Zodiac Profile
June 21 - July 22
Element: WaterQuality: Cancer is receptive, sensitive, and imaginative, sympathetic, kind, and emotional, and possesses an active, shrewd, and intuitive mind.
Symbol: The Crab - Possessing an impenetrable exterior covering soft flesh underneath. At the first sign of danger, it withdraws into its shell and scuttles back to the sea where it feels safe.
Ruling Planet: The Moon, Earth's one satellite, which waxes and wanes and exerts a powerful magnetic influence. In astrology, the Moon governs emotions and intuitive behavior.
Dominant Keyword: I FEEL.
Polarity: Capricorn. Cancer is the sign of home and family life. Cancerians seek close personal relationships and are happiest surrounded by the familiar and those whom them love. Capricorn, Cancer's opposite sign, is the sign of reputation and public standing. Natives of Capricorn are concerned with the image they project, and they search for power and fulfillment in the outside world.
Part of the Body Ruled by Cancer: The breasts and stomach. Cancerians love to eat and have to fight overweight in later years. They are also subject to digestive ailments caused by tension and emotional stress.
Birthstone: Pearl - Changes bad fortune into good and discord into harmony. It also brings support from influential people.
Danger: Cancer people are susceptible to accidents in the home. They are also prone toward becoming victims of theft.
YOUR MOST LIKEABLE TRAIT: LOYALTYNo one has ever said Cancerians are easy to understand. You may appear gentle, kind, sympathetic, and a patient listener. Then someone asks for advice, and you turn cranky, snappish, and appear to be completely indifferent to anyone's problems but your own. You may wallow in self-pity and complain endlessly about how mistreated you are by the world. Turn another page of the calendar and suddenly you are back being helpful, solicitous, ready to do anything asked of you. More than any other sign, Cancer is a series of contradictions. You prize security above all else, yet love new adventure. You are the soul of caution, but you're also a courageous initiator who goes out of your way to push over obstacles with your driving personality.
What's your secret? Cancer, which is ruled by the Moon and has water as its element, can be likened to the shifting tides of the oceans. Like the tides, Cancer is the sign of powerful forces moving under the surface. That surface, however, is quite difficult to penetrate, for Cancerians tend to build up an elaborate array of defenses to hide their deep feelings and extreme sensitivity.
Complex, fragile, unpredictable, temperamental, the typical Cancerian needs constant support and encouragement. You want desperately to be loved and approved of but resent needing approval so badly. Cancer's big lesson is to recognize the hidden anger you carry you carry within you and not allow this to corrode the relationships that give you the emotional support you seek. Happily, when you get what you need, you give the best you have in return. Those who make you feel secure command your undying loyalty. When you really care for someone there is nothing anyone can say about that person that will make the least bit of difference. You have a real blind spot when it comes to seeing a failing in those you love.
If you could wave a magic wand and do the one thing that would make you happier it is to crack open that Crab shell and venture out into the world of possibility. Staying closed emotionally and physically keeps you fearful. Cancer's fears are based on the fact that you have a difficult time trusting. You don't trust others or the universe or yourself. One Cancer told me recently, "We've been sold a bill of goods by the stories we were told as children. There is no joy or happiness in life. Life is just plain hard." The problem with this point of view is it leaves very little opening for any kind of abundance to flow in. It's hard to see the kindness in loved ones or the generosity of strangers or unexpected luck in an arduous situation if one has decided from the start that it's a dog-eat-dog world.
Yet most contradictory of all is the fact that you're such a nurturer who gives unselfishly to anyone who needs you. Your greatest impact is in human relationships; you have an instinct for making others feel cared for and understood. Among your most endearing traits is your loyalty.
You tend to be a worrier and a silent brooder. People may pour out their hearts to you, but the flow never goes in the other direction. You guard your secrets well.
If offended, you do not strike back directly. Your method of retaliation is to sulk, and it is often very effective. The technique is somewhat like being whipped to death by a dozen strands of boiled spaghetti.
Cancer's symbol, the crab, has a hard outer shell that protects soft, vulnerable flesh underneath. The same is true of Cancerians, who are often crusty, gruff and grumpy, but possess a proverbial heart of gold. Beneath your tough exterior you are a sentimental softie who will make any sacrifice for someone in need. If someone asks for a favor, your first reaction will probably be no, but the final answer is always yes. You should be judged not by what you say but by what you do.
