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Cancer New Moon – and Solar Eclipse

Cancer New Moon and Solar Eclipse at 20 Cancer 41’

In case you’re not aware, the first of three eclipses over the next month is almost upon us. This one is in Cancer and, with Pluto sitting exactly opposite it, looks set to pack one almighty emotional punch. Now, before you all run off screaming into the night, that doesn’t necessarily equal “bad”. For the lowdown on eclipses and the nature of them, duck over and have a look at this post. Better yet, order your own personalised eclipse report from April Elliott Kent*. The link is here.

Under the Cancer Moon it is easy to dwell on the past, to hang on to an idea, a theory, a relationship, a fear, a habit long past its use by date – in fact often until it resembles something like what used to be zucchinis that you found lurking in the bottom of your fridge veggie drawer. You hold onto what you know, treasuring the memories of how it once was – or how you hoped that it would be.

And that’s all perfectly understandable – not the manky zucchinis, but the hanging on bit. What we know, the stuff in our past, the stuff from our families, whether it is good or bad, it’s comfortable. These things represent the boundaries of our comfort zone. We find ourselves clinging to them, too afraid to let go.

Yet, in order to continue to grow, to flourish, we have to let go. We have to step outside the things that make us feel comfortable and let go on our own terms. It’s about being guided by instinct, not fear.

Cancer New Moons tend to bring with them issues of mother, home, family and self- nutrition (and that doesn’t have to mean the fridge and chocolate variety) to the forefront.

Cancer New Moons are also about self-care – how we tend to look after others before looking after our own needs. Like in airline security when they tell you to fit your own mask first. It’s something we forget. It’s something we as mothers forget – and not just those of us who are mothers in the literal sense of the word, but those of us who are mothering something, anything within us or without us.

Wherever Cancer is in your chart is the area of life that is for you ruled by the Moon. It’s where you look for comfort and nurturing…and self-nurturing.

Solar eclipses are like magnified New Moons, so take all of this and multiply it.

This eclipse falls into the Saros Series 2 Old North. With the lunar eclipse on July 27, it’s the second last occurrence in a series that has been popping up every 18 years or so since 1910. The last time this cycle came around was in July 2000 at 10 Cancer and 24 Capricorn. The next – and last time – will be in 2036.

According to Bernadette Brady’s “The Eagle And The Lark”:

“This is a difficult eclipse family…You will be dealing with ideas of separation or the ending of a union. However, although the picture may look glum as the eclipse takes effect, the actual results are quite positive. You will quickly grasp what has to be done and fast action can bring good results. The theme of this eclipse is action concerning personal relationships.”

Doing it for yourself…

If you’ve been reading along, you should know how to find where the New Moon is happening in your chart. If you’re new to this site (welcome), duck across and check out this post before you go any further.

It’s at about this time that I share the aspects this eclipse is making to my chart and what my intentions are. To be honest, this is a tad like a chain reaction of aspects and I haven’t yet got through it to come to any meaningful intentions. I’m about to duck over to Big Sky Astrology to check out April’s cheat sheets for some ideas.

The aspects to my chart?

  • Trine the Sun (exact)
  • Sextile Pluto (orb 1 deg)
  • Square Venus (orb 1 deg)
  • Sextile Uranus (orb 2 deg)
  • Trine Neptune (orb 4 deg)
  • Conjunct Jupiter (orb 4 deg)
  • Trine the Ascendant (orb 4 deg)

The eclipse is also likely to act as a trigger to the following longer transits which are currently exact to within half a degree:

  • Pluto sextile Sun
  • Pluto trine Pluto
  • Pluto square Venus
  • Neptune conjunct Ascendant

As for you? The position you’re looking for is 20 Cancer 41’…or thereabouts.

Now, let’s set our intentions. Think about the area of life you’re focusing on and set small achievable targets. Make sure that you do at least one thing towards this goal this month. If you’re unsure where to start, check out this post.

  • How do the concerns of this house make you feel?
  • How would you like to feel about them?
  • What positive steps can you take over the next four weeks to minimise the gap between how you feel about this are and how you’d like to feel?
  • Are there any core needs that you’re over-looking? If you’re comfort eating, look at what you’re trying to avoid looking at…just saying…

*****Write it down!!!!!!!!!!******

If you don’t have any idea about your birth time, or can’t be faffed working it out, you can follow the solar guide below. Of course, if you already know which house Cancer is in for you, jump straight to there.

  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Cancer, this New Moon will be in your 1st house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Leo, this New Moon will be in your 12th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Virgo, this New Moon will be in your 11th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Libra, this New Moon will be in your 10th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Scorpio, this New Moon will be in your 9th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Sagittarius, this New Moon will be in your 8th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Capricorn, this New Moon will be in your 7th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aquarius, this New Moon will be in your 6th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Pisces, this New Moon will be in your 5th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aries, this New Moon will be in your 4th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Taurus, this New Moon will be in your 3rd house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Gemini, this New Moon will be in your 2nd house.

