Mars in Cancer ♂ May 15 - July 1

May 15 - July 1, 2019

Mars was often depicted nude in ancient Rome to demonstrate his fearlessness. See now Mars in Cancer, a warrior of utmost femininity, stark naked in the battlefield of love. In Cancer, the warrior planet lays down his sword. Mars in a water sign promotes creativity, emotional release and self-care. Cancer the crab is soft and feminine, making us feel at home within and without. Mars in Cancer brings healing and understanding. Cancer is the mother from whom the guiding waters of the zodiac flow. It is through her that we find peace and comfort. See her lighthouse, her map of the heart. Revel in your vivid inner world. Above all else, follow your intuition. Inhale the crab’s extraordinary empathy to guide your decision-making.

Mars transits shape our drive and ambition – Mars outlines the motivating factor. In Cancer, Mars is motivated by a need for emotional security and stability. We will move through the world as though with child: cautious, radiant, acutely sensitive to changes in our bodies and surrounding environment. Sweet and nurturing when we’re up, moody and lethargic when we’re not. Cancer naturally operates on a slower wavelength. Food and sleep are important – our mood will depend on whether or not we feel rested and sated. This is the perfect time to delve deep into nutrition and find out exactly what your body needs. Other things that would be fun and interesting to explore include practices that we womyn can do to ease our moon cycles (Cancer is ruled by the moon, so this is a great opportunity to bring attention to our wombs.) Lately I’ve been really wanting to get into yoni steaming - one of many practices you might research.

On the same day that Mars enters Cancer, Venus enters Taurus, the constellation of the sacred cow mother. Taurus and Cancer are very similar. Both are associated with home, comfort, nourishment and divine feminine power. This first day of Mars in Cancer / Venus in Taurus (May 15) is a wonderful day to beautify your home space, pet some cats and bake four batches of muffins.

On June 14, Mars trines Neptune in Pisces. The first thing that comes to mind is that we need to dance. In general, the influence of Neptune/Pisces encourages spiritual thoughts and activities. This is a day of great sensitivity. Someone might come to you in need, someone who needs to be heard or comforted. Communication often borders on telepathy when mystical Neptune is involved. Create a ritual, or put on some music and meditate. Walk to the nearest body of water and give thanks for this element. This day is ripe for healthy emotional release and creative insight. Capture your daydreams and fantasies in a work of art, a song or a poem.

However…! About 10 hours later, Mars will oppose Saturn Retrograde in Capricorn. This influence brings out the inner perfectionist in all of us. Fear may surface in the form of anger. Whenever Mars is involved in a square or opposition (considered difficult geometric angles in astrology), the solution is physical movement and exercise. I do believe that the aforementioned influence of Neptune will be stronger than this gloomy Saturn influence, so don’t worry. I suggest working in solitude later in the day, if possible.

June 18 is a gold star day, with Mars and Mercury conjunct. We will feel exceptionally curious, excitable and full of energy. Here the mind is sharp, seeking stimulation through verbal debate and healthy competition. The following day (June 19), Mars opposes the other outer planet in Capricorn, which would be Pluto Retrograde. Sexual desire will be very intense. This transit definitely arouses passion, but not necessarily in a healthy way.

When Mars the Warrior fishes for crabs, irrational reactionary behavior crops up. For peace and relaxation, spend time near water, take baths or simply visualize bathing in a tranquil ocean. In meditation, focus on the heart chakra. Power colors for Cancer are pink, green and purple. Take care of yourself with Cancer Yoga. If you were born with Mars in Cancer (like me!), this transit will be a return for you. To fid your personal Mars sign, click here.

Mantra: heart power