Sun in Cancer, Mercury’s Big Change of Sign into Leo & Preview of Next Week’s Celestial Forecast

29 June 2024

This is a copy of the fortnightly free newsletter, and this week you’ll find –

• The lowdown on current Mercury activity
• Interpretation of Mercury in Leo + celebs with this placing
• Interpretation of Mercury in Cancer + celebs with this placing (forgot to add this to website from the last mailing)
• Interpretation of Sun in Cancer
• Preview of next week’s astrology
• How to subscribe to the detailed weekly blog of 3k words that goes out every Monday

 

MERCURY

Mercury the Winged Messenger is playing a central part these days, being in that space between retrograde loops where he’s at full speed. He’s been flying through Cancer since 17 June and will enter the next sign of Leo on Tuesday 2 July. Just two weeks then to get through the whole of Cancer. When Mercury is retrograde the journey through one sign can take two months, a dramatically slower event.

So next week brings Mercury’s change of sign, which is extra important for several reasons –

• Crossing the critical degrees of 29 to 0 (endings/beginnings)
• Automatically then picking up Neptune who’s stuck at 29 Pisces for weeks on end, and who is now also poised to turn retrograde, also on 2 July
• Mercury entering the sign in which he’ll “enter shadow” on 17 July – ie the announcement of the next retrograde loop to come, but not actually starting until 5 August
• Any planet changing sign at the moment also has to run the gamut of Pluto as the first aspect on a new journey, who spends the whole of June, July and August crawling backwards from 2 to 0 degrees Aquarius

Full commentary on these factors in next week’s blog, and well worth close watching as Venus the love and money planet is going to do the same thing the following week. How are these two planets currently linked together? And what are the sensitive dates to watch for results? What kind of results can we expect? Scroll down for how to subscribe.

MERCURY THROUGH THE SIGNS

In terms of planets as natal positions I’ve been serialising the Mercury signs, from my book Essential Astrology. So here’s my “take” (possible interpretation at a universal level) on the next and current combination, Mercury in Leo.

MERCURY IN LEO

Mercury in the Sun’s sign is bold, bright and self assured. Speech is firm, clear and sometimes loud. These people have got something to say, they are hard to miss, and the bigger the audience the better.

Here we find extrovert and highly expressive performers, like Mick Jagger, Robin Williams and Jennifer Lopez. Yes, they are show offs, but the world needs show offs, either for their entertainment skills or for their ability to put across a message that is aimed at the collective but which strikes at the heart of every individual.

This is the archetype of the speech maker, those who command respectful attention and make public speaking an art form, like Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela. Even when the inner nature is humble they know how to capture a crowd. These people have big ideas and want others to feel their passion. Look at Richard Branson.

What’s the downside? Leo’s link to royalty and self importance signals that this Mercury can be pompous, brilliant at making statements and announcements, but not always so skilled at the heart to heart stuff of personal relationships. They have to learn that it’s not a partner’s job to take up the role of audience.

Pride or fear of ridicule can also make it hard for them to climb down and admit to being wrong. They secretly, or not so secretly, crave praise and validation. Being appreciated brings out the best in this Mercury sign and when they love you their adoration knows no bounds.

In a nutshell: charismatic, demanding, persuasive

 

Other Celebs with Mercury in Leo

1. Ben Affleck
2. Benedict Cumberbatch
3. Bill Clinton
4. Charlize Theron
5. Daniel Radcliffe
6. Frida Kahlo
7. Halle Berry
8. Henry VIII
9. Jackie Kennedy Onassis
10. Kevin Spacey
11. Marine le Pen
12. Meghan Duchess of Sussex
13. Napoleon
14. Patrick Swayze
15. Ringo Starr
16. Roger Federer
17. Sandra Bullock
18. Shania Twain
19. Sylvester Stallone
20. Tim Burton

 

MERCURY IN CANCER

Mercury in the Moon’s sign is usually something of a closed book. This is a water sign, known for being introspective, cautious and indirect. The mode of expression, even when outwardly extrovert, entertaining and in full flow, actually gives very little away. These individuals tend to hold their own counsel or will confide only in very close friends, family or those whose discretion is beyond question. As with the Sun in this sign the crab shell is a suit of armour, designed to hide vulnerability and to provide a safe haven of withdrawal, and there is usually an intense dislike or even seemingly irrational fear of any kind of confrontation.

This Mercury will go around in circles for an extraordinarily long time before daring to get to the point. Often they never do. Their need for emotional privacy or to protect the status quo can all too easily outweigh the need to voice their true opinions, especially to all and sundry. In the words of one of my Mercury in Cancer clients, “Sometimes it’s better just to know in your own heart that you are right, without having to prove it. I’ve learned the value of letting others think what they like.”

The real strength of this Mercury lies in the ability to care and counsel. They have a rare talent for true listening without interjecting with their own story. The flipside is a tendency to cling to old beliefs, to resist change – “It’s just the way I am” – or to be overly nostalgic.

In a nutshell: secretive, evasive, compassionate. 

Celebs with Mercury in Cancer

• Angela Merkel
• Ariana Grande
• Diana Princess of Wales
• Elon Musk
• Harrison Ford
• Judy Garland
• Matt le Blanc
• Nicole Kidman
• Nicole Scherzinger
• Prince George of Cambridge
• Queen Camilla
• Ricky Gervais
• Tom Hanks

 

SUN IN CANCER

We all have our signs that are the most difficult for us to understand or identify with, and Cancer is one of mine. Maybe it’s because it’s 5 signs away from my own Sun sign of Sagittarius, that blind spot quincunx aspect that is notorious for compatibility issues. Signs that are 150 degrees apart have nothing in common – they don’t share the same element, mode or gender. For example, Sag is Mutable Fire and masculine, Cancer is Cardinal Water and feminine.

