CANCER HOROSCOPE

This is a time for nurturing things that are just starting out. Maybe it's a burgeoning business, a child, or friend finding their footing again. Cancers are naturally protective but something you can learn from this week's solar Eclipse in Virgo is to support people in their efforts; not Mommy them. Everyone needs to learn to stand on their own two feet. Not only is it part of the maturation process but it also reinforces the message that there are strengths, abilities, and inner resources that are unique to each person. Show others how to do without doing for them and you'll provide the best support of all.

It's looks like you'll be getting everything you hoped for – and then some! The reason for this is that Jupiter, planet of good fortune, rules the Lunar Eclipse in Pisces taking place at the start of the week. And since the Moon in Pisces rules Jupiter in Cancer – and Jupiter in Cancer rules the Moon in Pisces – this sets up a mutual reception with you as the beneficiary. It's been a busy spring and summer, but also a productive one so if there was ever a time to harvest a bumper crop while putting away a portion of your earnings while reinvesting the rest – it's now!

They say possession is nine-tenths and this will prove to be the case when Mars in Libra squares Jupiter in Cancer on September 4th. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer which gives the planet of good fortune the home field advantage. Not only is Jupiter stronger than Mars (which is in detriment in Libra), Jupiter is also in the right. So let Mars try to bully, harass, or occupy. It won't work because those on the Jupiter side of the square are protected. Not only will sticks and stones fail to break your bones, but you can even get the other party to pay for the aggravation.

You've worked hard at getting things back on track and are satisfied with the results, but is “satisfactory” really the best you can do? Cancers are often depicted as staying safe and sound within their comfort zones, but the Moon, your ruler, travels through all twelve zodiac signs in a month – gathering the light of each along the way. The First Quarter Moon in Sagittarius; a mythological creature that's half human/half horse, shows that there's a wild side of you that's chomping at the bit for something more. Heed the impulse on August 31st to jump the fence and gallop into the sublime.

The New Moon in Virgo on August 23d brings a disclosure, admission, or confirmation of a suspicion that you've harbored for a while. It's great to finally be privy to this kind of information, but that doesn't change the quandary you're in. If anything it opens a new can of worms. Expose what's going on and you betray an intimate's trust; remain silent and you enable a situation that shouldn't be tolerated. What to do? This would probably be a good time to seek the advice of an outside party. Not only will you get good advice, it will also help you generate ideas of your own.

The Venus/Jupiter conjunction in Cancer on August 12th is wonderful for bringing people together under one roof – like a gathering or community – as well as for anything that pertains to real estate, property values, or home improvement. It's also excellent for mergers and acquisitions. If you are looking to combine forces with another company or if you are working for a company that's being acquired, then this conjunction is favorable to you because either you benefit from this personally or you will be protected during this time which means you're one of the people the higher-ups decide to keep after the two companies come together.

Changes in the lives of loved ones can't help but impact you while Mars is in Libra, but this is when you need to curb your protective instincts and let people hash out their own differences. There is a lot of quarrelsome and combative energy coursing through that part of your solar chart that pertains to hearth, home, and family. And try as you may to prevail upon feuding parties to resolve their differences amicably, this just won't be happening any time soon. In fact a current dispute could take until late September to resolve. You can expect to alternate between mediator and referee until then.

Venus brings a restorative energy that allows you to reconnect with family and friends. This is good because you’ve been taken up with work for weeks – fretting about staying competitive and worrying that if you relaxed you would lose your edge. Nothing could be further from the truth right now. If anything, less is more when Venus is traveling through easygoing Cancer. Instead of racing after things, you should let things come to you. You’ll find that getting what you want doesn’t have to be as hard as all that – especially if you ask nicely. Venus will be in Cancer from July 30th to August 25th.

New Moons often create emotional blind spots which means that the New Moon in Leo on July 24th could create a blind spot when it comes to your heart (which Leo rules.) You trust your heart and know that what you feel is right but not everyone's going to feel the same way that you do because they have hearts of their own. Leo Moons tend to get imperious, which is why it's so important to show the same respect for others' feelings that you expect others to show you. This will open your heart and your mind and things can only improve from there.

A Moon in Aries will always incite you to act in the moment rather than consider the consequences. Usually you'd be right to heed these impulses, however the Last Quarter Moon on July 17th is a waning energy. Waning Moons lose light; they come late in the lunar cycle which means it's often best to make your move after the next New Moon takes place so that you avoid the danger of acting too early or leaving when you should have stayed. Find a friend to talk you down off the ledge if you can’t do it yourself. You’ll be glad you listened to reason.