Cancer New Moon, July 13, 12.48pm (or thereabouts), EST…if you’re in the northern hemisphere, this will be July 12 for you or very early July 13 – depending on your timezone.

* I receive a small percentage of every Moonshadow report ordered…

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Cancer Full Moon

I’ve just got back from a summer mini-break. We’ve had friends over from New Zealand for Christmas and took them for a 3-night stay to Fraser Island. A world heritage site, it’s the largest sand island in the world and it’s just a few hours and a barge ride north of us. I’ll be blogging something about it on my personal site over the next few days, but if you’re ever in this part of the world, it’s absolutely a worthwhile trip to make.

For the first time in I have no idea how long I didn’t take my laptop with me. As a result, it was 3 whole days without access to emails, without me grabbing 10 minutes here or there or sitting up in bed to get work done. Instead, I spent the whole time lying by (or in) the pool or relaxing with a book. In fact, it was longer than that – I haven’t picked up my laptop to work on it since Christmas Eve. That’s a tad unheard of for me.

It was a few days of self-care that were probably important and needed – it was also a few days of complete self-indulgence that I didn’t need. The time-out was necessary for my sanity and to clear the clutter in my brain to plan the year ahead, but the over-indulgence did me no good at all – except perhaps in the guilt department.

That’s the thing about self-care and self-nurturing, it doesn’t necessarily follow that it’s the right thing for you – or that it’s good for you. Sometimes true self-care is doing that thing that you know you have to do, but soooo don’t want to. It’s the tough love thing, the “boring” practical stuff that you won’t see the benefit of until you really need it. True self-care is about adulting. Have a read of this article to see what I’m talking about.

That’s also the thing about Cancer – while it’s about mothering or parenting and nurturing, very often we mistake that with doing what feels good. Parenting and nurturing – whether it’s yourself or your business, your child, your relationship, your hobby, whatever – is very often about making the hard decisions and saying no…for your own good.

At the Cancer Full Moon, that’s the sort of questions you’ll be asking yourself. Sure, the most obvious manifestation of this is in regards to work-life balance – after all, Capricorn is associated with work, career and public life, while Cancer is very much aligned with home, family and private life. So yes, those themes are absolutely there at this full Moon. More than that though is the balance between “self-care” and true self-care.

It’s back to work for me from tomorrow. I was tempted to take just one more day on the basis that I really need to set up my business for the year and document my goals yadda yadda yadda. I know, though, that instead of that I’d spend the day faffing about on the pool lounge again, reading another book, and indulging myself in the name of “self-care” when I know that the adult thing to do is to go back to work to earn some money so I can continue to do what it is that I want to do.  The whole idea of a break is that it’s meant to be just that – a break, not real life. Tough love.

Oh, one last thing about the Cancer Full Moon – this one is a Super Moon, so relatively close to the Earth. Here on the coast, that means also higher than normal high tides. It might mean much the same for us emotionally.

If you do have one of “those” moments at this Full Moon, once the storm has settled and the colours and light are somehow clearer, step back and ponder what’s really going on for you…it mightn’t be what you’ve just had your outburst/fight/emotional downpour over.

Doing it for yourself…

Ok, by now you should know the drill – here at Jo Tracey Astrology, we’re about giving you the tools to do it yourself. If, however, you’re new to this site, check out this post.

I’ve popped a solar guide below to keep things simple, but if you know where 11 Cancer 38’ falls in your chart, check that out.

This is 5th and 11th house stuff for me. The decisions I’m making at the moment are around how I can balance my love of creating with attaining my long-term goals. My focus in 2018 is turning my creativity into something that produces real income – and gets me closer to where I want to be. This year is about turning my creativity into my business. I’ll tell you more about that when I post about my goals.

As for what you can expect? By now you should also know what the general themes of each house are about, but if not- or if you’re new to this site (and welcome- it’s lovely to see you here)- you can always check out this post.

Under a Full Moon the house where the Sun currently is – your Capricorn house – will be where your ego is most interested, and the house where the Moon is – your Cancer house – will be what your heart is concerned about. It’s these parts of life where balance or adjustment may be required, however, bear in mind that if the ego will usually try to have dominance – where the Moon is shining is where you should focus.

Have a look at where this Full Moon falls in your chart, and then look at the opposite house. Eg if the Moon falls in your 6th house, check out your routines. Are they still healthy? Are your habits (6th house) bringing you undone (12th house)? Do you need some time away or alone time (12th house) to replenish your reserves? What about the opposite eg if the Full Moon is in your 12th house and you’re sabotaging yourself, it’s a sign to look at your 6th house routines and do the tough love thing. Get it?

