On June 20th, the Summer Solstice, the Sun moves into Cancer. The cardinal sign of Cancer represents our roots, our family, the past, the home and our emotions. The Chariot card is paired with the sign Cancer which is ruled by the Moon and its symbol the celestial crab with its hard shell and soft interior. While the Sun is in Cancer, we are reminded of our roots and to connect with family, biological or otherwise. In Cancer, the Sun is more reserved, sensitive, somewhat shy and intuitive. The Sun’s energy focused on the inner workings of the self; who we are, what we desire, who/what motivates all rooted at our hearts and our emotional side.
The Chariot card, numbered seven has a king standing triumphant in his chariot. It has a blue awning decorated with white stars. He wears a decorative suit of ceremonial armor, a breastplate, frilled forearm metal and gold belt that has astrological symbols matching the pattern of his kilt. He carries a small scepter in his hand and wears a gold crown with a mounted star floating above his head. Both shoulders have the face of the moon in profile. The front of his chariot is adorned with a winged shield. Pulling the chariot are two sphinxes, a black one on the left and white one on the right. They are in repose. Behind him are the spires of the kingdom's castles under a golden sky.
The Chariot is an ancient symbol linked to numerous myths. My personal favorite is that of Demeter, Persephone and Hades (or Ceres, Kore and Pluto, respectively in the Roman myth). In the myth Hades uses the chariot to abduct Persephone. The chariot is drawn by two horses or sphinxes, one light like the Moon, and the other dark, symbolic of Hades (Pluto) and the underworld. Persephone’s mother Demeter, the Goddess of Grain is distraught and threatens the world with famine and eternal winter if Persephone is not returned. The other Gods mediate a compromise where Persephone is allowed to return to her mother during the warm seasons of the year which reach their peak when the Sun is in Cancer, but she must return to Hades in the winter. Demeter, in turn, must commission a charioteer to re-seed the earth so that new crops can grow.
Along with the Sun moving into Cancer on the 20th we get a cosmic do-over with a second Sagittarius Full Moon that same day. This full Moon is in 29 degrees of Sagittarius, the last degree of this sign. The 29th or final degree is known as the anaretic degree, a highly charged, “karmic” degree. It contains the full experience of the sign. While eager to change signs, this degree often points to delays or a feeling of being held back. But it’s a chance review one last time the lessons of its sign before being allowed to move forward. This moon brings attention to unfinished business regarding our attitudes and beliefs, which have been in a state of review for most of 2016 and will likely need further tweaking at this stage. This full moon brings intensity and optimum opportunity to expand your capacity in whatever area you focus on and to transform any life areas ready to evolve to the next level. Fire lights things up and brings powerful energy to any of your endeavors. When it moves through the unrestrained, outgoing sign of Sagittarius, it unleashes fuel for anything you choose to create. Fiery Sagittarius full Moon plus Summer Solstice energy is inspirational for all, and is most strongly experienced by the Fire signs Sagittarius, Aries and Leo.
Tarot Meditations while the Sun is in Cancer
The period when the Sun transits through Cancer is an excellent time to meditate on tarot’s the Chariot Card. How we are steering ourselves through life? Are we in the driver’s seat? What inner conflicts are making our road difficult? How is our loyalty divided between parental influences and new relationships in our life? Are we adequately nourishing those for whom we are responsible? Are we being controlled against our will? How can we re-seed our lives to end our spiritual famine and promote new growth?
To prepare for mediation, sit or lie in a comfortable place and allow your body to be free of tension and distractions. Pay attention to your breathing. Feel your breath go in and out as you inhale and exhale. If distracting thoughts enter your mind, simply observe them and allow them to float by as you gently return your attention to your breathing. When you have established a steady, comfortable rhythm of breathing rhythmically in and out, turn your focus to the tarot card. Observe the card and contemplate its images. Let your mind be open to the messages you receive from it. When you have completed your meditation, you may wish to record your observations in a notebook for review later on.