CANCER

Spring ends
Summer begins
Life's waters
Ebb and flow

As spring fades and summer begins, we come into the time of Cancer.  In the Greek zodiac, Cancer reigns from about June 21 through July 22.  The summer solstice has just past and we in the northern hemisphere are speeding into the dog days of summer.  The passionate enthusiasm of spring begins to cool to the moodiness and endurance of summer.  Cancer, the crab, is the perfect symbol of this transition.

Cancer is a water sign, in tune with the moon and the ocean.  It symbolizes the ebb and flow of emotions.  It can be loyal, supportive, and committed, or moody, pessimistic, and manipulative.  Cancer symbolizes home, tenacity, and protectiveness, but that tough exterior can be an illusion.  It can be shielding a vulnerability, or protecting a boundary.

At its best, Cancer, the crab, is an intuitive, creative empath that rides its emotions.  It tenaciously works for its ambitions and protects the home and those who have its loyalty.  The crab symbolizes finding creative ways around challenges and conflicts to create healthy environments.

At its worst, the crab symbolizes selfishness and manipulation.  That hard outer shell can hide insecurities.  The protective nature of the crab can become aggression.  The boundary of the shell can become a way to hide.  Creative ways around problems can become avoidance.

I choose to take the lessons of Cancer and grow stronger and, hopefully, wiser.  As things heat up, it's time to step aside and slow down.  Try to set clear and healthy boundaries, and honor and protect self, home, and what is sacred.  I try to approach life with creativity and tenacity.  And, when I learn to balance protectiveness with vulnerability, I might let you know.  Most important, crabs create a healthy environment in which to thrive.