Check out the chart for this Full Moon. It’s a beautiful kite pattern with a grand trine between the Moon, Neptune, and Mars/Jupiter. A watery grand trine is always going to be about an easy flow of emotional sensitivity and inspiration, so listen to your deeper instincts, and go with your gut. With Pluto, the Sun, Venus and Saturn sitting at the point of the kite, there’ll be plenty of pressure to overlook what you’re feeling at a soul level and take the practical and data-driven view, but to listen just to that side would be to miss a very vital part of what is going on right now.

Finally, Uranus stations direct today at 24 Aries 34’. If you have planets or chart points at 24 Aries, Libra, Capricorn or Cancer, you’d probably already know this. Here’s a link to a post I wrote a few years ago, but essentially, now is the time to revisit any urges for radical change that have been bubbling away beneath the surface. And by revisit, I don’t necessarily mean act…not yet. Just keep this in mind as you ponder on where you need to be balancing or rebalancing.

  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Cancer, this Full Moon falls in your 1st house- look also to the 7th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Leo, this Full Moon falls in your 12th house- look also to the 6th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Virgo, this Full Moon falls in your 11th house- look also to the 5th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Libra, this Full Moon falls in your 10th house- look also to the 4th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Scorpio, this Full Moon falls in your 9th house- look also to the 3rd house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Sagittarius, this Full Moon falls in your 8th house- look also to the 2nd house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Capricorn, this Full Moon falls in your 7th house- look also to the 1st house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aquarius, this Full Moon falls in your 6th house- look also to the 12th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Pisces, this Full Moon falls in your 5th house- look also to the 11th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aries, this Full Moon falls in your 4th house- look also to the 10th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Taurus, this Full Moon falls in your 3rd house- look also to the 9th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Gemini, this Full Moon falls in your 2nd house- look also to the 8th house for balance.

 

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Cancer New Moon

I was reminded the other day just how much has happened in 12 months.

At the Cancer New Moon last year I’d made the decision to quit a job that provided a huge amount of financial security – but the constant anxiety and resulting blood pressure issues meant that the price I was paying for that financial security was too high. I wrote about it here.

This year it’s very different – everything is very different. We have substantially less coming through the door in terms of income – substantially less – yet in terms of emotional security and lifestyle, we’re so much better off. We miss the people we left behind, but not the place or the circumstances. We’ve let go of the ties, but kept the memories.

The Cancer Moon is about home, family, nurturing, the past, yesterday, holding onto what you know, treasuring what you have and the memories of what you used to have.

Under the Cancer Moon it is easy to dwell on the past, to hang on to an idea, a theory, a relationship, a habit long past its use by date – in fact often until it resembles something like what used to be zucchinis that you found lurking in the bottom of your fridge vegie drawer.

And that’s all perfectly understandable (not the manky zucchinis, but the hanging on bit). What we know, the stuff in our past, the stuff from our families, whether it is good or bad, it’s comfortable. These things represent the boundaries of our comfort zone. We find ourselves clinging to them, too afraid to let go.

Yet, in order to continue to grow, to flourish, we have to let go. We have to step outside the things that make us feel comfortable and go it on our own terms. It’s like that saying about Memory Lane being a nice place to visit- but you wouldn’t want to live there.

The Moon is now in the balsamic phase, so if ever there was a shot at letting go, it is now. This is the Moon’s New Moon, so what better time to start a new cycle than with a clean slate and no attachments- and yes, I know that it’s easier said than done.

Cancer New Moons always bring issues of mother, home, family and self- nutrition (and that doesn’t have to mean the fridge and chocolate variety) to the forefront. New Moons allow for a fresh burst of energy. I would suggest that at this New Moon you go with that energy- or the Universe will shift you in some other way.

Cancer New Moons are also about self care – how we tend to look after others before looking after our own needs. Like in airline security when they tell you to fit your own mask first. It’s something we forget. It’s something we as mothers forget – and not just those of us who are mothers in the literal sense of the word, but those of us who are mothering something, anything within us or without us.

Wherever Cancer is in your chart is the area of life that is for you ruled by the Moon. It’s where you look for comfort, and nurturing…and self nurturing.

Doing it for yourself…

If you’ve been reading along, you should know how to find where the New Moon is happening in your chart. If you’re new to this site (welcome), duck across and check out this post before you go any further.

The position you’re looking for is 2 Cancer 47’…or thereabouts.

Now, let’s set our intentions. Think about the area of life you’re focusing on and set small achievable targets. Make sure that you do at least one thing towards this goal this month. If you’re unsure where to start, check out this post.

  • How do the concerns of this house make you feel?
  • How would you like to feel about them?
  • What positive steps can you take over the next four weeks to minimise the gap between how you feel about this are and how you’d like to feel?

