Cancer

New Moon in Cancer ⬤ July 15, 2015

The New Moon in Cancer comes exact on July 15, 2015 at 9:24 pm EST

Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Cancer.

Every new moon falls in the same sign as that of the Sun. This is precisely what makes it a new moon. Sometimes we end up with a new moon near the end of a cycle. That’s what we have, yet again, with the New Moon in cardinal water Cancer.

Luna at home

I like the new moon at the end of a cycle: a baptism, a refreshing absolution of any blunders made over the last few weeks. Especially true at this phase because the Moon rules Cancer - in astrology we say that the moon is “at home” here. Planets at home are auspicious placements. Luna is much more comfortable in the new moon than she was at the Full Moon in Capricorn two weeks ago. She operates best here: tranquil, silent, preparing the way for us in darkness.

The new moon is a time to recreate. Here we are like infants: impressionable, vulnerable, wide-eyed. How will you set the tone? What projects have you been meaning to launch? What changes need to be made? New beginnings, or perhaps going back to the start. Words, thoughts and actions that surface now are seeds planted for later harvest.

The “lunar cycle” winds down

The Cancer cycle this year has been as expected: emotional, erratic, instilling a deep need for home, security and safety; nostalgic, comfortably uncomfortable; yearning for childhood; soul desperation, longing for release, for respite, for bliss. I look forward to the relative peace of new moon energy. However, with the moon at home in Cancer and both Mars and Mercury in Cancer opposing Pluto in Capricorn on the same day, it may not be so serene after all. What seems most important is respecting our need to slow down and take care of the Self. My first inclination right now is to fight and resist when I feel another big wave coming - let’s relax and allow the Universe to take her course. This new moon is best spent resting and processing all the information received through/from the heart over the last few weeks. I suggest a ritual involving water or some Cancer Yoga.

Much of the Cancer cycle is designed as a sometimes-painful-usually-magnificent trip down memory lane and getting to the root - not in a dark, intense Scorpio kind of way, more like lessons in acceptance and loving acknowledgement. I’ve been coming much closer to myself lately, figuring things out as they arrive. I feel really small and closed off when I’m not creating art. I see now that all the talking in my head is not productive, is not helping me to evolve spiritually, is not pushing me to be my best Self - it’s a sign that I’m not allowing myself to just enjoy who I am! The crab is here to guide you down the difficult path of Self-love. What are you learning about yourself? We are perpetually becoming rather than being – in this realization, infinite ecstasy. You are loved.

Primordial water

We are now at the very end of the primordial period of the astrological year. I still feel myself clinging to the idea of starting over at the threshold of this new moon. I’ve been swimming strongly in the ocean of my own strong Cancer essence - sensitive, feeling everything, returning to childlike thoughts and patterns. It’s almost time to let go, to float on the open water; fear rises in your throat and burns your eyes as you realize that you can’t turn back, not even to say goodbye. I feel your collective anxiety, precious stargazers, but fear not - we are just children clinging to Mother’s skirt, unaware that she is leaving only for a moment, and not only that - we will be fed, soul-nourished, clothed and comforted while she is away, so we must only let go, let go, let go. We are like raccoons reaching little hands into traps to grab a shiny object - we pull back to remove the treasure, but we are stuck, tiny fists blocking the exit - let go to discover that the real riches lie outside the box, no matter what you’ve been told, no matter how frightening the thought of letting go may be.

Cancer energy is as familiar to me as is my own soul. During the Gemini season I spoke about being able to step back and see myself in a way that was light and cleansing. For the last few weeks, I’ve done the same thing, but this time it feels like I’ve been ripped open and led to the very core of my being. We’re all here together, traveling in these waters to the center of centers. As scary as it feels sometimes, there’s also something indescribably wonderful about this journey through the tides, isn’t there? Permeating every facet of Existence is a powerful resonance that only the crab emits, a low hum that fills this weary, aching spirit.

The New Moon in Cancer: at once a beginning and a sweet send-off. We have so much to look forward to in the coming year. As I write I feel something too big for words swelling inside my heart. I believe in the good things coming. Indeed, what a long strange trip it’s been. Some other great humans have also said: how strange to be anything at all. Everything so strange and yet so glorious, so eternal, so ingrained. I wish you luck, prosperity and laughter. Namaste.

