Cancer 2008 / Summer Solstice

This year the sun move into Cancer at 5pm PDT on June 20th. This is also the point in the orbit of the earth around the sun referred to as the Summer Solstice. This is the point when days are longest in the northern hemisphere of earth. Since Spring Equinox the earth has been pulled further away from the sun by the gravity of the center of our universe. The apogee, or furthest point, of the Earth from the Sun actually occurs around July 4th. At apogee the earth is pulled by the magnetic influences coming from the center of our Milky Way Galaxy. This variance of magnetic pull could be the cause of the emotional differences seen in the astrological signs and the meanings of their four major marking points, regardless of which hemisphere, amount of daylight, and which actual season of the year is being experience.

Each of the astrology signs are part of a continual spiral process with specific behaviors related to an equivalent stage of human development. Summer Solstice in ancient traditions was a celebration of freedom and Gemini is the developmental stage of learning independence. The child is learning to get personal needs met through the power of independent movement and speech. This is a parallel to the freedom and independence felt by the earth moving away from the pull of the sun.

At the apogee point of this cycle in Cancer, the will of the sun, the will of the family of our solar system, once again begins to demand attention and the earth once again begins to continue its circle around the sun. This is also the closest point to the center of the Universe, the greater family, the root of our existence. In astrology, this point in the wheel is considered the place of family and ancestors, our genetic and spiritual roots.

Cancer is a water sign, ruled by the moon, and associated with the development of emotional connections with parents and family. It is also the development of the feelings about self in relationship to others. This is the foundation of ego, of self esteem and individuality, as achieved within the family. It is the values within the family and your ability to receive recognition and power that will affect this ability in every relationship throughout life. Cancer is also a cardinal sign meaning that it seeks action. It is like the waves and tides within the ocean responding to outside influences of greater cycles. The opposite and balancing sign of Cancer is Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. Both these celestial bodies are significant in their relationship to time and cycles on earth. The cycle of the moon around the earth is approximately 29 days and the journey of Saturn around the sun approximately 29 years. The progression of the moon and transits of Saturn to points in the natal chart are significant timers for potential events.

This year the Cancer Solstice occurs with a waning moon in Capricorn. Just two days before the earth was experiencing a Gemini / Sagittarius full moon energy. Hours before the Solstice, the sun opposed Pluto, the planet of transformation, also in Sagittarius. Tensions would be running high with individual ideas and needs clashing with that of accepted societal opinions.

The chart for this month shows potential for exaggerated emotions and many power struggles. The one outlet for the tension this month comes in trying to live consciously. This will be quite a challenge in a month that with the best of aspects still tends to revert most people back to their preschool belief systems and emotional nature.

Try to mentally put yourself into the head of others and communicate very carefully. Try to live by the revised Golden Rule, Do unto others, as they would have done unto them. Remember that we all have different values, based on the influences of our preschool experiences. Try to understand what others want, not enforce your beliefs and desires upon others.

Sun and Ascendant challenges: (Most people know their sun sign based on the day and month of their birth. The ascendant represents the role the soul is playing for lessons in this lifetime. Its sign can be calculated if the time of birth is known. An approximation can be made by dividing the day into twelve two hour segments. The same sign as the sun is rising at sunrise, approximately 6AM to 8AM and the natural zodiac order follows, changing every two hours.)

Every sun sign expresses Cancer energy in some area of their life. The following explains how the energy of this time of year is most likely to affect you:

Taurus - Communication with family may increase during this time with requests for your participation and work in social events and work projects. This is a time to observe yourself and others while you are also participating. How much expectation is there of each other? Are you putting forth effort to please others in situations that are actually contrary to your personal values? This is an opportunity to speak now before tension builds to anger during the sign of Leo.

Gemini - On their birthday, Gemini completes the solar 12th house introspective energy of the previous month and has a few days to exhale and enjoy a sense of freedom up until the Solstice. Cancer energy dampens the energy and enthusiasm of Gemini like trying to walk quickly while wading through water. There is a need to learn to listen to the values and needs of others before acting. Slowing down a bit can also help to build a stronger foundation and stamina for the projects that will flow better for you during Leo energy.

Cancer - This can be a good time for you to be introspective and let go of ideas and physical objects that you really do not need cluttering your mind and environment. Beginning with your birthday you will feel more like surfacing into social, family activities. But watch yourself for exaggerated expectations of them.

