Full Moon in Cancer
23rd December, 4.48AM (Sydney)
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On a full moon, everything is illuminated. The sun holds the torch ablaze for the day, and all night the moon’s lamp glows with magnanimous light. This full moon takes place with the sun in Capricorn and the Moon in Cancer which are evocative places for the lights.
In Cancer the moon is at home, and right now she is in her fullness. Cancer is a cardinal sign, the mode of beginning, and what is the beginning of water? Well, one of those beginnings is milk. For us and other animals, milk is our first taste of life, our first experience of nourishment. The transference from the giver to the receiver creates a bond upon which is inscribed promises of protection and sustenance. The beginning of water is the beginning of our life outside of the womb and in the world. But it is not the beginning of our history by any means. Our history does not start with us, on the day of our births. Our history stretches back through the lives of our parents, grandparents, and all those who tasted that first beginning before them too. The spiral goes inward and downward as well as outward and upward.
The Sun in Capricorn observes this lineage alongside Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn . The sun is not able to easily draw power from the sign of Saturn, who’s cold and sobering countenance dims the vital flame. However, if we consider the action of the sun as that of intention, the thoughtfulness of Saturn is immensely valuable. How do we direct our intent when we’re guided by the beginning of earth? Well, let’s take soil as the earth. Soil is comprised partly of decaying organic matter like insects and plants, and a lot of weathering rock, another fitting symbol for earth. The most abundant rocks on the earth’s surface are the kind which are formed from the sedimentation of mineral and organic matter over many, many years. So in the beginning of earth – soil and rock – there is the deep layering of the past. This is the wisdom found in the earth place of Saturn, the ruler of time; each beginning arises from the past.
Although the relationship between Saturn and the Moon is at times tenuous and inimical, they both agree on the significance of the past. A little sapped of vital energy but receiving the nourishing and stabilising influences of Luna and Kronos, the Sun in Capricorn asks us to pause a moment and consider the lay of the land. The Moon in Cancer asks us to perceive the spiral of the soul.
At this culmination, we can cast a look around from this vantage point – where we’ve come from and where we’re headed. With Saturn still early in its journey through Capricorn, we may be standing near base of our mountain, thinking, “I thought I’d be further along by now”. In the light of the full moon, we can soften and soothe the cold shadows of disappointment we’re storing in our hearts. Let them soften and break down into tiny, mineral particles, and lay it upon the soil and rock you’re standing on. Draw water from the source that spirals up from within you and drink deep. Refresh the well of your heart and soul. The moon is a vessel and right now she is asking us to fill ourselves with all rest and the sustenance that you need, until you are overflowing, so you can begin again – because Cancer and Capricorn are signs which begin. We must start from where we’re at and from here, everything is illuminated.
Scarlet Coote 