Fast Summary:
Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac, and is symbolised 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.
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.
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.
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| Career | Catering, clothing/fashion, cooking, medicine and healthcare, real estate |
| Constellation | Cancer |
| Element | Water |
| Quality | Cardinal |
| Domicile | Moon |
| Detriment | Saturn |
| Exaltation | Jupiter (ancient)/ Neptune (modern/disputed) |
| Fall | Mars |
| Colors | Grays, Greens |
| Metal | Silver |
| Gem | Pearl |
| Flower | White FlowersParticularly Roses |
| Countries | Scotland, Holland, New Zealand |
| Cities | New York, Venice, Amsterdam |
| Animal | Crustaceans |
| Herbs | Tarragon, Verbena |
| Body Area | Chest, Breasts, Stomach |
| Principle | Containment |
| Keywords | Protective, Sensitive, Tenacious |
| Translation | Arabic: Al Saratãn French: l’Écrevisse German: Krebs Greek: Octipes Hebrew: Sartãn Hindu: Kulira Italian: Cancro Portuguese: Câncer Sanskrit: Karkata Spanish: Cáncer Turkish: Yenge |
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Correspondences The Indian equivalent of Cancer is Karka;
the Chinese equivalent is thought to be the sincere, sympathetic Sheep, whose lunar month is 7 July – 7 August.
The corresponding month in the Babylonian calendar is Arax Du’uzu, dedicated to Adar.
Cancer Zodiac Symbol
The Cancer zodiac symbol is representative of the crab. The symbol itself looks a lot like a downward facing 9 with an upward facing 6 on the bottom.
The first thing this zodiac symbol represents is the claws of the crab. Just like the crab, once Cancer people grab hold of something or someone of importance to them, they rarely let go.
They are very tenacious in this way; however, they can tend to hold on to situations or people much longer than is good for them.
The Cancer zodiac symbol also represents the breasts. This is because Cancer rules over the breasts.
This is indicative of Cancers natural ability to nurture others in a very loving and tender way. In fact, Cancer rules over motherhood so these people are wonderfully giving of themselves to others.
On the other hand, Cancers themselves can be very much in need of the nurturing they so readily give to to others. If these needs arent met, it can result with them feeling very clingy and needy.
The Cancer zodiac symbol represents the highest truth for Cancer people.
This is to learn to nurture and love the person staring back at them in the mirror in the same manner that they do so for others. In this way, they have done their part to heal the world one person at a time.
Cancer Personality
The Moon rules Cancer and it symbolizes our feelings, emotions, dreams, subconscious, our inner selves, our moods and even our sexuality; how we handle relationships and our emotional responses to given situations. It gives us our sensitivity, making our family and home of primary importance. The Moon reflects our Sun’s inner light projecting to the world our personality, and also symbolizes our domestic environment, babies, small children, our mother and other important women in our lives. Feelings are what motivates Cancers and any situation that overwhelms them they will retreat into their protective shells.
People born under this sign are called Moon Children because the many changes of the Moon affect these people. Their moodiness is well known even if they’re a bit hard to understand. One time they will be the life of the party, laughing and joking around and no one loves a practical joke more than a Cancer.
Then they can go completely south with their melancholy and depression. If they bite your head off for asking for walking in front of them you’ll know they’re going through their crabby stage. Fortunately these moods don’t last long.
They love to collect things, especially historical or antique mementos, and even after collecting so much stuff they could open their own second hand shop, they will outright refuse to part with any of it. They are just too sentimental over anything that belongs to them.
Cancers are compassionate and caring people whose deepest need is a stable and harmonious home. To them it is a respite from the harsh world. While they are romantic they can also be very insecure causing them to be jealous and possessive. Like Aquarians, Cancers need time for solitude and need their time to be alone. They love their homes and Cancer women are the most maternal women of the zodiac. With their sensuality heightened, Cancer men can be prone to having affairs but yet remain steadfastly loyal to their spouses. Both sexes are very unselfish of giving their love. Like Taureans, Cancers need relationships that are committed and well defined. They are very family oriented and are close with family members, especially their mothers. They love children and make wonderful parents.
They also make very loyal friends as well. Once a Cancer decides to love you, they will not let you go. It is almost impossible to lose the friendship of a Cancer.
They are great organizers, have an innate sense of value and are dependable. With their imaginations in over drive they have an affinity towards anything artistic and literary. You would think drama was their middle name the way they always seem to have it in their lives. They are usually great money managers but must be careful not to get swayed by the moment in financial matters.
The Cancer sign covers June 21 to July 22. It is the fourth zodiac sign and is represented by the crab. Cancers possess extremely complex characters. Despite this, they are caring and always put their families first. People born under this sign hate confrontations, often hiding behind extrovert and brash exteriors to protect themselves. Still, even with this strong façade, Cancers are not really aggressive. They’re extremely protective of those close to them, especially kids. At work, Cancers might appear super confident, but at home, they require constant displays of affection and love.
