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The Sun’s arrival at 0° of Cancer is the moment of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere: that is to say, the moment that the Sun reaches the highest/most northerly point in its apparent annual motion.
By the Hellenistic era, this season of the year was associated with the goddess Nike, usually considered to be an aspect of the goddess Athena. Usually depicted holding a laurel wreath aloft, with either one or two hands, she provided over the triumphant return of armies from their summer campaigns — or she presided over their departure after the spring planting was done, depending on local climate. One way or another, armies either hoped for victory, or celebrated it. More than anything else, prayers to Nike were prayers of survival — petitions or thanksgivings, we made it was the universal hope.
But why? Ancient and medieval battlefields were notoriously lopsided. At the battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, fewer than than 200 Athenian soldiers died, while more than 6400 Persians lost their lives. Eleven years later at the battle of Plataea, 75,000 Persians lost their lives, compared with fewer than 2000 Greeks in the allied armies. While hiking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, when I was younger, we crossed a bridge where 11 Christians claimed that they had successfully held off a Muslim Army of 35,000 in the late AD 1100s. In all these examples, victory was never assured to the larger fighting force — only to the better prepared.
It seems like an opportune time to consider what victory conditions look like. For Athenian hoplites, like the Spartiates shown in the movie 300 based on Frank Miller‘s comic of the same name, close order formations in bronze armor required constant practice. The Greek city-states engaged in constant low level raiding and warfare against one another: teams have a few hundred men would push and shove one another around for control of an orchard or an olive grove. The custom of athletic contests for funeral rites, which gradually merged into religious festivals like the ancient Olympic games, gave people numerous reasons to practice athleticism as a form of preparation for warfare.
The Persians were no slouches either. The armies of Darius, and 11 years later of Xerxes, brought a variety of Frontline troops as well as ranged auxiliaries: cavalry in heavy armor, and lightly armed scouts on horseback — heavy and light infantry, squads of archers — ompanies of engineers ready to build siege equipment from available timber. And logistics units too, Wren carts loaded with food and tents and other equipment.
It remains remarkably difficult, even today, to understand just how expensive it is to wage war at a distance from your core resources and realm. Loud Sue classic book on strategies and tactical planning, the art of war, begins with a multi page chapter advising the prince to calculate the cost of war five or six times before actually going to war. More paragraphs throughout the book devote time and attention to rating the enemies landscape for the resources to fight the war, rather than relying on your own material and people
Today, we classify that kind of rating of enemy territory for their wealth and resources, as a work run. We recognize, possibly correctly, that devastating foreign government’s territory and hauling its people off into slavery or worse is a guaranteed way to make generational enemies.
We ought to wonder at this time of year, and especially this year, if Nike was considered to be an aspect of Athena, because the only true wisdom of warfare, is to avoid it wherever possible, or if you must fight it, to do so with clear goals and objectives in mind— and a clear sense of what it will cost you.
But why a Mother and Child as the emblem for this decan? Consider that before the 20th century, forty percent of children died before the age of fifteen. Every second child died of diseases that are now preventable. Ada Palmer, in her recent magisterial work Inventing the Renaissance, noted that the 2020 COVID pandemic was the first time in all of recorded human history that we knew that there was a pandemic going on and had multi-nation coordinated strategies to try to contain it. Here in the United States, there’s an enormous culture of gun-ownership as a way for people to protect themselves and their families, but one wonders if they’re demanding the wrong kind of protection against the wrong kinds of monsters in the world: the germ and viral war has been far deadlier to human life than any other kind.
I’ve written about Cancer I before in 2025 – 2024 – 2023 – 2022 – 2021 – 2020. The dodeks of Cancer I are Cancer of Cancer, Leo of Cancer, Virgo of Cancer, and Libra of Cancer.
Barbeault’s Basket is Forming
c. 15 July 2026, 6:15 am EDT
Barbeault’s Basket: French astrologer André Barbeault noted before his death in 2019 that there was an upcoming “basket” of powerful planets at 4° of Leo, Aquarius, Aries, and Gemini in the summer of 2026. This is a powerful range of generally favorable aspects that all crash together at the same time. A “basket” consists of three sextiles, two trines, and an opposition in relationship to one another. Here, sextiles form between Aquarius and Aries, and Leo and Gemini, and Aries and Gemini; trines between Leo and Aries, and Aquarius and Gemini; and an opposition between Leo and Aquarius — forming a sequence that astrologers have taken to calling “Barbeault’s Basket”.