If you would like to learn more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: I am safe

Mercury in Cancer ☿ July 8, 2015

Mercury transits Cancer from July 8 – July 23, 2015

Click here to learn about Mercury. Click here to learn about Cancer.

Mercury transits to cardinal water Cancer after hanging at home in Gemini since the end of April. T’was a long and lovely return to square one, with plenty of opportunities to hit the proverbial reset button and get back to basics. Mercury in Gemini spun at breakneck speed. I’m ready for life to slow, if only momentarily. Mercury will join the Sun and Mars in divine feminine Cancer. Mercury in Cancer: soft, gentle, yielding, diplomatic, sensitive.

Heart chakra protection

Mercury in Cancer is unhurried in speech. He protects himself at every turn. Have patience with others as we learn how to navigate Cancer’s waters. Embrace caution as a form of long-term security, an investment in our personal relationships. Cancer and Gemini have little in common except that they never stray too far from the familiar. So we’re still not ready to venture out and experiment with new ways of being, but that will come soon enough with Mercury in Leo.

Mercury in Cancer is content to stay right where he is. He chooses not to exert himself with endless chit-chatting or mindless small talk - he basks in the peace and silence that comes from deep inner knowing. Mercury in Cancer handles the world with utmost care; he is attentive and prudent, yet imprecise, speculative, dreamy. If he speaks irrationally, with a great tumbling of words issuing forth from the soul’s wellspring, keep in mind that Mercury ultimately wants to be understood. Mercury in Cancer feels abiding love above all else. Many Cancers keep the true Self well guarded - a preemptive retreat so as not to risk exposing the full extent of their vulnerability. Mercury in Cancer is an ocean, both of wisdom and of raw feeling. It’s very important now to remain confident and unapologetic. There is no shame in emotional release so let it out.

Axis of stability

Mercury transited the crab’s opposite sign (Capricorn) in December 2014. Any themes that predominated then will now resurface. I have spoken at length about the Cancer-Capricorn polarity in recent posts. Mercury is quick like lightning in his natural state: the epitome of true mutable energy. Mercury in Cancer, as noted, is not at all swift or lively. This could also be said of Mercury in Capricorn, although the two placements are quite different. Mercury in Capricorn is the ultimate pragmatic speaker: cut and dry, all business. Conversations with Mercury in Capricorn are straightforward and evidence-based. What can we take away from this?

Capricorn’s mantra is I use: with Mercury here, we were encouraged to examine the applicability of our thoughts and words. I do not want to appear as though giving contradictory messages. We can satisfy the crab’s need for sentimental anecdotes and rambling tangents and still be practical, all by cultivating that elusive bastard awareness. The sea goat finds comfort in structure and discipline - Mercury in Capricorn takes a conversation and immediately puts it to use in the real world. This is where Capricorn has a reputation for being rigid and old-fashioned, and that’s not how I would describe Mercury in his natural habitat. So it’s perfectly alright to resist this urge to “get real,” to observe our interpersonal relationships with a most critical and objective eye. The overwhelming need for life to operate smoothly and efficiently is now replaced by uninhibited expression. Mercury in Capricorn instilled order by policing excessive or out of control behavior - but that’s just a distant memory now - breathe and be free.

Sweet and low

I used to think of the Cancer soul as fragile, but I’m starting to see that this is often not the case. It is true that Cancers have a comfort zone that they don’t particularly like to leave. But what continues to surprise me is the crab’s resilience and fortitude. The Cancer vibration is sweet and low like summertime rain. No longer do we require massive stimulation of the mind as a way to alleviate interminably circling thoughts - welcome to the flat rock in the ocean, your resting spot betwixt the mighty waves. We are asked now to work on communication basics and cerebral pursuits as they relate to our divine feminine attributes. If balanced, expect to feel serene indeed. Mercury in Cancer may manifest as a major trip down memory lane.

