Cancer Season features the summer solstice, which must be the most welcomed astronomical high-point of the year in the northern hemisphere. The Sun is at its zenith in the sky on this longest day of the year. Every year at around June 21, the Sun hits the astrological point of 0º Cancer, signalling the first official day of Summer.
With all that extra light, Cancerians should carry a ton of ‘shiny happy people’ energy around with them. But do they…? After all, the moody Moon rules Cancer, not the Sun! Cancer has a full moon type of energy where the Sun illuminates the Moon to its brightest and whitest. Cancer is also a cardinal sign, so it is a natural leader and surprising bossy. Cardinal Cancer is the Queen Bee and matriarch, a full moon on steroids if you like. The bright Sun may be cheerful, but it can also burn!
Cancer Season Meaning
But what does Cancer season mean in general, and how can we work best with the Cancerian energy? I scooted around the internet to look at what the consensus was about Cancer season. Most of it was all ‘get cosy’, ‘snuggle up’ and ‘put family first. Yes, I would agree this is an excellent time to go to the seaside with the family and give each other a ton of cuddles.
It is also a very nostalgic time where we think of summers gone past. Currently, we might look back with a tinge of sadness as times have certainly changed. We may mourn the carefree days of our childhood when a ‘hug’ was not seen as a bunch of deadly germs…
Craving Comfort & Sirius
Cancer season has its melancholic side because of the Moon’s rulership. Lunar energy is so ultra-sensitive and sentimental, while Cancer season is about re-membering. Most of all, especially in these unprecedented times, this period is about remembering we are human. Cancer season activates the constellation of Canis Major and the brightest star in the sky Sirius. The mythology around this fixed star connects with the myth of the Egyptian goddess Isis, who resurrected her beloved Osiris back from the dead.
Devoted Isis travelled the world to find all her husbands lost parts (Evil brother Seth had chopped them all off, including the vital phallus.) The Sun aligns with the fixed star Sirius from the 4th to 8th July (Peaking on the 6th). In recent times Sirius at 14º Cancer has come to be associated with fame, eminence and riches. But depending on its connections within the chart, it can also be a success that burns.
Summer Solstice & Witch Burning
When Sirius heats up, it’s a searing white heat that causes a very premenstrual type temper. In the ancient past, feverish temperatures which brought pestilence were associated with Sirius. So the star was not regarded as a good omen at all. So Cancer season is not all about cosy cocoon cuddles and craving comfort. These dogs days are seriously (Excuse the pun!) edgy. You only have to look at some of the pagan practises that went with it. Like burning witch effigies! The Danish make a bonfire at the Summer solstice and chuck an old straw dolly onto the fire.
Eastern Europeans believe fire scares away evil spirits who may destroy harvests. A common theme in many festivals around this time is that they have a Jumping-over-a-fire ceremony. (I did this myself in Greece, great fun) “In Spain, they shout ‘meigas!’, meaning ‘witches off!’, to bring prosperity.” ~ Wanderlust The Romans feared the Sun conjunct Sirius time as “the Sea boiled, the Wine turned sour, Dogs grew mad, and all other creatures became languid; causing to man, among other diseases, burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies.” [1]
Robson says Sirius gives “honor, renown, wealth, ardor, faithfulness, devotion, passion and resentment, and makes its natives custodians, curators and guardians.” Sirius is such a bright star and so close to us on earth relative to other stars that its orb will stretch over a few more degrees than usual. So the barking mad days would probably extend from July 3 to 9.
The White Moon Selene
Back to the more cuddly side of Cancer season. Another powerful moon goddess that resonates with this time of year is Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon. Like Cancer, Selene is closely associated with lunar cycles, time and natural rhythms. The white Moon brings qualities of sensitivity, empathy, and a strong connection to one’s inner world and subconscious. In astrology, Selena, the white moon, is a virtual point in space related to the guardian angel’s protection, divinity, and altruism—the polar opposite of the black moon Lilith!
Devotion is a Cancerian trait and Selene is famed for her enduring love for the handsome shepherd, the mortal Endymion. Desiring to keep him forever, Selene asked Zeus to grant Endymion eternal youth and eternal sleep. Zeus consented, and Endymion was placed in an everlasting slumber, allowing Selene to visit him every night under the moon’s rays without him ever ageing. Cancer, ruled by the moon, embodies emotions, intuition, and maternal instincts. It is a sign that resonates with themes of home, family, and nurturing, much like the protective and caring nature of the moon goddess Selene.
Featured image: Selene by Marina Marchione
