We have reached the Summer solstice, the longest day of the year when the Sun is at the height of its power and the Maiden becomes the Mother. It is at this season of the year when we usher in the elements of Fire and Water. During the Spring, we observed the Wood or Aether element. We witnessed the growth and vitality of the earth as all of the plants and animals emerged back into the world and new life sprang forth. In the time of Aries, we saw the first spark of life ignite. Then, during the time of Taurus we saw as that spark took shape into its stable form as the greenery returned. Next we saw how, in the Gemini season, the creatures all began to interact and communicate with each other. The plants put forth their flowers and pollen filled the air. The birds and insects bustled about and the world filled with activity. All of this was guided by the Wood - the power of expansion and growth.
Now, we enter the time of Cancer. This is the first Water sign of the Wheel, and it is the force that brings to us the aspect of emotion and feeling. In Aries, we found our spark. In Taurus, we found our form. In Gemini, we found the other. Now, in Cancer, we find our feelings. Cancer is a Water sign, but this time of the solstice ushers in the Fire element. Water is our meditative mind and emotional body. With it we feel and perceive our surroundings, as opposed to the Air sign of Gemini where we began to intellectually gather information and figure out our surroundings. With Air, we accumulate knowledge. With Water, we feel and relate to that knowledge. It is a deeper and more internal perception. The Water of Cancer and the Fire of Summer coincide to bring out our passion and emotions. Cancer is the Water in the Cardinal (active) mode. Fire is an active and outward (masculine) force, while Water is a passive and inward (feminine) force. Ideally, we want to work with these elements to maintain an equilibrium. Too much Fire makes for aggressive and erratic emotional bursts. Too much Water can lead to depression and wallowing in our emotions. Our emotions are perhaps the most powerful aspect of our worldly experience. They are the driving force behind our actions (Fire) as well as the deepest means of love and connection (Water). They must not be suppressed, and they must not be allowed to overtake us without our conscious guidance. This is the balance that must be achieved: to fully have our emotions with honest expression while being aware of their source and leading them in constructive actions.
Cancer is ruled by the Moon. It is the sign of the mother, nurturing, the home, and the homeland. As mentioned, the Moon is the meditative mind. This is perhaps one of the most misunderstood concepts for most people, even for seasoned practitioners. The mind is often thought of as intelligence. We say that someone has a "sharp mind" when they have a great knowledge of information. This is actually inaccurate. Informational knowledge is the intellect, not the mind. The intellect is Mercury. The mind is the Moon. Intellect literally means "to pick apart from among." It is what allows you to read these words right now. The intellect separates and categorizes so that we can collect and understand information. The mind, on the other hand, unifies all things. The words "mind" and "moon" come from the same root. As does the word "man." Man is the animal which has mind, or Moon. Moon reflects the Sun, so the man's mind reflects the soul. It is not informational knowledge. It is the profound and unspeakable connection with the soul of the world, of the cosmos, of God. This is one of the great misfortunes of our modern society. We have lost our minds and become slaves of the intellect. Without the mind, we are no longer man.
To practice integrating this duality of Water and Fire, use this time of year to meditate upon your feelings. Take a walk in nature and enjoy the sensations around you. Even if you are only able to walk down a city street, take that time to become aware of the feelings which arise. Notice the thoughts and sensations brought up by each experience. Listen to the sounds. Take some time by yourself to listen to some of your favorite music or to enjoy some artwork that moves you. Think about how these things make you feel. Think about why they make you feel. The more we come to know the why of our feelings, the more we become able to consciously guide them toward our best actions. As Carl Jung said, "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." Become aware of the Water, and purify it into positive action through the Fire.
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