If you were born with Mercury in Cancer, these next few weeks will be your Mercury Return. If you don’t know your personal Mercury sign, click here. To learn more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: I am safe

Mars in Cancer ♂ June 24 - Aug 8

Mars transits Cancer from June 24 – August 8, 2015

Click here to learn about Mars. Click here to learn about Cancer.

For the last month or so, Mars spun like a madman through Gemini. I’ve been really enjoying this transit. I feel totally refreshed. We all fully comprehend what the twins have to offer life as we near the end of the Gemini cycle. What to expect now as Mars wades into Cancer?

Divine feminine power

As each planet gravitates from sign to sign, subtle aspects of life on Earth shift accordingly. Mars transits shape our ambition, physical drive and sexual urges. Martian power is sourced now from the emotional body and our domestic instincts. Mars in Cancer is sweet and nurturing in his natural state, moody and lethargic if imbalanced. When the warrior planet meets up with the crab, goddess of home and family, irrational reactionary behavior is the weapon of greatest destruction. Active, physical, masculine Mars finds his outlet now in heart-to-heart conversation, yin yoga and returning home. You may sleep more than usual now, especially with all of the other planets soon moving into Cancer. With Mars in Cancer, we are especially sensitive to changes in the body and our physical environment. We move through the world as though with child: cautious, loving, full of peace.

Mars in Gemini was light, bright and easy-breezy. Now Mars immerses himself in the divine feminine water element. We may be prone to lounging around if we don’t have enough to do, so be sure to keep moving and stay busy. Mars in Cancer operates best when moving slowly - quality over quantity, no rush, not too much. This is definitely an odd placement for the warrior planet. Mars in Cancer does not like to work hard if it’s not absolutely necessary. Visualize Mars bathing in a tranquil ocean, taking a break from all of his macho duties.

Heart chakra awareness

Mars in Cancer does not focus so much on the power of the body. It is important to move and sweat every day, but now we can relax as well and tune in to our vivid inner world. We must also bring conscious awareness to the heart chakra. In meditation, try a heart-centered approach as outlined in Cancer Yoga. Mars in Cancer asks us to follow our intuition. Have confidence and know that the stars are with you. Draw upon the crab’s extraordinary empathy to guide your emotional/intuitive decision-making.

The pace of everyday life will slow considerably now. Release any pent-up emotions through heart-opening yoga poses and in the water, preferably outdoors. If you’re feeling a little crabby, take a step back - calm and steady is the way to be. Mars in Cancer is so consciously aware of his surroundings that it will be difficult to trick him into doing something that doesn’t speak to mind, body and spirit. You may feel overwhelmed more quickly than usual. Give yourself lovingkindness and remember to lay low if need be. Namaste.

I was born with Mars in Cancer, so this transit will be a return for me. More on that later! To ascertain your personal Mars sign, click here. If you would like to know more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: powerful heart

Sun in Cancer ☼ June 21 - July 22

The Sun transits Cancer from June 21 (Summer Solstice) – July 22

Click here to learn about the Sun. Click here to learn about Cancer.

Disclaimer: when talking about Sun signs, it’s really more accurate to say “the Earth’s relation to the Sun” since the Earth is the one moving. An appropriate name for this much-celebrated, often oversimplified astrological element would therefore be “Earth Sign.” Remember – you embody a whole soup of planets!

If you are a Cancer, now comes your Solar Return.

Lunar cycle

The Sun in Cancer marks the kickoff for the coming month and the official end of the mercurial Gemini cycle. I feel invigorated and inspired, and I hope all of you do as well. Energy in the twin realm is fast, light and bright. This year’s Gemini season heralded much change and heartbreak, but it was lovely for precisely that reason: change is good. Now we move to Cancer, the goddess-mother of the zodiac. Prepare for life to slow again over the next few weeks. In classic astrology Cancer is associated with home and family. The crab is a remarkably sensitive and intuitive creature who prefers to stick around what is familiar to her. Cancers are attracted to creative and healing fields. When imbalanced, the crab is irrational, clingy, stubborn and emotionally unstable. Cancer is the first of the water signs in the zodiac realm. Generally speaking, signs that come early in the line-up struggle with the fundamentals. Out of all the signs, Cancer is one of the least likely to break out of old habits/patterns/comfort zones.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, my favorite celestial body. Due to her lunar nature, the crab morphs frequently. Imbalanced Cancers are typically moody and overly susceptible to change. I have exceptional empathy for the crab as I have abundant Cancer energy in my own chart. I see Cancers as romantic beings at their core. I love the way the crab surrenders to the tides of her own heart with total abandon.