Leo - Leo finds its identity within peer groups and through their own creativity. Cancer / family energy during this month can feel limiting. This is a good time to explore the depths of your unconscious, even when it might feel frightening to you. Your creativity and self esteem depend on releasing the hidden attitudes obtained during your early childhood.

Virgo - You may find that you have many Cancer type friends and may spend more time with them during this month. This is an opportunity to listen carefully to the values they express and decide if you still agree. Your life goal is to learn to express your own discrimination and identity. Break free of unconscious power struggles with "siblings."

Libra - You seek balance and harmony in all relationship and feel a sense of tension this month when relationships tend to take on a more parental energy. Old family dynamics surface as you experience dependence upon you and possibly an awareness of your own emotional expectations of others.

Scorpio -This month brings opportunity to create an expanded family of those who share your goals and personal desires. You may learn to see situations from the emotional viewpoint of others which will improve you communication skills to allow you to also ask to have your needs met.

Sagittarius - Although you may be observing an increase of emotional, even childish behavior in others during this month, you should still be able to communicate. Keep focused on shared goals and provide recognition for the creativity of others. Teams for future earth work are now forming and each role is equally important.

Capricorn - You will experience a shift of energy around the 17th of July. Your creativity will increase and you may feel more energized. Projects will take cooperation and teamwork and not necessarily be exactly as you might try to control.

Aquarius - Emotions and family values may not be comfortable to you at this time, especially when you observe that others are not seeing the larger picture. You will have opportunity to observe attitudes and behaviors in others that may be still unconsciously present in you. You can only change yourself.

Pisces - this can be a creative month for you as you have more energy and focus toward accomplishment. Trust your intuition and dont be discouraged by lack of recognition and cooperation from peers. Your unique individual gift and viewpoint is needed at this time.

Starpaths: Gemini 2008

In June the energy is primarily that of Gemini. At this developmental stage the sense of hearing becomes more focused on words and learning communication skills. The human is shifting into the qualities of the cerebral cortex of the brain which distinguish it from other mammals. The baby is also developing independent movement skills that lead to walking.

On the cusp between Taurus and Gemini are the earliest words used to name people and things and the word No. Separation from the caregiver starts and the child begins to demand independent action and decisions. Acceptance of others has moved from caregiver to include and even prefer the company of siblings. As the child progresses into Gemini the most common word heard is Why. These traits are dominant in Gemini people and for all people at this time of year.

During the sign and stage of Gemini, people use movement and words to explore and interact with the environment. This is a time when people enjoy short trips to explore the immediate environment and attend extended family functions. There is also an emphasis on learning and other forms of communication during June.

The Gemini goal is to become more aware of your communication style. Check yourself for congruency. Are you able to express yourself in a way that will assist you to achieve the things you want in your life at this time? In Feng Shui, the Money / Power area of the home is actually in the SE, the same part of the circle that contains Taurus and Gemini. The feeling of success is subjective and related to the values learned through the family. Power is first learned within the family through the ability to communicate, be heard, and have your needs met.

In Feng Shui, the first part of Money / Power back left corner of the home or room is actually the same part of the bagua/ medicine wheel that corresponds to Taurus and Gemini. The feeling of success and power are subjective and related to the values learned through the family and the ability to have your needs met though effective communication.

Sun and Ascendant challenges: (Most people know their sun sign based on the day and month of their birth. The ascendant represents the role the soul is playing for lessons in this lifetime. Its sign can be calculated if the time of birth is known. An approximation can be made by dividing the day into twelve two hour segments. The same sign as the sun is rising at sunrise, approximately 6AM to 8AM and the natural zodiac order follows, changing every two hours.)

Everyone expresses Gemini energy in some area of their life. The following explains how the energy of this time of year is most likely to affect you:

Taurus: The sun at this time is bringing up the issue of your own personal values and your ability to earn money through your own efforts. Your ability to communicate effectively is important to your success.

Gemini: This is your birthday month. As the sun moves closer to your specific day, think about the image that you desire to project to the world. Gemini is often seen as a split personality by others but this other side is often a blind spot to the Gemini person. Observe and listen to yourself though out the time period of Gemini. If split, consciously work toward blending and merger of interests and needs. Cancer: Listening with your heart instead of you ears and head often causes emotional reactions that could have been avoided. This is a month for personal introspection, especially for your own self sabotage behaviors and attitudes. Literally clean out your physical closets while reviewing and discarding all which does not serve you at this time in your life.

