab as the image for the month, this year water felt more appropriate, but one with boundaries such as the mountains. Cancer is a water sign and typically associated with lakes, rivers and shorelines. In June Saturn, which naturally rules rocks and mountains, astrologically speaking, moved into the zodiacal sign of Cancer. If we look at the image we can get a sense of how the snow-clad mountains contain or fence the otherwise freely flowing water. The water can have its low and high tides, it can swirl around, lie still reflecting the majestic beauty of the solid mountains, but stay here it will.
To skip intro just read signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
I find it is easier to understand the zodiacal signs when I reduce these to their basic essence. Let's look at the traditional short version for this sign. The key words are sympathy and the phrase I feel, this is the sign is where the Moon makes her home. We all have a Moon in our astrological charts. She represents our emotions, mother, instinctive responses, memories and our security needs. The symbol for Cancer is the Crab and it is a feminine action (Cardinal) sign. That is the basic symbolism, yet its essence is deeper. It is so easy to think that a Cancer Sun is the same as having a Moon in that sign. The Moon for all of us is in on of the twelve signs not typically the same as the Sun, and that Moon by sign, house and aspects describes how you respond to life.
The essence of the Sun is our ego, will, who we are becoming and what we need to accomplish in order to feel we have fulfilled our ‘destiny'. Not all Cancer Sun individuals are overly emotional, or sensitive, some aren't even particularly maternal/paternal or natural caretakers. Let's realize that when we are looking at this particular Sun sign we need to stay acutely aware of the Moon, it rules this Sun! So in essence there are twelve unique types of Cancer Sun. Then we also need to remember that the Sun and the Moon have a unique, observable phase relationship. Those born with a New Moon have their Sun and Moon in the same sign. It marks a new cycle in nature, and a new cycle of lives metaphysically.
That being said let's consider what most Cancer sun individuals have in common. I think all of them need to feel or sense their environment with care in order to feel safe, comfortable and secure in venturing out into the world. I do believe that each one has a strong internal sense of the feelings of others, and of their own. Our emotions don't fall into the realm of rational, logical nor even predictable at times. The ruling planet of Cancer, the Moon waxes and wanes, causes the ebb and flow of the tides, and influences our emotional responses.
The Moon represents a private side of our nature, and Cancer by its very nature is private, just look at its symbol the crab, which carries its home around with him. Retreat is always on option for Cancer individuals, who need the security of privacy. It is pointless to tell these individuals how to feel or how feelings ought to be expressed or how quickly emotional reactions are to be processed.
Money is a source of security for Cancer, it doesn't buy happiness but accumulating resources helps in acquiring a comfortable old age and a comfortable present. In our society money represents a means to an end, we need to eat, provide ourselves with shelter and clothing, and these things cost money. Cancer craves the security, thus keeping tight reign on the earnings and expenditures helps to create a sense of security. My Cancer grandmother was a young woman during the war years, consequently she learned what if felt like to do without, even with money as that was worthless in stores that had no supplies. She had a spare set of china, a replacement Persian Rug and a plentiful supply of rice and flour in her storage cupboard. She invested in things that were of value to her. She died a wealthy woman although she always performed medial labour for a living.
My Cancer Sun daughter learned her fractions and multiplication tables by relating these to money. A quarter of a number puzzled her, but when her astrologer mother reminded her about how many quarters in a dollar, she immediately understood fractions; and when I said if I gave you two dollars a week for two months how much would you have? Math made sense.
My mother with strong Cancer planetary placements (not the Sun) would do her accounting on the back of the grocery receipts, and within a few minutes of figuring she knew exactly how much she had to spare. She also died a wealthy woman, doubled her money as a widower.
I have Cancer on the 8th house cusp of shared resources, and I often do my banking almost intuitively. At the grocery store I can figure out the bill when I check my filled to the brim shopping cart at the cash register, never off by more than $5 on a $300 bill. A gift women in my family share, no not really - it is a Cancer trait. Penny wise dollar smart!
There is the negative side to Cancer and money as well, of course, tight with their possessions with the expectation that things last forever in pristine condition. You know that twenty year old coach is all worn out and the Cancer personally never sat in that one. The ‘brand new' ten year old weed-whacker that suddenly out of the blue decides to stop working. The possessions are not for use but for owning. Cancer can also be an extremely moody sign feeling that the world and the people in it are constantly slighting the poor Cancer individual.