We have moved thus far from the lava flow of Aries to the cooling, hardening stage of Taurus, and then to Gemini to break it all apart. Watch the pieces land once more in the ocean of Cancer: a cosmic tale of death and rebirth in the first stage of the zodiac realm.

The axis of stability

Studying the polarities of the zodiac wheel is an effective method to learn more about the signs. You may recall that Capricorn is Cancer’s opposite sign, 180 degrees across on the wheel. Cancer is Capricorn’s powerful divine feminine predecessor; together they create the axis of stability. Although we must appreciate both ends of the spectrum, I believe it is even more imperative that we focus on regaining balance between feminine and masculine energies on our planet. We can all agree that there is indeed a serious imbalance between yin and yang on Earth as we know it today. Patriarchal institutions, ruled by Capricorn, have caused much violence and misery. It is time - and has been for thousands of years - that we destroy that which is destroying. Let us return to Ishtar and Shakti. I am speaking in particular to the divine men among us, for without you, this mission is not possible.

The qualities of the crab are severely undervalued in society. Cancer is clairvoyant, full of premonitions and mysticism. She lives fearlessly in the flow of energy all around us. Balanced Cancers are so in tune that they are often psychic. Cancer rules the breasts, breastbone, stomach, digestive system, womb and pancreas. A nice parallel can be drawn here to one of the five yogic prana vayus known as samana. One way to visualize samana is a spiral moving inward, located at the solar plexus, or manipura chakra. Soon I will have a page dedicated to all of the prana vayus. For now, this tidbit from the Yoga Sanctuary: “[S]amana vayu governs agni, the digestive fire, or fire of purification … It is responsible for the processing and assimilation of all that is taken in—food, emotions, perceptions, and breath. Samana is used to assimilate these energies so that they can be used optimally.”

Guiding waters

We’re still practically at the beginning of the the zodiac wheel with the first rains falling on the springtime seeds of the soul’s forest floor. Air to water…feel that transition viscerally, in your imagination and in your senses. Close your eyes - a strong wind is blowing in from all directions, but it’s slowing now, fading into nothing. Raindrops come, softly at first, and then frantically.

Cancer is a cardinal sign, a go-to for matters of the heart and spirit. She asks us to be empathic above all else. During the Cancer cycle, this objective may easily be taken to the extreme. For those who are already greatly affected by the energy of others, it is even more crucial now to maintain your bubble. Before leaving home or transitioning from one place to another, visualize a large luminous white egg enveloping your body. Fortifying your field allows you to exercise empathy without taking on any anger, sadness, etc that does not belong to you. When our defenses are weak, this is when we unintentionally/unknowingly absorb negative energies. These little seeds slip by without detection and become entrenched in our own psyche. So deft are they that it becomes difficult if not impossible in the end to sort out what’s ours and what’s not.

For this transit I suggest rituals involving water. Allow yourself to find joy in the symbolic qualities of this beloved element. Water washes away everything that no longer serves us. Water is reflective, forgiving, supportive. Water energy does not adhere to the laws of timespace. Spend ample time moongazing and prepare for a potent full moon! We’re moving down the line of chakras from the throat to the heart. Get out of the mind, allow it to rest. Be firm in your sense of Self. Step with confidence. You are propelled now by an unseen force. Let’s continue building for the year ahead. We still have wiggle room and countless new opportunities knocking. Namaste.

If you are a Cancer or would like to know more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me.

Mantra: I listen to my intuition

Venus in Cancer ⚢ May 7 - June 5

Venus spins through Cancer from May 7 – June 5, 2015

Click here to learn about Venus. Click here to learn about Cancer.

