June 21 - July 22
Symbol: The Crab Mantra: I Feel Element: Water Ruling Planet: The Moon Modality: Cardinal House: Fourth House Crystals: Moonstone & Pearl Anatomy: Chest & Stomach Flower: Water Lily Tarot Card: The Chariot
Loyal • Imaginative • Emotional • Sympathetic • Moody • Domestic • Maternal • Romantic • Creative • Hypersensitive • Cliquey
Famous Cancer Suns: Ariana Grande, Lana Del Rey, Selena Gomez, Meryl Streep, Vin Diesel, Robin Williams, Courtney Love, Lindsey Lohan, Pamela Anderson, Ernest Hemingway
About Cancer
In the Northern Hemisphere, Cancer Season begins around the Summer Solstice. It’s the time of year where the Sun’s heat and light are at their peak, and the day is longer than the night. Cancer’s connection with nurturance and rejuvenation is found within the energy of the Summer months. Cancer season brings light and abundance. There is always something familiar about those born under the sign of Cancer. They give people an uncanny feeling that they’ve met them before. This has to do with their nurturing and homey archetypes, making people instantly feel comfortable with them.
Cancer is represented by The Crab, going between the sea and shore. Cancers are able to flow effortlessly between the emotional and material realm. They are much like The Crab, with an impenetrable outer shell and vulnerable underside. The constellation of Cancer has roots in many ancient civilizations. In ancient Egyptian times, it was associated with the scarab, the symbol of immortality for them. The connection with the afterlife continued with Babylonian culture, where Cancer was the God that was to guide the passage through the underworld. In Greek Mythology, The Crab is notable in the tale of Hercules battling the Hydra. Karkinos, The Crab, was sent by Hera to distract Hercules. When Karkinos bit Hercules on the foot, Hercules killed him. As a reward for doing Hera’s bidding, he was placed in the heavens to shine for eternity.
The Tarot Card relating to Cancer is The Chariot. This card shows a warrior riding off on a journey or battle with poise and calm. The peaceful warrior, who is emotive and intuitive, but also a powerful protector and defender of the weak and vulnerable. This card might appear when we are about to embark on something new. It is encouraging and bodes well for determination, courage and emotional strength.
The Moon rules Cancer. The Moon is the closest celestial body to Earth and it affects our moods the most. The Moon rules over the “inner” self. In the time of classical astrology, the Moon was thought to be the protector of Earth, where some of the maternal qualities of the Moon were observed. In Greek Mythology, Serene served as the Goddess of the Moon. There are multiple Lunar Deities, all of them are depicted as female or feminine in nature. Being ruled by the Moon, phases of the lunar cycle deepen Cancer’s internal mysteries and create fleeting emotional patterns that are beyond their control.
Cancer is the sign that rules home, family and emotions. The voice of empathy, intuition and sensitivity comes through with the Cancer mantra: I feel. Their sense of purpose is facilitating and nurturing emotional understanding, expression and awareness. This sign is oriented toward contemplation and inner awareness. Those with Cancer in their Big Three have a sensitive, intuitive and protective awareness. They are an echo of life-supporting and sustaining energies.
Don’t be surprised if it takes awhile to get to know someone born under the sign Cancer. They are shielded by their exterior shells, cautious when entering a social gathering. They come in quietly, observing their surroundings before they open up.
They are homebodies at heart, even if they’re out and about in the working world or queen bees of their social hive. They love returning to a space they can call their own. They take great comfort and pleasure from home and family. Many Cancers are maternal, domestic, and love to nurture others.
Cancers are naturally deeply emotional and sensitive. They are able to empathize with people’s pain and suffering. No matter what their gender identity is, Cancers tend to have a strong feminine energy and matriarchal presence in their homes, communities and workplaces. Cancers are always ready to host, set a table, and can be counted on to feed and care for friends, family, and any weary traveler that stays in their home. They are kind, giving and sympathetic in nature.
Their emotional instincts can be protective and helpful, but they can become overactive if they are not feeling healthy and grounded. They could become fearful, reclusive, and hyper-vigilant in the outside world. Though they avoid direct conflict by walking at an angle, they can inflict a harsh pinch with their distinctive brand of passive-aggressiveness.
If you need someone with a sympathetic ear and shoulder to cry on, call on Cancer. Be sure to return the favor though, because these highly emotional creatures need space to vent and the reassurance of their strength!
Learn more about the sign Cancer here.
How Can Cancer Season Affect You?
During Cancer Season, our emotions, intuition and protectiveness are heightened. We can be more in tune with our emotions and the emotions of others. Focus might shift toward family, home life and personal relationships.
Taking care of our emotional needs and seeking comfort and solace is a priority. Emotional sensitivity can lead to a deeper connection with others too.
We have increased intuition during this time. We may get a strong gut feeling, or be more empathic, picking up on people’s feelings around us. Following our intuition can lead us to great things. It’s a wonderful time for tarot and other psychic readings.
People may feel more inclined to care for and protect their loved ones. We may want to spend more time with our families and strengthen our bonds with them. Nourish yourself with comfort foods or maybe a recipe that has been passed down. It can be a great time for gathering family and friends and cozying up at home. There may be a need to create a sense of security in your living space. We might get the urge to redecorate or reorganize. Create a sacred space in your home that feels nurturing and comforting. Bring cozy pillows and blankets into this space.
It can be beneficial to create a harmonious environment, spend time with loved ones, and engage in self-care that promotes emotional well-being. We may feel the need to express our emotions through creativity, or journaling. Cancer season encourages introspection and emotional exploration. Reflect on your emotional well-being and areas of your life that need nurturing and healing.
It's a wonderful time to learn more about the moon. Working with lunar energy can be potent during this season. You can also moon gaze and set up an altar with moon symbolism.
You might even be drawn to spending time around water. You can take soothing baths and showers, allowing water to cleanse and rejuvenate you. Visit a nearby lake, ocean or steam to connect with the calming, healing energies.
Journal Prompts and Reflections for Cancer Season:
During Cancer Season, journal daily about your feelings, dreams and desires! If you need help narrowing down what to write about, here are some questions you can ask yourself.
How can I honor and express the emotions that are surfacing in a healthy way?
What self-care activities bring me a sense of nurturing and emotional well-being? How can I prioritize and integrate these in daily life?
What lessons from the past still influence you today?
How can you heal and nurture your inner child?
What dreams do I have for my personal and emotional growth?
How can I show myself love and compassion on a daily basis?
Are there any emotional boundaries I need to establish or reinforce in my relationships? How can I communicate my needs effectively?
How can I deepen my connection to my intuition? What signs or messages am I receiving from my inner self?
What does home mean to me both physically and emotionally?