June 21—July 22

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Here we find people who are tried and true, who cling to tradition as though they were a part of it. Yet their moods and even their purposes may become as changeable as the sign’s ruling planet, the Moon. This self-contradiction is understandable, when recognized as part of the individual’s innate nature.

These people are home-loving, fond of family life and domestic tranquility, but they also enjoy travel and adventure. They love the past and sometimes practically live in it, which accounts for the way they seek the new, yet always come back to the old. Persons born under this sign are very sensitive, though they frequently do not show it. Argument wears them down, critique hurts them and crablike, they crawl into their shells.

Though strongly conservative, they are fond of amusements and social life. Their moods may differ by day or night and even changes of weather affect their restless natures. But beneath that variable surface, they are steadfast, disapproving sudden or radical changes. Their loyalty to friends and family is constant, unless broken by some actual hurt or imagined slight; then they may never feel the same toward a person.

Both imaginative and affectionate, Cancer folk are not apt to show these emotions outwardly, hence they are too often misunderstood or go unappreciated. They should avoid any spite or jealousy, because these can become their greatest faults. Also, they should be expressive of their sympathy and loyalty, otherwise their friends may regard them as fickle.

These people are frequently vivacious and are humanitarians as well, devoting themselves to worthy causes. But they have let downs and can become too opinionated to understand another person’s viewpoint. Then they begin to wonder why they have been neglected or ignored, never willing to admit that the blame may be theirs. Sometimes their finest decisions will be abandoned without reason, another indication that they are swayed by moods. Despite these contradictory characteristics, this can be developed into one of the best signs by persons who subordinate the morbid side and refuse to dwell in the past. They have strong determination and great perseverance, otherwise they would not go to the extremes that they do. If they put these faculties to constant effort instead of futile conflict, they can attain great goals and free themselves of worry and despondency.

In business, people of this sign succeed along established lines. They do well as manufacturers and merchants, for with them, quality is important and they are proud of their name and scientists. They are capable lawyers and politicians. Many however, for they can vacillate in business as well as other fields and find themselves left far behind. Professionally, they are good teachers, librarians, historians, and scientists. They are capable lawyers and politicians. Many rise to high wanly in art, literature, and music. They may miss opportunities, though, because of their inherent changeability, and this applies particularly to those in subordinate positions who are too content to think of what they might have been instead of becoming what they should be.

Proper business associations can do much to rectify this. Cancer and Capricorn are opposite enough to form a strong combination. There is an affinity between Cancer and Aquarius that also marks them as good business partners. An association with Gemini is excellent, if the Cancer individual can keep his versatile partner under due restraint. In contrast, a teaming with exuberant Leo is very effective, provided Leo is allowed to dominate in the matter of decisions.