Venus now moves from Gemini into cardinal water Cancer. Venus embodies the Divine Feminine: romance, beauty, pleasure, happiness and fine art. As she spins from sign to sign, changes take place within the heart. Venus concerns attraction: what vibes are you exuding and what attracts you? If Venus in mutable air Gemini was an intellectual conversation with your twin soul, Venus in Cancer is the eternal bond formed with your lover in the course of motherhood and parenting. We’re ready to move from mind to heart.

For the last month or so…

With Venus in Gemini, the heart demanded freedom. We worked on communication basics: mingling, chatting, flirting and exploring new friendships/partnerships. If balanced, you may have had more intellectual conversations or mental/creative energy than usual, especially concerning writing endeavors. If imbalanced, you may have felt scattered, flighty, indecisive, nervous or inconsistent. Venus in Gemini was busy, buzzing, bubbly! Outgoing though we may have been, trust was hard to earn as Venus in Gemini can be secretive and calculating. The heart and mind of the twins is voracious. As such, you may have been forced to juggle many interests/relationships at once. Although Venus in Gemini was community-oriented, there was an unmistakable air of privacy to this transit. We desired getting to know others as long as we kept the Self shrouded in mystery. What to expect now as the Goddess of Love settles into the realm of the crab?

Channeling the Divine Feminine

The move now is from a curious heart to a protected one. Venus is very much at home in Cancer. Besides the Moon, Venus is the most feminine of all the planets, and Cancer is arguably the most feminine of all the signs. Whenever Venus transits a water sign, emotions run high. After the swift, versatile energy of Gemini, Venus now encourages us to breathe, settle, intuit (words –> feelings). Imagine plunging into a cool lake after a long day of meeting and conversing with others. Water refreshes, soothes and supports. Let’s reflect: what have we learned? Who are we now?

Expect to feel more “in tune” now. If attached to another, your relationship may transcend a whole new level of understanding and connectivity. You may feel an overwhelming desire to love and be loved, as we are quite eager to share our dedication, affection and devotion at this time. Cancer focuses on safety and security. Remember that this is the sign of the crab, and when crabs feel threatened, they retreat into their shells. This is exactly how we may react now to unpleasant external forces. Going inward is necessary for our wellbeing from time to time. However, you may feel even more sensitive or touchy than usual. I like to visualize this sign as an exposed nerve or soft underbelly: tender, moody, vulnerable.

The axis of stability

The last time Venus transited Cancer was from July 18 - Aug 12, 2014. Themes that surface now are a reflection of our progress since then. Studying the polarities of the zodiac wheel is an effective method to learn more about the signs. You may recall that cardinal earth Capricorn is Cancer’s opposite sign, 180 degrees across on the wheel. Cancer is the prototypical mother, Capricorn the father. Both signs feel a soul longing to put down roots and get settled early in life, whether physically or emotionally. Capricorn and Cancer seek stability and comfort. However, the imbalanced crab lacks a thick skin and hard head, unlike practical, no-nonsense Capricorn. The crab shuts down when confused or insulted; the goat stands strong. Capricorns are realists more than capable of swallowing the truth, as is the balanced Cancer, but this transit may manifest as an emotional roller coaster if we are not vigilant. We may be more easily offended than usual.

In her natural habitat, Venus enjoys a certain level of bounty and luxury. In Libra, she plays the part of peaceful diplomat, master of balance and fairness. In Taurus, Venus reclines. What abundance does Venus in Cancer provide? What becomes scarce? When the Goddess of Love intertwines with the crab, we are gifted with a divine capacity for empathy. Venus in Cancer is deliciously irrational. She feels, knows, senses, understands: delicate, fragile, just like the moon. We don’t feel like taking risks now, nor do we treat matters lightly. Venus in Cancer is so warm and fuzzy, she may be as a too-heavy blanket, smothering with endless love.

Fear not!

Balanced Venus in Cancer is nurturing, sympathetic, gentle, perceptive, trusting, thoughtful and creative, but the imbalanced crab allows fear to override everything. When in pain, the crab cries out: no one understands me, and no one loves me! Venus in Cancer can make us feel like we care too much and love too hard. Our worries quickly blossom and multiply if we let them. Find solace beneath the waves. Curl up inside the egg shell. Rest in your cocoon. Astrology teaches us that all things come to pass: the planets keep spinning and we keep changing.

