Astrology and Bush Flower Essences - Cancer 22nd June - 23rd July
(reprinted with permission from the December 2010 edition of The Essence)
The symbol for Cancer is the Crab and it depicts very well many of the qualities of those born under its sign. Crabs have a very hard shell to protect their soft interior; this is true of both the animal and Cancerian sun signs.
Sensitive is a key word to bear in mind for these folk. Cancerians will pick up subtleties of mood, body language and tone of voice not always evident to the more boisterous signs. They are intuitive and easily hurt. Hence the need for a protective shell around them.
Another physical characteristic of the crab is their claws. If a crab grabs hold of you it is not an easy task to shake them loose - their grip is both strong and tenacious. Possessiveness, hoarding and living in the past can be a negative expression of Cancerian energy, but on the positive this same energy is steadiness and wise husbandry of resources. It is all about balance, and letting go of the old is a major spiritual lesson for this sign. Hopefully without the need to lose a 'nipper' in the process!
Crabs are quite shy, and scurry back into their shell or into their hole when they feel threatened. It is where they feel most comfortable and safe. Some crabs are quite adventurous - hermit crabs enjoy travelling across long distances and exploring new places - but they carry their home right along with them. Home is very important to crabs and Cancerians and a lack of a secure home will be a source of major stress.
Finally, crabs live in water - the element of the emotions - and in Cancer we see an exploration of the emotional life. Cancerians are in touch with their emotions and the emotions of others and make wonderful confidantes, counsellors and listeners. Cancerians are the nurturers of the zodiac - often natural mothers and very comfortable keeping the home fires burning. If they reject a traditional wife/stay-at-home mother role, they will often choose a career that involves caring for others - nursing, hospitality, personal assistant, interior design, feng shui or counselling; something which enables them to make the living spaces of others 'feel good' or which entails assisting others with their emotional or personal care.
Cancer is ruled by the Moon, considered a feminine energy by most cultures both ancient and modern. Cancerians are often accused of being 'moody'. Is it any wonder with such a potent and ever changing ruling planet? The solution - Peach-flowered Tea tree - perfect for mood swings. Its Doctrine of Signatures is of a flower constantly changing too, so it is really a case of like curing like.
Cancerians will often be drawn to roles which entail caring for others in some way, it is just part of their nature. It is therefore very important that they take care to nurture themselves (not just others). Alpine Mint Bush is the perfect flower to remind them to do so, and it is also the most appropriate remedy should they forget to and end up suffering from emotional burnout. It is a very nurturing, restorative essence on an emotional level.
Their emotional and psychic sensitivity can be both their greatest strength and their greatest weakness and there are some very good flowers to help ensure this remains a blessing rather than a curse. Regular doses of both Fringed Violet and Angelsword will cleanse unwanted and old psychic energies, and help maintain the integrity of the aura. In practical terms, this means Cancerians can be assured that what they are feeling is their own emotions, not that of others.
Illawarra Flame Tree is very good for any feelings of rejection (which Cancerians will feel very deeply), while Tall Yellow Top is almost a constitutional remedy for any feelings of isolation, abandonment, disconnection from their 'tribe' or depression. As for the tendency to pine and brood, especially when separated from loved ones, Boronia is wonderful.
On a physical level, Cancer rules the stomach, breasts, uterus and ovaries. Crowea is a good supporting remedy for both stomach and uterus, She Oak for the ovaries, and Bottlebrush for the breasts.
Bottlebrush is a flower essence Cancerians can almost live on, because it helps one to let go - the spiritual lesson for this sign. Apart from that it is very good for facilitating the mother-child bond - crucial for this sign, to whom family is so important.
An out-of-balance Cancerian is prone to anxiety and worry, with Crowea the remedy of choice. If these emotions are left unaddressed over a period of time they filter down to create stomach problems.The mind-body connection is very evident with this sign, and illustrates really well how flower essences can be used very effectively as preventative medicines.
Copyright Linn Wiggins