Cancer
You are WATER incarnate. Cancer is a sign that is ruled by feeling and intuition. Being the first water sign seen within the Zodiac, Cancer rules the age group pertaining to ages 21-28. This life phase concerns the true beginnings of adulthood. Approaching this point in time is quite the life-altering experience for most people. Aptly defined by John Mayer as the “quarter-life-crisis,” this age group is marked by eradication of the past and creation of a new future. These changes do not come easily! Mirroring traits seen in the Zodiac’s “youngest” water sign, those who are 21-28 find themselves to be heavily steeped in emotion as they journey toward formulating an adult identity. It is this point in time when people first embark upon achieving their ambitions, making “career development” something that is central to this sign. Luckily, Cancers are guided by their intuition and compassion- subtle yet important qualities that can carry a person far in life.
It would make intuitive sense that water is the element that corresponds to metaphorical rebirth, since literature consistently shows water to be necessary for symbolic change to occur. As the age ruled by Cancer approaches, individuals learn that all the growing and changing accomplished as young people was simply the first stage of life. In the years between ages 21-28, many people experience a painful yet important rebirth that leads to the solidification of a new adult persona. The sign of Cancer embodies this shift from old outdated self, to new mature self. Psychologically, Cancers are like Geminis who have been knocked down, restructured, and then reborn with some added emotional awareness. The first water sign of the zodiac relies on this newfound emotional depth in order to carry out the archetypal quest bestowed upon Cancer. The quest of Cancer involves finding a happy home and a partner to start a family with.
It is no coincidence that the sign that is associated with the womb (the womb, bodily fluids, and the chest and stomach) is also associated with the age group that falls during a time when people first begin to seriously envision marriage and children. Along with the family motif one sees in Cancer, the sign of the Crab clearly embodies the archetype of the matriarch. The men and women that were born under Cancer are some of the most nurturing people on earth. This is due to their inherent connection to the role of the mother. However, some Cancers are so imbued with matriarchal experience, they often find themselves lacking an adequate understanding of how to respond to the opposing force, that of the Patriarchal archetype.
This lack of patriarchal energy can be a challenging problem for Cancer women, who typically gravitate toward domineering men. Equally challenging for male Cancers, the feminine disposition that is given to them quickly causes them to hide their true selves behind masculine facades. Too much of this hiding, and/or being dominated by males, can lead to a bitter, hardened Cancer, who prefers to remain hidden within their own proverbial shell. While Cancers are blessed with the traditionally feminine qualities like intuition, sensitivity, and mothering protection, they do need this shell as a safe house to retreat into when the world becomes too harsh.
Even if this is something that remains hidden, Cancer men and women alike have a strong allegiance to the feminine principle that they so clearly represent. Natural guardians of women and children, Cancers are sensitive and sweet individuals. They are capable of great depth of feeling. These understanding people born under Cancer make empathetic friends, mentors, teachers and counselors. All three of the Zodiac’s water signs are categorized as emotional protectors. Cancer, being the first of the emotionally attuned signs, will come to aid anyone in need. This altruistic urge can sometimes cause Cancer to soak up all the pain and sadness that is shared with them, like an emotional sponge. They genuinely strive to help suffering people feel better. However, this comes with a price, since many Cancers end up being pulled down into the forceful tides of grief and sadness as well.
Being born under a sign that is mainly guided by feelings is a difficult thing to learn to manage. The secret to Cancer natives rising above the heavy-hearted human condition centers on them learning to let sadness and emotion wash over them like a river flooding a withering field of grain. Letting one’s guard down in order to do this may be a disorienting process. However, it is urgent to point out that fighting the pain will not lead to any kind of rebirth. Instead, Cancers who resist will just end up hardening, and hiding in their shell of depression and isolation. Relinquishing defenses and embracing the hurt will nourish the deep souls that belong to the Cancer people. Once they learn to embrace the pain that pulls them down, they will begin to master the rhythmic ebb and flow of their moods and give birth to a stronger and wiser emotional maturity.
Cancer is the only sign that is governed by the moon. The moon has been traditionally connected to femininity since the dawn of time. Just as the moon controls the tides, it can also have a great affect on the emotions of people. Pay attention to people on the streets during the next full moon. One will quickly notice that these days are often unusually intense and emotionally charged. Aptly fitting Cancer’s matriarchal spirit, I should also point out the common belief that the moon controls the start and end of the monthly cycle experienced by women across the planet. Cancer natives can find themselves rising and swelling with strong feelings on a daily basis. This involves a lot of change indeed. When Cancer is balanced, they are genuine, giving people. However, when out of balance, Cancer is susceptible to deep, dark depression.
It is important to understand the differences between female and male Cancer natives. In water signs, feminine traits like sensitivity tend to come across much more visibly then they do in the earth signs. Culturally it is acceptable for water sign women to wear their hearts on their sleeves. The rules are very different for men.
