The sun is currently in Cancer. Cancer is a sign of nurturing, nourishment, and security. It represents the ancestral waters, the bonds of family, the foundation that keeps us safe.
Cancer is the sign of care.
Cancer is ruled by the moon, which represents the body and emotions, our inner life.
Today the moon moved into Cancer for its monthly homecoming visit. Tomorrow’s new moon will be a potent time for setting new intentions, but first: care and releasing.
The final waning phase of the moon, as the moon grows darkest, is called the balsamic phase. This is a time for surrender and rest, a time to release and clear out before setting intentions at the new moon.
On its way to being new, the moon will form a trine — a supportive triangle — with Uranus, the planet of upheaval, change, and breakthroughs. In Taurus, an earth sign, Uranus uproots.
It’s a set-up for radical care.
Radical, especially with respect to change or action, is defined as relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough.
Radical is about getting to the root of something; investigating the underlying cause of a condition.
With the moon already at home in Cancer, in the darkest phase before it renews itself, it invites us to a place of stillness to examine our relationship to care — especially self-care, because the moon is about the inner self, the body, and the emotions.
- What is the fundamental nature of the care we give ourselves?
- Do we even give ourselves the gift of care?
- If we don’t, what is at the root of our resistance to care for ourselves?
What is Radical Self-Care?
It might help us to first understand what we mean by self-care.
“Self-care” has become a commodity — a big business, often focused on spa days, smoothies, wine time and Netflix binges. While there’s nothing wrong with these things, they don’t necessarily provide the kind of nourishment that we need to restore our souls.
Instead of thinking about what makes you comfortable, consider self-care as nourishment. Self-care is about caring for our soul and our spirit.
We practice radical self-care when we honor our boundaries and our bodies, connect with friends, rest, hydrate, move, and nourish with healthy foods.
We also practice radical self-care by clearing out and letting go. This includes forgiveness, releasing anger, clearing our physical and energetic space, and absolving ourselves of expectations.
Some other ways we can practice radical self-care:
- Spending time off-line.
- Connecting with friends.
- Spending time in nature.
- Sitting by the ocean.
- Taking in a sunset.
- Taking a bath.
- Swimming in a lake.
- Coloring or creating art.
- Playing or listening to music.
- Meditation
Or simply the radical act of doing nothing.
What is one thing you can do to practice radical self-care at this new moon?
the moon in Cancer
nourishment over comfort
radical self-care
Love it? Hate it? What do you think? Don't hold back...