*****Write it down!!!!!!!!!!******

If you don’t have any idea about your birth time, or can’t be faffed working it out, you can follow the solar guide below. Of course if you already know which house Cancer is in for you, jump straight to there.

  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Cancer, this New Moon will be in your 1st house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Leo, this New Moon will be in your 12th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Virgo, this New Moon will be in your 11th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Libra, this New Moon will be in your 10th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Scorpio, this New Moon will be in your 9th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Sagittarius, this New Moon will be in your 8th house.
  • If your Sun of Ascendant is in Capricorn, this New Moon will be in your 7th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aquarius, this New Moon will be in your 6th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Pisces, this New Moon will be in your 5th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aries, this New Moon will be in your 4th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Taurus, this New Moon will be in your 3rd house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Gemini, this New Moon will be in your 2nd house.

Wherever Cancer is in your chart is the area of life that is for you ruled by the Moon. It’s where you look for comfort, and nurturing…and self-nurturing. Are there any core needs that you’re over-looking? If you’re comfort eating, look at what you’re trying to avoid looking at…just saying…

Cancer New Moon, June 24, 12.30pm (or thereabouts), EST…if you’re in the northern hemisphere, this will be June 23 for you – depending on your timezone.

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Mercury in Cancer

Settle back children, while I tell you a story…

On the edge of the woods in a country far far away stood a village.

In the village lived a hunter, his wife and their four sons. The wife was growing their fifth child in her belly, growing bigger by the day.

One day, the hunter left for the woods. Before he left, he kissed his wife and his sons goodbye and whispered to each of them, ‘never forget me.’

That night the hunter didn’t come home.

The four sons set off into the woods to search for him.

Eventually though, each became concerned about their mother at home alone – so close to her term – so they left the woods without finding him.

The weeks flew by and the hunter’s wife gave birth to a healthy son.

The baby grew, and life went on – much as it did before the hunter disappeared.

Soon the baby crawled. Then he walked. The day came when he started to speak. From his mouth came these words:

‘Where is my father?’

His brothers and his mother were horrified. They had forgotten.

The following day, the four older sons went back into the woods. This time they found him – a pile of bleached bones in the centre of a clearing in the darkest part of the forest.

The oldest son said, ‘it is lucky I was apprenticed to a bone-setter,’ and laid out the bones in order until they were in the correct format.

The second son said, ‘it is lucky I was apprenticed to a healer.’ He gathered herbs and mixed them with sap from a tree until they resembled a paste. He smeared the paste over the bones and muscles, tendons and cartilage began to appear.

The third son said, ‘it is lucky that I was apprenticed to a different type of healer.’ He gathered flowers and moss and ground them into a dust that he sprinkled over his father’s remains. Skin grew over the muscles, nails formed on his toes and fingers, his eye sockets filled with eyeballs, and hair grew where it was supposed to grow.

What now lay before the sons was their father’s corpse.

The fourth son said, ‘it is lucky that I was apprenticed to a magician.’ He fashioned a wand from a tree and cast a spell, blowing softly onto his father’s face. As he did, the hunter’s lungs filled with air and his body became warm.

Soon the hunter sat up, rubbed his eyes, looked at his boys and said, ‘where have I been?’

‘You’ve been dead,’ they replied, ‘but we brought you back to life.’

Over the next six months the hunter regained his strength, and as he did, he began carving a walking stick.

The stick told the story of his journey and everyone admired it.

His wife asked, ‘what will you do with the stick, my love?’

He responded, ‘I will give it to the son who played the biggest role in bringing me back to life.’

‘Which son will you give it to?’ she asked.

‘The youngest,’ he replied. ‘He never forgot me, and in remembering me, he allowed me to live again.’

In remembering his father, the youngest son began the process of re-membering him.

Want to know more about Mercury in Cancer, or how Cancer thinks, how Cancer learns? Check out this post.

A Mercury in Cancer fairy tale, as told by Daniel Morden to Richard Fidler on a podcast…all errors and embellishments are mine.

Mercury will be in Cancer until July 6, 2017

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Happy Birthday Cancer

 

I’ve always used my Nan as an example for my Cancer Sun posts, but Nan hasn’t been here for five years now. I still miss her. We all miss her.

Nan wasn’t your typical Cancer- well, not as far as the textbooks go, anyway…

Typical Cancers aren’t supposed to have a love for partying and fun. They’re supposed to be moody, gloomy and grumpy. Yet Nan danced in silver heels and a feather boa (probably with a fake tiara) in her 90s – right up until a few months before her cancer diagnosis.

Typical Cancers are supposed to be insecure, depressive, fearful, over protective, clinging and paranoid. Nan began her volunteering career in her 80s (she was the oldest volunteer at the Sydney Olympics) and continued to do so until she couldn’t.

