by Latham Thomas, Taurus

The author with her Cancerian son, Fulano

When I first realized I was having a Cancer baby, I got lots of advice from total strangers: “Oh, Cancer, get ready for tears, honey,” “Watch what you say, they are very sensitive,” and the list goes on. As I didn’t know a lot about this sign, I started doing some reading to familiarize myself with “Cancer traits”. 

My son Fulano was born on July 13th 2003, on a full moon, in the year of the sheep. The sheep corresponds to the Cancer in the zodiac regarding character traits. I learned that Cancers are attuned to their surroundings, nurturing, loyal, and family oriented. I also read that Cancer men have incredible relationships with their mothers. 

What I cherish most about having a Cancer child is the remarkable relationship we have. My son is so sensitive to what is going on with me and we are really in tune to each other. We write love notes and cuddle, have tickle time, and game night. We share our dreams and support each other. 

An acquaintance of mine told me, “Your Cancer child chose an earth mother to ground him”. She stated that many times a Cancer will chose a water sign or earth mother depending on the lessons the child needs to learn. 

My son chose a Taurus mother and I serve as a tether to the earth. A sandy shore for him to find comfort. My son’s watery nature means he is really communicative and fluid with speech. He says what’s on his heart. But he can also be a moody little guy who wants mommy all to himself. 

Since Cancer’s element is water, they have a unique understanding and connection with women. We are governed by the moon and sea and Cancers have a similar nature. My son is really attuned to my rhythms and intuits when I need personal space or a big hug and a handwritten note. 

Cancer boys need to be allowed the full range of expression emotionally. Honoring their tears when they need to have a good cry. Holding and offering loving caresses is so important. 

Acknowledging them in their potency: Cancer boys need to have you comment on their strength. When my son wants to arm wrestle or show off his muscles I revel in his strength. 

Cancers need to be heard: Listening is very important as they develop. 

I’ve learned that Cancers need their personal space. My son is an only child and quite happy in his introspection reading a book, drawing, writing a song. 

Cancers are thoughtful and creative. Engage them in projects that allow them to fully express who they are. My son expresses himself through music. He also loves to cook. 

Cancers are amazing cuddlers. Little ones who often end up in your bed when you wake up because they prefer not to sleep alone. My son still climbs into the bed with me from time to time. I know it won’t last forever so I welcome him with open arms. I often tuck him into bed and read a book while waiting for him to fall asleep. Just your presence alone can be comfort enough for a Cancer to take a trip to dreamland. 

Raising my son has taught me (the stubborn, headstrong Taurus) to be more fluid, flexible, and relaxed; but has also compelled me to be a better woman and mother. I have learned not to sweat the little stuff, to be a gentle guide. My son is my greatest teacher and expands my heart every day with wisdom.

Little did I know that raising my Cancer son would prepare me for the love of my life, who also happens to be a Cancer.

(The Astrotwins gave me a forecast on that one and Tali and Ophira’s Love Zodiac is my text book when it comes to dating.) 

Astrology is a tool that I can use to better understand the inner workings of those in my life.

It allows me to see the bigger picture and accept the quirks along with the magic. 

Latham Thomas is a maternity lifestyle and women’s wellness expert and educator in plant based nutrition and on the vanguard of transforming the maternal wellness movement. A graduate of Columbia University & The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Latham is the founder of Tender Shoots Wellness, a boutique holistic lifestyle practice that serves women during the childbearing years, offering culinary services, nutritional counseling, yoga, and birth coaching services. Latham strives to educate, empower, and inspire her clients during pregnancy and help them look and feel their very best. She is co-founder of the Mama Glow Film Festival- which she launched with Haley Binn and Rachel Paletsky in August of 2011with appearances by Selita Ebanks and Christy Turlington-Burns. Latham will publish her first book- “Mama Glow- A Hip Guide to Your Fabulous & Abundant Pregnancy” in fall of 2012 with Hay House featuring anecdotal stories from moms including Doutzen Kroes, Veronica Webb, Rachel Roy, Rebecca Minkoff, Haley Binn and more. Bridging the gap between optimal wellness, spiritual growth, and radical self care Latham Thomas is emerging as the go-to-guru for modern holistic lifestyle for women during pregnancy and beyond. Latham’s work has been endorsed by top medical professionals including: Mehmet Oz, M.D., Christiane Northrup, M.D., Frank Lipman, M.D., and Richard Ash, M.D. Featured on the Dr.Oz Show twice, as an expert nutritionist and motivator, ABC Eyewitness News, CBS News, Inside Edition, Fox News LIVE, and was ranked one of the Top 50 mompreneurs by Babble.com. She has appeared on covers for Experience Life magazine, and Kripalu yoga center. She has been featured in NY Times.com, Vogue.com, NY Daily News, NY Post, Vital Juice, Essence Magazine, Martha Stewart’s Whole Living & more. A little green goes a long way. Tender Shoots Wellness strives to empower clients to live happy and fulfilling lives by making lifestyle changes that are better for them, their babies, and the planet. Latham’s new hub, Mama Glow is a lifestyle hub for women explore their creative edge through wellbeing, harnessing their “glow”, or inner diva! She lives in New York City with her son Fulano and their turtle Climby. Latham is helping to green the planet one belly at a time. www.tendershootswellness.com  www.mamaglow.com