June 22
to
July 22

Ruling Planet

Moon

Nature
Negative

Color
Grays, Greens

Cities
New York, Venice, Amsterdam

New York,

The name derives from Latin, meaning literally, the crab. The ruler of the fourth sign of the zodiac is the Moon, the Crab, its symbol. The glyph is often seen as representing the breasts, indicating the area of the body ruled by Cancer. This is also seen as two crab claws, intertwined in a way which represents the dual nature of the Cancerian personality.

The Cancerian character is the most perplexing of the signs. Cancerians can range from the timid, shy, dull and withdrawn to the brilliant, friendly and famous. Cancerians run the entire gamut of human emotion.

Cancerians possess strong paternal and maternal instincts. Fundamentally conservative and home-loving by nature, they appreciate the security of a home-base in which to retire when the stresses of life become too much to bear.

Cancerians have an unemotional demeanor, appearing uncompromising and obstinate. This is the facade they use to mask an insecure nature. Their intimates, however, may see a different character, one with sympathy and sensitivity to others.In their personal relationships they are a mixture of toughness and tenderness. Emotional, romantic and sentimental on one side, and tenaciously possessive and loyal on the other side. Even when they have affairs, their first loyalty is to their partner and family.

They are rather close minded and opinionated. They have a retentive memory, and rarely forgive slights and hurts. With a tendency toward chronic complaining, a Cancerian will never let you forget an error. They are driven by their emotional nature, and, in this respect, can be the best and the worst of friends.

The overall nature of Cancerians is deeply emotional. Although private and reserved, they possess sensitivity and sympathy. Rarely will a Cancer stand on pretense. What appears to be a front is nothing more than a protective shell. Within this tough armor often resides an intuitively compassionate individual yearning for a deep exchange of love and understanding.

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Cancerians are strongly influenced by childhood memories, and have a tendency to live in the past. Cancer is a tenacious, purposeful, energetic, shrewd and intuitive type. Sometimes wise, with a philosophical view on life. They are over-imaginative and prone to be a victim of fantasy. They have a flair for the dramatic, and may possess literary or artistic talent. They tend to absorb their environment and have a talent for mimicry.

Main positive traits : Nurturing, protective, traditional, sensitive, understanding, caring, intuitive, tenacious.

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The Cancerian can be sulky, devious, moody, and inclined to self-pity. They respond foremost to the urges and dictates of their feelings. One of the interesting contradictions in their nature is that they are prone to a sense of personal inferiority on one hand, and on the other they believe their views, opinions and behavior to be impeccable, and beyond question or criticism. By nature, very giving and selfless, they need to be aware of falling into the role of martyr in certain situations.

Main negative traits : Self pity, moody, clinging, manipulative, overly-emotional, insecure.

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Always interested in what People are thinking, they have an intuitive sense that makes them good journalists, writers or politicians. They do well in the public sector, and may serve in anything from welfare and nursing to catering.

The association of Cancer with water dates back to the dawn of astrology. The image of the crab is Babylonian in origin. In Egypt, this sign was represented by two turtles.The later placement of the crab within the zodiac is related to a minor chapter in Greek mythology.. Hercules wanted to kill the many-headed Hydra, a great sea monster, living in the marshes of Lerna. Hera, the goddess who sent Hercules to these tasks, often encouraged his failure.

During his battle with Hydra, Hera commanded a nearby crab to attack Hercules and draw his attention away. Without question, the little creature took a claw-hold of a conspicuous toe. This act cost the crab its life, for Hercules abruptly crushed him. Impressed by its loyalty and courage, Hera placed the crab's image in the night sky.

The Hydra had been a favorite to Hera, and was equally honored by the goddess. Cancer itself, is not a brilliant constellation. However, at its heart is a lovely star cluster, sometimes known in astronomy as the Beehive. The name derives from the appearance of a swarm of stars in a dance of activity.

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