Cancer, the Crab – Astrological Guide

Cancer Zodiac Sign Introduction

Easily the most sensitive of all the signs and the moodiest and temperamental. Obviously, this is either further enhanced or lessened by the placing of the other planets, etc.

They possess a strong nurturing instinct and home is the keyword here – even a wide traveling Cancerian will always have a very strong homing instinct and need to feel the domestic lure and security that only home can give.

Even more so than Taureans, cancers love collecting things as they go through life – things that will remind them later of their past. They love dwelling in the past.

They worry a lot, but usually, it is over domestic matters, unlike Virgos who worry about everything.

A chief characteristic of the emotional water signs is intuition, which can be markedly pronounced in them, many becoming clairvoyants. Cancers in particular ‘feel’ their way through life.

It as if Cancers are protected by an outer shell, like the crab that portrays their sign, and many people find it difficult to penetrate this defense to find the true person within.

However, they are renowned for their soft, caring nature which is why they love home building and forming deep lasting relationships so much.

They do tend to be very touchy though, and the fire signs in particular find them extremely difficult to deal with.

The other thing that they have in common with the crab is that of addressing matters from a ‘sideways’ approach rather than head-on, as a fire sign would.

Cancer Traits

A Focus on the Past

Cancer rules the fourth cosmic house, which governs not only the realms of home and family, but also the past.

Some Cancers had childhoods that affected them profoundly in one way or another while others are simply nostalgic by nature.

Another Cancer trait is that they are especially likely to have been influenced strongly by their mother, either for the better or for the worse.

It is also not at all uncommon for Cancer natives to have hobbies that involve a focus on the past. Historical studies, antiquing, scrap booking, and furniture restoration are a few good examples.

Needs/Craves Close Relationships

Most Cancerians, though not necessarily social folks, really need a close relationship or partner in their life in order to feel as if they’re truly complete.

More than any other sign, Cancer is truly born to be married and to build a family.

They are giving, caring people who find great joy in nurturing children or doting on a spouse.

They are also loyal sorts who rarely stray once they’ve chosen a special someone and will pour absolutely everything they have into their primary relationship.

They are introverted sorts for the most part, but when they are around their families, they can be quite social indeed.

Domestic, Home-Loving, and Creative

Like all water signs, Cancer traits definitely include something of a creative streak.

Many take naturally to photography or music, but there are certainly plenty of Cancerian writers and painters out there as well.

Since Cancer is also a homebody by nature, it is not uncommon to see these folks meshing their creativity with their natural drive to nurture via hobbies like cooking or gardening as well.

Many Cancers feel a special connection to nature, so when they do wish to get away from home, they’re likely to suggest a hike, picnic, walk on the beach, or camping excursion as a diversion.

Sensitive Feelings

If there’s one thing a Cancer really can’t tolerate, it’s criticism.

The saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” doesn’t ring true to them at all, as hurtful words – especially when they come from a loved one – can really cut them deeply.

It is hard for them to forget a slight.

Although Cancer may seem tough on the outside, it is important to understand that this is really a defense mechanism designed to mask their profound vulnerability.

Like all lunar-ruled signs, Cancer natives are prone to bouts of depression and other types of emotional upset in general.

Possessive

It is a known Cancer trait that it can be tough to pry any treasures from the claws of the Crab once they posses it.

Take money for instance, the crab loves to collect it.

The are happy to let it pile up and the bank and never do anything with it… but most importantly, never let it go.

Part of this is due to the need for a sense of security they crave.

Most Cancers can have a bit of bossy streak as well, as they are naturals when it comes to problem-solving and have a tendency to feel they always know best.

This is an important characteristic for Cancer natives to become aware of and try to control, as it can easily take over and derail the harmony of home they work so hard to build.

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Cancer Dates: (born June 21 – July 22)

Placement: 4th Zodiac Sign
House Ruled: 4th House: House of Home and Family
Constellation: Cancer
Element: Water
Quality: Cardinal
Symbol: The Crab
Ruling Planet: Moon
Detriment: Saturn
Exaltation: Jupiter (ancient)/ Neptune (modern/disputed)
Fall: Mars
Masculine / Feminine: Feminine
Key Words: “I Feel”
My Pleasures: Cooking, comfort, children
My Pains: People who can’t understand my emotions and forgetfulness
Qualities: Sensitive, family-oriented,
What Cancer think about themselves: What more can I do for my children
What others think about Cancer: Children and family first
Chinese zodiac sign counterpart: Goat or Sheep

Basics

Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac and is symbolized by the Crab. Cancers symbol or glyph represents the protective claws of the crab. The Sun is in Cancer from around 22 June until around 22 July each year. Cancer is classified as being of the negative polarity (passive and receptive), of the water element (emotional, sensitive, and intuitive), and of the cardinal quality (outgoing and enterprising). Cancer shows a defensive attitude, expressing sensitiveness, associated with an urge to protect and to nourish. Like the crab, the characteristic Cancer type is highly sensitive and easily hurt within, though outwardly giving the impression of an impenetrable shell of self-assurance and toughness.