You are possessive. Anyone who becomes part of your life will never again be entirely free. You try to stay in touch with friends, ex-lovers, former spouses, business associates, persons you knew as children. Cancer is the cosmic collector - if you let anyone go out of your life, it is unwillingly and never completely. This reflects your preoccupation with the past. An aura of nostalgia dwells about you; the events and people of bygone years continue to inhabit your memory and usually grow dearer to you as time goes by. You are devoted to family and home and continue to believe in the old fashioned idea of marriage is forever - even if the events of your own life contradict this.
It is hard to deceive you, for you can spot the tiniest nuances of behavior. In fact, you are almost psychic in your intuitions. A photographic memory added to intense powers of observation makes you extremely canny about divining other people's inner motivations.
Cancerians are crablike in their indirect approach to an intended target. Observe a crab moving on a beach and you will notice its strange sidewise movement toward a goal. People born under the sign of the Crab never take the direct approach. You step to one side, then step to the other side, and sometimes go completely around. But you get where you intend to go.
If channeled in the right direction, your enormous sensitivity can be a great source of strength. Once you overcome your shyness and touchiness and master your turbulent emotions, your intellect and imagination enable you to become a success in almost anything you undertake. You have the ability to dig into your own inner life and turn creativity into practical ideas. Contrary to the impression you often give, you can be shrewd and canny in business. Cautious, conservative in your approach, you possess an antenna that quickly gauges public taste and opinion and senses new trends in the making. You're also an on-the-mark judge of people. You are artistic and creative, and have formidable intellectual talents. This instinct for business combined with imagination is magical for acquiring financial security, and Cancer is called a "money sign" because of its ability to attract wealth.
Cancer people hold on to money as tenaciously as they do to everything that belongs to them. To you money spells security, yet no matter how much wealth you accumulate you never feel really secure. That is true of your emotional security also. A Cancerian never gets enough love and approval; you always need more. It is very easy to fall in love with this loyal, devoted, affectionate, and protective Moon-child.
THE INNER YOU
On the surface you're the picture of calm and strength, but underneath you tend to feel insecure and inadequate. You are positive that other people what what they're doing while you're just winging it. You also imagine the worst outcome to a scenario, never the best. You are a very emotional person; you are constantly feeling. Hearing a song on the radio makes you feel sentimental, and a particular scent, flower, or picture can jar your memory. You are also extraordinarily in sync with other people's feelings. In fact, you get almost as involved in your friends' problems as you do in your own. When you're close to someone, you believe you are supposed to help that person. Harmony is important to you - any kind of conflict or quarrel leaves you feeling depressed. However, you're definitely not wishy-washy; you have the courage of your convictions and the strength to stick up for what you think is right. You don't welcome change, and are hesitant about going ahead with something untried, yet this doesn't stop you from doing what has to be done.
HOW OTHERS SEE YOU
Those in your circle think of you as a den mother - the one who tries to fix other people's problems and make sure everyone is happy. They like your concern for their well-being and cherish your wise counsel. But why, even if they follow your advice, do they keep it a secret from you? Because they think you're controlling and don't want to be a puppet on your string. They also think you're moody. One minute you seem to care about them, and the next you're crabby and to be avoided at all costs. In your career, you're viewed as someone who can quickly spot an opportunity for financial gain.
CANCER'S AMOROUS COMBINATIONS
CANCER AND ARIES
These two may start out like a house on fire, but it won't take long for the fire to burn out. Aries's venturesome spirit and wandering eye enflame Cancer's jealousy. And Cancer is too easily hurt by Aries's aggressiveness and sharp tongue. Cancer likes security and domesticity; Aries needs freedom to explore new worlds. Cancer wants to cherish and protect a lover, an attitude that Aries finds too claustrophobic. Both like money, but Aries wants to spend it and Cancer wants to keep it. Too many temperamental problems here.CANCER AND TAURUS
Both need security and a sense of permanence, and both are loving, affectionate, and passionate as well. Cancer adds a dash of imagination to Taurus's otherwise staid approach to sex. Taurus is possessive and that's just fine with clinging Cancer. Both are acquisitive moneymakers, and together they enjoy the delights of hearth and home. Taurus likes being catered to, and Cancer is the one to do it. Steady-going Taurus is also good for Cancer's moodiness. What each needs the other supplies.CANCER AND GEMINI