This basket is starting to form up this week, and will culminate during the ten days of July 16-26, 2026. First, Neptune continues to form a sextile with Pluto that began in Gemini III, which will continue into October. This week, Uranus enters a sextile with Neptune on June 24, which will continue into August. On June 30 (the last full day of Cancer I), Jupiter will enter Leo.
André Barbeault himself thought that this would be a marvelous and glorious window of opportunity for humanity as a whole. Trines and sextiles are quite favorable, after all — they’re the aspects associated with Jupiter and Venus, and aren’t those two planets good?
They are, indeed — but if we’ve learned anything in the last decades, it’s that the revolutionary forces of technology that are represented by Uranus, the visionary forces of imagination that are represented by Neptune, and the commercial forces represented by Pluto, are not neutral. In this chart, these ten days represent a window in which technology, vision, and commerce apply an enormous amount of pressure on Jupiter — who represents rule-making both written and unwritten, and customary norms of good governance.
Barbeault could only see this in archetype, and to him it looked favorable. For me, seven years further on in time and a witness to the dramatic changes in the world after his death, it’s far easier to see this as the triumph of private interests— the giants of technology, intellectual proprietorship, and commerce — over public ones. It remains to be seen if these interests will reach their high-water mark in July, and then begin to ebb… or if a new order for the ages begins to form under the eyes of the transpersonal planets.
Dates to Watch
- 20 June — Chiron enters Aries — the “wounded healer” moves from the watery and faith-healing realms of Pisces to the warlike raiding of Aries, where he’ll spend most of the next four years. More aggressive solutions to medical problems may be needed; expect leaders to be more distrustful of their advisors, their voting base, and their counterparts in other factions.
- 24 June — Venus trines Saturn, Uranus sextile Neptune. Sometimes even the most ardent lovers have to face harsh practical realities and challenging situations. Sometimes technology and dreams do produce wonders.
- 25 June — Sun squares Neptune. Today, your reason and intelligence will find it easy to pierce others fantasies and delusions; but you may find that others poke holes in your fond daydreams and poorly-supported belief structures.
- 26 June — Mars sextile Jupiter. Normally this would indicate a savvy civilian hand making clear strategic and tactical decisions. Yet with Jupiter in Cancer and Mars in Taurus, this may manifest as poor decision-making followed by inept execution. Don’t rush to make plans today.
- 28 June — Mars enters Gemini. In Taurus, Mars is detrimented but a triplicity ruler — an important deputy or senior assistant who’s nonetheless disliked and kept in the dark most of the time about what’s really going on. In Gemini, he’s mostly relieved of his responsibility, as those more senior to him establish new routines and exclude him from business. It’s not clear if he’s going to take a vacation or vengeance yet.
- 30 June — Jupiter enters Leo. The planet called “Bringer of Joy” moves out of Cancer where he’s the most highly honored guest: able to have whatever he wants, but not responsible even for folding his napkin at the dinner table. In Leo, he has to work under someone else’s authority. A housecleaning is going to be the first order of business, and the transition from being at leisure to rushing to complete labors may be somewhat shocking. Jupiter will be in Leo until late July 2027
House Delineations
Gemini is the first house, which represents our self and our presentation of self to the world. It is a good week for me to remind you that you are an immortal soul.— but you also have a mortal body. That body is fragile, take care of it. Uranus is present, sign-ruler Mercury is inconjunct: technology can augment your personal abilities, but don’t mistake purchasing power for personal charisma.
Cancer is the second house, which represents your wealth and resources. You are likely to use your material wealth and personal goods this week and ways to bring you comfort and a sense of emotional safety. The Sun, Mercury and Jupiter are present, while the sign ruler the Moon is sextile: this week you can justify almost any indulgence, but sooner than you like you will have a bill to pay. Keep those expenses on a leash.
Leo is the third house, which represents our widest circle of relatives and our innermost circle of friends there are performative roles you should be prepared to adopt with family members in the next 10 days be prepared to roar and growl and siblings to keep them in line. Venus is present, the sign-ruler the Sun is inconjunct: family and friends may be too busy to think to connect with you themselves, but yes you should reach out and touch someone.
Virgo is the fourth house, representing house and home and parents. The south node is present. Trouble may show up at your front door, not by design or with malice aforethought, but in an organic and natural way. Keep an eye out for invasive insects and plants, and do what you can to rid yourself of them. The Moon and the South Node are present, and sign-ruler Mercury is sextile: leave little notes to your housemates and write to your parents.
Libra is the fifth house, representing hobbies and pleasures, and your children. Remember Adams‘s advice about buying tools: buy the cheapest version of the tool that exists, and use it until it breaks. Then decide if you need a better one, and buy the best quality one as a replacement. The sign-ruler is sextile: financial issues impinge on your kids or your hobbies, so be judicious (but not miserly) in spending cash on frivolity.
