Cancer Full Moon: The Duty of Honoring Your Emotions
January 1, 2018: Cancer Full Moon
The year begins under the illumination of the Cancer Full Moon, a lunation during which we often gain insights into the ways we contribute to both the world and the people to whom we are closest. We may also be better able to understand the role with which we are mainly identified: this may be the work we do, the family we nurture, the relationships that we tend, and/or other things that carve out our identity and bring us nurturance. We may gain a greater sense of how we feel about the legacy we are creating and whether it truly aligns with our deepest needs and desires, whether it feeds the core of who we are.
We may feel extra sensitive around this time and experience a heightened need to feel safe, secure, and taken care of. At the same time, we may perceive that this conflicts with a desire to be a bedrock of responsibility and strength for others. As such, it’s important to remember to own and express our feelings and that stating our needs is not a reflection of weakness but of internal strength.
Given that Uranus is about to station direct (on January 2), the archetypes of this do-it-a-different-way planet are strong. The planet of innovation, Uranus sparks our need to further find our unique sense of individuality. It inspires within us the urge to do things differently, to undertake a personal [r]evolution in order to experience evolution.
When Uranian energy is “loud”, as it is today and the coming days, expect the unexpected is a good mantra to follow. By using that as a framework, and knowing that some unanticipated events may occur—but that we just can’t yet anticipate what they will be—we can we reduce some of the potential anxiety that may come from surprises we didn’t even foresee may happen. Additionally, by keeping our attention open to the out-of-the-blue novelties that manifest, we may be more apt to perceive the value and lessons that they can offer us.
Reflecting this, expect the unexpected, stay bouncy, and be flexible enough to pivot. Not only are these good strategies to mitigate challenges but they can help you to reap rewards and redirect your life in new and exciting ways.
This Full Moon falls at 12 degrees of Capricorn (Sun) and Cancer (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Capricorn, Cancer, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely.
CANCER FULL MOON APOTHECARY SUGGESTIONS
Capricorn is associated with the skeletal system, joints, and skin while Cancer is associated with the stomach, sinuses, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this Full Moon.
Honeysuckle flower essence: With the Moon in Cancer, we may find that the past has a pincer grip on us, just like the claws of a crab, the symbol for Cancer. When this happens, it can lead to a reduction in vitality, disturbing our ability to maintain the sense of presence required to fully participate in the present. If you need some energetic assistance releasing the shrouds of wistfulness and making peace with the past, consider trying Honeysuckle flower essence. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)
Frankincense essential oil: Frankincense is one of the most sacred of scents and one that aligns beautifully with the sagacity of Capricorn. Used in temple ceremonies for ages, it can help us to open to the mysteries of life as well as the cycles of creation and manifestation. Using it in a diffuser, adding some to a mister bottle of water to scent a room, or mixing it with a few drops of plain body oil and applying it as a perfume are some great ways to enjoy it. It’s also a great tonic for helping to support Capricorn-related rheumatic health so mix a drop or two with plain lotion, massaging it into your muscles, paying particular attention to your joints.
* The Full Moon is exact at 9:24 pm EST