I was born with Venus in Cancer, so this month will be my Venus Return! To find out your personal Venus sign, click here. If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: I am safe

First Quarter Moon in Cancer ☽ Mar 27, 2015

The 1st Quarter in Cancer comes exact on Friday, Mar 27 at 12:14 pm EST

Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Cancer.

The First Quarter marks halfway between the New and Full Moon. The First and Last Quarter occur when the Moon aspects the Sun at a 90 degree angle. (Seen from above, the Moon forms a right angle in relation to an invisible line running through the Earth to the Sun, hence “square” for the name of this astrological aspect. Here the Moon has completed 1/4 of her journey around the Earth.) In this particular phase, the Sun in cardinal fire Aries will square the Moon in cardinal water sign Cancer. The Moon will rise at noon, peak at dusk and set at midnight.

This phase is a checkpoint. What aspects of our initiatives have been successful thus far? Where do we need to work harder? Nearing the Full Moon is like creeping to the high point of a rollercoaster. Soon all undertakings will be fully realized and answers to lingering questions brought to the fore. You are encouraged now to scope out any flaws in the foundation laid with the Super Solar Eclipse in Aries. Are your ventures built to last? The waxing light of the Moon symbolizes a return to total awareness. This is the best time to tweak and improve upon existing plans. At every Full Moon we manifest all New Moon intentions, so the week between the First Quarter and Full Moon (Mar 27 – Apr 4) is a very powerful time. If you have been diligent, expect to see your ideas come to fruition now.

Squares mean change. We have reached a corner and must choose a new direction. The building energy and excitement you may feel is there to inspire you. The First Quarter Moon encourages decisive action, calculated risk-taking, networking and deepened commitment to personal growth. The Moon is asking you to gather yourself. This phase falls in cardinal signs, meaning that the most attractive path now will be one that serves as a proverbial compass rose, a foundation that we will return to again and again throughout the next astrological year. Our intention is to initiate. Now that the Piscean cycle is over, let’s reflect to see which spiritual insights we can carry forward. What was a lovely idea in theory but failed to manifest smoothly in reality?

Divine Masculine challenged by the Divine Feminine

The First Quarter Moon falling in Cancer represents a conflict between the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine. I like to imagine each Moon cycle as a procession of poignantly themed challenges. Generally speaking, the Aries cycle seeks to embolden and activate. The ram is a kickstarter - it’s time to do, move, breathe, scream, climb, jump, grab, pull, push, dance. Now we make things happen rather than “let them.” Cancer the crab courageously stands in front of the ram with little pincers upraised: slow down! Remember your heart! Cancer is the mother of the zodiac, Aries her firstborn son running headfirst towards the next adventure. Like any good mother, Cancer wants to make sure we are secure and protected. Do our plans for the new year nurture the soul? In yoga this principle is called ahimsa, non-violence. We have a duty, to the Self first and foremost, to treat all beings with love and respect.

Cancer attempts now to redirect the raging fires of the ram. The crab is not satisfied with aspirations that fail to leave room for open emotional expression or proper self-care. The First Quarter will allow us to reconnect to feminine energy – without Cancer’s gentle yet potent maternal powers, it is all too easy to lose stability amidst the flames. Think of this phase as a “back to basics” approach: if we haven’t truly tapped into the full potential of our capacity for Love, how will we accomplish lofty goals in the new year? From Aries we learn to be dynamic and fearless; from Cancer we learn the importance of compassion and sensitivity. Indeed, what we really learn is that it takes incredible fortitude to keep the heart open. As you may recall, Cancer is ruled by the Moon, so she is “at home” for this phase, as we say in astrology. Planets at home are auspicious placements.

