Mars in Cancer: Juggling (This info first appeared in my blog at TMA)
Another feature of July’s forecast is Mars’ entry into the sign Cancer, which will energise this sometimes sensitive, yet always conservative sign from June 24 – August 8.
Mars can find it somewhat uncomfortable in Cancer. While in the sign of the Moon, this fiery, independent planet is asked to turn his attention and efforts toward family and the protection of loved ones.
As Mars switches focus from his typically singular mindset and begins to prioritise the needs and care of others, assertiveness on behalf of personal needs and wants may wane.
Herein lies the Mars-in-Cancer conundrum: How do I get what I need while still providing for those I love?
It’s this conflict between planet and sign that contributes to Cancer being considered the “fall” placement of Mars.
As a hot and dry planet, Mars is great at creating separation, or cutting ties, especially with people or obligations that may hold back or limit progress. Some of the frustration felt with Mars in Cancer can be the clash between the moist nature of watery Cancer, which wants to keep people and situations together, and the dry, separating quality of Mars, which prefers not to be held, or held back.
Mars in Motion: Aspects to Pluto and Uranus
While in Cancer, Mars will oppose Pluto in Capricorn and square Uranus in Aries. As Pluto and Uranus are moving out of their square aspect, this creates two separate and distinct aspect patterns. Between July 15 and 17, Mars will oppose Pluto (14° Cancer to 14° Capricorn), creating an intense energetic seesaw-like effect. Themes of power and control may be highlighted, especially in relationships.
An opposition pits two planetary forces against each other. Sometimes this plays out in real life as two people or two opposing groups get locked into battle. If a compromise can be reached, or you can channel this angle of pure force toward a worthy goal or project, you may be able to move mountains and smash through obstacles that stand in your way. The challenge will be to rise above a disagreement, or find a functional compromise that allows progress to continue.
The week of Monday, July 6th, when the Sun in Cancer opposes Pluto, may bring a preview of this feisty, frustrated, or focussed energy, preparing the groundwork for Mars to meet Pluto mid-month.
Mars then goes on to create a potentially combustible square with Uranus in Aries, just as Uranus stations retrograde, from July 24 – 27, between 20° Cancer and 20° Aries. This could be a fiery, explosive combination, but may more likely bring simmering emotions to the surface, given that Mars is in Cancer.
While events may reach a boiling point then, this exciting dynamic can also help spark new ideas or provide the courage and daring needed to make a wild decision. Choices and experiences may be surprising, unexpected, or dramatic, but they are sure to add excitement and keep you on your toes. Uranus’ buzz words of freedom, flexibility, and spontaneity may help you work with the changes this alignment is sure to trigger.