Not as fearless or dramatic as the Fire signs, not as social as the Air signs or as practical as Earth, and not as sorry and dreamy as Pisces or as dark and sexy as Scorpio, Cancer generally gets a bad rap. Cancer is also extremely misunderstood. The thing is, every sign has a range of light and shadow – and everyone has some of every other sign in them.

But when I remember my Nan, I remember the quintessential Cancer. I remember a woman who was fearless, courageous, protective, nurturing, and enclosing.

She was the mother who would do whatever it took to ensure her children were fed, clothed, housed and safe – even though I never recall her actually cooking anything.

She was the grandmother whose house was stuffed full of photos, trinkets and memories – all surfaces, all spare pieces of wall. I remember calling Nan when I had my heart broken for the first time. I knew that she’d understand – and she did.

She was the party animal, whose day would be made complete because everybody in the room was dear to her.

She was the guardian who would stand up to anybody who dared criticise any of her (beautiful) family – regardless of whether you were born into it or married into it. Once you were in, you were in.

As far as I‘m concerned, Nan embodied the best of Cancer – as well as, from time to time, the worst.

Cancer is associated with the archetype of the Mother – and there is no doubt that Cancer has an innate ability to provide compassion, emotional and physical security and nutrition for their family – but this amazing talent to nurture and protect is extended beyond kids and family to whatever is important.

Not everyone with a Cancer Sun (or Moon) necessarily wants or has a family – many Cancer Suns are not even close to their family – but they all need something to look after and grow to be the best it can be. The “baby” may be a business venture, a job, a pet, a project or a partner.

It is often the case, however, that Cancer forgets to look after herself.  Cancer will provide a meal for others and go hungry if extra guests arrive. Cancer will bake up a storm, even if she is on a diet. Cancer will ensure her children are well clothed, even if it means she has to go without. Cancer will work extra jobs to pay for the best possible education for her children – to ensure her kids get a better start than she may have had.

Cancer nurtures the body and the soul, Cancer does more with less and Cancer will fight tenaciously when her “baby” is threatened. Only after everyone else is cared for and the job is complete, will Cancer consider her own needs.

The Moon rules Cancer. Not only is this responsible for their celebrated moodiness, but it also is why Cancer is one of the most sensitive and emotionally intuitive signs in the zodiac. If my Cancer friends tell me they feel something or someone is not right, I will trust them… implicitly. They feel it, therefore they know it.

Despite their pragmatic appearances, underneath the hard and mistrusting outer shell of every Crab is the soft underbelly of Cancer. Cancer might seem to be all business as usual and for your own good-ish, but underneath she cares deeply. If you care just as deeply, you’ll see that.

Happy Birthday Nan, we miss you.

Doing it for yourself…

Where is Cancer in your chart? This is the area of life you will feel most ready to grow and nurture. It may also be an area that you feel is threatened and need to protect.

Feed it, clothe it, nurture it, educate it and send it out into the world in full awareness that when the bad stuff hits, your creation knows it can come back home for a meal and some compassion.

If you don’t have your chart, read this post on how to get one.

If you don’t know what the houses mean, check out series 1 of the Toolbox or this post. For me the Sun is travelling through my fifth house. I’m smack in the middle of the rewrite for my new novel, and also madly considering covers and titles for the first of my planned astro ebooks.

If you don’t have any idea about your birth time, or can’t be faffed working it out, you can follow the solar guide. Naturally, if you do know where Cancer falls in your chart, you won’t need this guide.

  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Cancer the Sun will be transiting your 1st house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Leo, the Sun will be transiting your 12th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Virgo, the Sun will be transiting your 11th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Libra, the Sun will be transiting your 10th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Scorpio, the Sun will be transiting your 9th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Sagittarius, the Sun will be transiting your 8th house.
  • If your Sun of Ascendant is in Capricorn, the Sun will be transiting your 7th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aquarius, the Sun will be transiting your 6th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Pisces, the Sun will be transiting your 5th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aries, the Sun will be transiting your 4th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Taurus, the Sun will be transiting your 3rd house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Gemini, the Sun will be transiting your 2nd house.

 

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Mars in Cancer

 

My dad tells this joke about three old drovers* who are sitting around in a pub. They’re remembering days gone by and achievements of the past.

Drover 1 says, ‘I remember the time I took a mob of cattle from Darwin down to Birdsville. Bloody long way that was.’

Drover 2 nods his respect and says, ‘Yair, I remember I took a mob clean across the Nullabor and down into Adelaide.’

Drover 3 sinks his beer, wipes his mouth and says, ‘yair, I’ll pay those runs. But did I ever tell you about the time I took 500 head of cattle all the way from Perth, across the Nullabor, and down into Hobart?’