The Moon in Cancer intensifies any susceptibility we might already have to lunar energy. Expect people to be more emotional and empathic than usual. This phase is connected to the Last Quarter Moon in Aries of last July 2014. Any themes that predominated then will now resurface. It’s time to get in touch with how and where we can find strength in softness – what keeps the connection between body, heart and mind burning brightly? How do you live up to your responsibility to be kind and patient? I suggest performing a ritual that involves water: a baptism of the soul. Identify what is most important to you and then ask yourself, how can I embody this spirit, how can I become it?

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: I listen to my intuition

Full Moon in Cancer - Jan 4, 2015

The Full Moon in Cancer comes exact on January 4, 2015 at 11:53 PM EST

Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Cancer.

At the Full Moon we reap the seeds sown with every New Moon. This particular Full Moon is known as the Full Wolf Moon; cold and hungry, packs of wolves would howl through the night around Native American villages. All that we intended during the Capricorn cycle now comes to culmination. The Moon will rise at sunset, peak at midnight and set at sunrise.

The Sun and Moon face each other in total opposition between cardinal earth Capricorn and cardinal water sign Cancer: practicality vs. emotion. You may recall that the Moon rules Cancer; when a planet returns to the sign it rules, we say in astrology that this planet is “at home.” The Full Moon in Cancer is about as lunar as you can get. Cancer is the Divine Mother: sensitive, nurturing, gentle and bursting with love. In my opinion, Cancer is the most feminine of all the signs.

Channeling the Divine Mother

In classic astrology Cancer is associated with home, children/family, protection and intuition. This sign has an extraordinary amount of emotional energy, as is the nature of water signs. Cancers are also known for their exceptional artistic abilities and interest in cats, baking, reading and music/dancing. When imbalanced, this sign may be nervous, anxious, fearful, irrational or emotionally unstable.

If they can properly channel the multitude of thoughts and feelings that keep their inner body so bright and beautiful, Cancers are among the most spiritually and artistically gifted souls around. Cancer is the sign of the crab. Those born under this sign move slowly and cautiously as they are quite susceptible to the energy of people and places. The psychic membrane separating Cancers from the external world is thin and porous; due to this, Cancers are often easily overwhelmed. When balanced, Cancers frequently act as resident counselor in any given social circle. Few other signs are equally understanding, empathic or sincere.

What I think vs. what I feel

The Cancer-Capricorn polarity is between the heart and the head, although this is a bit of an oversimplification. A more accurate delineation: Cancers see the heart as an organic and integral source of information, as do Capricorns, but the goat seems to struggle when it comes to collating what they feel versus what they think they should feel. Last month’s Full Moon in Gemini was wild in a frenzied, social kind of way. Gemini energy makes us want to go out and get kind of crazy. This Full Moon, however, will likely be colored by strong emotional outbursts, passionate declarations of love and a surge of psychic/intuitive conscious awareness.

Expect family members or important female figures in your life to play a prominent role during this phase. Unlike Gemini, Cancer energy is relatively calm, even lazy. The crab loves to cuddle, stay in bed all day and lounge around the house in pajamas, eating everything in sight! However, it’s only the imbalanced crabs who have trouble eventually breaking out of sloth mode.

Open your heart!

Cancers are wonderful because they feel like home. At the very least, they will do their absolute best to make you feel like you are. As cardinal signs, balanced Cancers are usually able to keep it together pretty well during tense moments. However, at the first opportunity, these types have to let it all out. The crab’s heart is a tender one. Cancers therefore seek out relationships and circumstances that provide longevity, stability and security, much like Capricorn. It is no small affaire de cœur when Cancers devote their love to another.

Opposite signs on the zodiac wheel have inherent differences, but they also have a lot in common. Cancer and Capricorn both naturally gravitate toward a life/reality that makes them feel safe and centered. However, the sea goat would do well to be more free and open in the heart. Cancer could likewise learn to use logic and rationalism in moments where the heart defeats the mind’s capacity to function. Too much Capricorn energy can make us callous or icy. Too much Cancer energy makes us wail and worry. The good news is that our problems are solved painlessly if we move slowly and deliberately. Ask yourself lots of questions and remember that every action is a choice. Above all, love yourself and others and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: I listen to my heart

Last Quarter Moon in Cancer - Oct 15, 2014

The Last Quarter Moon in Cancer comes exact on October 15, 2014 at 3:12 PM EST

Click here to learn more about the Moon.

