Cancer & Summer Solstice
Summer Solstice
Summer solstice occurs on the longest day of the year, around June 21st (give or take a day) in the northern hemisphere. This is the moment in the sun's yearly cycle that is comparable to the "full moon" moment of the lunar cycle: It's the apex experience of solar energy for the year. Solar energy is ultimately the source of all life on planet earth. In astrology, it gives us illumination, energy, and a sense of purpose and confidence. So at this point in the year, we benefit from these inquiries:
Where or with whom do I experience illumination?
What/who increases and clears my energy?
What/who depletes or clouds my energy?
What/who inspires a sense of purposefulness?
Sun in Cancer - roughly 6/21 - 7/22
We are immersed in these energies at this time, and we revisit the themes below at the full moon in Cancer, during the Capricorn solar month.
Nourishment
When the sun transits through the sign of Cancer, it's time to engage with what nourishes us - the people, communities, foods, activities, and places that give us a sense of replenishment. It's also good to recognize whom and what you give nourishment to. Make time to get cozy with your nearest and dearest in your safe and comfy nest to balance all of the activity, getting about, and socializing of summer's fiery energy.
What relationships, activities, and places nourish you?
Where and with whom do you feel a sense of belonging?
What do you nourish in a symbiotic way that also gives you energy?
What do you nourish with no return? - How can you best let that go?
Sensitivity & Feeling
Cancer is the first water sign of the zodiac, and as such, it stimulates an unfiltered experience of feeling - feeling as emotion, and feeling as intuition. It's time to follow our noses. It's time to follow our hearts.
What side-paths and unplanned turns are calling to you now?
What are your feelings and your gut telling you?
Tummy Time
There is logic, story and rhythm to the zodiac. Last month, as the Sun moved through Gemini, we gathered and tasted many delights and curiosities. As the sun moves through the sensitive sign of Cancer this month, we have the opportunity to ruminate on and either integrate or release the diversity we imbibed last month. And this is the most perfect thing for us to do now in preparation for next month's experience of Leo, when it will be time to shine forth in our creativity and strength.
Herbs for the Cancer month:
Cancer rules the stomach, so you may feel digestive upset in reaction to various emotions. You may receive balancing support from the mints - especially lemon balm (calming & vitalizing), spearmint (soothing & warming) and peppermint (clarifying and cooling).
Marshmallow root, which soothes and nourishes all tissues, is an excellent herb for the month of Cancer, especially if you are experiencing dryness in your body. Soak overnight in room temperature water. Strain in the morning, and then sip throughout the day for improved digestion, and a more go-with-the-flow attitude.
To find out about your own experience of Cancer...
...feel free to schedule a consultation.
Here's wishing you a nourishing month and a happy summer, Rae