Cancer is the fourth sign of the Western zodiac. It is the second member of the cardinal quality and the first sign belonging to the water element. In the northern hemisphere the Sun enters Cancer at the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. In the southern hemisphere, the situation is the opposite one and the Sun’s entry into Cancer marks the shortest duration of the daylight hours. Astronomically speaking the constellation of Cancer is not especially remarkable. It is small, indistinct and relatively faint. Likewise, the Crab played a low-key role in classical mythology. Cancer was initially viewed by the ancient Egyptians as a scarab or dung-beetle, but more encouragingly was later associated by the Greeks with the giant crab that nipped at the heels of Heracles, thus prolonging the course of his monumental battle with the monstrous Hydra. When the crab was ultimately crushed beneath the feet of Heracles, the crab’s bravery was commended by Hera, who as the wife of Zeus placed this constellation in the night sky. The understated nature of Cancer’s astronomical and mythological background is actually rather a good introduction to the Cancer character, since Cancers aren’t the most public of people. Members of this sign are shy and receptive, and you’ll find greater fulfilment within your private life, domestic situation and closest personal relationships, than through any amount of public approbation. Some Cancers have likened themselves to hermit crabs, although in ideal circumstances most would prefer not to live alone. In common with the other members of the water element, you are easily distressed and are regularly wounded by the vagaries of an everyday existence. Thus in keeping with the symbolism of your celestial representative, you will hide your feelings beneath a tough outer shell, at least until you get to know someone very well. This defence mechanism serves as an effective barrier, against life’s more abrasive edges. Nonetheless as a water sign the urge to merge on an emotional level is particularly strong, so in most instances sooner or later your defences are going to come down. Uppermost on the Cancer agenda is the need for a stable home and family life, which usually can’t happen so effectively without the input of others. Although there are single Cancers, some who choose not to have children, become carers for their parents or who have made the decision to concentrate on their careers, it is generally true that without a family unit of your own, a typical Cancer will always to some degree, feel just a little wanting, lonely, empty, unfulfilled and incomplete. Early in life there is a strong attachment to the childhood home and to the parents, with the maternal influence often proving the strongest and most influential relationship of all. Although it would be rare indeed for this relationship to be completely without its difficulties, it is always one that manifests a powerful impact and frequently becomes a major point of reference for the future. Symbol The Crab Ruling planet The Moon Lucky day Monday Lucky colours White, silver, smoky grey, silvery blue, many different shades of green Lucky numbers 2 and 7 Birthstones Moonstone, pearl Metals Silver Flowers All white flowers - white roses, lilies, acanthus, convolvulus, water lilies Trees Maple, all trees with lots of sap Countries United States, New Zealand, Paraguay, Scotland, the Netherlands Cities Amsterdam, Manchester, Milan, Tokyo, Stockholm, New York, Venice, York Best partners Pisces and Scorpio, possibly Capricorn Worst partners Aries and Libra, possibly Capricorn! Although a stable upbringing can go a long way towards providing the secure domestic environment so essential for a Cancer’s development, in adult life you should aim for the furtherance of your own domestic aspirations too. Typically your outlook is conservative and traditional, so for most this means that issues of marriage and of children will enter the picture rather quickly. It takes plenty of time for you to trust fully, but once you do the care, love and nurture that you’ll shower your significant others with, is remarkable. Looking after things comes naturally to you and it’s one of this sign’s greatest and most notable skills. Whether as a parent, at work or in the garden, looking after children, your parents, partner, friends, animals or plants, you simply love helping others to flourish and to express their full potential. Although sometimes you find it hard to let go, there is no other sign really, that cares so completely. Cancers are nostalgic and sentimental and will always remember a good deed. However, betray this trust and you’re in trouble. Usually it will prove impossible to re-establish the association on a similar level. Only in the rarest of circumstances will true confidence ever be restored by those who have distressed you deeply. Once hurt the Crab’s famous claws come prominently to the fore. When self-defence is no longer sufficient option, you are metaphorically capable of delivering some painful retaliatory consequences. On a good day, the typical Cancer is the kindest and most caring individual that you’ll ever meet. They will listen to your troubles, sympathise when you’re feeling down, feed you and care for you when you’ve nowhere else to turn. Unfortunately on a bad day they can be moody, cranky, irritable and bad-tempered, with a snappy tongue and an awkward, sulky and intransigent demeanour. The rulership of this sign by the inconstant Moon ensures that while a constructive expression is usually the more likely, when a Cancer is hungry, tired or rundown, or it’s just the wrong moment or the wrong time of day, the flip side of this equation is never very far away!
© Paul Wade 2007	choose another sign?
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