Well that was one crazy Full Moon Lunar Eclipse. I hope everyone stayed as centered and stress-free as possible. Now if we can just get through the last couple weeks of Mercury Retrograde!

On Wednesday we come to the Last Quarter, the halfway point between the Full and New Moon. This occurs when the Moon squares the Sun at a 90 degree angle. (Seen from above, the Moon is at a right angle in relation to an invisible line running from the Earth to the Sun. Here the Moon has completed 3/4 of her journey around the Earth.) In this particular phase, the Sun in cardinal air Libra will square the Moon in cardinal water sign Cancer. One half of the Moon reflects the Sun’s rays while the other remains obscured in darkness. From the Earth, we will perceive this brightness on the “left side” of the Moon.

The Moon will rise at midnight, peak at dawn and set at noon. If you view the Moon at midnight, the Sun will be positioned directly beneath your feet along another invisible line. Staring directly at the Moon during this time will align you so that you are looking out (approximately) along the forward path of Earth’s orbit around the Sun ^__^

This phase of the Moon is a checkpoint. The Full Moon provides illumination and revelations: total awareness of all that was hidden, lurking in the depths. Now we decide which information and new ideas serve us so that we may toss out the rest in preparation for the New Moon next week.

The waning light of the moon represents gradual motion towards total darkness, a return to the womb. It is wise to wait now before taking on new endeavors. Better to prepare yourself for what comes next rather than get bogged down with extra work. With every New Moon we launch the rhythm and flavor, so to speak, for the coming month. The week between the Last Quarter Moon and the New Moon is crunch time. It’s time now to wrap up any loose ends of that which was set in place with the New Moon in Libra three weeks ago.

Squares are change. We have come to a right angle, a corner, and now we choose a direction. The stress or anxiety you may feel during this phase is there to encourage decision-making. This is a time of letting go, release, forgiveness and destruction of useless internal edifices. The Moon is asking you to empty yourself. This phase falls in cardinal signs, meaning that the most attractive path will be one that initiates - indeed, your path may now be branching off in another direction. We are looking now to scrap the old and move forward with a new agenda. Thanks to the Moon in Cancer, our intuition runs at an all-time high.

The Last Quarter Moon falling in Cancer represents a conflict between our need for comfort and security and our need for compromise. Libra demands peace and harmony within the community; Cancer demands alone time and self-care. This is a dance between extroversion and introversion. The scale encourages us to be accommodating, to look out for others first. The crab would often rather retreat into its shell, tucked away safely from the external world. This is actually a very challenging square in our skies; we must honor both our heart and our voice at once. At this time our desire to curl up on the couch and ignore our surroundings speaks to the heart while the pull towards open communication and social engagements will feel more like a duty.

When the Moon transits a water sign, our energy lies in our emotional body. Expect others to be more sensitive than usual. Cancers are known for their wonderful nurturing abilities and deep love of art, music, science fiction, movies, cooking and cats. They are usually quite introverted, even if they do have a wide social circle. More so than other signs, Cancers must feel rooted in order to be happy. They enjoy reading, intimate conversations, lazy days, spending time near water, speaking from the heart, cultivating long-term relationships and taking care of everyone and anyone. Use this flowing energy to work on artistic endeavors, immerse yourself in a body of water, engage in some self-care, stay in and watch a movie, journal, catch up on sleep and practice yogic heart openers. The energy of this transit moves purposefully yet softly, like a heartbeat in the night.

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

YOGA CHALLENGE

To connect to your inner divine femininity, try utkata konasana: goddess pose. With your feet wide on the mat, begin to bend your knees until they are roughly over your ankles. You will need to keep your feet at an angle, probably around 45 degrees, pointing toward the corners of your mat. Move the groins back, scoop the tailbone down and engage the mula bandha. Hands come up into “cactus arms” with the elbows bent at shoulder height, fingers spreading. Roll the shoulder blades down and back and press out through the outside corners of the elbows, away from the body. Root through the inner corners of your feet and even lift your toes. Namaste.

Mantra: I listen to my intuition