Monthly Astro-Forecast; Solar Eclipse in Cancer

A solar eclipse in Cancer might be seen to share some symbolism with the Ace of Cups in the tarot. A rush of emotional energy, an opening into our feeling self, a need to connect with our intuition and imagination to see where this new journey might take us. Our deepest, most vulnerable emotional selves may be awakened, which might feel unsettling but can also be empowering, bringing self-knowledge and a chance to relate to others more authentically. If we tend not to pay too much attention to our feelings, preferring the reassuring clarity of our conscious minds, this solar eclipse might be the seed point of a new awareness of our deeper self, of the way our emotions underpin everything we do, even (or perhaps especially) when we're not aware of them. On the other hand, if we are sensitive and deeply connected not only to our own feelings but also to the feelings of those around us, the solar eclipse might bring such a surge of feeling energy that we struggle to contain it. Either way, the solar eclipse brings up messages from our subconscious minds, asking us to pay extra attention to our dreams and the subtle energies around us.

Venus moves into Cancer on July 3rd, reminding us of what we love and what we value the most. Cancer energy asks what we are nurturing and helping to grow. Through the middle of July, the Cancer Capricorn axis is activated once again as first the Sun and then Venus meets the North Node in Cancer and oppose both Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. We are asked how the flow of our feelings is restricted by our fears and insecurities? We might become aware of where or how we are hiding from our own vulnerability or closing ourselves down to avoid dealing with something painful. The North Node challenges us to grow beyond our comfort zone, to be compassionate towards ourselves as well as others. If we are held back by fears or habits which no longer serve us, something or someone may come along to pull us out of those habits, to break down the structures we've built, especially the structures which we believe keep us safe, but actually, keep us closed down. We might be encountering our shadow selves and integrating those parts of ourselves which make us feel insecure or vulnerable. On July 8th Mercury goes retrograde, first in Leo and then moving back into Cancer. I'm planning a series of more detailed posts on looking at this Mercury retro, so there'll be more on that in the next few days.

The day of the eclipse, Mars moves into Leo, heralding the return of this passionate energy. The Sun enters Leo on July 23rd and Venus a few days later on July 28th, building the intensity of the fire energy and igniting our passions. Here in the UK, summer is at its height during Leo season but is also passing its best. There's a sense of urgency or even desperation to make the most of the light and warmth and energy while it lasts. Leo energy wants to shine, so this is a time to focus on creative projects and whatever we do which allows us to express our best self and take pride in what we do.  Leo is also the sign of play, reminding us that it's still the holiday season. What do we do just because we enjoy it and it makes us happy? Leo asks us to make space in our lives for our inner child to have some fun, maybe even some healing if we've done the work of accepting and processing our vulnerabilities during the Cancer season. Like all of the fire signs, Leo has a hunger for life and for experience, a deep well of vitality we can use not just for our own self-expression but also to inspire and encourage others. With Chiron turning retrograde on Aries on 9th July as well as Mercury retrograde in Leo from July 8th, our inner fires may be a little muted this season or at least turned inward. It's time to consider what inspires us and what fuels the flame of our passion. We might also be examining and hopefully healing parts of ourselves which have been damaged in the past, maybe by the fires of conflict with others. The flow of energy from watery Cancer to fiery Leo brings imagination and strength, a chance to sow the seeds of a new self and nurture that self carefully into being.