Leo: Communication is important in your friendships. Take time this month to contact the individuals and reconnect with groups of shared interests. This might also be a good month for short trips, especially to places that provide you with new educational opportunities.

Virgo: This month challenges you to look at the idea of your personal life purpose and those careers that might best fit into that purpose and your own enjoyment preferences. It is important to include what you might like to do when alone, just for you, because of a natural inclination to sacrifice self for others and deplete your own energy.

Libra: This is a month to seek new information through reading, writing, trips, or classes. It is important to be able to see, hear, and understand the point of view of others before you judge. Scorpio: Communication is important with your partner this month regarding shared values and finances. This is a time to be logical, not emotional, and really listen to each other.

Sagittarius: Observer your communication style with others and make needed adjustments. Your mind is quick so often impatient with those who speak slowly, even a moderate rate. Miscommunication can occur when not hearing the full statement and allowing you mind to be formulating a response before gathering all needed information.

Capricorn: This is a month of joint work effort and viewing others as co-workers who can provide valuable information. This may often require an adjustment to your way of looking at the situation.

Aquarius: This can be a creative month for you. Place yourself into situations where you can hear new information and integrate new concepts into your current interests and projects.

Pisces: This month challenges you to distinguish between what is actually being said and intended by others and what you feel and believe they mean. This is a time that your intuition is more likely off and you need to physically hear and process the information.

Starpaths: Taurus 2008

At this stage of life the infant perceives everything and everyone about them as an extension of themselves or there to serve them. With limited movement the baby is dependent upon others to provide for them and learn quickly how to use their voice to get attention and sometimes what they want. The lack of independence at this stage is one of the attitudes that must be overcome as the young person progresses through each level of developmental tasks. A frequent cause of relationship problems in adults can be trace back to trauma through abuse or sometimes excessive catering at this stage in life. These issues can also be seen among Taurus people and become the life lessons that repeat themselves until learned. Issues of trust and dependability are important, and often an attitude of too much expectation of themselves, others, or both.

Taurus is considered to be fixed earth, so can be the most earthy and practical of all signs and one of the most stubborn. Persistence can be their greatest gift, but sometimes the most annoying to others. It is difficult for Taurus to let go once they have begun a project or get a specific idea in their head. This is an age where conscious reasoning has not yet developed. Behavior traits are genetic and learned responses mostly governed by the unconscious parts of the brain.

Taurus means bull, but the behavior can be seen more often as that of oxen. They prefer the company of others and can work well to slowly methodically accomplish any task they are asked to do. This is a time of year that many people will do their Spring Cleaning, the harder time consuming tasks that are usually done once or a few times a year. In the growing cycle this is the time that fields are plowed and seed for the annual plants are sown. The perennials are in bud stage and still fragile, often damaged by late cold weather or rain storms. In the same way Taurus people have the strange mixture of often appearing tougher and more capable than they actually are inside.

The opposite bell curve nature of Taurus is the more dangerous nature of a bull, especially when the unconscious fight flight nature has been triggered. These people can rage and kick out hurting anyone in their path, without any conscious intent. This sign is said to be ruled by Venus the goddess of love, but sweet Venus has the potential for a hidden and extreme dark side when angered or fearful.

We all express Taurus energy in some area of our life this is the area where you may be stuck in a rut of following the direction of others. This may also be where you have too great an expectation of yourself or others. And this area of life may also be where you are acting on the most primal unconscious level, unaware of destructive behaviors, or frequently acting out with rage.

In Feng Shui, the first part of Money / Power back left corner of the home or room is actually the same part of the ba qua/ medicine wheel that corresponds to Taurus. The feeling of success and power are subjective and related to the values learned through the family and the ability to have your needs met.

Sun and Ascendant challenges: (Most people know their sun sign based on the day and month of their birth. The ascendant represents the role the soul is playing for lessons in this lifetime. Its sign can be calculated if the time of birth is known. An approximation can be made by dividing the day into twelve two hour segments. The same sign as the sun is rising at sunrise, approximately 6AM to 8AM and the natural zodiac order follows, changing every two hours.)

