Poker Face

MOON IN CAPRICORN
The emotional planet in the sign most known for it's aloof nature. Capricorn's calculating nature is going to show up in subtler ways. The moon is going to push some of Capricorn's hidden emotions to the surface, forcing the iceberg sign to reveal some of what's going on below. Trying to keep feelings buried is somewhat futile during this time, especially as this combination is taking place in the 1rst House, the house of self, of individuality.

Poker face. We've heard the term before, usually in reference to the card game. It's quite the asset in cards and is often considered to be an advantage in tense situations. It's also a theatrical convention known as deadpan. For a classic example of deadpan, look to Bea Arthur on any episode of Golden Girls (usually in response to Betty White's character).

For those of the Lie To Me contingent, there is great advantage to facial control. In the context of the show, they explore "microexpressions" that reveal certain emotions one may be trying to keep hidden. For those that wear their heart on their sleeve, this might not perturb them, but for those who are more secretive with their feelings (as a generalization, Earth signs), this may be a terrifying prospect.

How careful you are with your expressions may reveal more about you than you want it to. Those who keep a cool, blank expression often earn a reputation for being uncaring. This may be unfair, but it is the hard view of a society which values openness and honesty. We're encouraged, especially in America, to express ourselves, and we can be very distrustful of those whose motives and feelings remain hidden from us.

Still, do these aloof creatures have the right idea? Usually, we give a great deal away from the simple lift of an eyebrow, a slight smile, a narrowing of the eyes. In the theatre, an extremely expressive world, it's not uncommon for one to have to wipe the slate. The phrase "check your face" is one that I've heard said to actors when another actor sings a wrong note. It's not a deliberate affront; just the world that we live in. In order to keep a colleague from being hurt, we must hide the feelings that would otherwise be clearly written across the face. Maybe we can learn something from those who are able to keep things inside. There's power in quietly kept emotion.

I've noticed, from working in various offices, that the business world is much more cautious with their feelings. They keep everything very even keel (unless they're screaming in anger). "Losing one's temper" is viewed as weak; sentimentality becomes vulnerability. The interesting part is that it becomes very jarring when a boss figure is suddenly demonstrative emotionally. Depending on the subordinate and how the emotion is portrayed, the authority could strengthen or weaken. For a culture that values expression of feelings, in certain situations (especially the business world), it can be seen as a loss of power. Keeping the poker face demonstrates; enables power.

I believe true power lies in effective expression. We may give away more than we desire, but who doesn't love a gift from the heart?

Feel It Out

MOON IN CANCER
The moon is the natural ruler of Cancer. This is going to be a powerfully emotional period, especially as the moon is waxing. Cancer is a nurturing sign of home and belonging and with the moon's fluctuating influence, feelings are going to be somewhat unpredictable, but strong. I'd make sure to think before speaking during this time, but it may also be an opportunity to get something off your chest that you've been keeping buried.

Want to know more about Cancer? Look here.

Sharing emotions is an important part of life. Without this, therapists would have no job. It's vital for us to have someone to talk to. The hard part is finding that person that you can really talk to. Some people swear by therapists. Others refuse to see them no matter what's going on in their lives. Yet everyone seems to agree that it's healthier to talk about your feelings than to bottle them up. Sometimes, though, I know I'd love to put my feelings into a jar and lock them away in the cupboard for awhile. Especially with certain situations. It's hard to deal with difficulties when there are heavy emotions involved. How can we be expected to be the rational creatures that we humans profess to be when our hearts are constantly influencing our minds?

Of course, there are people who are just better at compartmentalizing their emotions. They are able to see past their feelings and move on to the decision at hand. Others become messes at the tiniest complication. Are certain people genetically predisposed to be able to handle major life-crises while the rest turn into weeping goobmongers? Or were we brought up to handle emotions a certain way? In my family, it was acceptable to express your emotions regardless of age or gender. Of course, there were certain accepted ways for that expression, but emotional communication was encouraged.For those who were not brought up in such an environment, have they learned to stifle natural emotions? Is this unhealthy? I suppose that would depend on how it manifests.

However, there have been studies that say that disease is exactly that: dis-ease. Negative emotions can create dis-ease within the body which manifests as a physical illness. This is why therapy becomes so helpful with regard to staving off sickness. Journaling is also a wonderful way to get feelings out if you don't feel comfortable speaking directly to a person. Blogging could be considered medication for emotional blockage. It's catharsis. No matter how you express yourself, it'll make you feel better.

Go ahead, get emotional. It's more than just a phase.