Camila Rivera is a Colombian astrologer based in North Carolina. She comes from a line of spiritualists and curanderas–and subsequently found herself inherently drawn to the occult since childhood. She has been a student of astrology for the past six years.
The sun descends into the deep waters of Cancer on June 21st, beckoning us to dive into our feelings. Things that have been long suppressed tend to bubble up to the surface during this time, but this is for the best! One of the many lessons to be learned from Cancer is the dignity we can find in our moodiness and the healing power to be found in honoring our emotions. It reminds me of the Karen Blixen quote, “I know the cure for everything: salt water […] sweat, or tears, or the salt sea.”
WELCOME TO CANCER SEASON!
The keyphrase for Cancer season is “I feel.” Cancers have a tremendous ability to feel in such a profound way–it’s why they’re considered one of the most intuitive signs in the zodiac. Fun fact! Cancer, a sign of high intuition, rules the stomach. Hence the phrase: “gut feeling.” Despite their sensitivity, it’s rare you’ll ever see a Cancer sweat. Just like their symbol (the crab), natives of this sign are just as notorious for their hard shells as they are for their soft insides.
When the sun finds itself in this nurturing sign, the vibe tends to turn a little personal. Cancers are known to be a maternal sign–associated with the moon and motherhood–proving this season to be a fruitful time to focus on nurturing whatever aspect of your life is in more need of tender care. There is also a special emphasis on the home around this time, as Cancer is definitely the homebody of the zodiac. This may be due to Cancer’s ancient association with the turtle, another coastal dweller: a creature who always carries its home with it.
When we think of home, we think of security and safety. Cancer season is an opportunity to have an open dialogue with your emotional body. Where could you be more cared for and where could you be more caring? More generous? More loving? There is always a way into a more harmonious place and if anyone is going to forge the path forward, it’s going to be Cancer.
Cancer is one of the four initiators of the zodiac, so the start of its season coincides with the summer solstice–a time when the sun is at its’ zenith. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. Cultures across the world marked this day annually with Midsummer celebrations, the most famous of which still happen at Stonehenge every year. The summer solstice is about appreciating the light after such darkness
The summer solstice is a day for potent magic. Small rituals, like writing a wish on a bay leaf and setting it alight, will have an extra kick. Divination would also prove most insightful today, so throw some cards if you’re feeling spicy!
SEASONAL FORECAST
Venus enters Gemini on June 22nd, kicking off the summer with some light and flirty vibes. When the goddess of love finds herself in Gemini’s social airs, she tends to enjoy a fast-paced procession of one affair after the other. The mood is likely to stay lighthearted until Venus moves into tenderhearted Cancer on July 17th.
Mars meanders into Taurus on July 4th, the god of war finding himself more determined and unreasonably stubborn. There is an influence during this time to tend towards patience, every action put forth with the goal of maximum long-term satisfaction. Mercury is also making moves, gracefully swan diving into Cancer on July 4th. Communication takes on a deeper meaning during this time, so expect a lot of heart-to-hearts with a chance of tears.
The new moon in Cancer on June 28th is an opportunity to meditate on cancerian themes of emotional support and community. Funnily enough, the United States is a Cancer (with its birthday being July 4th) and astrologer Grant Lewi highlighted the constitution’s preamble as a succinct summary of cancerian ideals. The founding fathers, in order to focus on a more perfect union, wanted to focus on establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty.
Cancer is a protective sign. It craves security above all else–not just for themselves, but for the “common” and “general” public. It is a sign that places importance in the people. Gather those closest to you and come up with an action plan to better your neighborhood. If your community isn’t in need of a food pantry, reach out to activists and leaders in communities that do. The best manifestation is rooted in active intention! Be the change you wish to see in the world.