Astrology is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, especially among adults under 40. Maybe it’s the turbulent times we live in, as The Atlantic’s Julie Beck suggests, or how easily it can be memed. Maybe it’s all that fascinating symbolism dating back a couple thousand years. Whatever the reason, learning about the Sun signs can provide some interesting insights. Often seen as one of the nurturers of the zodiac, Cancer the Crab exhibits emotional breadth and depth to both astrologers and enthusiasts.
Quick Facts About Cancer
As the fourth constellation in the zodiac wheel, Cancer is transited by the Sun during the summer months. Tropical astrology, which consistently maps the vernal equinox to the first day of Aries, usually places this transit between June 22 and July 22. In sidereal astrology, which uses the fixed starts to place the zodiac, Cancer’s period lasts from July 21 to August 9. Either way, it’s a water sign ruled by the Moon, and it falls between the air sign Gemini and the fire sign Leo.
Cancer’s symbol, the Crab, originated in ancient Greece. An archived article in the Index of Medieval Art reveals that the ancient Egyptians saw it as a scarab beetle. Astrologer Emma Wilson explains that the Babylonians represented it with a crayfish in their zodiac wheel. The modern symbol probably comes from the Greek myth in which Heracles crushed Karkinos the crab under his heel.
Nurturing, Compassionate, and Comfortable
AstroStyle mentions that Cancer is associated with compassion, creativity, helpfulness, and patience. This sign is ruled by the Moon, which astrologers associate with one’s inner emotional needs and vulnerabilities. The Moon also represents home and family, giving Cancer an added focus on security and domestic concerns. Cancer rules the chest and stomach–unsurprising, given that crabs’ hard carapace shield their soft innards.
With people born during its solar transit, says the AstroTwins, emotion and intuition may reign over logic. As a result, they’ll prefer to trust their gut instincts. Its water element not only adds emotional depth, it also lends itself to creative pursuits. It’s also a cardinal sign, meaning that it possesses strong leadership energies.
Hypersensitivity, Cliquishness, and Mood Swings
On the flip side, Cancer’s emotional nature makes its natives prone to a few flaws. Writing for Medium, Eve Lynn Stanley describes them as moody and overemotional. As feelings take precedence over reality, they’re also more likely to be suspicious and clingy. Another AstroStyle piece mentions overprotectiveness and people pleasing. With Cancer’s associations with home and nurture, this isn’t surprising.
Survival Tips for Cancers
Moderation is an important key to a healthy life, whether it’s taking care of yourself physically or nurturing yourself emotionally. Cancers’ tendencies to swing between emotional poles could be prompted by stress, but this may be triggered by forgetting about your needs to the exclusion of helping others. Pursuing interests outside of your primary relationships is a positive way to achieve balance: not only will you enjoy some much-needed downtime and steer clear of burnout, you will also add richness to your life. Within your relationships, it’s vital to avoid co-dependence and achieve healthy interdependence instead.
With headstrong Aries, charming Geminis, and flamboyant Leos frequently occupying center stage, compassionate Cancers may end up in the shadows. However, their supportive and caring natures are beneficial and valuable in communities, workplaces, families, and romantic partnerships. Their emotional sensitivity can lead them to overlook their own needs, undergo mood swings, and become overly possessive. These are notable and serious weaknesses, but they can be remedied. Seeking greater independence, making self-care a priority, and engaging in enjoyable hobbies are all great ways for Cancers to achieve stability and balance.