July 2, 2003 — The NEW MOON in CANCER on June 29 is conjunct MERCURY and SATURN. Saturn is newly in the sign of Cancer, as of June 3. Do you feel the thicker waters we're swimming in? If you haven't already been feeling the new flow, this Moon month should do it for you.
This favorite ringed planet takes 29-30 years to go around the Sun. It stays in a zodiac sign for about two and a half years. It is a notable shift in tone when Saturn changes sign.
Saturn is the reality-check planet, the taskmaster and project manager. Saturn defines the work at hand, the circumstances and situations that require focus. It's time to take stock in some area of your life. (Your birthchart can help define what area this is. The house position of this Saturn shift is a big clue, as well as the houses Saturn owns and occupies in your birthchart). A basic Saturn question is, "What is working and what is not?" It's time to draw the line, bring things to a close and move on. If some situation is not going to work in the long run, it's a good time to say goodbye, hard as that might be for Cancer, a sign that can get quite attached. Attachment is the cause of suffering, said the Buddha. That's one lesson Saturn brings home in this sign.
Cancer is a water sign of feelings, caring and tenderness, seeking emotional safety and security. Its symbol is the Crab (sometimes a lobster). Like those crustaceans, Cancer needs a shell to protect its delicate insides. Sensitive and shy, it feels vulnerable. Think of the oyster that protects the beautiful pearl growing in its heart. Even when the pearl is formed and lustrous, one does throw pearls before swine, as the Bible reminds us. Cancer puts feelers out in situations and with people, to test the waters before opening up. There are many doorways into the heart of a Cancer, who lives in the kitchen or bedroom, the cozy intimate places. Cancers can make any place feel like home, even a deserted island; remember Cancer Tom Hanks in "Stranded."
A creature of habit, Cancer tends to stay in familiar territory. However, it is essentially a sign of initiative and growth, with a natural green thumb that grows plants, children, businesses or whatever. Saturn in Cancer suggests that we have outgrown particular patterns in our lives and it is time for further growth, maybe pruning to help the tree grow more healthfully or maybe digging a new garden. Endings and new beginnings are in order. The first few months of this phase is the testing of the waters. How cold and rough, which way are the currents moving? Here in the Virgin Islands, we are surrounded by the sea and naturally pick up a sense of the tides and the interplay of winds and waters. It's time to use that knowledge on the psychic level, testing the new flow and cosmic mood. Cancer knows what is needed.
Seriously, no fooling around when Saturn comes in (though a quirky sense of humor can help). Some people worry about Saturn. It's not a bad thing, it's a matter of how you respond. Saturn doesn't let us get away with things or put them off. Saturn grows us up. It organizes and gets things going, brings things into form. With discipline and focus, Saturn helps us accomplish more than we thought we could. What are you building now? Initially, as we figure out what we're dealing with in Saturn's sign change, we are faced with new situations and responsibilities. Cancer tends to depend on situations or people for a sense of security and stability. Saturn faces us with the fact that these circumstances are changing and we need to come to terms, take care of ourselves and, perhaps, others. Cancer is most concerned with home and family. What does that mean to you? Who do you care about? Who are you responsible to? Who do you need in your life?
Those born under the sign of Cancer are, of course, particularly on the line. When Saturn sits on your Sun, it can lower vitality as it uses energy to take stock. You don't have extra energy to do what is not truly your life purpose. As much as you wish to, Cancers can't take care of everybody. What are your basic responsibilities to home and family, to yourself? The United States is Cancer and so is George W. Bush. This new Saturn phase brings accountability and a time for tightening the belt, hunkering down to essential concerns. The economy is a big issue. What does "homeland security" really mean?
On this New Moon, Uranus is in on the action. Uranus is seeking excitement in its new sign, Pisces, which supports Saturn very well, water sign to water sign. A new flow indeed! Mars, the planet of action, is conjunct Uranus, to add energy to this new month. An excellent time for new projects. Special note: This is an important time for the mini-generation born 1949-1956 with Uranus in Cancer to make their contribution.
Tune into the new flow, stay the course and see what is ready to grow in your life. During this New Moon, we are planting seeds that can grow over a long duration. Take your time to feel it out, like one triple Cancer I recently met. With her Moon, Sun and rising sign all opposite Saturn, she is going on a month-long retreat. Maybe you can't do that, but you can probably find some time to give to yourself. Give to your Self; you know what you need. Then you'll have more to give to others.
NOTE: I will not be sending an article for the July 13 Full Moon. I will be out of the country. While traveling over the next four months, I may not be as regular with new and full moon articles, but I will be sending Cosmic News periodically. I look forward to meeting some of you along the way.
Editor's note: Astrologer Kelley Hunter (Ph.D. as of July 10) is a resident of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, where she leads stargazing nights and teaches with Self Centre International at Caneel Bay Resort. To be on her e-mail list for monthly articles or for an astrology consultation, write her at kellhunter@earthlink.net.
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