Herbal Medicine Through the Zodiac: Cancer (Water, The Moon, Cardinal)
CANCER June 21st - July 20th
WATER | MOON | CARDINAL
Through the warm embrace of the Summer Solstice, we enter Cancer season, and the first Water sign of the Zodiac.
The “airy”, mutable and dynamic Yang energy of Gemini marks the end to spring, and now the vital force of creation seeks to return to Earth; to ground and find balance through the Watery Yin energies of Cancer. Here, we enter into the realms of sensitivity, feeling and emotion.
ENERGETICS
Ruled by the Moon and the Water Element, Cancer is naturally a moist and cool sign.
Constitutionally, Cancer most commonly expresses itself as a Kapha constitution (Ayurveda), though we do see some variety due to the changing nature of water (Ice, water/liquid, gas/steam). Also, because the Moon follows a monthly cycle, the phase of the Moon in the sign of Cancer will determine how this sign expresses itself in the individual.
With Cancer, we often see an excess of moisture in the body and in the tissues. Skin and tissues may be pale and lacking circulation, and it’s not unusual for Cancerians to carry excess weight, particularly in the lower abdomen and hip area.
ORGAN RULERSHIP
The primary organs associated with Cancer are the mucosal membranes, stomach, breasts and lower part of the lungs, as well as the womb.
Like the Moon, Cancer governs the waters of the body, and again, this comes back to the mucosal membranes. These membranes protect all of the organs that are exposed to the outside world: digestive system, respiratory tract, and urinary tract.
DISEASE POTENTIAL
We see a tendency towards water retention in the body, as well as dampness in various tissues. Damp tissue states can eventually lead to edema, or what used to be called “dropsy” in older medicine.
This sign can struggle with food sensitivities and digestive issues. Therefore it’s important to be mindful of diet with Cancer, and potentially rule out any allergens or “trigger foods”.
Lack of circulation, breast cysts, lymph nodes and poor lactation is not unusual, as Cancer tends to lack proper stimulation and circulation.
Energetically, Cancer is a sensitive, inward sign, embodying the archetype of the nurturing and caregiving Mother. Cancerians tend towards a rich inner life, a vivid imagination and need for quiet time to themselves. A typical “introvert” sign. To profess in their evolutionary journey, Cancerians must learn how to discern their own energy from others, to create clear energetic boundaries, and navigate the fine line between sensitivity and protection.
HEALING REMEDIES
Flower essences and spagyric remedies can be deeply therapeutic for the emotional body of Cancerians.
As mentioned before, diet is important, particularly for a Cancer struggling with digestive issues.
Herbal remedies including bitters and astringents. Remedies that help to tone the organs, help to dry out dampness, remove excess fluid from the body, and that bring circulation to the body. We look for remedies that are anti-pathetic; hot and dry to counterbalance Cancer’s “cold and moist”.
BOTANICAL CORRESPONDENCES
Plants with a strong correspondence to water; often growing in or around water, or that has a high water content.
Often these plants will be smooth, moist, and embody a certain “softness”. We see the colours blue/silver (in relation to the Moon).
A few plants associated with Cancer and the Moon include Mugwort (and the Artemisia family), marshmallow root, Lady’s Mantle, Slippery Elm and Milky Oats (Avena Sativa).
