Cancer ~ The Crab

Cancer is the fourth sign of the Western Zodiac. It’s symbol is the Crab. The glyph for this sign shows the Crab’s claws, characteristically protecting it’s armour-plated body, or the Crab’s eyes - cautiously peering out from inside it’s shell!

Both interpretations provide insight into the Cancerian character. These are inherently cautious, shy and retiring characters - quite timid, vulnerable, apprehensive and even suspicious until their trust is won. However, this underlying nature is disguised beneath their hard shell and fearsome claws, a deterrent to those who might violate their inner sensitivity. It can take a long time for a Cancerian to emerge from their shell. Once hurt they will again withdraw and any ill-treatment, whether intentional or not - will never be forgotten.

Being a Water sign these are innately sensitive souls. They are imaginative, intuitive and emotional creatures who need to feel loved, cherished and protected. In turn they themselves are romantic, sentimental, caring, sympathetic, thoughtful and understanding. Cancerians often have good memories and feel a strong link with the past.

However, due to the inconstant nature of their ruler the Moon, Cancerians do exhibit great paradoxes in their behaviour. Contrary to the above, at other times they may be crabby, snappy, cutting, defensive and hostile - or withdrawn, uncommunicative and completely immersed in their real or imagined woes. As the Moon waxes and wanes, so Cancer’s main fault is this fluctuation, often simply termed moodiness! Capable of great sweetness, charm and generosity on a good day, sensitive subjects should not be broached when they are tired, worried or hungry.

Emotional security is of primary importance to Cancerians and helps to ensure the more favourable expression of the sign’s potential. Most frequently this finds manifestation through the marked desire for a stable and secure home and family life. There is a great need to belong somewhere, to nurture and to be nurtured. There is often a fondness for children, animals, plants and gardening. The parental and protective instincts are prominent. Domesticity is generally high on the agenda, with a particularly strong link to the maternal influence - sometimes difficult in youth, but always important and usually close.

Cancerians require a safe base to which they can withdraw and nourish their sensitive psychic natures. They are great worriers and are often wounded by life’s harder edges. Domestic responsibilities may be used, perhaps unconsciously, to cover their natural reserve and reticence. In Cancers of both sexes there is an association with food and with cooking - feeding others and looking after their welfare. Cancers themselves will raid the fridge when feeling hurt or depressed!

Cancerians do not generally approach life head on, preferring like the Crab a sideways trajectory - hence the vacillation and procrastination associated with this sign. They are shrewd, thrifty and sometimes mean with money, but positively exhibit excellent fiscal acumen and can be very good in business. Cancers are often found travelling, but usually feel the call to return home, or at least somewhere which reminds them of home!

Their other less desirable characteristics may include touchiness, a tendency to hoard, an over-protective, smothering or clinging attitude and the inability to let go - even in situations which have clearly passed their ‘sell-by date’. Nonetheless, the plus side of things - and again we encounter the Cancerian paradox - is their alternate display of great bravery, determination, tenacity and strength of character, especially where the welfare or defence or their loved ones is concerned. As all of us who’ve ever tangled with this aquatic crustacean will know, those claws can be lethal and vice-like in their grip!

© Paul Wade 1999