Cancer Traits
The fourth sign of the zodiac, Cancer, is the analyst, the psychologist and the investigator. Your endearing qualities are sensitivity, concern for others, receptions to new ideas and situations, sympathy, and loads of intuition that keeps you from making most bad decisions. Cancer is sophisticated, and sometimes a little mysterious.
The negative side of your personality comes from the same sensitivity, over-emotional, moody, and the kind of unpredictability that makes some people wonder if your on their side or not.
Your ruling planet is the Moon. As a cardinal sign, you are active, dynamic, and excitable. As a water sign you are creative, emotional, and imaginative. Cancer rules the chest and stomach and as a result most love to eat and cook, unfortunately this may mean some weight problems if it is not moderated. Ulcers or other digestive ailments sometimes plague “Moon Children.”
Birthstones for astrology are different from traditional birthstones for the months. For Cancer, your birthstone is the pearl, and it is said that if you wear them, they will turn discord into harmony, and influence important people.
Famous Cancer Men/ Famous Cancer Women
Pamela Anderson (b. July 1, 1967) ~ Gisele Bundchen (b. Jul 20, 1980) ~ Philip Seymour Hoffman (b. July 23, 1967) ~ Jessica Simpson (b. Jul 10, 1980) ~ Liv Tyler (b. July 1, 1977) ~ Jerry Hall (b. July 2, 1956) ~ Tom Cruise (b. July 3, 1962) ~ Sylvester Stallone (b. July 6, 1946) ~ Tom Hanks (b. July 7, 1956) ~ Harrison Ford (b. Jul 13, 1942) ~ George Michael (b. June 25, 1963) ~ Vin Diesel (b. July 18, 1967) ~ Forest Whitaker (b. July 15, 1961) ~ Ricky Gervais (b. Jun25, 1961) ~ Will Ferrell (b. July 16, 1967) ~ Vincent D’Onofrio (b. June 30, 1959) ~ Robin Williams (b. July 21, 1951)
People born under the sign of Cancer are quite curious and certainly the most complex creatures of the Zodiac. Their main concerns are for emotional security and tranquility, and they tend to be deeply sensitive people. In matters of personal safety, a Cancer will almost unendingly battle towards achieving their security. They are very conscientious people, and have a great sense of responsibility towards others. When they are able to focus their efforts, they will almost always achieve their goals.
Typically, people born under the sign of Cancer will be extremely difficult to understand. Others will view Cancer as shy and evasive in public, but this is merely the image a Cancer will sometimes portray. Often, Cancers are open, loyal and protective to those close friends and family whom they trust. They can also be temperamental, however, and will be subject to fits of sulking and self-pity. They have the greatest love for life, and can be quite pleasant and cheerful, but can also wield a double-edged sword in that they sometimes display themselves as being egotistical and vain.
A Cancer may often also display the awkward trait of being passive-aggressive, which may lead to a great deal of stubbornness on their part. A Cancer will almost always pay a great deal of attention to detail, and usually is a very punctual, exact, and efficient person. They are also of their own mind, and will seldom be talked into a situation in which they do not wish to partake.
Cancers are notorious for being good listeners and are emotionally sensitive. When they encounter problems, they are more apt to brood over the situation than seek solace or a solution to their problem. Deep down, all Cancer wants is to feel safe, secure, and loved, and Cancers usually bear a strong domestic urge, making them quite apt to settle down and create a loving family. A Cancer often does well in relationships because of their diplomatic sense – stepping back at the opportune times to avoid confrontation, yet always handling the situation adeptly. They tend to have a solid memory in this regard, never forgetting that which has occurred.
You know that guy you dated? That one with mommy issues? Go check his birthday. Ditto for any girl you dated with daddy issues, but this is really most pronounced in men. Either his mother’s perfect – and nobody will ever. possibly. be able to live up to her – or she’s a complete loser who’ll be lucky if he makes it to her funeral.
No, seriously. Get past the issues and these are some of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet. They’re the kind who tear up at commercials, the kind that will come over with Indian food even when you didn’t ask for it, the kind who stare soulfully into your eyes.
Sometimes they’ll also hug you so hard you think you’re going to vomit. Watch out for that.
Biggest Insult: You really hurt my feelings.
Quickest Way to Get Cancer into Bed: Make big eyes. Bigger. Like a Hummel doll. Act slightly domineering – dare I say, parental?
Most Likely to: cook you a fancy dinner. Make you gag talking about their families.
Should Have Been Born: in medieval times. One village, where you know everybody and everybody’s at home? And Mom lives next door? Who could ask for anything more?
To Make Cancer Forgive You: Get his mother on your side. Make big eyes again. Cancers really go for those big eyes.