New Moon in Cancer
Rediscover Your True Nature as Creator
By Abbey Quinn | SumerianAstrology@gmail.com
In classical and Vedic astrology, the zodiac sign of Cancer has associations with the Moon, and is thus said to be emotional and sensitive, and connected to the home and maternity. But the Mesopotamian counterpart was quite different—Cancer was a masculine force of creation with an unparalleled analytical ability.
The Master of Digging (The AL-Sign 𒀠)
The Babylonians rendered cancer with the Sumerian word MULAl.LUL 𒀯𒀠𒈜.
In Sumerian, the word al 𒀠 meant hoe, spade, or digging instrument. In fact, if you tilt your head to the left, you’ll see an abstract image of a spade piercing soil. The AL-sign was used in a variety of words, many of which related to work, tools, and stones. In later periods, it was used to write the word ba-al-gi4 𒁀𒀠𒄄 (turtle).
But the AL-sign 𒀠 can also be read as máḫ, a word meaning great, mighty, or foremost. It’s no wonder al was used as a declarative verbal prefix, as in “It is/was done.”
Treacherous or Tricky? (The LUL-Sign 𒈜)
In Sumerian, the world lul 𒈜 meant to be false, and was used in words of treachery, such as liar, criminal, and murderer. While iniquity might seem like the theme, the LUL-sign was also used to write words like fox, mongoose, and crab—animals well known for their ability to dig, snatch up prey, and even slip out of sight.
It’s worth noting that the LUL-sign could also be used in words like axe—another reference to digging. Additionally, it could be read as: lib (dazed silence), lubx (to live), nar (musician); and paḫ (leg), with the latter being used in words like cella—a special chamber within a temple. The spiritual significance of the LUL-sign can also be seen in its reading of lu5, which is used in various words meaning ritual.
Cancer: The Discerning Mind
Clearly, AL.LUL relates to both a quick mind and to digging, with undertones of altered states, the life force, music, and inner sanctums. If we’re to take the meaning of Cancer on the cuneiform alone, the archetype is that of a discerning mind; of someone who can go deep within, with no topic too complex or tedious to dissect (a far cry from the emotional homebody depicted in its classical counterpart). But the Mesopotamian Cancer is much more than a hunter, devourer, and concealer of information.
The Throne of God (The Dwelling of Anu)
The MUL.APIN calls Cancer the dwelling or seat of Anu, the Babylonian counterpart to the supreme creative power of existence, the Sumerian father of the gods, An 𒀭. He and his consort Namma (𒀭𒇉, sometimes Nammu) bred the first deities, the Anuna gods, which you’ll recognize as the infamous Anunnaki. But neither the Anuna gods nor their parents were ancient aliens. Rather, they were personifications of the forces of nature.
As for An and Namma, they were no less than the primordial forces of creation; the divine masculine and feminine principles that gave rise to our reality.
Divine Will and Creation
Namma’s name is written with the LAGALxHAL-sign 𒇉, which is used to write words like water and river, with water being the creative element in Mesopotamia.
While Namma’s nature is watery, her consort An is decidedly more celestial. His name is rendered with the AN-sign 𒀭—a literal depiction of a star. It is used in too many words to mention. Suffice to say, the overwhelming theme is of divinity, height, brilliance, the sky, the cosmos, and time.
An is the oldest named father-god in human history. He was a master of fate and divine power. By his word, he could bless or curse. By his will, he could create or destroy. All that transpired, was ultimately believed to be his will.
It was from holy An that gods and kings received their divine authority, and in fact, the great gods Enlíl and Enki were said to sit beside him on his dais (his seat/dwelling), when determining fate and exercising their power.
That the Babylonians called Cancer the seat of Anu is no small thing. It is a direct reference to the zodiac sign’s association to the divine will behind all creation.
Mesopotamian Cancer
In Mesopotamian terms, Cancer is the discerning mind that not only has the ability to explore and dissect the inner and outer worlds alike, but the power to create and reshape reality as it wills. From a natal standpoint, strong Cancer has the potential to be an over-analytical, nervous wreck, or a master of manifestation and the self.
New Moon in Cancer: Rediscover Your True Nature as Creator
The New Moon in Cancer provides us all with the opportunity to take back our divine power, regardless of our natal placements. This is the perfect time to go inward; to rediscover your true nature as the creator of your reality. While it might be difficult to quiet the mind at first, you might find yourself struck with a sudden level of self-discipline you weren’t aware you had.
If you’ve been waiting for a time to start meditating, or you’ve fallen out of practice, there is no better time than now! Use the celestial energy to build momentum and reach deeper levels of self-awareness, and from that divine center, create your reality anew!
References & Resources
OSL. (n.d.). Open Sign List (OSL): A sign list for all of Oracc. The University of Pennsylvania, ORACC. https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/osl/signlist/
Black, J., Green, A., Zólyomi, G., et al. (n.d.). The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature. University of Oxford. https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/
ePSD2. (n.d.). The electronic Pennsylvania Sumerian Dictionary. The University of Pennsylvania, ORACC. https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/epsd2/
About the Author
Abbey Quinn is a Mesopotamian Astrologer specializing in Sumerian Astrology, and co-founder of the International Sidereal Astrology Association. In addition to providing ancient sidereal astrology readings, she teaches ancient astrology and the Sumerian Language, and hosts a weekly YouTube livestream with Niki Tennessen.
Website: SumerianAstrology.com | YouTube @SumerianAstrology
