“Always be like a water. Float in the times of pain or dance like waves along the wind which touches its surface.”
Santosh Kalwar
As the sun reached its slow, still peak at the summer solstice, it softly slipped from gregarious Gemini into cavernous Cancer, signalling the next chapter in the Astro Interiors series – an exploration of the zodiac expressed through the eyes of architecture, interiors and most importantly, ideas to harness the sign’s energy at home.
Where Gemini encouraged us to speak out and communicate our thoughts, Cancer gives us permission to take a cosy retreat back into the depths of ourselves.
This move into watery Cancer signals a release from the fast-paced whirlwind of Gemini season, allowing us to slow down, tune into languid lunar rhythms and immerse ourselves in our own personal sanctuaries at home. Despite this turn inwards, Cancer retains an open heart, emotional intelligence and sensitivity to its surroundings.
This is the astrological season to ease the pace, feel your feelings, recognise and cleanse anything that no longer serves, allowing an emergence with a renewed sense of self.
Moon & the water element.
Cancer is ruled by the moon and the element of water. The moon represents dreaminess, emotions, intuition, our inner depths and the healing, yin, feminine energy within all of us. Naturally, a home ruled by the water element is arranged around a fluid flow from space to space, with a particular focus on creating a sanctuary for ritual bathing.
A serene bathroom is a key aspect of Cancer home, a place to reconnect, relax and wash away daily stresses. Stone baths give a grounded feel to the space which can help to balance out watery waves of emotion that often arise during Cancer season. A neutral palette of oatmeal, taupe and silvery stone with essential oils, candles and intuitively chosen crystals aids the feeling of sacred calm within a space.
Courtyard living.
An inner courtyard, Moroccan riad style pays homage to the water element, ideally with a soothing plunge pool. The courtyard is an architectural construction that has had a presence since humans started to build houses thousands of years ago. The courtyard hailed from the Middle East where characteristics depended on the climate and culture of the location but keeping cool and a typically Cancerian element of privacy are always key aspects.
In relationship.
Cancer’s ruling celestial body, the moon, is strongly associated with the home, the mother and close relationships. The crab is renowned as a homebody where privacy, self-protection and familiarity are paramount.
Under the crustacean’s hard shell is a soft centre, like a cosy cocoon where sheer, silky textures provide gentle, draped, flowing layers. Despite its shell, Cancer has an open heart and thrives on meaningful connection with its closest companions.
Smooth & soft lines.
The Palais Bulles, perched on the French Estérel coast springs to mind as a Cancerian space. The cave-inspired villa of bubbles was built in 1984 by Pierre Bernard and bought by Pierre Cardin in 1992 who commissioned Hungarian architect Antti Lovag to transform the space. Lovag thought of himself as a ‘habitatologist’ and in his dreams, “everything was to be round, smooth, and soft, helping bodies, ideas, and feelings to flow freely”.
The interior too, eschews traditional concepts of architectural layout with cavernous ceilings, circular beds, arched bookcases and spherical artworks. For Lovag, straight lines go against nature and the Palais Bulles is a reminder that the world is round and nature is cyclical.
Around the kitchen table.
Part of Cancer’s connections, care and kindness towards others is shown through thoughtful, nourishing homemade cooking for family and friends. Rather than fancy cuisine, think cherished, wholesome soul food and secret recipes handed down through generations, devoured over heartfelt conversation around the kitchen table.
Nostalgia & heirlooms.
Also tied to family emotional ties, sentimentality and nostalgia are feelings entwined in Cancer season. This manifests in the home through a provision of treasured possessions, memorabilia and family heirlooms. Another key motif for Cancer season is the shell, elemental treasure that symbolises its ability to retreat when life gets too much. See my post about shells in design and how to incorporate the natural design treasure into your home.
How do you create a personal retreat at home?
How do you celebrate the water element in your home?
Cancer season moodboard:
