June 6th ~ 13th

What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made in the lives of others. ~ Nelson Mandela (former President of South Africa and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize)

On June 9th, Jupiter enters the sign of Cancer. This is where Jupiter is exalted, allowing it to reach its fullest potential. And in turn the sign of Cancer welcomes Jupiter’s lofty visits every 12 years. Cancer, a sign of great fertility, of pregnancy, fecundity and potential, gives Jupiter a lot of room for growth and expansion. And it is within this atmosphere of potential, that the planet of freedom and justice thrives, and attempts to expand its influence into the world at large. 

Cancer is a sign associated with women, with mothers, with families and communities, as well as their traditions. It is a sign associated with Home, the homeland and the Ancestors. Jupiter traveling in the sign of Cancer aims to expand the very definition of these, so that they are more inclusive, more global, and perhaps ever more universal in their scope. When Jupiter enters the sign of the Great Mother, he aims to hold us all, and asks us to do the same in kind. 

Cancer has an association with family and with heritage. But it is also about connecting to our deep emotional roots, whether that be our common bonds, our sense of belonging, or our sense of identity. It is also about who we go to when we look for emotional support and security. Where we go to get that sense of belonging. On June 11th we have the Full Moon in Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius, further expanding on the Jupiter in Cancer concept of the global family, held within the cradle of the Mother’s Arms. 

Therefore leading up to, and illuminated in the light of the Full Moon, celebrate Jupiter’s entrance into the sign of Cancer: cast your dreams into space, and render practical service to others, that they too might thrive within this global family and community we call home. Mercury entering Cancer on June 8th, escorts Jupiter into the mother’s embrace. Perhaps this is an opportunity to return to Her, to reflect on your past, your history, as if you were revisiting an old movie you saw long ago, but now are given the opportunity to observe from afar and without judgment. 

Perhaps the most important function of Mercury escorting Jupiter into the sign of Cancer, are the connections we are capable of making with each other. There is meaning, strength, a sense of shared spirit and belonging. Therefore in honoring our roots, and sharing these with each other, whatever and wherever those roots may be, we are asked to embrace us all, when Jupiter is in Cancer.

For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. ~ Nelson Mandela

The first major aspect that Jupiter makes as it enters Cancer are the squares to Saturn and Neptune in Aries. We will speak more to this next week, but for now understand that there is a conflict arising between the stern individuality and defensive posture of Saturn and Neptune in Aries, and the Jupiter in Cancer need to embrace all, to raise all, and to benefit the greater good. 

Saturn/Neptune is asking us to make certain sacrifices. But Jupiter will test us to either stay the course, or to recalibrate, as we consider: Is the sacrifice worth it? And what are those things that are worth fighting for, putting yourself on the line for? And those that are not?  Jupiter is bringing a whole new perspective. And the Full Moon in Sagittarius is magnifying all things Jupiter in the process. 

Jupiter has domain over morals and ethics. Over things like education, our beliefs, as well as those who serve as our educators, teachers, and guides. These can include our spiritual and religious leaders, our professors, our philosophers, judges and advisors, as well as the institutions that they serve, such as Universities, Spiritual Centers, Religious institutions, their doctrines and courts of law. When Jupiter is in Cancer it expands on these, and approaches these not only from a place of faith, but based on what is just, right and for the greater good of everyone concerned within the community and beyond. 

Jupiter represents our big vision and hopes for the future. And as Jupiter moves into Cancer, those hopes become perhaps more personally invested. And as it squares Saturn and Neptune it could feel like something related to home, family, country, the homeland, will need to be renegotiated, revised or perhaps even be challenged, in order for us to have the freedom to fulfill our highest dreams. 

For Jupiter in Cancer for your Sun sign or Ascendant (Rising Sign), or for the natal house in which it is currently traveling, check out this week’s horoscopes. 

HOROSCOPES

Image: CrystalWind.ca