A Summer of Mixed Moods

On June 21, 2005 at 2:46 AM EDT, the Sun enters the astrological sign of Cancer and in the Northern Hemisphere the summer season officially begins.

The sign of Cancer represents motherhood, family, the human state of being wounded, and our deep need for security and shelter. The sign is known for its heightened emotional and psychic sensitivity. Watery, reflective, and self protective by nature (think of the crab's shell), Cancer is one of the four Cardinal signs, and Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) are the motivating forces of the zodiac as they initiate each season.

What will the next three months be like? According to the chart cast for the exact moment of the Solstice in Washington D.C. (representing the USA), the forecast is "Hot, Hot, Hot."

Heat Wave

The planetary pictures present at the Cancerian Ingress (the precise moment the Sun goes into Cancer) point to a summer that is filled with extremes. According to weather astrologer Carolyn Egan, "The chart indicates a scenario that is hot, wet, and miserable. Americans (particularly in the Northeast and Midwest) need to be careful and on notice about `poisonous water' stemming from stagnant water that sits in the heat and attracts all kinds of critters, red tide, and a volatility that may manifest as a natural disaster or two."

What's more, the Moon (representing the public) is merged with Pluto (representing power, the depths and intensity) both in Sagittarius, the sign ruling politics, philosophy, foreign affairs, and religion in the 8th house of shared wealth, death and rebirth. This suggests that the current climate of polarization will "heat up" another notch or two. That, mixed with mounting financial woes, could easily prompt the populace to be, shall we say, less "tolerant" than they'd be in cooler months. Acting out is a strong possibility: In plain English, let's hope that there's no rioting.

But the news is not all bad, not by a long shot, as a matter of fact it's rather good, particularly if you like your summer with some challenge to it and a little drama on the side.

The Changing of the Guard

Celestially speaking, July is a very busy month. Saturn, the planet of karma and hard work, will change signs going from Cancer to Leo. Saturn has a cycle of 29½ years, and when in any one of the 12 signs, the focus is on learning the lessons of that sign. Saturn will enter Leo on July 16th and transit Leo for just over 25 months.

Leo is the sign of the hero. It rules fatherhood, royalty, authority, the patriarchy, the stage, entertainment, recreation, play, children, and childhood. Leos are usually thrilling people to know and to watch. Their lives are filled with dramatic intensity, father problems, authority issues, but laced with plenty of fun and elegant parties. Leo is the king of the zodiac in the same way the lion is the king of the forest.

We can always spot people with the Sun in Leo when they walk into a room: Jackie Onassis, Bill Clinton, Madonna, Andy Warhol, Patrick Swayze, Whitney Houston, and Robert Redford are all Leos. They radiate glamour and warmth. But Saturn entering Leo is very different from the Sun in Leo: it brings a demand for responsibility and accountability into a sign that likes to play. It's heavy and somewhat uncomfortable: Can you imagine a five year old wearing a business suit in a sandbox? So for the next two years, expect a fair amount of seriousness and sobriety to pervade the realms of entertainment, patriarchal systems, the plight of children, and in the royal families and monarchies of the world.

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