by Elizabeth Jones

The Sun entering Cancer is also the first day of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere (and the first day of Winter in the Southern Hemisphere). This marks a time to celebrate the light and warmth that nature and the life force provides. This is a season of growth resulting in fruition in the Fall. While this is generally associated with planting gardens and crops, it also applies to any ventures, ideas and/or projects. The seeds planted in the Winter/Spring now take hold and begin to bloom.

One of the lessons now is to continue to tend to and
nurture those things that are at the stage of growth just prior to harvest,
and to rejoice in the realization and fulfillment of our past efforts.

Cancer is an emotional and impressionable sign, and during this time of the year, you can often feel ultra sensitive, even if we are not a Cancer (remember, we all have the sign of Cancer—and all the 12 signs—influencing our chart somewhere). The Moon, the ruling "planet" for Cancer, is the fastest-moving object in the skies. Hence, Cancer is changeable, moody at times and fluid in nature. It is a time that while we (all) may feel more sensitive and emotional we can also learn to be more open, caring and receptive. We increase our capacity for nurturance and our ability to receive~from ourselves, our families, our friends and from life. This sign more than any other influences our ability to feel at ease and safe in the world.

During this time we long to belong.

The four weeks of strong Cancerian influences (6/20 to 7/22), we are often nostalgic and flooded with memories that may evoke strong emotions. To understand this aspect of our nature, we must go into our feeling and emotional realms. Being watery in nature (the Moon, being the ruler of Cancer, greatly influences the tides), we need to ebb and flow with these rhythms. And to try not to have agendas about the form, structure or the outcome our emotional experiences may take. The trick is to keep the inner tides moving, allowing whatever comes up and then not be attached to that, awaiting the next wave of feeling to move through you.

Some other areas that may get your attention or focus during this month are:

• your childhood and foundations; your early impressions.
• generations and generational issues and dynamics
• your genetics and lineage. (You can learn a lot about your emotional natures if you look at the patterns laid by those before you in your lineage.)

Indications that Cancer or your Moon is afflicted in your chart (either at birth or by transit):

• you may often feel flooded emotionally, moody, "crabby", off, clingy or stuck in the past
• at the other end of the spectrum you may feel aloof, indifferent, inconsistent, or detached, as it may be hard to get to your emotions and feelings.
• you may be feeling a need for greater nurturing and connection

I find Cancerian energy to be one the most misunderstood and
challenging in each of us.
At our core level, it can indicate how we feel about
being in our bodies and on Planet Earth.

Ways to enhance this months energies are:

• Acknowledge your feelings (and others, too!).
• Spend time in or near water. Or take Moon baths!
• Pay careful attention to your instinctive reactions.
• Claim your lineage, who you are as indicated by those who came before you.
• Do a family tree or photo album.
• Consult someone older and wiser than you, or someone much younger!
• Spend time with and listen to children.
• Reflect on where you've come from and where you're going.

Colors to enhance Cancer energies are natural shades, such as creams, ivory, sand and muted tones of all colors. Wear them, burn a candle in these colors, do art using these colors, etc.

Below is a list of things to focus on or think about during the time of Cancer (6/20-7/22) that may increase your ability to tune into this months sign from a more “elevated” or spiritual perspective:

• feel your emotions though caring and connection, rather than those that create distance and discord
• remember that even though you have feelings you are not your feelings
• open to your creativity
• strive to feel at home, no matter where you are, by connecting to your inner being
• open to others with sensitivity and compassion
• allow yourself to be nurtured and taken care of.
  

I open to my deep bonds with Life.
I connect deeply with Mother God and welcome Her nurturing and healing love.
I claim my Spiritual heritage.
I am always Home when I connect within.