In marriage, the home-loving nature of Cancer is a highly important factor, but it must be remembered that Cancer mates can suffer through neglect. As in business, Cancer and Capricorn are usually admirably suited to matrimony.
Traditional Cancer Traits:
Emotional and loving, Intuitive and imaginative Shrewd and cautious, Protective and sympathetic.
On the dark side:
Changeable and moody, Overemotional and touchy, Clinging and unable to let go, Dating For a Serious Relationship.
Characteristics considered positive:
Tenacious, Retentive, Resourceful, Home-loving, Loyal, Intuitive, Generous, Conservative, Emotional, Loving, Shrewd, Sensitive, Protective, Cautious, Purposeful, Wise, Easily flattered, Romantic, Imaginative, Security-oriented, Warm, Sympathetic, Patriotic, Sentimental, Caring, Maternal instincts, Sincere, Kind.
Characteristics considered negative:
The same person, however, is prone to being:
Changeable, Moody, Devious, Clinging associations.
Colors: Silver and Sea green
Birthstones: Emerald, Pearl and Moonstone (June); Ruby (July)
Gemstones: Moonstone; Emerald
Day: Monday
Metal: Silver
About your sign:
The Cancerian character is the least clear-cut of all those associated with the signs of the zodiac. It can range from the timid, dull, shy and withdrawn to the most brilliant, and famous Cancerians are to be found through the whole range of human activity. It is a fundamentally conservative and home-loving nature, appreciating the nest like quality of a secure base to which the male can retire when he needs a respite from the stresses of life, and in which the Cancerian woman can exercise her strong maternal instincts. The latter tends to like and to have a large family. `Nest like’ is an appropriate adjective for the Cancerian home, for its inhabitants tend to favor the dark, mysterious but comfortable type of house which has something of the air of a den about it, a place which belongs to the family rather than existing as a showcase to impress visitors.
That is not to say that the Cancerian is unsociable, just that for them there is a time to socialize and a time to be solitary, and this is part of the apparent contradiction in their nature. Outwardly they can appear formidable -thick-skinned, unemotional, uncompromising, obstinately tenacious, purposeful, energetic, shrewd, intuitive and wise, sometimes with a philosophical profundity of thought verging on inspiration. Their intimates, however, may see a very different character, one with a sympathetic and kindly sensitivity to other people, especially those they love. They are able to identify with the situations of others because of the keenness of their imaginations. They are often over-imaginative and prone to fantasy, sometimes trying to shape their lives to fit some romantic ideal. They are appreciative of art and literature, and especially of drama, where the spectacle and ebb and flow of action and feeling particularly excite them. They may themselves possess considerable literary, artistic or oratorical talent. Their sharp ears and talent for mimicry can sometimes give them success on the stage, though their tendency to be emotional may make them overact. Interestingly – because they give the impression of being down-to-earth – they are often fascinated by the occult and are more open to psychic influence than the average. If they can reconcile the personal conflict of their urge to be outgoing with the reserve that causes them to withdraw into themselves, then at best they can inspire a generation, especially the youthful part of it, by their idealism. A job in which they can express this, and in which they can do well, would be as a leader in a youth organization.
In their personal relationships they are mentally a mixture of toughness and softness, often emotional and romantic to the point of sentimentality in their fantasies; but in real life and in marriage, their loving is not so sentimental but tenaciously loyal. Even if they have affairs (and they may do so, for the male in particular is open to sensual stimulation), their first loyalty remains to spouse and family, of whom they regard themselves as the protector.

Both the Cancerian man and woman love unreservedly, giving much and asking little in return – in fact, one of the most important lessons they have to learn is how to receive gracefully. They are too easily influenced by those they love and admire, and swayed by the emotion of the moment. They are also loyal friends, the negative side of their faithfulness being clannishness, the narrow patriotism of “my country right or wrong”; and closing ranks in suspicion and coldness toward outsiders.
Cancerians have a retentive memory, particularly for emotionally laden events which they can recall in detail for years afterwards. they are strongly governed by childhood memories and since they live intensely in the past in memory and in the future in imagination, a chance meeting with someone for whom they had an unrequited love, even if they thought they had conquered the feeling, will easily rouse the emotion all over again.
The Cancerian has many potential faults. They can be untidy, sulky, devious, moody, inclined to self-pity because of an inferiority complex, brood on insults (very often imagined), yet are easily flattered. They can be tactless and difficult yet, because they are normally ambitious, they will curry favor by floating with majority opinions, outlooks and fashions of the day. As a result they often change their opinions and loyalties and, indeed, their occupations, and lack stability. They are easily corrupted and, because they are convincing romanticizers, can make successful confidence tricksters. Their romanticism in another sense make them ardent supporters of causes, for example a football team with whose heroes they can identify in a world of fantasy. Their abilities fit the Cancerian for a wide range of occupations. As they are interested in what people are thinking and able to judge what they can safely be told, they can be good journalists, writers or politicians, though in this last capacity they are more likely to remain in the background rather than attain prominent positions of power. They may, indeed, change their party affiliations. They can serve in other departments of public affairs, especially those which involve looking after others, for example in any kind of service from welfare and nursing to catering – their own love of comfort and good living makes the Cancerian an excellent chef or housekeeper. They sometimes have a penchant for trade or business and are often successful as a captain of industry. This is because they are excellent organizers with a good sense of value and economy which they may combine with a flair for inventiveness and originality. The romantic side of their natures make them enjoy grubbing about in places where exciting discoveries may be made (old stamp collections in attics, etc.), and if they can do this professionally as a secondhand dealer or specialist in antiques, they will be happy. More common occupations which suit some subjects of Cancer are real estate broker, gardener and sailor.
Physically they are average to below average in height, with a fleshy body and short legs in comparison with the rest of them. Their hair is usually brown, their faces round, their complexions pale, their foreheads prominent, their eyes small and blue or gray in color, their noses short, perhaps upturned, and their mouths full. They sometimes walk clumsily.
Possible Health Concerns:
Cancer governs the chest, breasts, elbows, stomach and digestion, womb and female reproductive organs. Cancer, which can affect any part of the body, is sometimes said to have taken its name from this sign, which can therefore afflict its subjects with imperfections anywhere. This is incorrect, however, the derivation of cancer being the Latin cancer meaning gangrene as well as crab.

PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE FOR YOU, AND THEIR SOLUTIONS

As with all sun signs, we all have unique traits to our personalities. When these traits are suppressed, or unrealized, problems will arise. However, with astrology we can examine the problem and assess the proper solution based on the sun sign characteristics. As a Cancerian you may see things below that really strike home. Try the solution, you most likely will be amazed at the results. If you find yourself on the receiving end of the negatives below, it is because you are failing to express the positive.
PROBLEM:

You can be oversensitive and something of a clinging vine which may cause you to harbor imaginary hurts and slights, this can make for highly unsettling conditions with your spouse.
SOLUTION:

Be sure that the love you are expressing is not simply your need to hang own to someone for moral support, and if necessary, you should seek professional help in order to overcome this negative, clinging aspect of your personality.
PROBLEM:

One of your biggest personality flaws, next to neediness, is the habit of being so self – absorbed that you sometimes fail to notice what others are doing and accomplishing in their lives, you feel shut out and jealous if a family member has more success than you do.
SOLUTION:

You should make a special effort to change this in yourself by forcing yourself to rejoice over their good fortune and when you do this you find that it will eventually become a habit and you as well as they will be happier for the change.
PROBLEM:

Your inability to take orders without getting angry or upset may be another one of your problems and this one could be very serious as it affects your chances of earning a good living for yourself and/or your family, since you are quite apt to walk away from any job where you feel ‘picked on’.
SOLUTION:

Try keeping an ear out and find out how the ones who have been on the job for any length of time gets along with the boss and coworkers. If you follow his lead or simply decide that you will simply keep quiet and follow orders you will soon see how well you can be really liked by all concerned.
PROBLEM:

You also have a problem with putting things off until the last minute which upsets your family and friends. This also has a tendency to make an unpleasant matter even more unpleasant when you procrastinate.
Solution:

