Say goodbye to Gemini, and Hello Cancer Season! As I mentioned, I had so much fun writing and sharing the Astrology & Self-Care series that I plan to keep this as an ongoing series for the blog but each time expanding upon the previous post. For 2021, I hope to solicit feedback from my readers who embody each of the Zodiac signs. If you are interested in being featured in an upcoming zodiac post, please comment below or email me at drmcselfcare@gmail.com.
This month, it was great to catch up with my friend, Kevin to get his thoughts from a Cancer perspective. I really enjoy learning what resonates. Kevin had a lot to share! If any of my readers are fans of the Horror genre, Kevin is a published author. His recent novella which he references below can be purchased here.
Reader's Perspective
There are definitely some aspects to this blog post on Astrology & Self Care: Cancer that resonated with me.
I try to not make hard and fast decisions, especially with writing. I am someone who needs to take my time with a project, and trying to meet quick deadlines is difficult because life gets in the way and there are not enough hours in the day to write.
I definitely work at my own pace. As a writer, it takes me a while to be confident in knowing when a story is truly finished and ready to submit for publication. For instance, my first solo book, The Catcreeper, took me twenty-five years to publish. I started it in middle school, and I kept revising and expanding it over the years. It was never done. I kept revising the story over and over again. Then I started sending it out to small press publishers, and it was rejected several times. I almost didn’t end up submitting it to the publisher who ultimately accepted my book for publication. I was working on the revision and was staying with my grandmother, while my mom and aunt were on vacation. In addition, I was also in a graduate college course, so I had homework on top of revising The Catcreeper. The deadline to submit was fast approaching. I didn’t think I’d be able to submit in time. However, I persevered, and split my time between homework and revising the book (as well as hanging out with my grandmother). I submitted my novella and about a month later I received an acceptance email. I hope to achieve this goal of persevering this summer as I have two horror anthologies I wish to submit stories to.
I also resonated with some of the self-care practices that are ideal for Cancer. For instance, the exercise option, “Take a walk by the water, stuck out to me.” I love the ocean and all things nautical. Big fan of sea stories (adventure, horror – you name it). Being by the ocean is very soothing. Every June, I head up to Ogunquit, ME for the weekend. I always walk the Marginal Way, which overlooks the ocean. Even in the craziness of summer, walking along the Marginal Way, or just walking by the water, is very calming. It takes away any worries and frustrations I might have. It’s incredibly therapeutic for me.
I also enjoy eating meals with family and friends because the conversations are always fun and it’s a great way to catch up with friends and family. I enjoy drinking a glass of red wine, especially after a long day at work. There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting down and drinking a glass of vino!
Cancer & Self-Care
Anyone born between June 21-July 22 is a Cancer, according to Astrology. We have already looked at Gemini from this perspective. Be sure to share it with your Gemini friends! However, it should be noted that even if you are not a Gemini or Cancer, these self-care tips are useful regardless of your zodiac sign.
The following is my takeaway on Cancer from “The Astrological Guide to Self-Care” by Constance Stellas.
Cancer symbolized by the crab is the first of the water signs in the zodiac reigning supreme during the summer solstice. The ruler of Cancer is the moon, and the most influential light on this sign is that of the moon. The lunar cycle is critical to Cancer and can dramatically influence their well-being. Because their mood can sway so frequently, they should avoid making hard and fast decisions. They should also get in sync with the cycle of the moon as the different phases impact their energy level.
Cancers operate at their own pace with indirect leadership, giving some the impression they may never accomplish what they set forth to do. Still, despite the anxiety, tears, hand-wringing, and perseverating, Cancers achieve their goals in their time.
Much like a crab that can split their time between land and water, a Cancer can move between the physical and spiritual realms seamlessly. Cancers have a natural affinity to anything that needs to be taken care of as they are fierce protectors motivated to save money so others can grow and prosper.
Constance Stellas provides a list of self-care activities ideal for Cancer, and for the ease of my readers, I have categorized them by the different domains of self-care. For more on the various domains of self-care, please head over to my Instagram and watch my recent reels.
You can also watch a Facebook live video, where I explain the ten domains of self-care and practices associated with each domain.
