Mindful Heart Astrology

The Heart and Soul of  “Home”

I Build a Lighted House and Therein Dwell

The longer I study Astrology, the more amazing and revelatory it becomes.

I’ve taken a “time out” for a few months, and am writing this from the Island of Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. Why is that significant? Well, as you know, we are currently moving through “Cancer”, the fourth sign of the zodiac. We also know that Cancer relates to Home, Family, Nourishment (of self and others), Personal Comfort, Safety and Security. So…

This past week I have been feeling unusually hermit-like, not wanting to emerge from the little cottage that is my temporary home. The peaceful view overlooking the sea is one I find difficult to move away from. At times though, the draw of the fresh sea air calls to me…at least once each day I’m inclined to go for long walks by the coast. Being outside, close to the natural world on this ruggedly beautiful little Island, is another of my favorite things about this place.

Contemplation about the meaning of “home” has been constant. For me, it has always meant a place of sanctuary…somewhere to feel completely at ease. When I was younger, and my parents were still alive, any visit to see them always felt like going home even though the house they lived in for their last 20 years was not where I grew up. “Home” was really Mum and Dad.  On reflection, it seems like my own house was just a place where I lived, parked my belongings, enjoyed my own company, could do my own thing. I suppose I haven’t really felt “at home” in a while, and thus have a very real need to define what it will mean for me in the future. Where exactly on planet earth will I live? What do I want my home to be like? Do I actually need a full-time physical home, or do I feel more of a pull towards being a Gypsy? All questions that don’t require an immediate answer, but definitely a well-considered one.

I’m feeling very comfortable and secure in this little rented cottage…safe to just “be” and ruminate. Doesn’t this just beg the question “isn’t home really wherever you happen to be?” Like the old saying “home is where the heart is”, it somehow feels right.

I’ve also been thinking about self-nourishment. Actually, the thought came to me after I realized I had been carefully selecting the ingredients for my meals during the past two weeks…even more so than usual. Thinking out loud about the number and type of vegetables, I must add some protein, and have I had any grain today. One manages their kitchen and groceries carefully when Cancerreplenishment means a 12 mile round trip to the shop, either on foot or bicycle, which has obviously led me to a more well-managed and considered menu. It is as if by accident I’ve fallen into a rhythm of self-care with nourishment, exercise, contemplation and meditation.

While here, I’ve also been working on a Genealogy project, delving into my ancestry and the key themes that weave significant threads through the generations. It’s an endeavor that has been on the edge of my existence for quite some time but, until now, I haven’t created the space to devote myself to it fully.

All things considered, it seems that I’m right now living in the 4th house!  What could be more perfect for this time in the zodiac? I did not consciously plan my month this way, though I’m wondering if what was brewing under the surface at the urging of the Universe, was appropriately in sync with the rhythms of nature.

Speaking of “rhythm”, I should mention the influence of the Moon which is Cancer’s ruler, and naturally at home in the 4th house. Some of the broader themes and key concepts associated with this “planet” are Feelings, Emotions, Soul, Belongingness, Family, Mother, Sentiment, and Receptivity.

Recently I read this passage about the Aran Islands which, for me, completely resonates.  “It has been written of these Islands that on them is to be found solitude without loneliness. Part of their heritage is this tranquil spiritual quality.” In my brief time here I can unreservedly confirm they are certainly ALL of that.  It is not difficult for me to recognize that my “time out” here relates to soul and receptivity. Soul nurturing through self-care and reflection, while opening myself to experience a range of sentimental and deep emotions associated with family, belonging, and many other things. I believe that the solitude and tranquil spiritual nature of this Island have helped to nourish this necessary phase of my Soul’s journey.

The question I now ask myself is “As I am becoming more in touch with my inner self through this month of Cancer, how do I draw upon this experience for my best creative and soul purpose?” I believe I’m beginning to define my home, heart and soul, and from there all things are possible.

~ Jayne Logan