Venus in Cancer July 18 - Aug 11 2022

Cancer is the first water sign of the zodiac and is represented by the crab with its hard defensive shell, protecting its tender and more vulnerable center. Moving sideways, the crab is symbolic of a non-direct, defensive, and conflict-avoidant nature. The water signs—Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces—are feminine, nocturnal, receptive yin signs, with their operational mode that of feeling and psychic attunement. Water signs are well known for their emotional depth, and indeed, we can visualize this through water as the element that seeks out its environments by flowing down to the deepest point.

Cancer is a particularly empathic and nurturing sign, easily picking up on the feelings and needs of others, sometimes to an overwhelming level. This is where their hard shell comes into play, offering a quiet retreat for when things get too much. Ruled by the reflective and changeable Moon, Cancer is a symbol for the mother and feminine principle, the home, and family. Therefore, Cancer is a family-focused sign, often carrying extra complexity or intensity around deeper family dynamics. Cancer is associated with the womb, fertility, pregnancy, the stomach, and breasts. Its corresponding herbs and flowers include chamomile, sage, and jasmine, while its metal is silver, and its colors are silver and white.

With Venus moving into Cancer, we see these nurturing, protective, and nostalgic qualities manifest in the way we love and seek connection. Our Venus placement shows how we connect and relate to others—our love style—and describes our aesthetic preferences and what brings us pleasure. In the sign of Cancer, Venus’s relationship style is nurturing, emotionally driven, and empathic. Venus in Cancer puts great emphasis on making an emotional connection. Nostalgia and a sense that a relationship has roots in the past create deep connection and attraction for Venus in Cancer, where their partner feels like home and offers a container of familiar safety.

Venus in Cancer may take a mothering or paternal approach to their friends too. Stay for the night at a Venus in Cancer friend’s house, and they might end up tucking you into bed or sending you off with a packed lunch and a self-care book in the morning. Rather than a night out on the town, Venus in Cancer might prefer a comforting, cozy night at home with family or a dear old friend they consider as close as family. Or perhaps an indulgent bath followed by satin pajamas, layers of nourishing creams, and a tear-jerking romantic movie like *The Notebook* might sound like heaven for Venus in Cancer.

Venus will be traveling through the sign of Cancer from July 18th until August 11th, reminding us what and who really matters—what nourishes us and feeds us on a soul and physical level.

How does Venus in Cancer show up in your life? Do you find yourself drawn to nostalgic love, or do you nurture others in your relationships?

Venus in Cancer Natives: Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Liz Hurley, Natalie Portman, Lenny Kravitz, Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen