PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLO

Today, we experience the transitioning of two planets: Mars enters home-is-where-the-heart-is Cancer while Mercury takes up residence in accord-and-beauty-loving Libra.

Cancer is a bit indirect. Like the path in which the Crab ambles, the energy of Cancer is a bit side-stepping. This sign signals emotional sensitivity, inspiring us to do what we need to, including moving in round-about ways to protect ourselves. Mars will be in Cancer until October 16.

Libra can also be indirect, notably when it thinks that that is what is necessary so as not to upset the apple cart. When Mercury is in Libra, there’s an emphasis on choosing words that have resonance and rhythm, both in their sound as well as the peaceful outcome that they will create. Mercury will be in Libra from today through September 17 and then again on October 9 through October 28 (the reason for the “disruption” is because Mercury experiences its quarterly retrograde cycle in September).

As Mars and Mercury transition today into their new signs, we may experience some challenges. After all, the energy of Cancer is focused upon protecting one self emotionally whereas Libra often overlooks one’s needs in order for there to be accord and agreement with and between others.

Yet, these energies can work together synergistically. For example, using Libran tact and grace when expressing to a loved one what we need to feel nurtured may allow them to more readily be supportive. Additionally, surrounding ourselves with forms of communicate that inspire beauty–poetry, music, artwork–can help us feel more nurtured, further supporting our ability to express our desires.

PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLO

July 21, 2009: Cancer New Moon Solar Eclipse (exact at 7:35 pm PDT)

Today’s New Moon is also an eclipse, the second of this season’s three (July 7 and August 5 mark the other two). Even if we can’t see an eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

A New Moon Solar Eclipse signifies a time for beginnings. While something may inherently be coming to a close, there is great focus on the initiation of the new that it brings. Like Lunar Eclipses, a Solar Eclipse is often accompanied by identifiable life-changing events that manifest around the time of this celestial happening.

This Cancer New Moon provides an opportunity to resolve familial wounds. This is not only because Cancer is the sign of the family, the home, and the past, but also because this is the second New Moon in this sign this summer. Reflecting back to the other one that occurred on June 22 can provide you with insights as to the issues that may re-arise—and potentially come to closure—during this time.

The great emphasis on healing also occurs because Jupiter and Chiron are also conjunct today (with their traveling partner this year, idealistic Neptune, close by). Chiron helps us to identify the areas of our lives where our wounds-would-be-strengths lie. Jupiter not only expands that which it touches but is also the planet of the scholar, s/he who awards lessons of wisdom. Taken together, we have the opportunity to become more aware of our personal Achille’s heel and learn what it may need for healing. As this day also heralds a square between Saturn and Venus, it is likely that the issues will center on women relatives or the way in which we relate to females in our lives, including our own feminine spirit (anima).

This month’s New Moon falls at 29 degrees of Cancer (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer or the other cardinal signs—Aries, Libra, Capricorn—it may impact you more intensely. (This also applies to those with pivotal points or planets within the first few degrees of the fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.) Also, take note of the house in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as it represents an arena of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

New Moon Solar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer rules the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Jasmine essential oil: As the jasmine flower is governed by the Moon—the planetary ruler of Cancer—enjoying its aroma can help support the energetics of this Solar Eclipse. Jasmine has a rapturous fragrance that arouses our ability to connect to the feminine spirit within us. It’s a lauded aphrodisiac as well. Use it as perfume, combine it with body oil for a sensuality-inspiring massage, or sprinkle a few drops in a bath and soak in its feminine revelry.

Brassica vegetables: Enjoy some Brassica vegetables—such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, or watercress—during this New Moon. Not only are these vegetables incredibly healthy, but they are also ruled by Cancer in medical astrology. In addition to fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they are concentrated in powerful sulfur-containing nutrients. These phytonutrients are thought to be cancer preventive and help the liver detoxify chemicals. They can be delicious raw; for example, broccoli with dip makes a healthy snack and chiffonaded pieces of kale are a great addition to a salad. Cooking them into delicious dishes is also easy. For example, try roasted cauliflower. Or steam mustard or collard greens and top them with lemon, olive oil, and sea salt for a quick-and-easy side dish.

© ALEX CARRILLO

July 7, 2009: Cancer /Capricorn Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (exact at 2:21 am PDT)

Today’s Full Moon initiates the first of this season’s three eclipses (July 21 and August 5 mark the other two). Even if we can’t see an eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse signifies a time when things come to fruition. It portends an auspicious time to let go of something that is outworn, whether it be a possession, a habit, a limiting belief, or a relationship that doesn’t serve your highest good. Additionally, eclipses provide a great opportunity for outward manifestation with life-changing events—sometimes expected, sometimes not—often happening around this time.

Issues of security are brought to the forefront during the Cancer/Capricorn Full Moon. It urges us to look at our life through the lens of the questions, “Where do I feel at home?” and “How can I feel more safe and protected regardless of where I am?” In pure Capricorn fashion, these aren’t light-hearted questions, but they are ones whose answers can provide us with the riches of insight to live a more integrated and productive life.

With this Full Moon, we are reminded that while the past is essential, it’s important not to wallow in it. What came before may be an integral part of who you are but don’t let it pull you from the joys of the present. “Be here now,” as Ram Dass is famous for saying and recognize that that which you may have inherited is only one aspect of you, and one that you can channel to help you build your own personal legacy.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 15 degrees of Cancer (Sun) and Capricorn (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer, Capricorn, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely. Also, take note of the houses in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as these represent arenas of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer is associated with the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts while Capricorn is associated with the skin, skeletal system, and joints. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Skin scrub: With Capricorn ruling the skin and the Crab—the symbol for Cancer—famous for its molting, why not do a skin scrub ritual during this Full Moon. Sloughing away dead skin cells enhances circulation, reduces clogged pores, and allows the skin to breath better, improving our detoxification capacity. It also makes the skin more radiant and allows it to hold onto more moisture. Exfoliate the skin after several minutes in a hot shower or bath, or if you prefer do dry brushing before you bathe. Skin scrubbing tools—such as brushes and mitts made from sisal or nylon—are available in many beauty stores and natural foods markets.

Turtle meditation: The turtle, the animal which carries his home on his back no matter where he travels, is a great image to focus upon during this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse. Invoke the image of the turtle today in your meditation, or even just look at pictures and read about these wise hard-shelled animals. The turtle is a great symbol of inner wisdom, a deliberate approach to life, and the sense of self-protection inherent within all of us.

© ALEX CARRILLO

July 7, 2009: Cancer /Capricorn Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (exact at 2:21 am PDT)

Today’s Full Moon initiates the first of this season’s three eclipses (July 21 and August 5 mark the other two). Even if we can’t see an eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse signifies a time when things come to fruition. It portends an auspicious time to let go of something that is outworn, whether it be a possession, a habit, a limiting belief, or a relationship that doesn’t serve your highest good. Additionally, eclipses provide a great opportunity for outward manifestation with life-changing events—sometimes expected, sometimes not—often happening around this time.

Issues of security are brought to the forefront during the Cancer/Capricorn Full Moon. It urges us to look at our life through the lens of the questions, “Where do I feel at home?” and “How can I feel more safe and protected regardless of where I am?” In pure Capricorn fashion, these aren’t light-hearted questions, but they are ones whose answers can provide us with the riches of insight to live a more integrated and productive life.

With this Full Moon, we are reminded that while the past is essential, it’s important not to wallow in it. What came before may be an integral part of who you are but don’t let it pull you from the joys of the present. “Be here now,” as Ram Dass is famous for saying and recognize that that which you may have inherited is only one aspect of you, and one that you can channel to help you build your own personal legacy.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 15 degrees of Cancer (Sun) and Capricorn (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer, Capricorn, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely. Also, take note of the houses in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as these represent arenas of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer is associated with the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts while Capricorn is associated with the skin, skeletal system, and joints. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Skin scrub: With Capricorn ruling the skin and the Crab—the symbol for Cancer—famous for its molting, why not do a skin scrub ritual during this Full Moon. Sloughing away dead skin cells enhances circulation, reduces clogged pores, and allows the skin to breath better, improving our detoxification capacity. It also makes the skin more radiant and allows it to hold onto more moisture. Exfoliate the skin after several minutes in a hot shower or bath, or if you prefer do dry brushing before you bathe. Skin scrubbing tools—such as brushes and mitts made from sisal or nylon—are available in many beauty stores and natural foods markets.

Turtle meditation: The turtle, the animal which carries his home on his back no matter where he travels, is a great image to focus upon during this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse. Invoke the image of the turtle today in your meditation, or even just look at pictures and read about these wise hard-shelled animals. The turtle is a great symbol of inner wisdom, a deliberate approach to life, and the sense of self-protection inherent within all of us.

July 10, 2009: Jupiter Conjunct Neptune

This is the second of the three cosmological meetings this year of the planets Jupiter and Neptune (the first occurred on May 27, the last will be on December 21). It’s a day that may feel dreamy but one that will remind you that your dreams can become reality.

What happens when hopeful and visionary Jupiter dances in the sky with imaginative and spiritually inclined Neptune? You may feel captured by a sense of romanticism that infuses even the most mundane with a sense of poetics. You may find yourself drawn to music, color, and images—rather than solely to words—when expressing your thoughts and feelings. You may experience especially vivid dreams, as your subconscious mind more strongly pierces the veil of your conscious mind during sleep.

Yet, take heed: Jupiter conjunct Neptune can usher in the trio of “sion”s: confusion, delusion, and illusion. Due diligence is even more important during this time so that you can best tune into the “reality” of what is occurring.

However the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction individually manifests for you, one thing is for sure: both these planets carry an “up, up, and away” energy and so it’s important to stay open to their inspiration but grounded at the same time.

Jupiter Conjunct Neptune Apothecary Suggestions

Walk and soak: Tune into your body and ensure your feet are planted firmly on the earth. One way to do so would be to start your day with a brisk walk. Afterwards, soak your feet in a warm salt-water tub infused with your favorite essential oil while you meditate on your goals for the day and dreams for your life.

Holy basil: Also known as tulsi, holy basil makes a delicious non-caffeinated “tea” that provides a meditative sense of centering while at the same time boosting the immune system and helping the body guard against stress. Holy basil is delicious hot or prepared as iced tea.

July 21, 2009: Cancer New Moon Solar Eclipse (exact at 7:35 pm PDT)

Today’s New Moon is also an eclipse, the second of this season’s three (July 7 and August 5 mark the other two). Even if we can’t see an eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

A New Moon Solar Eclipse signifies a time for beginnings. While something may inherently be coming to a close, there is great focus on the initiation of the new that it brings. Like Lunar Eclipses, a Solar Eclipse is often accompanied by identifiable life-changing events that manifest around the time of this celestial happening.

This Cancer New Moon provides an opportunity to resolve familial wounds. This is not only because Cancer is the sign of the family, the home, and the past, but also because this is the second New Moon in this sign this summer. Reflecting back to the other one that occurred on June 22 can provide you with insights as to the issues that may re-arise—and potentially come to closure—during this time.

The great emphasis on healing also occurs because Jupiter and Chiron are also conjunct today (with their traveling partner this year, idealistic Neptune, close by). Chiron helps us to identify the areas of our lives where our wounds-would-be-strengths lie. Jupiter not only expands that which it touches but is also the planet of the scholar, s/he who awards lessons of wisdom. Taken together, we have the opportunity to become more aware of our personal Achille’s heel and learn what it may need for healing. As this day also heralds a square between Saturn and Venus, it is likely that the issues will center on women relatives or the way in which we relate to females in our lives, including our own feminine spirit (anima).

This month’s New Moon falls at 29 degrees of Cancer (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer or the other cardinal signs—Aries, Libra, Capricorn, it may impact you more intensely. (This also applies to those with pivotal points or planets within the first few degrees of the fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.) Also, take note of the house in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as it represents an arena of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

New Moon Solar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer rules the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Jasmine essential oil: As the jasmine flower is governed by the Moon—the planetary ruler of Cancer—enjoying its aroma can help support the energetics of this Solar Eclipse. Jasmine has a rapturous fragrance that arouses our ability to connect to the feminine spirit within us. It’s a lauded aphrodisiac as well. Use it as perfume, combine it with body oil for a sensuality-inspiring massage, or sprinkle a few drops in a bath and soak in its feminine revelry.

Brassica vegetables: Enjoy some Brassica vegetables—such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, or watercress—during this New Moon. Not only are these vegetables incredibly healthy, but they are also ruled by Cancer in medical astrology. In addition to fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they are concentrated in powerful sulfur-containing nutrients. These phytonutrients are thought to be cancer preventive and help the liver detoxify chemicals. They can be delicious raw; for example, broccoli with dip makes a healthy snack and chiffonaded pieces of kale are a great addition to a salad. Cooking them into delicious dishes is also easy. For example, try roasted cauliflower. Or steam mustard or collard greens and top them with lemon, olive oil, and salt for a quick-and-easy side dish.

© ALEX CARRILLO

I had a craving last night.

And with the Sun and Moon both in need-to-have-your-needs-fulfilled Cancer, thankfully that which I had a craving for was in clear sight.

Located bottom left, tucked nicely away in crisper drawer of our just-cleaned refrigerator, there it was. The cauliflower.

Now, I should be more clear. I wasn’t just yearning for cauliflower prepared any which way. In fact, raw cauliflower—a staple of crudite platters nationwide—is just not my personal cup of tea. Since that was the way I knew this vegetable when I was growing up, it took until I was in my 20s—the time I began to hone my stir-fry skills and saw how heat could transform the flavor of this vegetable—that I began to enjoy cauliflower.

But truly my love affair with it didn’t develop until I discovered the alchemical magic that occurred when its little white florets met its compadres of a casserole dish and a 400F oven. It is roasted cauliflower about which I swoon. That’s because roasting brings out qualities in cauliflower— a caramelized sweet flavor and amazing buttery texture—which, upon reflection of this vegetable in raw form, you wouldn’t think really existed.

But trust me, it does, and it was a desire for roasted cauliflower that in pure Plutonian fashion caught my attention and wouldn’t let go. Before I share with you how to prepare this delightful dish, I want to detour for a moment and extol another aspect of this vegetable—its nutrition and health benefits.

Cauliflower is a member of the much-lauded Brassica family of vegetables, making it a cousin of broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, and other crucifers. In addition to a common geneology, what these foods share is their being a repository of health-promoting sulfur-containing phytonutrients. These nutrients, known as glucosinolates, aid the liver in its ability to detoxify chemicals and compounds like estrogen. This is one reason why researchers, public health organizations, and healthcare practitioners suggest eating several weekly servings of Brassica vegetables as a part of a cancer-preventive diet.

In addition to these phytonutrients, it is also concentrated in vitamin C, with one cup cooked cauliflower providing about 90% of the Daily Value for this immune-supporting nutrient. It’s also a good contributor of folate, fiber, and vitamin B6. Plus, if you’re looking for a food that will satisfy hunger without costing you too many calories, cauliflower fits the bill, with one cup containing about 25 calories.

Roasting Cauliflower: A Recipe

There are many ways to prepare roasted cauliflower. You can roast the whole cauliflower, cut it into slices, or divide it into small floret pieces. It was the latter approach that I used last night. Read More…

© ALEX CARRILLO

June 22, 2009: Cancer New Moon (exact at 12:35 pm PDT)

Our emotions take precedent during a Cancer New Moon. If allowing yourself to let your feelings flow is an area of challenge, reflect on the people, places, or situations that make you feel the most nurtured and seek them out today. Take comfort in knowing that while feelings may seem overwhelming, they can actually be a fountain of personal strength rather than a sphere of vulnerability. In fact, since this particular Cancer New Moon is strongly connected to the energies of the planet Pluto, it can provide us with the window of opportunity to transform our relationship to our emotions in a very powerful way.

During a Cancer New Moon, our sentimentality is often aroused. Some may experience a strong sense of nostalgia and appreciation of the past while others may feel captured in moods of wistfulness. Remember that although the past is a vital essence of who we are, it is important to not sacrifice the present for regrets of “what was” and “what could have been.” The past has led to this moment, yet this moment—and those to come—need not be hostage to what came before. Honor the past but remember that there is no time like this moment to create your present and your future.

This month’s New Moon falls at 2 degrees of Cancer (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer or the other cardinal signs—Aries, Libra, Capricorn—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer rules the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Bathe in the water: As Cancer is the first water sign, this aquatic elixir can be especially healing during this New Moon. Take refuge in a relaxing bath perfumed with your favorite essential oils (if you’re looking to try a new one, consider jasmine, as not only is it luxuriously fragrant but it is associated with Cancer in wellness astrology). If you have the opportunity, go for a swim or even just soak your feet in a lake, ocean, or creek. Meditating on the flowing shape-shifting nature of the water can be very revealing, and very healing.

