Sun Sign Secrets (9 page)

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“Astrology is a science in itself, and contains an illuminating body of knowledge. It has taught me many things, and I am greatly in debt to it.”

—
ALBERT EINSTEIN

CANCER

June 21–July 22

Planet:
Moon

Element:
Water

Quality:
Cardinal

Day:
Monday

Season:
summer

Colors:
silver, mauve, smoke gray

Plants:
moonflower, water lily, chamomile

Perfume:
sandalwood

Gemstones:
moonstone, pearl, opal, hematite

Metal:
silver

Personal qualities:
Caring, tenacious, sensitive, intuitive, and practical

KEYWORDS

We call the following words “keywords” because they can help you unlock the core meaning of the astrological sign of Cancer. Each keyword represents issues and ideas that are of supreme importance and prominence in the lives of people born with Cancer as their Sun sign. You will usually find that a Cancer embodies at least one of these keywords in the way she makes a living:

nurturing
•
fertile
•
clairvoyant
•
protective
•
heredity
•
farming

emotions
•
moods
•
consumerism
•
feelings
•
intuitions

wax and wane
•
reflect
•
respond
•
adapt
•
habits
•
cycles

motherhood
•
unconditional love
•
our past
•
cooking

home making
•
passivity
•
memories of childhood
•
caregiving

secrets
•
conservation
•
leadership
•
love of comfort
•
patriotism

antiques
•
surrogacy
•
women's issues

Cancer's Symbolic Meaning

The symbol for Cancer is the Crab. Cancerians have a tendency to feel insecure at times, and when they experience this emotion they want to withdraw into their own version of a crab's protective shell. A crab carries its home on its back wherever it goes, and in much the same way, a Cancerian strives to make a metaphorical home out of even the most temporary surroundings.

The desire to nurture and protect loved ones is very strong in every Cancer and is borne out by the sign's designation as the Great Mother. The issue of people providing or failing to provide material support will be a central focus of every person born during the time of the sign of Cancer.

Cancer is one of the four Cardinal signs of the zodiac (the other three are Aries, Libra, and Capricorn). Cardinal signs are the first signs in each season. Thus, those born under these signs are initiators and act according to their aims and goals. Although they can be gentle and shy, they are also tenacious, and will fight hard to get what they want. But because they are quiet and well mannered, they are able to accomplish their aims without seeming to be pushy or demanding.

Additionally, Cancer is one of the three Water signs (the other two being Scorpio and Pisces). People whose signs fall into this group are highly imaginative and emotional. Cancer is the Water sign concerned with protection, caring, and comfort. Cancerians are legendary for their ability to nurture people and projects, for they sense the needs of others on an emotional level. However, they need to remember that meeting their own emotional needs is just as important. Often, they must be able to nurture themselves, for they are so good at nurturing others that those other people forget that Cancerians, too, need similar attention.

Cancerians would do well to remember that while they may not be as strong as those around them think they are, they are certainly strong enough to do what has to be done to make their dreams come true. They must resist withdrawing into their shell if they start to feel insecure. Their usual courage, patience, and gentle energy are more than they need to make their life what they will.

Recognizing a Cancer

People who exhibit the physical characteristics distinctive of the sign of Cancer have expressive eyes, a round “moon-shaped” face, and soft skin. Every mood, emotion, and fleeting response shows in the changing features of the sensitive Cancerian face. Those born under this sign are usually top-heavy, and their arms and legs tend to be long in relation to the rest of their body. They can often be on the plump side, especially later in life.

Cancer's Typical Behavior and Personality Traits

• is desirous of material comforts
  
• is extremely clairvoyant
  
• wears clothes that feel protective
  
• is a bit shy (not a show-off)
  
• is private about personal life
  
• is wonderful with children
  
• is introspective and emotional
  
• possesses a shrewd business sense
  
• enjoys good food and wine
  
• is protective of friends and family
  
• is patient and cautious with decisions
  
• gets her feelings hurt easily
  
• is dreamy, subtle, and intuitive
  

What Makes a Cancer Tick?

More than those born under any other sign, Cancerians are driven by feelings and intuition. Even though they are intelligent, practical people, they use their feelings as a sort of radar, and a great many of their decisions are based on this radar. While highly sensitive in the way they behave toward others, Cancerians are usually most sensitive when it comes to their own feelings. They are easily hurt by actions or attitudes that other signs are likely to dismiss. Hurt a Cancer and there is a chance that he will sulk.

The Cancer Personality Expressed Positively

Cancerians who possess high self-esteem and confidence may not seem much different from those who do not. But they, themselves, will certainly know the difference. The ability to sympathize with a friend's problems and still feel comfortable with their own success is a sign that Cancerians are able to balance their emotions, expressing their true nature in a positive way.

On a Positive Note

Cancers displaying the positive characteristics associated with their sign also tend to be:

• savvy
  
• kind
  
• warm
  
• compassionate
  
• nurturing
  
• thoughtful
  
• caring and sensitive
  
• introspective
  
• intuitive
  

The Cancer Personality Expressed Negatively

Moodiness, sulkiness, and an unwillingness to be open with others about their problems are just a few ways in which Cancerians express their personality in a negative way. These characteristics may surface when they are feeling bad about themselves or unequal to what is expected of them. Cancerians who don't feel good about themselves may become secretive or even deceptive.

Negative Traits

Cancers displaying the negative characteristics associated with their sign also tend to be:

• possessive
  
• controlling
  
• crabby
  
• too easily hurt
  
• sensitive to criticism
  
• manipulative
  
• overpowering
  
• selfish
  
• defensive
  

Ask a Cancer If...

Ask a Cancer if she'll listen if you want to share intimate feelings or events of a confidential nature but don't wish to be judged. Cancers pride themselves on being both empathetic and trustworthy and will listen to your problems or concerns with an open mind and an open heart. They also have the gift of giving counsel without lecturing, and will offer that service if you ask. If not, they will simply listen or provide a shoulder to cry on.

Cancers As Friends

There is no one who is more giving than a Cancer who feels secure emotionally. However, when those born under the sign of the Crab feel insecure, they are totally unable to give, and their resulting behavior can confuse friends who have come to depend on them at critical times.

On the Cancer's part, his sensitivity can lead to emotional moments with friends and his feelings being hurt. Cancerians are reluctant to tell anyone about their own needs for fear that the people they care about will let them down.

Cancerians have long memories. While they would be able to forgive a friend who was unable to be there for them, they would never forget what happened. In general, Cancerians like people who will support their emotional needs when necessary—and when they find this, they'll reciprocate.

Looking for Love

Cancerians may be attracted to an individual who reminds them of someone they used to care about. They tend to be highly romantic and dramatic in their love life, and will respond to honest warmth and affection. They can easily become tenaciously attached to someone who has no intention of making a commitment and therefore cannot return their feelings. They believe in falling in love at first sight, and if they meet someone without experiencing this sensation, it may be hard for them to believe that the person is really meant for them. Cancerians think that magic is a big part of romance, so if this element is missing, there may be little chance of a relationship getting off the ground. Also, Cancerians sometimes hold back because they fear rejection and, therefore, may lose out on their quest for love.