How to Survive the Emotional Roller Coaster That Is Cancer Season

Plunge into the emotion ocean! Cancer season is underway from June 21 to July 22. For the world at large, these could be the most sensitive weeks of 2018. As the zodiac’s first water sign, the heart-centric Crab can tune us in to all the feels. But our tender underbellies will be extra vulnerable, making it ever-more important to keep a protective shell in place. Here’s how to sail through the coming four weeks without getting pulled into the riptide.

1. Practice Mood Management

Emo Cancer is governed by moon, and like la luna, our moods can wax and wane on the hour between June 21 and July 22. But what is actually going on deep inside—and can we get to the bottom of it? After four buzzy weeks of Gemini season, June 21 might provide the first opportunity in weeks to actually sit down and catch a breath. Warning: like a cosmic yoga class, each inhale could churn up emotions that we didn’t even know were swirling around inside of us.

“Wow, did he actually say that to me?”

“WTF did she MEAN with that little side-eye?”

There could be important matters to straighten out with your people—and during Cancer season, they will all be thrown into sharp relief. But stop yourself before reflexively texting, “We need to talk.” Have you ever been on the receiving end of one of those messages? It’s almost human instinct to become instantly defensive! Instead, start with some proactive processing.

Instead, choose a compassionate (but drama-lite) sounding board who will steer you towards solutions instead of inflating your upset feelings. For particularly painful matters, don’t lean too heavily on friends. Cancer season can bring about the most fruitful therapy and coaching sessions.

Once you’ve realized that part of the reason you’re so triggered is because the present-day situation reminds you of something that happened with your mom when you were seven years old, you’ll know that you’re finally ready for that heart to heart. Sit down for a cup of tea and hash out the matter as lovingly as you can. Pro tip: Don’t tell the “offending party” the entire back-story of why their actions struck a nerve. Just focus on the matter at hand!

2. Tend and Befriend

Gemini season can be a lot like reliving Andy Warhol’s Factory days, bringing a bevy of interesting people into our lives—the types who want to converse ’till dawn about art, music, celebrity gossip and the general zeitgeist. But too much meet-and-greet conversation can exhaust a soul. As intimate Cancer takes rule of the skies, we’ll crave closer connections—with people we feel safe opening up to.

Family-focused Cancer season is the perfect time to commune with relatives and inner circle pals who may have gotten the shorter end of the social stick since late May. Plan a girls’ trip or go visit your folks. If you met someone this spring with legit friend potential, get some one-one-one hangs on the calendar. You could wind up sharing stories for hours!

There’s more reason for this than just enjoying some warm-fuzzy moments. Studies have shown that “tending and befriending” is a popular stress response that can help minimize anxiety. As politics become increasingly hostile to women and children—two of the groups that Cancer rules—the pain of the world can feel overwhelming. No matter your gender, you can find solace in communing with, understanding and nurturing people. But keep it casual under this comfort-loving water sign vibe. A “come as you are” barbecue, picnic or potluck dinner would be ideal since Cancer season is the perfect time to gather for a shared meal. Give a little “mama love” to friends-in-need and, never let yourself get too hungry, too lonely or too tired.

3. Turn Home Into Your Ersatz Crabshell

Since we’re basically emotional sponges until July 22, we’ll need a private place where we can retreat and recharge. Domestic Cancer rules the home arts, making this four-week phase an ideal time to turn every personal space into a sacred oasis. Start by burning that sage wand to clear stale energy and keep the Pinterest app fired up!

Décor inspo could strike on a dime and send us rushing out to the crystal store or CB2 on an “emergency” run. The décor-challenged should try taking note of the coffee shops and boutiques with an attractive vibe. What kind of lighting do they use? What’s the color palette? Even those who love clean lines or vintage industrial furniture, might want to soften things up a bit. Think: pillows, plants, textiles—and maybe even watery accents like a fountain, statement kettle or an aromatherapy mister.

Already turned your space into an enviable enclave? Host a dinner party; invite guests for a long weekend. With foodie Cancer ruling the skies, kitchens will truly be the heart of every home.

4. Signal-Boost Powerful Women

Who runs the world? Cancer symbolizes the zodiac’s Alpha females, matriarchs and power babes, writ-large. This zodiac season is an optimal time for honoring all the “first ladies” in your world. Did a friend recently launch her website, self-publish a novel, score a major position that few women have held? Give her some social media love and help spread the word! With midterm elections fast approaching, find a female candidate to get behind—or any candidate who is on the side of women’s rights. Raise money for their campaigns, signal boost their efforts, make sure friends have all the important voting dates dialed in.

Cancer is the sign that rules families and this season is likely to spawn even more activism and public outcry to the U.S. border policies of separating parents and children as well as other women’s issues such as anti-abortion legislation.

Global rights for girls and women will also be in the spotlight between June 21 and July 22. Women make up the majority of the world’s poorest citizens; yet, educating girl (which is still forbidden in certain parts of the world) has proven to be one of the keys to eradicating poverty and advancing world peace. Find a way to get involved in making the world a safe and empowering place for those who identify as female.