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The Sun Will Be in Cancer June 21 – July 22

written by Ann Jandafor Venus Rising Magazine

cancer 07 Issue

Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the goddess Demeter and her daughter, the goddess Persephone, and its natural element is water. Cancer, rules home, family, and psychological roots, and is the place in the birth chart that reveals our relationship with our mothers and subsequently, with our children. Like the archetypal image of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, Cancer has a dual nature.

Watercolor by Philip GaligaThe mother side of Cancer is homey, nurturing, and a provider to others. Cancer rules the stomach and breast milk and impels the feeding instinct in Cancers. And, because of the nesting urge so deeply imbedded in motherhood, Cancers, who are already profoundly emotional and estrogen-enriched to begin with, naturally have a prevailing emotional need for security in all aspects of their lives, especially in the areas of home, relationships, and finances. If any of these areas appears threatened, the normally shy, soft-spoken, and introverted Cancer will transform into a fierce lioness, vanquishing any threat with extraordinary force and surprising effectiveness.

Jewish comedians who have experienced this protective urge in their mothers have been able to show the comedic side of this behavior. Wikipedia now even provides a list of traits that the stereotypical Jewish mother embodies “…activities may range from sending strudel in the post up to her children when they are at university, calling them on a day to day basis, expressing interest as to whether they are 'eating well' or if they have 'done their washing,' and not letting them do anything that she perceives as 'unsafe,' or 'dangerous,' even if the chances of danger are ridiculously small.”

The Cancer mother is also extremely possessive and protective against any male or testosterone-infused energy that might threaten to take away her feeling of symbiotic union with home and family, where she has complete control. This inevitably occurs as it did with the child side of Cancer, the goddess Persephone, when she was taken from Demeter by Pluto to spend the majority of her days in the underworld.

The childish side of Cancer longs to be with mother or to have a mother replacement who is able to nurture and care for them in all aspects of their lives. This childish aspect of Cancer is so emotional and needy, that at times Cancers feel that no one can give them enough and no matter what the circumstances, they feel abused and abandoned and will lash out or just fade away instead of taking some responsibility for their side of a relationship. Like a child, they often feel completely at the mercy of others.

Naturally then, Cancers, when focused on a career, will gravitate toward real estate, finance, the culinary arts, and child care. “Born on the Fourth of July,” the United States has its sun in Cancer, and Cancers are often extremely patriotic. And, since Cancers respond so strongly to their environment, they frequently need a quiet place for retreat that they will work to protect as well.

When balanced, Cancer is the divine mother and the mystical child. The Cancer mother within provides enough protection, safety, and love for the Cancer child within to explore their dreams and live in comfort.

When unbalanced, Cancer can be too needy, smothering, and manipulative. Because the childish side of Cancer is so unworldly, it can also become vulnerable to abusive relationships and situations.

When the sun is in Cancer, expect to feel domestic, maternal, child-like, and sensitive. Depending on where Cancer is in your chart, you may either feel nurturing and nurtured or needy, insecure, and abandoned.

The moon rules Cancer. The placement of the moon in the birth chart tells us about our emotions, the way we were a child, and the way we relate to our mothers. For example, someone with moon in Taurus would have an emotional need to surround themselves with material things and would have a sense of duty with their family whereas someone with moon in Scorpio would have an emotional need to purge anything that is “unnecessary” without attachment and might be resentful of the demands of their family.

To find out where Cancer and the moon reside in your natal chart, go to create your birth chart and enter your birth date, time of birth, and place of birth.

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