When I originally wrote this section on the Cancer Sun I ran it by one of my Cancerian clients before signing it off. She said it was like reading something that had been written just for her, so I decided that was good enough – see what you think!

Ruling planet: The Moon

Symbol: The Crab

Element and Mode: Cardinal Water

Key Phrase: I secure

 

Spot the Cancer  

The only sign ruled by the Moon the typical Cancerian face tends towards roundness. Many men in particular born under this sign have the classic Man in the Moon look, complete with the picture book dimples and wide smile. In the women, even when the other features are long or sharp, there is often still a fullness in the cheeks that creates the circular look. The eyes are luminous with flecks of other colours, including the silvery glint of moonlight, and they telegraph care and sympathy. However, the popular image of Cancerians as shy and retiring wallflowers is far from the truth. While they may be initially cautious they have a wicked sense of clownish fun. Cancer rules the stomach so watch for the smile breaking into a real belly laugh that is unbelievably infectious. As with the image of the waning and waxing moon there is something malleable about their features and they’re natural mimics too.

The Cancer Nature

As the sign of the Crab a Cancerian’s knee jerk response is evasion, to crab-walk sideways rather than confront head on. In their daily interactions they tend to take the scenic route, sometimes going all around the houses before getting to the point. This springs from their own sensitivity, the fear of offending or wounding, as they themselves can find challenging types abrasive or intimidating. The dislike of directness is part of their charm and diplomacy but can also tip over into uncertainty, second guessing, going off at tangents or protracted going around in circles.

The constantly changing face of the moon also reflects the multifaceted Cancerian nature. On a good day they are funny, sweet and affectionate, drawing others towards them like a magnet and letting everyone know how much they are liked and cared for. On a bad day they can be downright crabby, withdrawn – into the famous shell – or needy. Those crab claws can also cling to grievances and brood over old hurts. One of the Cancer lessons is to learn how to unhook and let go.

Love & Relationships

The Moon rules our emotional nature, needs and home life thus Cancerians are especially known for their attachment to family. For good or ill there is usually an incredibly strong tie to at least one of the parents. They are protective of their loved ones but the nurturing instinct often reaches beyond blood ties. Rather than collect a wide circle of acquaintances it is in the Cancer nature to “adopt” their chosen few, creating an extended family. Nobody can storm the barricades, but once someone is accepted into that inner sanctum they are usually there for life.

The crab shell hides a super soft centre that is secretly, or not so secretly, romantic and sentimental. In love Cancerians make for committed and loyal partners but need absolute trust and emotional security in order to thrive. Their high levels of receptivity are a sign of finely tuned instincts but, if they feel abandoned or misunderstood, they can be touchy and desperately unhappy. They are not always the most articulate of signs. As one Cancer client says, “I find it difficult to explain, to put things into words, but I can sense the slightest of emotions.” A partner who understands this is a top must-have.

Vocation

Cancerians have compassion and tend to be natural carers and rescuers. When they are tuned into the world these individuals can do a lot of good and are frequently to be found in charity work or the caring professions, such as nursing or looking after the elderly. Jobs related to children also belong to this sign, everything from running a crèche or play group, right through to nannies or foster parenting, regardless of whether they personally have the maternal or paternal urge to have their own children.

Cancerians are also surprisingly good business people, so don’t be fooled by the “home and hearth” reputation. They may be cautious but they are also shrewd, brilliant manoeuverers and their persistence is second to none. Tenacity is a hallmark of the entrepreneurial type, underlying the total dedication to a cause and the refusal to give up easily. For a Cancerian this is enriched by a desire to create security for their dependents or to act in some way as a spokesperson for their generation. At some instinctive level they understand that they are passing the baton on.

Health

As this sign rules the stomach Cancerians tend to move off their “gut” reactions. This is where they physically register their feelings and responses, to the extent of feeling “sick to the stomach” when wounded by others. Food allergies, acid stomach, IBS or water retention are common afflictions.

Possibly more than any other sign there is a powerful link between the emotional and the physical. This sign also rules the breast and the uterus and if there was a lack or total absence of nurturing and mirroring in the early years this can leave a very deep wound that is hard to heal. In extreme cases there is a tendency to internalize pain, resulting in the expression of psychological conflict through somatic symptoms.

The sanctuary of home is tantamount to a health farm. Most Cancerians are natural homemakers, whether it be a mansion or a bedsit, and relaxation in their own space is crucial to their wellbeing.

In a nutshell: indirect, cautious, evasive, sympathetic, instinctive, tenacious.

 

Textbook Cancerians

Nelson Mandela aka Tata (father), and described as “the father of the nation”, whose legendary quotes include “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”

Diana, Princess of Wales, the original yummy mummy, whose tireless and compassionate charity work earned her the accolade of the “the people’s princess”. Her son, fellow Cancerian Prince William, continues her legacy.

Meryl Streep, a legend in her own lifetime and applauded in particular for her unparalleled ability to imitate accents. Also known for a rock solid home life, four children, and quoted as saying she was “wired for family”. (IMDB)

 

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS COMING WEEK?

If you want a more detailed analysis of the celestial forecast I’ll be unravelling the Mercury thread in this coming week’s Astrology Blog, alongside –

• Neptune turning retrograde
• The Venus – Mars combo and their links to Saturn
• The monthly lunar conjunctions to Jupiter, Venus and Mercury – the bright spots to watch
• You’ll also find commentary and interpretation on current horoscopes, this week looking at Julian Assange, Princess Anne and others depending on available space and time!

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