Cancer Full Moon: Healing Your Feelings

In her audacious memoir The Reluctant Psychic, Suzan Saxman tells the story of an elderly woman who once came to her for a reading. The client remained stern and unemotional throughout the session, though she did acknowledge things that the psychic pointed out.  It was clear to Saxman that this individual had led a tough life and found it difficult to open up.

Then at the end of the reading, something extraordinary happened. Saxman suddenly noticed a goat curled up by the woman’s feet. “This may sound strange,” the psychic said, “But did you ever have a goat? A white goat with tan markings?”

The woman gasped, and tears began to spill from her eyes. “Shema,” she said, her voice trembling. “That was her name. She helped me. She saved my life!”

“That goat loves you,” Saxman assured her. “She says you helped her too.”

“I loved her so much,” the woman sobbed. She shared that long ago when she was a little girl in Poland during World War II, she would have starved to death if not for Shema’s milk keeping her alive. Saxman suspected that this goat had never left her dear friend’s side. Becoming aware that Shema was her guardian angel triggered an emotional catharsis for this woman that brought deep healing.

 

We’re in Capricorn season now – all hail the goat! And, at the upcoming Cancer Full Moon (Jan. 3, 2:03 a.m. PT), a rare triple conjunction of Sun, Mars and Venus in steadfast, earthy Capricorn will oppose the Moon in watery, nurturing Cancer. When sensitive Cancer goes up against stoic Capricorn, the familial axis gets triggered. Old memories are apt to surface. Give yourself plenty of tender loving care; an emotional breakthrough could be at hand. Luckily, with this axis so strongly triggered at the precipice of a new year, our ancestors, helpers and even guardian angels like Shema are available to help.

A Full Moon in go-get-‘em cardinal signs just as 2026 marches in suggests that many of us will be putting a great deal of energy into our New Year’s resolutions. The involvement of Mars in Capricorn, where he functions efficiently and is able to forge viable plans, is helpful. Venus can struggle a bit in the sign of the goat, where she may feel insecure, perhaps triggering doubts about romance and/or finance, though her proximity to Mars is fortifying. But their close embrace with the Sun is what truly makes this such a compelling lunation. Also quite favorable is the fact that Jupiter is only eight degrees from the Moon in Cancer, lending its blessings, especially with feelings and family matters.

In her latest newsletter, astrologer Arielle Guttman notes that an auspicious conjunction of Sun and Venus on Jan. 2, called the Venus Star Point, will color most of 2026. “Very rarely does Mars step into the intimate choreography of a Venus–Sun cazimi (exact conjunction), but this year it does—and the temperature rises accordingly,” says Guttman. “Mars and Venus are classically known as the hot lovers of the zodiac, igniting passion whenever they cross paths. Add the Sun to the mix, and the fire burns brighter still. The question becomes: what, exactly, are we burning for?”

Good question! For clues, look to the houses of your chart where 12 – 14 degrees of Cancer and Capricorn fall. Guttman adds, “Somewhere between assertion and attraction lies the alchemy we’re being asked to find—the precise balance that satisfies both desire and diplomacy. This rare triple conjunction at the start of the year suggests a powerful investment of energy into our goals and long-term projects.”

Mars and Venus also advise us to not go it alone. Progress will be smoother when you align yourself with friends and collaborators who support your progress, as you support theirs. That’s how ambition (Capricorn) transcends being something strictly for you and becomes a path that includes your family and/or community (Cancer).

At this resourceful, emotional Full Moon, call on your guardian angels and helpers – even if you don’t know who or what they are. Like that broken-hearted woman who turned to a psychic in despair, you may reconnect with a friend who loved you so much that they stayed close even after death. Be open to that love and ask for help for yourself or the world. Tune into the spirit and consciousness you share with all creatures. Breathe it in, feel the love, and see who might show up.  Happy Full Moon – and New Year!