Cancer Personality

Possessing a strong nurturing tendency, Cancer is resourceful and tenaciously protective of its own emotions, as well as those of its own family, clan, or country, which provide it with a sense of security and belonging. Cancer is the sign of motherhood and produces in both sexes a parenting instinct that is caring, protective, and indulgent. Even unmarried Cancers adopt friends or co-workers in an extended family situation. Cancer often finds it hard to break away from early upbringing and from the family traditions it has experienced. Cancer is emotionally sensitive and needs security and a womb-like shelter to withdraw into whilst it restores its self-confidence. Cancer is sympathetic, imaginative, and sentimental, though sometimes moody and reserved, frequently retreating or putting up a protective barrier when it feels threatened in any way. Cancer loves to collect things and is quite nostalgic, identifying strongly with the past.

Cancers outgoing urge is at odds with its emotional and indrawn nature, and this conflict is resolved by its regulation to periodic rhythms of advance and retreat, like the tides of the sea or the phases of the Moon, which is its ruling planet. Cancers nature may become too emotionally sensitive or unstable, being at times very touchy, moody, crabby, timid, or inclined to self-pity. Cancer can also be too clannish and over-protective of what it perceives to be its own kind.

Health

Physically, Cancer rules the chest, the breasts, the female reproductive system, and the stomach and alimentary system generally. Cancer may have a tendency to digestive and gastric troubles, womb afflictions, breast disorders, and growths. Cancer is especially associated with, or “ruled” by, the Moon.

Good Side of Cancer

They always want to try and help people out, by doing so it helps to uplift their own well-being.
They are really good when it comes to judging somebody’s character. This usually happens within the first meeting.
They make really good parents. They become very attentive and loving to their children.
When it comes to emotions are very receptive to other people. They want to listen and help when they can.
The people that they love are very important to them. So you’ll find that they are very protective over their loved ones. Even more so for their mate.
They have The Uncanny ability to see how a person will develop in the future. This goes back to the ability of them being able to judge somebody’s character. It helps them to navigate the waters when it comes to what comes ahead in a friendship or relationship. Sometimes they don’t heed their own advice though.

The Bad Side Of Cancer

The emotions of other people sometimes bring them down. This can cause them to have mood swings that can be harsh.
Sometimes they can become quite possessive over objects or friends that mean alot to them.
When they’re having an argument with somebody, they will always remember the bad points later on. They have a hard time trying to let things go. It stays with them.
Sometimes they can feel quite guilty because they know that they can be selfish at times. They hate hurting someones feelings even when its their own trait that can cause it.

Cancer Career or Work

Cancers are very responsible and sensitive people, with a great deal of nurturing in their nature. They will be well suited to jobs or careers that require them to care for and nurture items or others. Having this skill doesn’t just mean they need to have a career in child care or working with pets at a veterinary clinic. In addition to being excellent business managers or executives, these individuals can multitask extremely well. It is well known that these people give good advice and are very protective of those around them. As well as being able to handle responsibilities efficiently, they are capable of thinking creatively and coming up with Creative Solutions to problems. They would be best suited as social workers who help people solve their problems. An outdoor caretaker such as a gardener or landscaper. An individual working in the field of nursing or child care. A manager of human resources for a business. A person who works as a lawyer or advocate. Lastly, an individual that works as a teacher or an educator.

Famous Cancer Men/ Famous Cancer Women

Cancer eminent personalities male

Some of the many popular celebrities that are included in the star sign of cancer are Tom Hanks, Vin Diesel, Forest Whitaker, Josh Harnett, Harrison Ford, Steven R McQueen, Tom Cruise, Sylvester Stallone, Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais, Justin Chamber, and Will Ferrell.

Cancer eminent personalities female

There are many female celebrities that fall into the category of the Cancer zodiac sign. Some of them are Pamela Anderson, Liv Tyler, Selma Blair, Jerry Hall, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson, Pamela Anderson, Diane Kruger, and Anna Friel.

Cancer Sign Dates, Traits, & More