We all have this zodiacal sign somewhere in our astrological charts. It is a house ruled by the Moon, which irregardless of Sun sign can be in any of the twelve signs. The house ruled by the Moon is where we need to build security and feel safe. Each of the signs represents a lesson we need to learn. This relates closely to the implied houses more than the signs. Aries (the first house) is a lesson for sticking up for yourself, learning independence and going after what you want, wearing boxing gloves if need be. Taurus (the second house) lesson is about building financial security, learning to provide for self and others and becoming someone dependable. With Gemini (the third house) it is about learning to live in the here and now, which ironically, isn't as easy to do as it sounds. We all look toward a better future and dwell on what has been, learning to enjoy the present takes a lot of practice. Cancer (4th house) is about building emotional security and planning life accordingly. Leo (5th house) is about having fun and learning to take pride in accomplishments. Virgo is about learning to utilize information, learn skills in order to be of help. Libra (7th house) lessons are diplomacy, tact and equality, and developing harmonious relationships. Scorpio (8th house) is about commitment, sharing resources and learning to accept big changes. Sagittarius (9th house) is about learning to expand your mind, explore new concepts and broaden your horizons. Capricorn (10th house) is about learning responsibility and to be a productive member of society. Aquarius (11th house) is about learning the importance of bigger causes, becoming socially aware and acknowledging the importance of groups. Pisces (12th house) is about learning to have blind faith and to surrender materialistic quests.
Astrologers use the modern flat chart to determine how the houses are determined from a solar perspective. In your natal chart the Ascendant can fall in any of the zodiacal signs, and is calculated for the time and place of birth. In a sunrise chart the Ascendant is the same as the Sun sign, and this is related to the flat Aries rising chart.
Last month I talked about Mars in Pisces with Uranus addressing the area of life in that column for each sign. The Cancer and Pisces energies meld harmoniously, which can help when dealing with such unpredictable energy. Take a look at last month to review the second part of this equation.
For Aries Sun or Aries rising (ascendant) Cancer would fall on the 4th house
cusp. Home and family are both a source of security and safety. It is in this
area of life that Aries needs to build emotional security, protect family
and earn the support and trust of family. Since June 4, 2003 for about two
years Saturn will occupy this area of life. Saturn is the planet that is known
for responsibility, obligations and setting boundaries and limitations on
our path. You have a house guest for the next two years who won't take no
for an answer, but will instruct you to assume more responsibility by denying
and delimiting when it comes to home and family. Your house may require serious
maintenance, and current residence may become past residence. Some will move,
some will become aware of the limitations within the current residence and
some will acquire a new one. When it comes to family members, some of you
will experience the empty nest ‘syndrome' others may need to reluctantly
welcome children or other family members back into the nest. This is an area
of our roots as well, and the quest to learn about those may become a passionate
pastime. Your natal Moon placement would considerably influence your response
to the events and feelings aroused.
For Taurus Sun or Taurus rising (ascendant) Cancer falls on the 3rd house
cusp. In this house we need to learn to communicate with heart. It becomes
more important now to learn to live in the here and now. We all tend to dwell
on the past or just dream of a more glorious future. When we neglect today
we are allowing life to slip by unnoticed. In the course of the month and
in the longer term while Saturn sets up residence here for two years, we also
need to become more aware of our neighbourhood, community and people in our
daily lives. We each need to do our part, coaching the kid's team, keeping
score for hubby's beer league softball team or helping your wife find volunteers
for a school function sound like trivial matters, but those are a big way
to make a difference. When was the last time you chatted with the people behind
that fence? On a very mundane level this can be a time to get rid of that
car that is costing far too much and settling on a vehicle to get from A to
B. Upgrading your skills by taking in courses at the community college or
even opting to teach others your favourite skill can be fruits of labour that
materialize with the strong Cancer influence. Your natal Moon placement would
considerably influence your response to the events and feelings aroused.
For Gemini Sun or Gemini rising (ascendant) Cancer falls in the 2nd house.
This is the money and possessions house in the astrological chart. Cancer
likes to hold onto things and Saturn does not like to part with money either.