Gemini's sparkle immediately intrigues Cancer, but Cancer won't find security with fickle, fly-by-night Gemini. Basically, Cancer's nature is emotional and Gemini's is cerebral, and that makes it difficult for them to understand each other. Although sexual energies are well matched, Cancer will have a hard time adjusting to Gemini's playful, nonchalant attitude toward love. Possessive Cancer will try to keep Gemini hemmed in, and Gemini can't abide that. It's a short countdown to the finish.CANCER AND CANCER
They have a lot in common, and that's the trouble. They understand each other perfectly and can wound each other without even trying. Both are too sensitive, too demanding, too dependent. Cancers are obsessively concerned with their emotional psyches: Each needs an enormous amount of attention, coddling, and reassurance, and resents the other for not giving enough. On the plus side, they're sensual bedmates whose erotic imaginations are sparked by each other. But that's rarely enough. This treadmill goes nowhere.CANCER AND LEO
Cancer has to get used to Leo's extroverted exuberance. Otherwise, generous, openhearted, strong Leo is just what insecure Cancer is looking for. Cancer's marvelous intuitions tell it exactly how to handle proud and flamboyant Leo. Admiration and a lot of flattery are what are needed to keep Leo purring with contentment. Leo is domineering in the bedroom and a little too forthright sexually for Cancer. But Leo's sunny disposition is a wonderful antidote for Cancer's moodiness.CANCER AND VIRGO
Cancer's responses are emotive while Virgo's are analytical, but their personalities mesh so well that it doesn't seem to matter. Cancer may have to warm up Virgo a little, but there is fire under the ice. This can turn into a secure, comfortable, and affectionate relationship. Cancer's struggle for financial security works perfectly with goal-oriented Virgo. Cancer understands Virgo's fussy ways, and steady Virgo helps balance variable Cancer. Cancer's dependency neatly complements Virgo's need to protect, and each is anxious to please the other. Good auguries.CANCER AND LIBRA
This pair operates on entirely different levels: Cancer wants love to be emotionally transcendent, Libra seeks perfect intellectual communion. Libra has no sympathy for Cancer's moods, and Cancer is made insecure by Libra's detachment and shallow emotions. Cancer is too temperamental and possessive for airy Libra. They have a hard time establishing real sexual rapport, and that exasperates Cancer. They both love a beautiful home, but Libra also needs parties and people and outside pleasures. When Cancer turns critical, especially about Libra's extravagance, Libra starts looking elsewhere.CANCER AND SCORPIO
Cancer's sensuality is ignited by Scorpio's dynamic passions, and because Cancer is loyal, Scorpio's jealousy isn't provoked. Cancer's possessiveness will actually make Scorpio feel secure. Cancer admires Scorpio's strength while Scorpio finds a haven in Cancer's emotional commitment. Both are extremely intuitive and sense what will please each other. Together they can build a happy cocoon where they feel safe and loved. This relationship has great intimacy, intensity, and depth. Things just get better all the time.CANCER AND SAGITTARIUS
Outgoing Sagittarius can open intellectual vistas for imaginative Cancer, but unfortunately Sagittarius won't give Cancer the security in love that it always needs. Cancer's jealousy is aroused by Sagittarius's flighty, faithless ways; Sagittarius likes to wander, while Cancer is a stay-at-home. Cancer's commitment to total togetherness only makes Sagittarius desperate to get away. In addition, outspoken Sagittarius's bluntness continually wounds sensitive Cancer. Better friends than lovers.CANCER AND CAPRICORN
There's an initial sexual attraction because they are a polarity in the zodiac. If they can overcome their opposites in temperament, they can make a winning combination. But career-oriented Capricorn has too many other interests to give Cancer all the attention it needs. Cancer is shy, sensitive, and needs affection, while Capricorn is brusque, aloof, and domineering. Cancer takes Capricorn's reserve as a personal rebuff, and becomes moody and critical. The differences may prove too great for long-term happiness.CANCER AND AQUARIUS
Cancer's warm, responsive nature is chilled by Aquarius's cool self-possession. In turn, Cancer's clinging, cloying demonstrativeness makes Aquarius feel hemmed in. Aquarius is quick minded, unpredictable, apt to be impatient with cautious, hesitant Cancer. And thin-skinned Cancer is easily hurt by Aquarius's caustic humor. Cancer doesn't understand Aquarius's essential detachment. Cancer needs to feel close and secure; Aquarius is a lone wolf. Sex may be all right, but there's little else going for them.CANCER AND PISCES
This is an affectionate, sensitive couple who will bolster each other's ego. Pisces is an imaginative dreamer but Cancer is an imaginative worker - and together they can make their dreams a reality. Pisces provides romance in Cancer's life, and Cancer is the all-protective lover Pisces needs. Both are emotional, intensely devoted, sensitive to each other's moods. They'll hit it off in the boudoir, for both are responsive sexually. Cancer has to take the lead but Pisces is a very willing, erotic follower. A harmonious match.
Taken from the book "The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need" by Joanna Martine Woolfolk. Buy it at Amazon.com.