Drover 1 raises his eyebrows. ‘But Hobart’s in Tasmania,’ he said, ‘and Tasmania’s an island. How’d you get em across the water?’

‘I took em around the other way, didn’t I?’

Ok, if you’re not an Aussie, or an Aussie 78 year old man, you’re probably not going to get the joke, but it makes my dad laugh every time he tells it – it’s hard not to laugh with him.

But what has that got to do with astrology? Easy, Mars will move into Cancer – and the sign of his fall – later today. Stay with me – I’ll explain.

It sounds a little like a Greek tragedy really. Indeed any of you with a strong Mars, or Mars as their chart ruler may find the next few weeks a bit of a wash-out, energy wise.

In Capricorn (the opposite sign to Cancer), Mars is exalted – exaggerated, if you like. When a planet is in the sign of its’ exaltation it is like he is a favoured guest. The ruling planet owns the home (in the case of Capricorn, this is Saturn), but the planet in exaltation will be given the favoured guest treatment – the fluffiest towels, the plumpest pillows, the 1000 count Egyptian cotton sheets, and the visitor biscuits.

When that planet travels into the opposing sign, however, very much the opposite occurs. Not only is the planet uncomfortable in this position, but he feels worse that he actually is – sort of like having man flu – and behaves and performs differently to how he usually would.

So it is now with Mars. In terms of essential nature, Mars is the hottest and driest and most masculine of all the planets. Cancer, on the other hand, is wet, cold and, being ruled by the Moon, possibly the most feminine of signs. It stands to reason that Mars isn’t going to feel comfortable there. His feet are wet, he’s feeling soft and squidgy around the edges and is suffering just a tad from a bit of bloating or water retention.

Then there’s the movement thing. Mars needs forward momentum – and he’s not interested in the past except in terms of glimpsing it in the rear view mirror as he goes tearing into the future. Cancer likes to come at things sideways – from another direction…like a crab. And Mars really can’t be faffed with that sort of palaver.

So, if we put it all together, as far as Mars is concerned, he’s somewhere where doesn’t particularly like to visit. The house is cold and he is stuck inside with the worst relatives he could possibly imagine.  Sure, the food is good, but everyone seems to be sitting around chatting about what the kids are up to and re-hashing the stuff from the past that no longer has any relevance but that has taken on the shine that only hindsight can bring. Like you do when you’re somewhere you don’t really want to be, things seem worse than they really are. Exaggeratedly so.

Ok, if you’re Mars, that probably doesn’t sound great, but the thing is, for the next 6 weeks or so, he just needs to learn to work differently – to see things from the Cancer point of view.

 

The thing we tend to forget or overlook about Cancer – one of the things – is that as a cardinal sign, despite what you might think, it is still about initiating action to protect or preserve something. Yes, Cancer is an action or initiating sign. This means that whatever it is that Cancer represents in your chart is what Mars will be taking action on for the next 6 weeks or so. This part of life will be getting a surge of energy. It’s just that the way in which he acts is different.

You can make the most of this by resisting the urge to barge ahead – that won’t get you anywhere. Nurture what needs to be nurtured and, just like drover number 3, look for another way around – a way that won’t leave you exposed. You’ll get much further.

Another thing about Mars in Cancer – frustration can lead to comfort eating, so consider also what you’re really hungry for…and what you’re scared of exposing.

Want to know more about Mars in Cancer? Perhaps there’s a Cancer man in your life? Check out this post for more.

Doing it for yourself…

We all have Cancer somewhere in our chart, and it’s this part of life that’s about to get an energy hit from Mars.

Pull your chart out and look for the symbol of Cancer.

If you don’t have your chart, read this post on how to get one.

If you don’t know what the houses mean, check out series 1 of the Toolbox or this post.

If you don’t have any idea about your birth time, or can’t be faffed working it out, you can follow the solar guide below. Of course, if you know exactly where Mars is in your chart, go straight to that house.

Mars in Cancer will transit my 5th house. In the past it’s been a time of increased creativity – well, I guess that’s one of the things that the 5th house is about! The 5th house is a security house, and fear of exposing emotional vulnerabilities through self-expression is a biggie here too. As I get ready to present at August’s Romance Writer’s Conference the confidence I had when I first pitched my idea, is giving way to fears that no one will come to my session – or will be disappointed if they do. The subject of my workshop? How you can use astrology to create more believable and layered characters.

Over to you…

  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Cancer, Mars will be transiting your 1st house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Leo, Mars will be transiting your 12th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Virgo, Mars will be transiting your 11th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Libra, Mars will be transiting your 10th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Scorpio, Mars will be transiting your 9th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Sagittarius, Mars will be transiting your 8th house.
  • If your Sun of Ascendant is in Capricorn, Mars will be transiting your 7th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aquarius, Mars will be transiting your 6th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Pisces, Mars will be transiting your 5th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aries, Mars will be transiting your 4th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Taurus, Mars will be transiting your 3rd house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Gemini Mars will be transiting your 2nd house.

