 July 2013
Cancer Ingress Newsletter |
Using the Ingress of Jupiter in Cancer to Heal Liver Inflammation
By Joan Porte
The Summer Solstice is fast upon us with promise of revitalizing our bodies with the healthy fruits and vegetables of the season. This month the universe gives us a double dose of healing opportunities when Jupiter ingresses into Cancer on June 25, 2013 at 9:40 p.m. EDT.
In medical astrology, Jupiter, the largest planet, has reign over the liver, the largest internal organ. Among the liver’s many tasks is cleansing our blood. It turns food into nutrients and fat-soluble toxins into ones that are water-soluble and easily eliminated.
Medical science is just beginning to understand the effects of long-term, low grade inflammation. What is known is when the liver is beaten down by chemicals, environmental toxins, alcohol, processed, sugary and fatty foods it slows down and the toxins and fat remain imbedded in our body.
There are several things to do to restore an inflamed liver. As an astrologer and avid home cook, I am a big believer in using the Zodiac as a guide to healing foods. What better time to care for the long abused American liver than when its ruling planet, Jupiter, wanders through the motherly nurturing sign of Cancer for the next 13 months?
As Jupiter moves from house-to-house it would be wise to nurture the anti-inflammatory response with recipes that appeal to the sign energetically connected to that house.
Aries and the first house exude the heat of Mars and a bit of Aries spice is a good tool in the battle against inflammation. Use this time to make a plan of action for your fight and fuel yourself with some good Mars food like a Spicy Tomato Gazpacho Soup.
When Jupiter moves into the second house Taurus’ call may be telling you that it is too hard to stay healthy and it is time for some indulgence regardless of the health cost. Don’t fight the temptation – appease it. Tomatoes Stuffed with Artichokes and Feta has the mouth feel so craved and the healthy vegetables will still help keep you on track.
The third house Jupiter ingress is a perfect time to use Mercury’s mental talents to further study the new medical research on the inflammatory response. The trickster doesn’t have a lot of time for time-consuming foods so keep a lot of my healthy Cold Broccoli and Olive salad on hand. It is quick, delicious and always ready when the impatience of Mercury urges you to run out for some fat-laden fast food.
Now there are no excuses when Jupiter moves into Cancer’s home, the fourth house: you have to give your diet a lot of love and attention now. My friend Diane has a wonderful recipe that she makes in honor of her grandmother called Gram’s Cranberry Pie – how Cancerian is that? It is full of love, grandmotherly tenderness and cranberries which are a great antioxidant.
You can hear Leo’s roar as you head into the Fifth House and this is another time when you may want to throw caution to the wind and over-indulge. Rely, instead, on that Leo pride in their body to keep you on course. Acorn Squash with Apples, Figs and Grapes is a true anti-inflammatory dish and, if served in a fancy bowl, will allow you to envision yourself royalty.
OK Jupiter in Cancer in the 6th house, the house of healing and care for the body; do you need a better excuse to get healthy? While you have to pay attention to your health now, you don’t have to suffer any deprivation. Pasta Primavera is a great 6th house dish and you don’t have to be a natal Virgo to love the Eggplant, Tomato and Mozzarella Stacks and some healthy seafood Cioppino.
The Libran socialization that energizes the 7th house can make you want to spend too many hours over some nachos and beer with friends. But with little effort you can make a full Smorgasbord to share. Try Chicken Pesto Sandwiches and Mediterranean Salad Sandwiches with lean, skinless chicken; sun dried tomatoes and pesto loaded with basil.
If you haven’t revised you’re eating habits you will now – Scorpio and the 8th house demand change, a death to the old self. What better way to celebrate the new you with a traditional Mexican Day of the Dead food make out of healthy pumpkin, Calabeza en Tacha?
When Jupiter is in the 9th appeal to the Sagittarius wanderlust with a Vegetable Moroccan Tagine. It is full of chick peas, tomatoes, carrots and other vegetables. The original recipe calls for a base of cous cous but grains can hinder the immune system so try a bed of quinoa instead.
Serve a Capricorn Cabbage Soup. The heartiness of the cabbage appeals to the strong and steady goat. With Jupiter in the 10th you will appease the cravings for filling foods with this vegetable-laden broth that is perfect for a cold Capricorn night.
Throw caution to the wind when Jupiter hits the 11th house for it is time for quirky Aquarius energy to take over. Try something with a unique twist that is also good to share with the many friends this house brings, like Pollack with Berry Prosecco Sauce. The blueberries and fish are healthy and the Prosecco makes it a bit more fun.
With Jupiter’s swims into the 12th house Pisces it can bring up old emotions triggering bad eating habits. Make some crispy Kale with Scallions and Ginger for a zingy delicious taste to fuel you and get ready for Jupiter’s move into Leo. Just remember what Cancer has taught you when Leo fuels you appetite!
Bon Appetite.
NOTE:
These recipes and many more specifically directed to the health of each sign can be found in Joan’s book Signs of the Tines: The Ultimate Astrological Cookbook.
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