Scorpio is the sixth house, representing daily life, and work, employees and servants, illness, and injury, and pets. Keep your cool when your daily routine routines hit worse than usual snafus. You can let off steam, but not in front of your helpers. The sign-ruler Mars is opposed: even as your long-term plans blow up, keep cool with your employees and contractors, and don’t let your barista see your ugly angry side.
Sagittarius is the seventh house, which represents your spouse or a significant other in a romantic sense; or your business partner. In some circumstances, it could represent someone that was openly your enemy. Be watchful and attentive of the behavior of the most important person in your life; help them see the big picture, but don’t try to solve their problems for them until they ask. The sign ruler Jupiter is inconjunct: your spouse or significant other may just want you to pay the bills, no questions asked.
Capricorn is the eighth house, representing our duties and responsibilities, as well as our legacies and debts. Tax-time is going to hurt in April 2027, be sure that you are socking enough away despite how rough the economy is, work on that rainy day fund. The sign ruler Saturn is square: the hard times and sob-stories of friends may pull hard on your heart-strings … and your purse strings.
Aquarius is the ninth house, which is associated with both long distance, travel and higher education and adult learning. Whether you’ve got a vacation, or a staycation coming up, how can you devote yourself to learning something offbeat or out of the ordinary this season? Cultivate beginners mind with regard to new studies. The sign-ruler Saturn is sextile, and Pluto is present: new learning can be costly, and travel delays can get expensive; form a study group or have a buddy on road trips to share the load.
Pisces is the tenth house, which represents our career and public reputation, as well as our employers and l supervisors expect more flip-flopping and uncertainty from the top brass at your company than usual. Provided advice when asked, gently point out flaws in data analysis, and adopt a relaxed posture relative to deadlines. The sign-ruler Jupiter is trine and the North Node and Lot of Fortune are present: career and job decisions can favorably affect your bottom line; take what’s offered, but negotiate for appropriate compensation.
Aries is the eleventh house, which represents our wider circle of friends and acquaintances, as well as professional colleagues. It’s easy to squash the hopes and dreams of your associates this week. Before you do so, make an effort to understand their point of view, and their vision very clearly. The idea might be right, even if it’s not for “right now“. The sign ruler Mars is inconjunct but Neptune and Saturn are present: There’s fire and fierceness in your network right now, but big dreams are dulled and chilled. Every gathering feels somewhat secretive.
Taurus is the twelfth house, representing obstacles and limitations, as well as visions and hopes for the future. A harsh and fiery obstacle appears immediately, threatening a destruction of substance. It will be deeply tempting to bulldoze right through it so, because there seems to be delightful treasure right on the other side As mad, Max, played by Tom Hardy, said “that’s bait.” Don’t be too eager to break through this week. Mars is present and the sign-ruler Venus is square: there is anger at what cannot be done, and caretaking of those who couldn’t do it before.
Horoscopes by Rising Sign
Decan I of any sign (usually covering the 21st of the month to the first of the following month) is free to all visitors; Decan II is only available to Patreon and Ko-Fi.com subscribers; and Decan III is available to Patreon, Ko-Fi, and MailChimp subscribers.
I recommend reading your Sun sign, Moon sign, and Rising sign for best results. I write them with rising sign in mind, but several people have told me they find that they do better with all three.
Gemini: Bodily upset may be a problem this week but keep doing your usual. Some focus on finances will be needed but communicate your needs clearly and all will be well. Hold out hope for gatherings of friends but forgive last-minute cancellations. Loving connections between spouse, but you may have to tell an unwanted suitor to get lost. You have some career choices to make — compare your hopes under the current leadership with your memory of past treatment to make the best decision.
Cancer: Big financial opportunities come your way almost by magic, but it’s your communication and analytical skills that bring the right focus on the professional aspects that change a no to the yes: facts and data count for more than opinions, so bring receipts. Long-range plans are up in the air and a friend is likely to be insufferable — but there are still economic responsibilities to others that you have to address.
Leo: It’s a good time to stay close to home, and you’ll find that your tendency to create and build networks of performance and mutual admiration brings a contentment and success like no other. At the same time be thinking about your long-term financial plans, and figure out what mix of leadership, delegated authority, and intellectual capacities you can bring to bear on other people’s problems. The money is likely to come in a pleasing form of partnership, but some old skeletons may have to be dug up and exorcised.
