The Nurtury

06/01/2026

Just after Mercury entered Cancer this morning, a piece of news from a family member hurt my feelings. This is the sort of astrological resonance you just can't make up, and not that surprising when the planet of communication enters the sign of family and sensitivity!

Mercury's going to be in Cancer much long than its usual few weeks (through Aug. 9), because it'll also be retrograde there between June 29 and July 23. Even if your communication style is generally bright and uncomplicated, Cancer is one of the so-called "mute" signs and tends to keep things to itself - especially wounded feelings.

So while Mercury is here, we may have to try harder than usual to find - and use - the words to express our emotions. But it's important to try, and for that matter to avoid taking things too personally. Mostly, people close to us are not trying to be hurtful (I mean, avoid the ones who are!), and clamming up and sulking does nothing to improve a sensitive situation. While Mercury is in Cancer, use language to get closer to loved ones, not farther away!

-BigSkyAstrology

06/01/2026

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/junk-food-cravings-brain-memory

New research reveals that memories of fatty and sugary foods are encoded in the hippocampus, helping explain why some cravings feel impossible to resist.

06/01/2026

"Fragrance" or "parfum" on a personal care label is a single ingredient that can legally contain dozens — sometimes hundreds — of undisclosed chemicals, including known hormone disruptors and allergens. Because fragrance formulas are protected as trade secrets, companies aren't required to list what's inside. It shows up in shampoo, lotion, candles, and cleaning products.

TY, EarthConsciousNews!

Endocrine disruptors in perfume are common — but not inevitable. A working perfumer explains what to avoid and what makes natural perfumes different.

06/01/2026

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-whispering-trees-180968084/

A controversial German forester says yes, and his ideas are shaking up the scientific world

06/01/2026

https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/the-science-of-silence-how-quiet-changes-the-brain

In a world saturated with noise, where the constant hum of traffic, chatter, and digital notifications never ceases, silence is often undervalued. Yet, ...

06/01/2026

05/31/2026

THIS WEEK'S HOROSCOPE THEME: La Sonnambula 💤

You may notice you're having trouble dragging yourself out of bed in the morning, that you're spacing out in mid-conversation, or you're desperate to take a catnap during your lunch break. Did you suddenly develop narcolepsy? No. But drowsiness is the order of the day when Mercury, the planet of the mind, is traveling through the realm of the Moon.

Don't try to fight the drooping eyelids by fueling up with caffeine or Red Bull because you'll only make matters worse. Mercury in Cancer insists that you make the switch from stream of consciousness thinking to stream of unconsciousness thinking. At the very least you'll wake up feeling renewed and regenerated. Then again you could re-emerge from your slumbers with a fascinating idea or a fresh take on an old problem.

People who have Mercury in Cancer in their natal horoscopes do some of their best thinking in their sleep and you can learn to do the same thing too if you're willing to give it a go. Mercury will be in Cancer from June 1st to August 9th.

-Christopherrenstrom