No darkness lasts forever. And even there, there are stars―Ursula K. Le Guin

Venus enters Moon-ruled Cancer tomorrow. Over the next weeks she will confront the men in suits—Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn, in Capricorn—indicating challenging close encounters that will require us to stay connected to our loving hearts.

As we end another week, as we pass the half year mark since COVID-19 changed the world we live in, we may yearn for that easy intimacy, that spur of the moment YES as we meet a friend for lunch, or greet with a hug. The worry, the cautiousness, the spatial negotiating, the rules and deprivations may have exacerbated our lunar mood swings, heightened our sensitivity and our reactivity to the smallest knocks in life. Our desire for sex, for adventure, for those things that used to bring us joy and pleasure, may have dwindled. Sadness, loneliness, the pain of waiting, the dread of the unknown bleach the colour from our days.

Venus is relational. Both Venus and Mercury (how we communicate and how we perceive the world around us) have changed sign this week, indicating a shift of focus, perhaps a new intention, perhaps a realisation that we may be starving for more emotional support—and more cuddles that release the bonding hormone, oxytocin.

Venus symbolises our inner values. In Cancer she reminds us to trust what we feel, to tune into our emotional body. As Venus moves through our Cancer house and planets, we're in touch with the sigh and flow of the great oceans, the quiet rhythms of the Moon. Like the crab who lives on the shoreline, between the elements of earth and water, we may need to seek more safety and security in the chaotic swirl of a continually changing world. Water is where Venus finds her joy in Cancer. She is nurtured in the Great Goddess Mother’s womb, bonded to invisible energies that bring a subtle sensitivity to our personal interactions. She feels deeply; she knows those things that cannot be spoken. She floats on the tide, but also needs the security of solid land. Venus in Cancer can be anxious and overly sensitive. She can ‘settle’ for safety and avoid taking a risk.

Relationships flourish in an environment of encouragement and appreciation. We blossom when we are seen with soft eyes. We’re creative when we have the safety to be fully ourselves. Author Sue Johnson reminds us, “being the “best you can be” is really only possible when you are deeply connected to another. Splendid isolation is for planets, not people.”

Consistently positive, empathic experiences stimulate existing neurons to connect and form new pathways. In nurturing, committed relationships we grow psychologically and spiritually. In polarised relationships, our distress and unhappiness stunts our growth and quite literally can make us ill.

Take time for self-care, and allow space for those things that calm the nervous system and bring strength and tenderness to the heart. Like the little crab that moves amongst the seaweed on the shoreline, may we be agile and resilient as the tides of change ebb and flow.

In Love,

Ingrid

Please visit my website: www.trueheartwork.com

Or connect with me via email for a personal astrology consultation: ingrid@trueheartwork.com