This is the first in a series of articles focusing on progressions and growth for each of the 12 solar signs.
As we begin the Solar stint in Cancer for the year, I want to do something that we do not take enough time to do. There are plenty of chances to read the characteristics of this sign in so many different places. I want to look at something much more useful, I want to look at the lessons a Cancer should be learning over the course of their lives.
When I start this conversation I am, of course speaking of that laudable idea, the progression. [For more info on progressions] A progression is simply put the natural place that the characteristics of a planet grow into. This, of course, never implies the loss of old abilities, simply the gaining of new energetic tools in our tool belts. This growth is of course dependent on us being active participants in our own lives!
Planets in Cancer are naturally progressing into first Leo then Virgo and eventually Libra... The sun sign is the easiest progression to follow. A progressed placement may be calculated beginning with the natal chart, then for every year a person has been alive you just add exactly 24 hours to the chart you are looking up (even easier, most programs and websites will also do this for you).
Since the sun moves approximately 1 degree a day and each sign has 30 degrees, one can easily estimate both the approximate natal degree and progression simply by knowing a date of birth and knowing what year it is now (other planets will actually require either fun with the ephemeris, a web sight, or astrological program). so you assume (in the case of Cancer) the 22 of June is the 0 degree, every day after add a degree. BOOM! you got a good estimation of the solar degree in the natal chart.
One can then take that number, subtract it from 30 and SHAZAAM! You've got the number of years till your progressed sun progresses into Leo! (obviously this process may be generalized to any sign... but this is Cancer's time so ha-ha!) For example lets say someone was Born on July 9th (most of the best people are). When we count the days from the 22 of June to the 9th of July (June 22 - June 30 = 8 days + 9 days in July) we come up with the figure of 17 degrees. Then when we subtract 17 from 30 we get 13. Which means that a natural progression will enter into Leo at around age 13. We could then add 30 years per sign and see that it would progress into Virgo at 43, and Libra at 73. (If the individual lived long enough this could be continued indefinitely).
It is important to understand that just because our progresses sun may be in Leo or what have you, it only implies that this is something we reasonably could have learned if we have been actively living our lives, paying attention to our hearts and engaging.
Sometimes, we define an idea of ourselves and stubbornly refuse to learn, or just become obliviouse to our hearts desire as it evolves. Often we sink into a numb unhappiness that we are barely aware of. The solution? FOCUS ON YOUR PROGRESSIONS!
The first goal of every Cancer is to master the realms of Leo, after that Virgo etc etc! Here's the trick the cycle flows in a very particular way, if we have become stagnant for too long we cannot simply jump in and try to learn an earthy constructive attention to detail coupled with a rational introspection (Virgo) if we have not first learned Leo's playful magnanimous generous stagecraft and dare I say vanity?
So in case it aint obvious always stop where you left off, and don't ever be limited by ANYTHING! If you feel you have mastered Leo and it does not appear your progressed sign is Virgo- who cares! The progression to my mind only marks a sort of average healthy marker... Flowing forward always lends new tools to your belt, gives you a greater reach of balance, and empowers you to do more! This is because you have a greater scope of possible tools!
SO, gentle Cancer, as we enter into your solar returns, (birthday to the uninitiated) let me offer you some thoughts!
First love everything about who you are.
Then: Learn to feel good about taking the stage. Learn to feel great actively requesting attention and acknowlegement, without apology (this part is hard- I know). You deserve to be the center of attention sometimes. Also learn to play and be less serious. These are your first lessons, the Lesseons of Leo.
Next: Learn to analize from a simple practical point of view. Love the order of a straight line, and the elegence of the notion of intellectual and constructed perfection. Embrace a focus on personal health and fitness. Embrace speaking softly and straight to the point. These are the lessons of Virgo.
Next: Learn to negotiate. Learn to plan for no winners and no losers. Find what it means to create a good solution for the "USes" in general rather than the us and them's or the me and hims. Learn to feel light and graceful. These are the lessons of Libra.
If you have gotten far enough in your personal growth to need the next step after Libra, you deserve at least enough of a break to weight for the beginning of Leo and my blog on her progressions!
Good luck, great growth and much much much Love!
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