Everyone expresses Taurus energy in some area of their life. The following explains how the energy of this time of year is most likely to affect you:

Cancer: Activities calm down for you this month while you find enjoyment with the select projects you prefer, usually in the company of friends or others working toward a common goal.

Leo: Probably the best word to describe this month for you is "stalemate" even though it might even feel more like "checkmate" in your chess game of life. Bide your time, be patient and kind, until you can attempt conscious reasoning using the Gemini energy of next month. Remember Taurus energy in all people at this time of the year is developmentally in the unconscious brain.

Virgo: The Taurus energy should have a calming effect this month while you get tasks accomplished. However is you have not learned the required tasks of this developmental stage, you may be getting "wake up" reminders from your personal partner. Is the problem in your expectations of self and others, need for direction, or unconscious behaviors?

Libra: This may feel like a month of adjustment with your personal partner. Money and sex may both be issues. Check your expectations and values to find the points of agreement. Also be willing to own any issues related to your own unconscious behavior patterns.

Scorpio:This month can either bring balance and harmony or antagonism in your relationships with others. Look at the issues of stubbornness, fight/flight unconscious reactions, and expectations of yourself and others. Exhale slowly and think before saying anything and try to imagine yourself in the other persons shoes.

Sagittarius: Health and daily work routines may both make you feel like you are moving in slow motion. Watch your expectations of yourself and others and just keep putting one foot in front of the other as you complete needed tasks. New opportunities are presenting themselves but you must flow and allow the needed adjustments in yourself.

Capricorn: May can be a creative month as you work diligently to complete tasks, usually with the cooperation of others. This is a good time to try to look beyond your old sources and routines to discover ways to bring more pleasure into your life. Make time to play!

Aquarius: You may feel that you are trying to swim upstream against a strong current during this month. Your patience and compassion are being tested. You may also have to look at your own expectations of others and yourself, especially concerning how much is actually possible to accomplish. Try to make a difference with just one person one little thing at a time and allow yourself that sense of accomplishment instead of being overwhelmed by the larger picture.

Pisces: You will be learning how to organize your thoughts to express your ideas in a more concise manner. Pay closer attention to what is being specifically asked of you and funnel your concentration to the simplest answer or only the specific task. You can dissipate your energy too easily by attempting to do or explain more than others want or can handle.

Spring Equinox / Aries 2008

During the quarter since Winter Solstice in December 2007, the earth has been in a gestation period for all physical and mental seed ideas.

Aries is the symbolic stage of existence related to the sun rising from the east and the seasonal time when plants begin to bud. This is the time period for marking change and new beginnings, even though the seed idea actually began earlier.

The Spring Equinox and beginning of Aries is the point of birth of any seed into an infant physical form At this point in any cycle of creation the beginning sprouts of an idea will appear and require nurturing for further growth. Any "New Year "resolutions or physical seeds dormant in the ground will now begin to show the results of your care and efforts during their gestation or womb period. Sometimes none of the seed or bulbs planted will sprout and indicate something that did not nourish their growth during gestation. The same is true of idea. You may have set goals since Winter Solstice, but now is the time you will begin to see the results.

There can be either budding results beginning to appear or no growth, no change in your life, because there was not sufficient planning, effort , or nourishment of your goals. Sometimes the unconscious desires have been fed more energy than the conscious ones and what you are beginning to see is what got the most mental attention.

As we enter this month of Aries, sunrise, awakening energy, there is opportunity to begin to see what is about you in a new way. You as an individual, as well as all groups, have the opportunity to begin to awaken. You can begin to make the changes within yourself that will prepare you for the world transition to a more conscious social order.

Aries marks the dawn of the light and the ability to see further and clearer. It is an opportunity to move out of a darkness of the mind and of the soul. When the inside is murky there is a tendency to project and accuse others, and fear other, when the fear is really of that unhealed, negative part of the self.

The goal for Aries is to rise like the sun to the highest place within you. With the sun at your back you can see your shadow lying before you. Examine your shadow, all the parts you would rather not see, carefully. See what traits you would prefer to diminish and what traits you would like to develop. Know that others around you have been mirrors to help you see what you have the most difficulty seeing.

Aries is the explorer. It is movable fire with the spark of inspiration and the ambition to carry forth new ideas. Be sure your torch represents something that will truly help you and others with compassion and love.