Virgo: Home and household are particularly important these days; but review how your garden grows, and pay careful attention to what’s being dug up. An unwanted houseguest may have to be shown the door, even as you make plans to welcome others gladly, though it costs a lot to entertain them. Your personal ‘brand’ and presentation at work needs an overhaul, but there may be limited funds due to obligations to a spouse or business partner; show that what you know rather than what you wear is the secret to success.
Libra: A balanced approach to fun and games is appropriate — make time for pleasure and friends, and plan gatherings, but settle on low-cost fun rather than big summer blow-outs. You have some big shoes to fill in your workplace but you know how to make the magic happen. Share your dreams and hopes with a partner: expect to be told “not right now” but set a timeline for when your dreams become real. A travel plan may go off the rails in amusing ways. If you forget an important obligation, don’t cover the error with bravado; own the mistake and fix it.
Scorpio: Your daily routines might be pulling you farther away from your long-term goals. Let’s be blunt here: your prayers and hopes and dreams are achievable, but thoughts and prayers are not the same thing as putting in the work. Re-direct some of your daily energies, even if you only do it at home or as a hobby. Doing something badly is the first step to doing something well: your personal discoveries from mistakes you make this week will serve your future self better.
Sagittarius: There’s a strong desire to upend the rules and norms of your key relationships in the name of excitement and new possibilities — but the most likely candidates hew pretty close to norms and traditions that are less than ideal. You may rage against daily routines that are supposed to bring fulfillment, and find sources of personal entertainment blocked, even as there’s an expanding range of duties to your existing partner(s) that are expanding. It’s time to set your house in order over the next two weeks; keep the keys you have rather than unlocking your life to all and sundry.
Capricorn: You may be used to checking items off your task list without difficulty, but some friends may suggest or give you projects that you really want to do but would require a significant upgrade in your skills and abilities. Untangling these would make people sing your praises a long time, but be aware that these new efforts are going to require new partnerships and alliances, and upend your regular schedule. If they’re hobby related, be especially sensitive to risks from cut and burn injuries — and keep tight track of materials and labor costs, regardless of what you’re working on!
Aquarius: Travel plans may be subject to brief reductions in planned costs, but be wary of making unrefundable plans in October and beyond. You have considerable economic freedom, but tracking your daily expenses with receipts would be useful this week. One sibling or very close friend may go off the deep end, but you have the power to set some helpful boundaries either for yourself or for them. Argument at home may break even spiritual covenants; beware of injuries in your hobbies near the end of the week after June 28. Be prepared to say no to improper invitations.
Pisces: Wrap up a project of some significance in your workplace soon, in order to have a shot at a task that would help launch your long-term career goals for the next few years. Money may be tight, but have a vision for your next few career steps and you’ll get the right credentials to get there. There’s a close friend or family member that’s angling to get something from you, and you may have to cut them off. “Home” may have to be in two places at once this week; have a portable hobby you can take with you wherever you may go… but be careful about lionizing or idealizing the people you meet in the world this week.
Aries: Big dreams and visions are constrained by a sense of personal sovereignty and its related dignity — plus, you may be facing a hard-stop hit on your bottom line. A close friend may throw you into a tizzy, but it’s probably just the usual teapot tempest and not an afternoon at Buckingham Palace. All the same, lean into chatty luxury at home this week, even if you’re just planning out more of the same. Painting, drawing, and music-making will be more pleasurable than usual.
Taurus: Be careful of religious arguments that threaten to spoil long-term alliances this week, and take a care that your monthly budget doesn’t go up in smoke or wind up going exclusively to the tech companies. You’re likely to be in good company with all your friends and chosen family, working to make the magic happen — but the big dreams may be facing some challenging hurdles. You will make it with a little help from your friends but remember to provide a full cup to your allies. Your professional roles may require you to identify certain contractual obligations, but you may have to let loos some of your expectations.
Colophon
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If you want to read some of my astrologically-oriented poetry, the largest collection is called A Full Volume of Splendor and Starlight, available through my Etsy shop, and containing poems and hymns to the planets, constellations, decan deities, and Moon Mansion angels. While not astrological, Festae contains hymns to some of the older Roman gods and spirits from the calendar created by Numa Pompilius, the second ancient King of Rome.
I use iPhemeris for my charting software, and screenshot it to make charts. I want to thank the team that develops iPhemeris for the addition of Terms and Decans to their charts. I also use Hugh Tran‘s Physis typeface to craft logos for this blog, as well.
I use Christopher Warnock‘s The Mansions of the Moon as the basis of my Moon placement delineations, and Austin Coppock‘s 36 Faces for much of my planetary delineations. Neither gentleman endorses me.
