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 has varied interpretations. This is often seen as representing the breasts, indicating the area of the body ruled by Cancer, as well as the fundamental nurturing nature of the sign. This is also seen as two crab's claws, intertwined in a way which represents the dual nature of the Cancerian personality. In this form, it would be understood as similar to the Asian Yin and Yang symbol.

The Cancerian character is the most perplexing of the signs. Cancer can range from the timid, shy, dull and withdrawn to brilliant, friendly and famous. Cancerians run the entire gamut of human emotion. Fundamentally conservative and home-loving by nature, they appreciate the security of a home-base in which to retire when the stresses of living become too much to bear.

Cancerians possess strong paternal and maternal instincts. The term nest is an appropriate label for the Cancerian home, because it describes a natural and comfortable type of residence. A retreat for the family, where you can put up your feet and feel at home.

Astrological body correspondence chart
depicting Cancer associated with the chest.
Fifteenth Century, French manuscript.

ppearing formidable and thick-skinned, Cancerian's 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 other people, especially those they love. Cancer is a tenacious, purposeful, energetic, shrewd and intuitive type. Sometimes wise, with a philosophical view on life. They are able to identify with others because of the keen sensitivity of their nature. 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.

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. 'Live and let live' is rarely spoken by a Cancerian. 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 symbol for Cancer
Seventeenth century European Zodiac

Cities:
New York, Venice, Amsterdam

Body Areas:
Chest, Breasts, Stomach

Principle:
Containment

Keywords:
Protective, Sensitive, Tenacious

Notable Cancer

James Cagney
Tough exterior
shielding a warm
hearted character.

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Glossaries
By Theme

'Must know' terms

General terms

Horoscope terms

Psychological terms


Additional
Study Elements


First sign
March 21 - April 20
Symbol: Ram


Second sign
April 21 - May 21
Symbol: Bull


Third sign
May 22 - June 21
Symbol: Twins


Fifth sign
July 23 - Aug 22
Symbol: Lion


Sixth sign
Aug 23 - Sept 22
Symbol: Maiden


Seventh sign
Sept 23 - Oct 23
Symbol: Scales


Eighth sign
Oct 24 - Nov 22
Symbol: Scorpion


Ninth sign
Nov 23 - Dec 21
Symbol: Archer


Tenth sign
Dec 22 - Jan 20
Symbol: Sea goat


Eleventh sign
Jan 21 - Feb 19
Symbol:
Water bearer


Twelfth sign
Feb 20 - March 20
Symbol: Fish pair



Read what Sydney Omarr says about Earthlore's Lore of Astrology:

ancerians are strongly influenced by childhood memories, and have a tendency to live in the past. By nature, very giving and selfless, they need to be aware of falling into the role of martyr in certain situations.

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. Strange!

Their abilities fit them for a range of careers. 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. Their love of good living and comfort is personified in many excellent chefs and housekeepers. Cancer has a penchant for trade or business. Being superior organizers, with a sense of value and economics, they are often successful in industry. The Cancer's love of the past make some of them great history buffs, and others, astute antique and curio collectors. Other suitable vocations are real estate, and the service fields of gardening and caretaking. True to their native element, many Cancers are involved in marine activities.

The symbolic vision of the constellation cancer.

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.


Discover how compatible you are with others!

Aries - Taurus - Gemini - Cancer - Leo Virgo - Libra - Scorpio - Sagittarius Capricorn - Aquarius - Pisces

Origins in Mythology

The association of Cancer with water dates back to the shadowy dawn of astrology. The image of the crab is Babylonian in origin. In Egypt, this sign was represented by two turtles, and sometimes as an obscure water creature, known as Allul.

The later placement of the crab within the zodiac is related to a minor chapter in Greek mythology, within the Twelve Labors of Herakles. The first labor of Herakles' (Hercules to the Romans), had been to kill the Lion of Nemea, (See Leo). Next in line was the fearsome, many-headed Hydra, a great sea monster, living in the marshes of Lerna. Hera, the goddess who sent Herekles to these tasks, often encouraged his failure. During his battle with Hydra, Hera commanded a nearby crab to attack Herekles 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. Not far from Cancer in the sky, lies the vast, chaotic constellation named for the great beast. 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.

Traditional Cultural Translations Arabic: Al Saratãn   French: l'Écrevisse German: Krebs  Greek: Octipes  Hebrew: Sartãn Hindu: Kulira  Italian: Granchio  Portuguese: Câncer  Sanskrit: Karkata  Spanish: Cáncer  Turkish: Lenkutch

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