Everyone expresses Aries energy in some area of their life. The following is based on your sun or rising sign:

Taurus: The aggressiveness of others this month might feel irritating or even threatening enough to begin thoughts of moving out of your old established patterns. The actual action most likely will not happen until after your birthday. The key is to be conscious of your goal and your own behavior patterns this month. On one end of the bell curve of behavior, Taurus is the one upfront and pulling their load, with the extreme being doing too much to try to please. The other Taurus type is the one that pushes the cart from behind, pushing others to do for them. The extreme on this end is the entitled, passive aggressive, often blind to this trait. During this month examine your shadow; use the Aries "I see" energy to really see yourself in action.

Gemini: The energy of each month creates an alternating energy for the other signs, like walking right foot, left foot: outward action, internal introspection. Last month was to go inward seek or create your best Spiritual Practice to recharge. This month calls for action in the world, using the practice you discovered last month to maintain balance.

Cancer: Your career, your life purpose, calls to you this month demanding action that you might want to resist. At the same time your personal relationship is also being more assertive, even aggressive. Last month you had the luxury of retreating to your dreams to recharge and hopefully get a sense of what is important to you personally. This month calls for more time in action. Keep focused on the end result that you desire and take one step at a time, one day at a time this month.

Leo: This should be a good month with a focus of energy on your personal relationship. The feeling of adjustment needed in the beginning should ease as the month progresses and you find more balance in your life together. Together you may discover more clarity in an issue that has eluded your understanding for a long time.

Virgo: This month requires more action and adjustment in your concept of being a WE. This could apply to both personal and business partnerships. A new realistic examination of shared finances should be made, looking at the bigger picture, and setting long term goals. Strive for balance to meet the needs of all involved. This goal also applies to areas besides money, including acknowledging the personal values of each and the sexual relationship in a personal partnership.

Libra:The personal partner and striving for balance, continues to play a strong role in your consciousness this month. Tension should ease as the month progresses and Mars the planet ruler of Aries moves into Aquarius, bringing more group cooperation into your life. While in Capricorn your home life would have been overwhelmed by the demands of others to be in control and resistance to your words and needs. Work together for new shared goals and methods to find balance and harmony in your life.

Scorpio:This continues to be a month of adjustment, possibly to a new beginning and new work environment. If not physically new, this is an opportunity to create a new attitude, a new way of looking at the environment in which you spend most of your everyday life. This daily or work environment also reflects your own hidden attitudes about yourself. The greatest goal for Scorpio is to see the world around them as their tool and their inner nature as being their strength or stumbling block. Scorpio has the most potential to be the Medicine Man or Woman. You are usually not aware or are sometimes afraid of your own potential power. Each year at this time you are given opportunity to awaken to your own inner strength. Scorpio energy has two potential traits. It can be the scorpion that stings others with their words and actions when in fear. You can become the Phoenix, the soaring eagle, when awakened to you own self esteem and potential abilities. Because you have so great a potential, the task of discovering who you are is also a difficult path, meant to lead to a greater appreciation and respect for your abilities. Great personal power requires the maturity and wisdom of the journey to handle these gifts wisely.

Sagittarius:The switch to your brother fire sign of Aries bring renewed energy. The water element of Pisces may feel like it almost literally puts out your flame. Time breath deep and exhale slowly as you survey your new options. During this month let your creativity and playfulness take stage again. Just pace yourself and make the necessary steps to complete important projects.

Capricorn: You may find this a month of renewed energy and awakening, but also feel a bit overwhelmed and challenged by all that you want to accomplish. Your personal environment and family will require attention in addition to what you would prefer to do. Rather than ignore what you dont want to look at, pace yourself and organize your time. Consciously dividing your time and attention will increase your feelings of accomplishment and self esteem.

Aquarius : New opportunities may appear that you had not even thought about. Pay closer attention to what is being said to you. You may find that it is not what you expected to hear and does not match your prejudgments of the people involved. This is a good month to explore, to take short trips, read to learn about something new, and make more effort to connect with other people.

Pisces: As this month begins all Pisces sun signs have passed their birthday and are embarking on the cycle of a new year and new opportunities. Survey all possibilities then focus on what is most important for you  at this time. Since you cannot do all the things you want to do at one time, just do what is presenting itself with the most opportunity or most need right now. When you accomplish that task, the next will appear. Too often Pisces procrastinates because they unconsciously feel overwhelmed by their ability to see so many choices at once.