Nutrition/Hydration (eating a variety of healthy and nutritious foods throughout the day)
- Enjoy meals in calm surroundings
- To promote closeness, select booth seating over a table in a restaurant
- Cook simpler meals
- Share meals with loved ones
- Indulge in the occasional cocktail (The book suggests a “Blue Moon Cocktail” )
- Try Cucumber and watercress sandwiches for a refreshing snack
- Eat at a diner for that “homey” feeling Cancers crave
- Enjoy cheese
- Treat yourself with ice cream
- Drink water with a higher alkaline level
- Enjoy various melons to keep cool during summer months
- Bake bread
- Increase your Omega-3 intake
- Add anchovies to your meals and savor every bite
Exercise (finding activities that make us feel good and moving our bodies regularly)
- Find group activities where you can be cheered on and feel the camaraderie of the class
- Participate in any exercise with music – ballroom dancing, or even a private dance party
- Take a walk by the water
- Go for a swim, scuba diving or snorkeling to get in touch with your water side
- Build up to advanced yoga poses like half-moon, using supports as needed
- Try vigorous exercises like hot yoga for an energy boost
Soothing Strategies (breathing exercises and pursuing activities that stimulate your physical, intellectual, interpersonal, or creative side to relax)
- Recite positive affirmations such as “I build a lighted house and therein dwell” or “The past is rich, but the here and now is better” to feel grounded
- Promote balance with pearls and selenite
- Attract abundance with Bamboo
- Listen to music that blends energy and emotion to feel empowered
- Get crafty with homemade holiday cards created for your loved ones
- Spend time cuddling
- Attend classical music concerts
- Indulge in nostalgia by antique shopping, vintage clothes shopping or attending a car show
- Embrace your inner artist by drawing
- Use strong-scented oils like Cinnamon or Ginger for an energy boost
- Wear silver jewelry to redirect negative energy
- Keep a worry doll in your pocket
- Visit a spa for a milk and floral-infused bath (or buy the products to do this at home)
- Connect with your inner child perhaps by catching frogs on a rainy day
Self-Awareness/Mindfulness (calming awareness of thoughts, feelings, and body and engaging in meditation/mind-body practices)
- Guided meditations with a water theme are very calming for Cancer such as this one from a Facebook Live video with Peaceful Waves Guided Meditation
- Practice a moonlight meditation before bed
Rest (taking time to recharge the batteries and sleep)
- Take a cruise or go sailing
- Consider sleeping with a body pillow if you sleep alone for added comfort
- Visit the Galapagos Islands or another destination with a blend of adventure and relaxation
Relationships (spend time with people who support you and make you feel good)
- Cultivate connections with family and loved ones
- Making other people happy helps make Cancers feel good, so spoil your friends
- Ask for help and know that this is not a sign of weakness
- Celebrate the summer solstice with friends and family
- Write a thank-you note to someone to show your appreciation
Physical/Medical (attending to needs of our physical body and seeking medical care regularly)
- Cancer women should perform self-exams on their breasts at least once per month
- “Trust your gut” is particularly true for this sign and having a doctor check the digestive system regularly is a good idea
- Probiotics or a digestive enzyme can be helpful (consult with your physician first)
Environment (setting up your physical work/living space to make you feel good)
- Cancers need space to be alone and disconnect in their home
- Add exotic flowers like cereus or narcissus to your decor
- Decorate with seashells and windchimes
- Purchase efficient household gadgets such as programmable thermostats and robotic vacuums
- When decorating, find items you love and purchase them in multiples of two or three for balance in your space
- Decorate with all the colors of the ocean to added calm
- Hire a cleaning service
- Declutter your space and sort through your mementos; Cancers tend to be very sentimental and hold onto trinkets
Self-Compassion (supportive, encouraging self-talk/feel your feelings)
- Read books and poetry about the unique experiences of others and find beauty in the written word
Spiritual (experience meaning or a larger purpose in your life, read, watch, or listen to something inspirational)
- Research your ancestry to find deeper meaning and understanding of your roots
- With all this moon energy, it is totally fine if Cancer’s feel the need to howl at the full moon.
So, Cancers, does this resonate with you? I can see where pieces of this are curiously accurate, but it is not as clear for me as Gemini. Even if you are not a Cancer, as always if something from this list calls to you, you should add it into your self-care routine!
Stay well,
Dr. MC