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Your Cancer Superpowers: Sensitivity & Intuition

By Dana Gerhardt

The new moon in Cancer–a receptive water sign–invites us to be grateful for our sensitivity, sourced in the nervous system and the porous watery realm of our emotions.  Among sensitivity’s many gifts is the ability to read and understand–without words–the others in our environment.  Sleep is important to this capacity. Among the surprising consequences of just one sleepless night is that we lose this ability to read people, which makes the world seem hostile and strange.

Cancer’s superpowers–sensitivity, intuition, and compassion–are the Great Mother’s superpowers. They make the world safe.  They help us to feel at home.  Each year at the Cancer new moon, we get an opportunity to deepen our relationship with this side of ourselves.  Cancer is the moon’s own sign–which makes this the perfect cycle to take your interest in moon astrology to a more intimate layer. Find this sign inside yourself. It’s in everyone’s chart somewhere.  It’s part of what makes you whole!

Being absorbent, diffuse

Years ago I watched a Scientology documentary that showed Tom Cruise sitting in a Home Depot parking lot doing “tone drills” designed to develop his capacity for intuiting the emotional states of random people leaving the store. I don’t know how this exercise fit into Scientology doctrine, but given his Cancer sun sign, Cruise does serve the moon.

And he was practicing a moon skill (intuition) in a moon place (Home Depot parking lot) focused on a lunar theme (feelings) being experienced by a moon-ruled group (the public). I hadn’t thought of doing an exercise like this and I briefly wondered if it was worth adding to my emotional mastery syllabus.

The trouble is—most people who come to for lessons in emotional mastery are usually in the opposite situation. They want to learn how to stop registering what every person in the room is feeling. As an archetypal Mars action hero, Cruise “drills.” Masculine solar consciousness is focused. It hunts. Feminine moon awareness tends to be absorbent and diffuse. It gathers and contains.

We don’t recommend prying into strangers’ psyches as a rule. Yet reading people’s emotions is not a particularly exotic or even invasive skill. Think about children playing in a schoolyard—how easy it is, even from a distance, to tell what various ones are feeling. The boy kicking gravel is bored. The girl sitting in a swing, dragging her feet and looking at the ground is sad about something. The two girls skipping over to a third friend are happy. The boy slamming the ball against the fence is mad. We’re social beings. Our bodies broadcast the ups and downs of our emotional states.

If you’re a sensitive—perhaps with a prominent moon in your chart—you likely discovered this frequency early in life. Nobody had to introduce you to it. On your own, you recognized the benefits of reading others’ moods and figured out how to excel at it (which is why the moon-ruled are usually quite gifted at working with people). You probably got good at interpreting visual cues—slumped shoulders, a tight face. You saw patterns—how whenever Sam got tired, anger would follow.

But there was something else. Without really noticing how you were doing it, you began to know just by entering a room whether something was up. You got a sense for something happening in the air—tension, expectation, celebration. Maybe this helped you navigate through a childhood where your safety hinged on somebody else’s moods. Maybe it helped you avoid the bullies in the lunchroom.

Revealed from within

Had you been born in a different time and place, your sensitivity might have attracted the attention of the temple priestesses who over the years would have initiated you into the many subtle layers of the Feminine mysteries. But it didn’t happen that way. That’s because it’s no longer necessary. In our time, intuition reveals itself from within—as a natural ability that gets better the more we pay attention it. Reading emotions is often a sensitive’s gateway into other more refined intuitive skills. Mood-reading carries us into the invisible world—which is sometimes thick with information. Emotions, in particular, have a highly energetic quality.

Imagine a game where you were deposited in a chair outside a large room and then blindfolded. A line of schoolchildren, the other game-players, were instructed to walk quietly past you before entering the room. Likely you couldn’t intuit what every child was feeling (nor would you want to!). But surely there would be some, as they walked slowly past, for whom you’d get a charge, an inkling, a picture, a sensation that wasn’t yours.

Frequency doesn’t matter. Maybe two hundred children file past before you notice anything. Just focus on the mechanics of that moment. When you get your inkling, what are you doing? How do you know what you suddenly know? If you’re using intuition, there’s only one answer. You aren’t doing anything. You’re just letting the information come to you. Intelligence is traveling on air.

Information often comes this way. You suddenly get the thought you’re going to run into Becca today, and later that afternoon, there she is at the post office. Or out of nowhere, you think to call your sister, who unbeknownst to you has just heard bad news and really needs some comforting. At the planning meeting, you find yourself distrusting what your boss is saying. Later you learn that he was forced to cover up management’s true plans.

As children we didn’t need to wonder how we knew what we knew. Often enough our knowing was invalidated. Concerned about our mother with her head in her hands, we might ask, “Is something wrong?” “I’m fine!” was a typical adult reply. Adults who’ve lost touch with with their own inner awareness can hardly train children to respect theirs. But now it’s appropriate—particularly if you’re a sensitive–to wonder about how your intuition works. And that’s what I invite you to explore with your experience over the next two weeks.

Wondering weaves the archetype into your subconscious.  So… wonder … how is it that you sometimes “know’ things? Where in your body do you know things? Pay particular attention to your awareness of other people’s moods. What is the mechanism that lets you pick up what one person is feeling but not the next one? Or with the same person—sometimes you can read them and sometimes you can’t—why?

Another fun game is to look at the house in your astrology chart where the new moon falls.  This is the area of life where your Cancer superpowers are strongest.  Don’t know which house the new moon lights up?  You can calculate your chart here:  look for the house with 18 degrees of Cancer.  Can you see how your intuition and  sensitivity have been an asset in this area of life?

 

© 2021  Dana Gerhardt

At Mooncircles, we honor both the inner and outer Moons.
Each is a perfect way to explore the other.
To find out more about your inner and outer Moons, check out my Moon Workshop and/or my Moonprints report! 

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About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

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The Moon is in its
New Phase

in the
Sign of Aries


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon sextile Mars, 5:13pm  Mar 23 2023
  • Moon square Pluto, 6:42pm  Mar 23 2023
  • Moon sextile Saturn, 9:57pm  Mar 23 2023

Venus is currently
The Evening Star

in the sign of Taurus


Enroll in Dana Gerhardt’s Moon Workshop!
Your Venus Unleashed!
Moonshadow Eclipse Report
Moonprints Lunar Report
Steven Forrest’s Transit/Progression report
Mary Shea’s Solar Return report
John Townley’s Lunar Return report

© 2000 - 2023 Mooncircles.com

Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.