Caring Cancer
- Kelody Fey
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
The summer solstice welcomes in the season of Cancer from June 21/22 through July 22. Cancer is the first water sign in the wheel of the year and since it aligns with the start of a season, Summer, it is a cardinal sign as described in my Aries post. I love how Chani Nicholas describes Cancer’s role “to initiate emotional ties, bonds, and feelings.” While not as assertive as Aries, Cancer can be assertive within the emotional level of things since it is a water sign like Pisces and Scorpio.
Cancer’s symbol is the crab, which protects its vulnerable insides with it’s shell. The
shell is a home that can travel on land and in water. Cancer rules the 4th house, the house of domestic life- the physical home, family (including ancestors), mother, home life, beginning and end of life care, and the sense of safety we experience when we are at home within ourselves.
Cancer is governed by the moon, which I will describe in more detail when Libra season arrives. But for now, the moon represents our instincts, intuition, inner self, and emotions. So will all the above in mind, the characteristics of Cancer include:
Subtle
Sensitive, Vulnerable
Receptive
Canny
Protective
Emotional, Moody
Intuitive
Low risk takers
Loving
Imaginative
Empathetic
Changeable
Can be clingy, unable to let go
Passive
Nurturing
Can side step stress/tough situations
Energy waxes and wanes
Sentimental
Perceptive
Loyal
My mother has her sun sign in Cancer. She is always looking out for others and wants family to remain close. Cancers can sometimes be described as homebodies, like my mom, but they do like a good adventure every now and then. Eight years ago we arrived in Ireland shortly before her birthday!
In my chart, Jupiter is in Cancer in the 11th house. The planet Jupiter is named after the Roman God, whose Greek counterpart is Zeus. Jupiter represents expansion in a variety of ways- luck, abundance, confidence, education. Jupiter also presides of laws, ethical standards, religious beliefs. For me, this Jupiter is well placed because it strengthens my intuition and emotions and expands my capability to nurture and work with the public on a humanitarian level.
Now adding the fact that this pairing is in the 11th house, the house of friendship and community, I am drawn to the safety of my family and friend group. I get along well with others and these relationships help me achieve my goals in life.
My Chiron is also in Cancer. Chiron is categorized as an asteroid, comet, or minor plant. In mythology, Chiron was a centaur that was adopted by Apollo. In astrology, Chiron represents where we might have been wounded, even if it has been passed down from ancestors. It can be the thing that makes us feel like an outsider. It is the area we hope to heal and eventually we often become healers to others experiencing the same wound.
With a Cancer in Chiron, there is the potential that I feel that I don’t belong. This is partially true and can certainly relate to some of my past experiences. I often feel like I am not worthy for other people. But I have been working through that for many years! I have my group of family and friends that make me feel like I belong.
Finally, my Ceres is in Cancer. Ceres, an asteroid, is not essential in understanding a natal chart, but it can highlight the ways in which we nurture ourselves. Per astrology.com, a Ceres in Cancer reports that creature comforts like being at home are the preferred ways of self care. That is very true for me. I love being at home!
I just switched the room where my office and spiritual space is and it has had a ripple effect throughout the house, in good and challenging ways. I was feeling overwhelmed in the previous space and needed to expand! Some of what I discovered about how Cancer influences me really aligned with what is happening in life right now in Cancer season.
Where is Cancer in your chart?
What or who makes you feel at home?
References:
Astrology: A Cosmic Science by Isabel M. Hickey
Astrology Magick by Lindsay Squire
Astrology: Using the Wisdom of the Stars in Your Everyday Life by Carole Taylor
The Definitive Guide to Using Astrology In Every Aspect of Your Life by Julia & Derek Parker
Simplified Astrology Volume One by Mark David Meyer
The Witches Complete Guide to Astrology by Elsie Wild
You Were Born For This by Chani Nicholas
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