Mars will be in Cancer until 20 July 2017.

* A drover is a stockman who moves livestock on the hoof over large distances.

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Cancer Full Moon…

Cancer Full Moon 12 January, 2017, 21:33 (Sydney time)

22Cancer 27′

Normally at this Full Moon I talk about mothering and nurturing and work- life balance. (Check out this post). Right now though, it’s about practical resources vs heart stuff.

Unless you’re new to this site or have been under a rock, we’re about to embark on a huge change – a sea- change. Our Sydney house hits the market in a couple of weeks, and soon after that our family will be separated as hubby and Miss T move north, leaving me to continue at work and finish off down here.

To say I’m torn is an under statement. In true Pisces fashion though, I haven’t realized just how much it’s affecting people other than us. My birth family is here in Sydney – all of them – and my parents aren’t getting younger. As the eldest of 4 kids, I’m used to being the responsible one and now I’m moving away. Man, there’s some guilt attached to that.

Then there are our friends. We have some great friends here. I’ll miss all of them, but it hadn’t occurred to me that they could miss me. Well, I knew a couple would, but…

It’s wrenching, but we’re doing this for some very sound and rational reasons – and also to give us, our little family, a new start.

It’s the same with the properties we’re looking at up the coast. Do we buy an established home or build a new one? What about renovation? And where? Do we invest where we know it will be a smart and sensible purchase, or buy in the beachside suburb where we don’t get as much house for our money? Some suburbs have more perceived prestige, yet (to me) have less soul. Then there’s the view that in selling out of Sydney we’re down-trading as opposed to down-sizing. Surely we should still be wanting to climb the Sydney real estate ladder? Be seen to be accumulating more? Keeping up with what others are doing. We’re too young to throw away corporate ambition. Surely that’s more important than nurturing ourselves. And yes, I’ve been told that – more than once.

It’s all head versus heart stuff. It’s also Capricorn and Cancer – and you can read more about that here.

Needless to say, none of this is making it easy to go (actually, some of it is making it very easy to go), and goodbyes are never fun. At the end of the day, however, it’s our family that we’re protecting and trying to do the best for – and that really is all that matters.

Doing it for yourself…

Ok, by now you should know the drill – here at Jo Tracey Astrology, we’re about giving you the tools to do it yourself. If, however, you’re new to this site, check out this post.

I’ve popped a solar guide below to keep things simple, but if you know where 22 Cancer 27’ falls in your chart, check that out.

As for what you can expect? By now you should also know what the general themes of each house are about, but if not- or if you’re new to this site (and welcome- it’s lovely to see you here)- you can always check out this post.

As for me? This Full Moon falls in my 5th house and will be activating the kite pattern in my chart. It’s also playing havoc with my emotional security (5th house):

  • Conjunct Jupiter
  • Trine Sun
  • Trine Neptune
  • Trine Uranus

This weekend is the last weekend we have to clean up and pack away before our home of 18 years officially goes on the market. Sure, it’s just a house, but the memories within these walls, and the uncertainty that lies ahead is really doing my head – and my heart – in.  I feel like it’s all been work and no play of late. Some fun is definitely needed.

To balance this, I’m looking to my networks and my friends; and keeping a firm eye on why we’re doing this – our goals and dreams for our future. These are all 11th house concerns. As tired as I am, now is not the time to close down socially.

Oh, also active in today’s Full Moon is the Sun square Jupiter. This is one of those aspects where even if you feel as though you’ve bitten off more than you can chew – and, let’s face it, you probably have – the potential is there for you achieve stuff that you mightn’t have thought possible. I’ll be bearing that in mind as I tackle these boxes.

Anyways, enough about me, what about you?

Have a look at where this Full Moon falls in your chart, and then look at the opposite house. Eg if the Moon falls in your 6th house, check out your routines. Are they still healthy? Are your habits (6th house) bringing you undone (12th house)? Do you need some time away or alone time (12th house) to replenish your reserves? What about the opposite eg if the Full Moon is in your 12th house and you’re sabotaging yourself, it’s a sign to look at your 6th house routines. Get it?

Try it for yourself. The links in the post are there to help you. Why not write it down? A Moon journal helps you pick up patterns – and trust me, there will be patterns.

