Cancer - Introduction

Cancer June 21 – July 22

Cancer, the fourth Sign of the Zodiac, is all about home. Those born under this Sign are 'roots'
kinds of people and take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. Cancers are
maternal, domestic and love to nurture others. More than likely, their family will be large, too --
the more, the merrier! Cancers will certainly be merry if their home life is serene and
harmonious. Traditions are upheld with great zest in a Cancer's household, since these folks
prize family history and love communal activities. They also tend to be patriotic, waving the flag
whenever possible. A Cancer's good memory is the basis for stories told around the dinner
table, and don't be surprised if these folks get emotional about things to boot. Those born under
this Sign wear their heart on their sleeve, which is just fine by them. The mascot of Cancerians
is the Crab, and much like this shelled little critter, Cancerians are quick to retreat into their
shells if it suits their mood. No wonder these folks are called crabby! For Cancer, it's not that big
of a deal, though, since they consider this 'shell' a second home (and they do love home).

The flip side of this hiding is that shell-bound Crabs are often quite moody. Further, in keeping
with their difficulty in sharing their innermost feelings, it can become a Herculean task to pry a
Crab out of its secret hiding place. What to do? Give the Crab time -- eventually these folks will
come out to play again. When they do, they'll be the first to say so, in keeping with the Cardinal

Quality attached to this Sign. It's said that Crabs are first to laugh and first to cry, so you can bet they'll fill you in. That shell, by the way, isn't the only tough thing about Crabs. These folks are tenacious and strong-willed and like to get their way. If their well-documented kindness and
gentleness doesn't do the trick, however, they're not above using emotional manipulation to
make things happen.

If that still doesn't work, they'll just go back to their shell and sulk, or find a way to get back at the source of their pain, since Crabs can be rather vindictive. That said, any
self-respecting Crab would tell you that they are ultimately motivated by protecting their home
and loved ones, a most noble goal. Cancerians are ruled by the Moon, the Great Mother of the
heavens in ancient times. Here on Earth, this is manifested in the Crab's maternal instincts and
desire to protect home and hearth. This may appear smothering at times, but that's the Crab for you. The Moon is associated with fertility, too, a quality which is most pleasing to Cancerians.
The Moon is also the ruler of moods, and Cancers have plenty of those.


These folks can cry you a river if they're so inclined, and they usually are. They can be overly
sensitive, easily hurt and prone to brooding. Even so, Crabs find it easy to be sympathetic to
others and are quick to show their affection. Their intuition is also a great help to them,
especially in times of stress. The Element associated with Cancer is Water. Like the rolling
waves of the sea, the Crab's emotions can make quite a splash. These folks tend to pick up on
things and bring them in, with the outward result ranging from sentimentality to possessiveness.

Crabs need to resist the temptation to become selfish or to feel sorry for themselves, since this
behavior won't help. On the bright side, Cancers are good with money (although some consider
them too thrifty), probably because they value a sense of security. Crabs are also quick to help
others and tend to avoid confrontation. In keeping with their nurturing bent, those born under
this Sign are a whiz with food. A hearty picnic on the Fourth of July is heaven on earth to most
Crabs. Cancers often find that a robust workout session is just the tonic for their touchy feelings.
Team sports are always nice, since they offer a sense of community; water polo should be
elemental to aquatic Crabs. What are their team colors?

The Moon is silver and white. Since Cancerians have a tendency to be lazy, however, they may need someone to push them out the door. When it comes to the game of love, eager Crabs are devoted, romantic and able to get things going on their own. Crabs are wise to listen to their gut, since this Sign rules the stomach.

The great strength of the Cancer-born is the tenacity with which they protect their loved ones.
These folks don't ask for much, either: a comfortable home and sense of peace about sums it
up. It's that nurturing instinct which makes Cancerians a pleasure to be with.