Consequently money can become an issue, having it represents security and
shortages are felt at an emotional level. We tend to learn how to build resources
when faced with limited income. We start thinking about budgets, reducing
expenses and before long this becomes a habit, and when all is said and done
that bottom line starts to increase. So while it may be having to learn to
live on a shoe-string budget we learn to accommodate by reducing our needs
and only meeting the ones that are important. In the process our values and
priorities change, which is another Cancer lesson in this area of life. Time
is an asset as well, and during this time you will learn to allocate this
precious resource in a manner that is more to your liking. Your natal Moon
placement would considerably influence your response to the events and feelings
aroused.
For Cancer Sun or Cancer rising (ascendant) we are looking at the 1st house
and the Sun. We are now looking at emotional security from a very personal
perspective the self and the body. How comfortable are you with your interactions
with others? Meeting new people and feeling instantly comfortable isn't typically
your strong suit. You need to sense your environment first. Time to toughen
that skin a bit. Your attitude is likely to undergo adjustments now, either
a maturation process or aging process. Praise is harder to earn at the moment,
but by applying yourself the praise you do get is welcomed as something you've
truly earned. You don't need to question if it is just idle chatter or lip-service.
The physical body takes a lot of maintenance over the 60-90 years we occupy
it, these two years are a good time to eliminate bad habits and to get that
body into better shape. The wherewithal to stick to a new regimen or diet
is strong now. Your natal Moon placement would considerably influence your
response to the events and feelings aroused.
For Leo Sun or Leo rising (ascendant) Cancer falls in the 12th house. Welcome
to the secrets of your subconscious mind. Once a year we experience this realm
for a month or so, and typically retreat a little and appreciate our privacy
and alone time a bit more. When the Cancer influence is extended to two years
we do some more serious contemplation. Our insecurities and fears, our isolation
and even loneliness are issues we learn to address. Cancer lessons for Leo
are to do with the past, and things that we don't readily identify. Leo is
known such a social, gregarious sign, who likes to be in the spotlight at
least socially, that we forget that there is such a sensitive, emotional creature
behind that mane of hair and cat like walk. It is easy to get praise from
others, but how often do you pat yourself on the back. It is time to accept
yourself flaws and all, and offer praise to yourself. We all need to learn
to love ourselves - once again harder to do than we think. You need to learn
to be more secure about who you are deep within, and accept that it is alright.
We only get a body to live in if we are flawed, by the way. The perfect ones
do not dwell on earth. Your natal Moon placement would considerably influence
your response to the events and feelings aroused.
For Virgo Sun or Virgo rising (ascendant) Cancer falls in the 11th house.
Astrologically speaking this area represents friends, acquaintances and our
wishes and aspirations. Your approach to these is emotional, and during the
next two years, and more pronouncedly during the Cancer months, you will find
yourself looking at these people and issues in different light. Friendships
change during these times as you look for support, stability and want to be
able to count on your friends to be there for you. Likewise the things you
desire to accomplish are changing, you tend to aim higher and be prepared
to work at it harder. Periodically we all evaluate how we are advancing in
life; and what we want out of life at age six, is different when we are twenty
and by the time we read mid-life our aspirations have changed multiple times.
Now, however, you are likely reviewing your deep held desires in terms of
the next couple of decades. Your natal Moon placement would considerably influence
your response to the events and feelings aroused.
For Libra Sun or Libra rising (ascendant) Cancer falls in the 10th house.
Regardless of your age you are looking at your career, avocation or reputation
as an authority in a new light. If what you have been doing has stagnated
you are likely wondering about changing careers or the direction your career
has taken. Being a full-time mother is a career as much as being the CEO of
a big corporation. Initially obtaining a sense of security in this area is
met with doubts and with a strong focus on the obstacles this decision puts
in your way. Where there is a will there is a way, may sound like a nice proverb,
but truly that is the case. Look in all earnest at what you'd really like
to do, and then investigate the how, don't deny what your entire being desires
just because it sounds challenging. While the security is desired at one level
on the other changes are brewing where you are actually doing the work. You
don't like working in an inharmonious setting, it wears you out more than
most. It would be nice if after we finish our education we could settle into
work that satisfies us for the balance of our working years, but that is seldom
the case. Career changes are common place several times during our adult years.
It is emotional security, and an inner sense of comfort you need it has less
to do with finances now. On another level parents are in this area and their
lives could become more of an obligation in your life. Your natal Moon placement
would considerably influence your response to the events and feelings aroused.
For Scorpio Sun or Scorpio rising (ascendant) Cancer falls in the 9th house.
The lesson here is to do with beliefs and convictions. In the last few years
religious organizations have made headlines with a whole array of issues.