  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Cancer, this Full Moon falls in your 1st house- look also to the 7th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Leo, this Full Moon falls in your 12th house- look also to the 6th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Virgo, this Full Moon falls in your 11th house- look also to the 5th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Libra, this Full Moon falls in your 10th house- look also to the 4th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Scorpio, this Full Moon falls in your 9th house- look also to the 3rd house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Sagittarius, this Full Moon falls in your 8th house- look also to the 2nd house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Capricorn, this Full Moon falls in your 7th house- look also to the 1st house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aquarius, this Full Moon falls in your 6th house- look also to the 12th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Pisces, this Full Moon falls in your 5th house- look also to the 11th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aries, this Full Moon falls in your 4th house- look also to the 10th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Taurus, this Full Moon falls in your 3rd house- look also to the 9th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Gemini, this Full Moon falls in your 2nd house- look also to the 8th house for balance.
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Cancer New Moon: So Yesterday…

Golden Zodiac decorative vector background

As I’ve mentioned before, things have been in a state of constant flux this year. There’s been insecurity around many of our core structures: jobs, housing, income, and some very important friendships have all had foundations rattled.

Around the last New Moon I made the difficult decision to resign my job. It was difficult because I’ve made some good friends where I work- and I’ll miss all of them. In a way, though, the decision was easier in that this is something I needed to deliberately step away from in order to clear the space in my head to make other decisions.

At present the guilt I have over leaving is weighing very heavily on my heart- like a physical weight- and although I’m trying not to own it, I am. I guess though, that’s the thing with endings. You know you have to go through the pain of them in order to see the beginning that’s waiting somewhere beyond it.

It’s all very in line with tomorrows Cancer New Moon. I don’t know whether leaving this job is the right thing to do, but at present it feels as though it’s the only thing I can do- that the rest will somehow start to make sense. That’s the thing with New Moons- we take the leap in the dark, and gradually we start to see an outline take shape.

As stressful as this job can be- it’s also been a comfort blanket of sorts and, at times, a distraction from other things closer to home. In concentrating on other peoples’ problems, needs, and requirements. I’ve had a legitimate reason for putting myself last. It’s a weird concept to find comfort in discomfort, yet so many of us do it. We hang on and on and on- way past when we should be hanging on…way past the best by date of whatever it is that we’re hanging on to…way past the point at which whatever it is we’re hanging onto is causing more harm than good. Yet, still we do it.  We might attempt to justify it to ourselves with comments like:

He/she/they need me

I feel guilty

Who will do it?

Better the devil you know…

But in the good times…

Yet, in order to continue to grow, to flourish, sometimes we have to step away from the excuses that hold us in place and help us feel secure. After all, the alternative is unknown- and we’re scared of that.

The Moon is now in the balsamic phase, so if ever there was a shot at letting go, it is now. This is the Moon’s New Moon, so what better time to start a new cycle than with a clean slate and no attachments- and yes, I know that it’s easier said than done.

Cancer New Moons always bring issues of mother, home, family, self-care and self- nutrition to the forefront. New Moons allow for a fresh burst of energy. Given that Pluto is in in the mix (in opposition), whatever transformation is on the cards won’t be easy, but it will matter. It also means that whatever is going on for you, the root of it is at a soul level- and you can’t faff about with the integrity of that. Besides, the Universe has a habit of shifting you in the direction of where you need to be- especially when Pluto is involved. Whether you’re ready or not.

Doing it for yourself…

If you’ve been reading along, you should know how to find where the New Moon is happening in your chart. If you’re new to this site (welcome), duck across and check out this post before you go any further.

The position you’re looking for is 12 Cancer 53’…or thereabouts.

Now, let’s set our intentions. Think about the area of life you’re focusing on and set small achievable targets. Make sure that you do at least one thing towards this goal this month. If you’re unsure where to start, check out this post.

  • How do the concerns of this house make you feel?
  • How would you like to feel about them?
  • What positive steps can you take over the next four weeks to minimise the gap between how you feel about this are and how you’d like to feel?

*****Write it down!!!!!!!!!!******

If you don’t have any idea about your birth time, or can’t be faffed working it out, you can follow the solar guide:

  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Cancer, this New Moon will be in your 1st house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Leo, this New Moon will be in your 12th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Virgo, this New Moon will be in your 11th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Libra, this New Moon will be in your 10th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Scorpio, this New Moon will be in your 9th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Sagittarius, this New Moon will be in your 8th house.
  • If your Sun of Ascendant is in Capricorn, this New Moon will be in your 7th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aquarius, this New Moon will be in your 6th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Pisces, this New Moon will be in your 5th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aries, this New Moon will be in your 4th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Taurus, this New Moon will be in your 3rd house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Gemini, this New Moon will be in your 2nd house.

Wherever Cancer is in your chart is the area of life that is for you ruled by the Moon. It’s where you look for comfort, and nurturing…and self-nurturing. Are there any core needs that you’re over-looking? If you’re comfort eating, look at what you’re trying to avoid looking at…just saying…

For a few ideas, check out this post on New Moon Wishing.