What effects do you notice on your nurturing tendencies when external factors encourage a more empathetic approach to relationships and self-care?

During this transit of Venus in Cancer squaring your natal Ceres in Scorpio, you may find your nurturing tendencies are heightened, yet they come with a complex mix of emotions. Venus in Cancer brings a yearning for emotional connection and comfort, emphasizing a compassionate approach to relationships. With this tender energy, you might feel an instinctual pull to create a warm and loving environment for those you care about, often putting their needs before your own. This can manifest as a desire to provide comfort through cooking, listening, or simply being present. The square to Ceres in Scorpio, however, introduces a tension between your desire to nurture and a deeper, perhaps subconscious, need for emotional control and intimacy.

Ceres in Scorpio typically relates to a more intense expression of care, often associated with transformation and healing. Your approach to nurturing might involve helping others (or yourself) through transformative experiences, delving into the emotional depths rather than skirting around them. The square from Venus introduces a challenge to find balance between these deep Scorpio waters and the gentle, protective Cancer shell.

This period may also stir up issues around how you were cared for, revealing patterns that might not align with your current nurturing style. You may encounter situations that require you to adopt a more empathetic stance, perhaps letting down some of your own defenses in order to connect more authentically with others. This could mean allowing yourself to be vulnerable, which can be challenging given Scorpio's natural inclination towards self-protection.

The influence of Cancer encourages a softer, more empathetic approach, inviting you to consider the emotional needs of others as well as your own. It's a time to re-evaluate how you care for yourself and others, finding new ways to express compassion without losing your boundaries. Reflect on moments when you're prompted to offer support or self-care, and you may discover a richer, more meaningful way to fulfill your innate nurturing desires. Remember that self-care is not selfish; it's essential, especially when you're called upon to support others. Balancing your own needs with those of the people you care about will be a key theme during this transit.

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