Honeysuckle flower essence: Sometimes the past can have a pincer hold on us, just like the claws of a crab, the symbol for Cancer. When this happens, it can lead to a reduction in vitality, disturbing our ability to maintain the sense of presence required to fully participate in the present. If you need some energetic assistance releasing the shrouds of wistfulness and making peace with the past, consider trying Honeysuckle flower essence. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)

June 7, 2009: Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon (exact at 11:12 am PDT)

During the Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon, we are often compelled with a need to know. We strive to collect facts and figures not only because of intellectual curiosity but also because they are the vital ingredients that can provide us with the deeper sense of understanding that we seek. Maintaining a balanced appreciation for the pieces and the whole is emphasized today. Remember not to lose the forest for the trees, yet don’t forsake the trees for the forest either; both are equally important.

The experience of travel—whether it be a weeks-long journey to a foreign land or a weekend road trip out of town—often coincides with this Full Moon. Even if exploration via a plane, train, or automobile isn’t in your plans, use this time for surveying new ideas or cultures; for example, read a book set in another country, flip through National Geographic magazine, or see a foreign-language film. All can magnetize to you enhanced understanding and a broader perspective on life.

Keep in mind that this Full Moon is anchored by a square to Saturn. On the surface this may seem to damper the enthusiasm and levity that this day could bring. Yet, the energy of Saturn—famous for helping us to “keep it real”—can help transform a quixotic pursuit into one that is grounded in vision and more assuredly capable of bearing fruit.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 17 degrees of Gemini (Sun) and Sagittarius (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Gemini, Sagittarius, or the other mutable signs—Virgo and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Gemini is associated with the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and nervous system while Sagittarius is associated with the liver, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Rainbow salads: An easy way to honor the Gemini need for variety and assortment is to enjoy fresh salads made with a spectrum of different colored vegetables. When composing your salads try to feature at least four different colored vegetables. Not only will this make your meal visually interesting, but you’ll also benefit from all the different phytonutrient antioxidants that provide these foods with their varying hues. Many of these salad mixings—including green broccoli, purple cabbage, and yellow beets—also have specifics benefits for the Sagittarius-ruled liver.

Collage project: Even for those who consider themselves not artistically inclined, a collage project can be a wonderfully therapeutic and relaxing activity to partake in on this Full Moon. Not only is making a collage a creative expression, but it can be a great vehicle for inventive problem solving. For this aim, just focus on a situation in your life that you are being challenged by and for which you seek a solution. Holding it in your mind’s eye, cut out words and images from old magazines and newspapers that reflect aspects of the situation as well as its potential resolution. Glue these to poster board adding fabric, shells, rocks, or other small bric-a-brac in an arrangement that makes sense to you. Remember that there is no right or wrong here; just use your imagination and allow for your creativity to flow in your quest for discovery.

June 22, 2009: Cancer New Moon (exact at 12:35 pm PDT)

Our emotions take precedent during a Cancer New Moon. If allowing yourself to let your feelings flow is an area of challenge, reflect on the people, places, or situations that make you feel the most nurtured and seek them out today. Take comfort in knowing that while feelings may seem overwhelming, they can actually be a fountain of personal strength rather than a sphere of vulnerability. In fact, since this particular Cancer New Moon is strongly connected to the energies of the planet Pluto, it can provide us with the window of opportunity to transform our relationship to our emotions in a very powerful way.

During a Cancer New Moon, our sentimentality is often aroused. Some may experience a strong sense of nostalgia and appreciation of the past while others may feel captured in moods of wistfulness. Remember that although the past is a vital essence of who we are, it is important to not sacrifice the present for regrets of “what was” and “what could have been.” The past has led to this moment, yet this moment—and those to come—need not be hostage to what came before. Honor the past but remember that there is no time like this moment to create your present and your future.

This month’s New Moon falls at 2 degrees of Cancer (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer or the other cardinal signs—Aries, Libra, Capricorn—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer rules the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Bathe in the water: As Cancer is the first water sign, this aquatic elixir can be especially healing during this New Moon. Take refuge in a relaxing bath perfumed with your favorite essential oils (if you’re looking to try a new one, consider jasmine, as not only is it luxuriously fragrant but it is associated with Cancer in wellness astrology). If you have the opportunity, go for a swim or even just soak your feet in a lake, ocean, or creek. Meditating on the flowing shape-shifting nature of the water can be very revealing, and very healing.

Honeysuckle flower essence: Sometimes the past can have a pincer hold on us, just like the claws of a crab, the symbol for Cancer. When this happens, it can lead to a reduction in vitality, disturbing our ability to maintain the sense of presence required to fully participate in the present. If you need some energetic assistance releasing the shrouds of wistfulness and making peace with the past, consider trying Honeysuckle flower essence. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)