Collectively we have begun to question the viability of churches as they are
now. When this issue is brought to a personal level we start looking at the
emotional security beliefs and convictions these bring us. Some of us opt
to change religions others opt to the change the church of their choice, most
of us choose something in between. We all need to believe in something, otherwise
what is the point of being here. Very few us believe that a life of toil is
all there is. Travel, study and exploration of new topics help broaden our
horizons. When we collect enough information and knowledge we are better equipped
to make choices about our beliefs and convictions. On a mundane level this
area of our chart houses in-laws who could become more active in our daily
lives. Your natal Moon placement would considerably influence your response
to the events and feelings aroused.
For Sagittarius Sun or Sagittarius rising (ascendant) Cancer falls in the
8th house. Having savings, resources and security in terms of investments
is important to you. Without money set aside for a rainy day you feel insecure,
and when you see the lack of resources as a problem you find it almost impossible
to focus on other areas of your life. The mysteries of life are also fascinating
to you. Somewhere along the way you will explore the other worldly or occult
in order to understand where the future will take you, even beyond the physical
body. The next two years and the months when the Sun or other planets reside
in this area of life, define a time period when you address these types of
issues in earnest. We become resourceful in the face of challenges and obstacles,
this is also a good time to address your security needs in light of the values
and priorities of others. We each have a different take on what is important.
When we listen to how others feel, we can get a better sense of our own desires
and needs. Your natal Moon placement would considerably influence your response
to the events and feelings aroused.
For Capricorn Sun or Capricorn rising (ascendant) Cancer falls in the 7th
house. In this area of the astrological chart we have relationships. Not just
the marriage partner but all of the people we encounter. The need to have
people in your life is pronounced. Marriage or a similar relationship is an
emotional need for you, which can be surprising to the outside observer as
you appear very self-sufficient. Emotional support is more important to you
than financial support, the second one you can take care of for yourself.
This is a perfect month every year for you to get away with your partner,
taking a break from working and the everyday is vital to your continued well-being.
For the next two years you may need more support from others than usual, affirmation
that you are accepted for who you are not a warped perception on their part.
People from other cultures or with a different background become more important
in your life, and religious or spiritual beliefs start gaining importance.
Your natal Moon placement would considerably influence your response to the
events and feelings aroused.
For Aquarius Sun or Aquarius rising (ascendant) Cancer falls in the 6th
house. Being productive, staying on schedule and meeting deadlines not only
feeds your sense of pride and work ethic but is an emotional, security need.
If you cannot work, you feel the blues as you are likely to identify strongly
with what you do. Hard work can be the theme for the next two years, but there
are always obstacles and challenges along the way. You may need to learn to
work differently, reduce the quantity and focus more on the quality. Some
of the obligations you have undertaken may need to be delegated, as you cannot
burn the candle from both ends and expect to feel a hundred percent. The physical
work environment can be somewhat stifling, perhaps cleaning up the clutter
and actually throwing away the piles of paper that you were going to read
one of these days ten years ago is a good idea. Co-workers and people in our
daily lives are part of this area in the astrological chart, consequently
their lives can become a bigger part of yours. Your ability to advice others
is dependent on how well you are feeling, look after yourself so you can share
your wisdom. Your natal Moon placement would considerably influence your response
to the events and feelings aroused.
For Pisces Sun or Pisces rising (ascendant) Cancer falls in the 5th house.
Having someone to love is an emotional need for you. This area of the astrological
chart represents children, romantic relationships and friends whom we let
into our heart. There is an innate need for security in this area of life
for you. You need to know that you have people to love and cherish, and in
turn you like to feel loved. These people become a more important focus in
your life now and in the next two years. Just to make it interesting there
will be challenges and obstacles to make you question the depth of your feelings.
The other part of this area encompasses our creative urges, ranging from growing
a spectacular, unique garden to writing or performing that masterpiece. We
all have a gift to share with people in our lives time discover what yours
is. In the space given in horoscope columns we sometimes feel that these creative
talents are for the famous types who have a stage or an arena, but we all
have this just on a smaller scale. Finding time to play and have some fun
is important despite the lack of time or energy, inclination or whatever you
call your excuse. We are supposed to hold onto our child-like exuberance for
life. Your natal Moon placement would considerably influence your response
to the events and feelings aroused.
© Anne Massey 2003
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