Cancer is an easy sign to spot. The Crab’s special kind of maternal beauty is reflected in her flowing and colorful wardrobe. Cancer woman floats on the edge of the collective unconscious. Being so close to these powerful forces of feeling causes Cancer to be the type that comes on rather strong. Without trying, Cancer often ends up drawing a lot of attention. Whether it is because she is bubbly and smiling, or sad and sobbing, Cancer never quietly fade into the background. Members of this feminine sign require fluid thinking and self-awareness in order to manage the feelings that flow through our lady Crab. When she is not managing this task well, she can get lost in heavy drinking and -or- depression. What’s worse is she often was reared in the kind of environment that never consistently provided her with patriarchal encouragement and support. A struggling Cancer lady is quick to find a mate to help pull her up from the sadness she sees herself getting lost in. She feels this void where masculine energy should be.
Unfortunately, she often chooses the most macho, demanding type of man who comes her way. Following this course is a recipe for disaster. While striving to pull herself up from emotional turmoil, Cancer woman will often send herself spiraling back down toward darkness due to her interest in tyrannical men. A self-actualized Cancer lady knows to wait until she finds a soul as sensitive as hers. The most important thing she can do involves seeking an active connection to her feelings, trusting in them, and listening to them. The right kind of guy will recognize the strength that comes with a woman who can take an active role in her own emotional development. Then Cancer lady can seize the moment and welcome her prince in order to finally have hopes of finding stability and starting a family.
In terms of male Cancers, they are typically timid and sweet. While often a bit quirky, Cancer male is the perfect guy to take home to mom. However, if he does not learn to manage the constant barrage of emotions which he was born to endure, clinical depression, social isolation, substance abuse (especially alcoholism), and in its worst case, suicide, are problems that can threaten our youngest water sign. It is quite the contradiction to be viewed as kind and charming while internally suffering from horrible depression. This is a common problem for the aptly named “crab” man. To be called crabby is surely not a complement. This adjective could be seen as an allusion to the vibe that Cancer emits, prior to him figuring out how to peacefully coexist with the emotional cross that he was meant to bear.
The best way for a male Cancer to transcend the pain that comes with emotional awareness involves him finding a partner to cherish and protect. When in love, Cancer men are truly at their best. This supposed family man will finally begin to emerge! Once a mate has been found, Cancer men quickly learn to find value in their feeling-type approach to life. For once Cancer man will find his emotional wisdom is treasured rather than scorned! His intuition is listened to – appreciated even! His urge to cook and clean, and be a caring father, is embraced. Passion in love is the main path that encourages our Crab men to swim up from the depths of the lonely seabed they once retreated to. Isolation no longer defines solace for Cancer once he is in love. Until then, it is important for male Crabs to do everything they can to learn how to handle their emotions. Artistic and musical expression is one of the best ways to accomplish this.
Beyond art and music, Cancers also have a flare for design! As all the feminine signs seem to care more about their surroundings, the water signs care most of all. Their emotional feelers respond to noise and light, just as much as any other sense. They need their surroundings to be neat and organized. Nice lighting and calm music is exactly how to set the tone if you are trying to woo a Cancer belle or beau. Many Cancer partners are delighted to learn that their mate takes great pride in keeping an orderly house. Not many people find mopping, dusting, and polishing to be stress-relieving activities. In fact, most signs abhor cleaning (as you’d expect), but to Cancer it is a priority. What a catch! (Pun fully intended.) Just make sure he or she receives thanks for all the hard work it takes to maintain a beautiful home.
Praise and thanks is a good way to keep our notoriously moody Crab from being crabby! We all know the Crab possesses sharp claws, so it is wise to avoid placing yourself on Cancer’s bad side. Otherwise you may be surprised to see your usually sensitive friend remind you of your rudeness by offering a jabbing pinch or two. Ouch! On a bad day, Cancer is: jealous, possessive, whiny, reckless, irresponsible and melancholy.
On a good day, Cancer is: caring, empathic, supportive, nurturing, maternal, doting and refreshingly fun! Being represented by a crab seems to be one more unfortunate thing to add to Cancer’s list of problems to overcome. Not only are the natives born under this sign pictorially represented by filter-feeding crustaceans with claws, they also can’t help but be reminded of the debilitating disease that carries the same name. I empathize with how this can be frustrating since I have heard my own Cancer pals lament this astrological term in the past.
Perhaps Cancer got a bit shafted in terms of symbols, but smart folks know to respect the Crab. They are tough on the outside! Armed with their pincers, they take no mess. Yet any seafood lover knows that on the inside, crabmeat is delicate and sweet, just like our emotionally deep Cancer natives. Cancers are fun and outgoing people. They are wonderfully creative souls who have the strength to overcome the challenges they are met with. Take good care of the Cancers in your life. They are sensitive and need protection. You can be sure that the Cancer folks you know will never forget any good deeds you have done for them in the past. Cancers remember deeds done in good faith, and they, in turn, plan to be there for loved ones through thick and thin in order to send the love and nurturing right back around.
Cheers to the Zodiac’s compassionate Cancer!
