Capricorn Full Moon: Grit and Glamour

Since Downton Abbey recently arrived on Netflix, I’ve been lost in early 20^th Century England. Yes, I’m a bit late to the party – the saga of a highbrow household and its hardworking servants originally debuted in 2011 – but the sumptuous, superbly-written series  does serve as an apt reflection of the Sun’s shift into nostalgic Cancer at the June 20 Solstice. It’s a poignant ode to a changing time (the First World War, 1918 pandemic, Roaring Twenties) that mirrors our own in many ways. And oh my god, the clothes!

As a Sun-Uranus Cancer with mixed feelings about family togetherness, I was moved by Downton Abbey’s overarching message that a close family unit, despite its challenges, is what gives life support and meaning. The fact that the aristocrats often treat their servants like kin makes the show even more intriguing. I found Lady Edith (played by Laura Carmichael), especially compelling. A sensitive Cancer, the actor gives a nuanced portrayal of her beleaguered character. As Edith evolves from a bitter young woman into a polished, confident writer, publisher and mother, she becomes the most progressive character on the show.  Blasting through gender stereotypes, she overcomes her Cancerian reticence and achieves her Capricornian goals. The evolution of Edith’s relationship with Mary, her haughty older sister (played by Michelle Dockery), is particularly fascinating to watch.

As the Moon in Capricorn opposes the Sun in Cancer at the upcoming Full Moon (June 24, 11:39 a.m. PDT), we’re being asked to balance our inner feelings with our outer realities. The most conservative sign, Capricorn is known (like the English) for its “stiff upper lip.” And emotional Cancer, so easily hurt, tends to scurry sideways like the crab to avoid confrontations. When these two signs face off, you may need to stand your ground and stick up for yourself – especially with those who are closest to you or seem to hold the power. Perhaps you need to weigh your feelings and desires against family expectations. If you’re confused or out of your depth, take a risk and share what you’re feeling. Capricorn rewards hard work and going the long haul, so just getting the job done will also score points. If you feel the need to roll up your sleeves, the ingress of the Cancerian season is a perfect opportunity to clean, clear and beautify your surroundings.

Happily, the Sun trines Jupiter in Pisces as the Moon sextiles it at this Full Moon, giving access to intuition, faith and protective powers.  And, Mercury will have just turned direct two days before, providing the impetus to gain understanding and move forward over the next week or two. However, Venus in Cancer opposes Pluto in Capricorn the day before the Full Moon, so feathers may have just been ruffled and feelings will be extra sensitive. Still, you can find the courage to do what must be done, through balancing Capricornian grit and glamour with Cancerian care and sensitivity. For inspiration, watch (or revisit) Downton Abbey. Just get ready to lose yourself for the next few weeks!