Venus in Cancer
I'm not crazy about astrology. I follow a handful of astrology-focused Instagram accounts for the fun and often relatable memes, but at the end of the day, I know that a lot of the short-and-sassy plugs about all the signs could apply to my own life, not just those labeled as "Cancer", depending on the day or my mood.
I like to think of myself as both a scientist and a witch. I love digging into the pagan roots of my ancestors and I enjoy some good-old-fashioned traditions and rituals, even though my brain is fully aware that there is a scientific explanation for certain phenomena that once was explained by the presence of mystical beings or the alignment of the stars.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, even though I'm a scientist, I still believe there is room for the mystical and spiritual. Even though there are practical and logical explanations for things, I still believe that these beliefs and traditions can help us through difficult times, give us a sense of community, and give us an excuse to work on certain areas of our lives.
So, now that I've explained myself (in the hopes to avoid eye rolls and judgement from my fellow science-focused readers), what's all this about Venus in Cancer?
The planet Venus moves into Cancer from June 2nd through June 27th. During this time, it is said to create a sense of empathy and sensitivity within our loving relationships. It is also supposed to create an attraction to the emotional. Art, music, words, food, canyons, mountains, trees...anything that pulls at your heart might inspire you more or create deeper feelings than throughout the rest of the year.
Whether you believe in astrology or not, it does give us an opportunity to get in-tune with our emotional side and work in an area that we could all use some healing - intimacy.
Allow yourself this moment and give yourself an excuse to really f e e l.
taste your food
let wine linger on your tongue
breathe in a lover's scent
feel grass brush against your calves
allow yourself to become emotionally connected to everything that surrounds you
allow yourself to be vulnerable to the feelings that come
laugh, cry, sing, love
Throughout this month, identify the areas of your life where intimacy is frayed, where there might be some hesitancy or resistance, or where you just haven't tapped into yet. Here are some tips for a few relationship types to get you started.
Intimacy with Self
explore your body. observe the way your body moves, feels, and looks without judgement.
give yourself a massage. rub your arms, your legs, your face, your stomach, your feet. soothe yourself and take pleasure in your own touch.
draw a self portrait from a new angle or point of view.
paint an abstract picture of yourself focusing on 5 things that make you feel like you. (ex. your favorite colors, flowers, foods, plants, animals, etc.)
keep a daily journal and record something you liked and disliked about yourself that day. then, write down why you might have felt dislike towards yourself and identify ways to change that thing/behavior in the future.
try something new. challenge yourself with a new activity and create an opportunity to learn about your abilities and limits.
Intimacy with Romantic Partners
put down the phones. reserve time to connect that includes disconnecting from your cell phones. take it a step further by finding activities to do together that are tech-free. (ex. go for a hike, plant a garden, play a board game, draw each other, etc.)
check-in with each other each day. ask each other about your feelings and thoughts from the day.
explore each other's minds. play a trivia game or take turns talking about things you both nerd-out about. take it a step further and try out each other's hobbies (even if it's not 'your thing'.)
explore each other's bodies. take turns touching each other. open up a dialogue where each of you can say what you like and what you dislike in-the-moment.
explore each other's hearts. try an activity like The Skin Deep's {The AND} Couples Addition to loosen up and start a conversation about your feelings.
feed each other. whether you want to do this blind-folded or with some intense eye contact, feeding each other a meal can be a powerful way to connect.
Intimacy with Family
reserve time for family. we can all be guilty of neglecting our relationships with family members or putting off phone calls or get-togethers because we're "too busy" and we assume they'll understand. set aside time to call, visit, or skype with the family members that are important to you.
ask questions and be attentive. give them room to talk about the special moments and relationships that they have/had in their lives. learn about who they are outside of the role they have with you.
participate in an activity that they love. learn about what makes that activity special to them and show an interest in their hobbies.
express affection and affirmation. give hugs, share what you love about them, tell them what makes them special to you, share a story of a time that you've spent with them that had an impact on you.
Intimacy with Friends
check-in with them about their feelings. ask questions, listen, and learn. have they been going through a tough time lately? is there something troubling them? has something positive happened in their life lately?
do a tech-free activity together. putting down the phones and remotes can provide us with a deeper way to connect and learn.
share skills and create space for support. is there someway that you could be there for each other that you weren't aware of? is there a skill or service you could offer each other that would help each of you get through a difficult time or task?
Intimacy with Earth
visit a familiar trail or place outdoors and get to know it in a new way. use all of your senses to observe the sights, sounds, smells, and feeling of the place. what birds do you hear? what plants are growing? are there flowers or ripe fruits on the stems?
work in the garden. whether you have your own, a friend or family member has one, or there is a community garden nearby, get your hands in the soil and help things grow.
keep a nature journal and record your observations when hiking. draw sketches of the insects you see and record the weather and climate. get to know the similarities and differences between all of the places you recreate.
make physical contact (while still practicing Leave No Trace principles). walk barefoot, touch the bark of trees, let your fingertips fall on the tall grasses or shrubs that surround you. where it is allowed, taste the fresh fruits of wild plants and forage edible wild foods.
practice forest bathing. sit, stand, or lay in the forest and consciously listen to and feel the atmosphere around you. observe the smells, the sounds, and the feelings against your skin. take your practice up a notch by removing the barrier of clothing and bathing naked.
There are so many ways to build intimacy in all of our relationships. Remember to keep your heart and mind open, and allow the other person or place to see you just as you are allowing yourself to see them.
What other ways could you build intimacy in your special relationships?