Make taking care of the business at hand your prime objective from now on for, when you do not have all those worries in the back of your mind you will find it more pleasant to be around people, and you will also find that life goes smoothly for you from then on.
Your ruling planet is the MOON.
Some more interesting facts about your sign:
The crab is the animal associated with cancer. The crab is a nocturnal water creature that is well equipped with its massive claws to defend itself and survives very well in the ‘wilds’ of the underwater world in which it thrives. They have also been prized for food throughout the ages. Crabs come in a variety of ‘styles’ and species and are found in most of the oceans of the world, as well as in many inland waters. Being a sea scavenger, the crabs help mankind by keeping our waters cleaner.
Pearl is the star-stone for cancer. Your star-stone is the beautiful, translucent, PEARL. The Pearl can be all the silvery colors of the moon and not just white. The pearl takes on its silvery, shimmering, colors from the color of the linings of the mollusc (oyster) in which it is grown. A beautiful, perfect pearl can sell for as much as $250,000.00, so speaking of a ‘pearl of great price’ becomes readily understandable. This precious stone can be harmed if subjected to hair spray, acids, perspiration, and some types of cosmetics.
The Sun awakened Cancer the Crab, a feminine sign in the zodiac on your birthday. The Sun in astrology stands for your inner nature, your essential character. The fourth sign of the Zodiac, Cancer is ruled by the restless Moon. A cardinal (creative and original) sign, Cancer governs home life, matters to do with women (especially the mother), as well as sensitivity and emotional intensity. It is a water sign, so Cancerian people are emotionally intense and deeper than they appear on the surface, while quite sensitive and understanding once you get through that tough exterior.
The Sun, ruler of our inner nature, is somewhat dimmed in Cancer, the home of the Moon. Creative and romantic, with a strong love of home, family and tradition, you are a good communicator and a strong provider. Your deep sensitivity presents you with valuable and illuminating intuitions, especially regarding those you care for.
Powerful Intuition. Paradoxically combining a love of travel with a deep need for security, you surround yourself with sentimental objects from the past, including souvenirs, hand-me-downs and keepsakes. Cancerians are remarkably good at accumulating things; indeed, you can be unwilling to throw anything out, even relationships that have passed their use-by date.
Cancer is also good with money and generally takes a long-term view. The main thing to remember is not to let the powerful, turbulent emotions of the moment crowd out your normally rational judgment. Your intuitions are reliable and should be trusted; you may even have natural psychic powers, which may be developed, given the right circumstances.
Hard Shell:
The emblem for Cancer is the Crab, a creature with a very hard shell which protects a soft interior. The crab walks sideways, which is how the Cancerian skirts around a problem until forced to take it on with gritty determination and a creative flair. The crab’s large claws hang on to its possessions for dear life, just as the Cancerian collects things to beautify the environment and bravely defends the home turf.
Cancerians make good business people, combining artistry, originality and drive with an understanding of financial matters, marketing and the needs of the public. You can trust your intuitions, but you do need to generate a faith in yourself which will not be dampened by gloom or depression over what, in retrospect, may appear to be relatively insignificant problems. You have the natural ability to be diplomatic and to speak out when necessary or keep your mouth shut. Home and family ties will be significant in your life and developing a secure, comfortable home environment will be a boon to your state of mind, irrespective of your marital state.
Southern Magnolia, flower for Cancer
Emotional Release:
Physical fitness or sports activities can become important ways for you to work out emotional stress. Team sports are fun, for you can adopt team members as part of an extended family. Swimming, fishing, sailing and other water activities attract you, along with skiing, ice skating, and mountain climbing.
Cancerians are creative. Even those among you who may not have any particular talent can use some involvement with art, music, or writing as another method of emotional release, rather than indulging in eating binges or other destructive habits. Living or spending time near the water is a relaxing, as well as creatively stimulating environment for Cancerians.
Cancer rules the stomach, diaphragm, upper liver and breasts. People with Cancer active in their charts are subject to coughs, indigestion, gas, gallstones, and general problems with stomach, liver and intestines, plus emotional disorders such as depression, hypochondria and hysteria.
Ideal colours for the Crab are white, silver, and pale yellow. Cancer rules metallic silver, while both the ruby and the pearl are the traditional Cancerian birthstones. Silver reflects its environment in its shiny polished surface, yet it can tarnish and become dull unless properly cared for. In the same way, your sensitive nature reflects the people and circumstances surrounding you.
The precious ruby, a variety of corundum, is one of the hardest minerals known, while the pearl is soft and easily scratched. Here we have the two contrasting sides of the Cancerian personality: hard and determined, yet simultaneously soft and vulnerable. Cancerian flowers are the water lily (lotus), iris, white poppy, white carnation and southern magnolia.
Crabs live in the inter-tidal zone of the oceans, where tides rise and fall twice every day. This is the most dynamic and changeful place on earth, but also the most nutrient rich. Because of the constant change, Cancer have developed a hard outer shell for protection. Cancer can use the hard outer shell of your home as your protection. But it’s more than just that. Typically, your sensitive Cancer can hold your feelings quietly behind your own walls.
Crabs also have large pinching claws, and Cancer can hold onto things, especially from the past. Cancer is fiercely loyal and has a difficult time letting go. But Cancer is also quick to bring those you love inside the safety of your outer shell while you nurture them. Cancer love is protective, but unless tempered, can be smothering. Cancer motto could be, “A good defense is the best offense.” Like a Crab in its cave, your attack can consist of baiting your opponent into your territory. What appears to be a retreat to others can be your best aggressive tactic. As you feel your way through life, building your security by developing your home and family relationships, remember that unexpressed anger can turn into resentment and depression, so find someone you can trust and share your feelings.
Element:Water
Astrologically, the water element symbolizes emotion. Water runs deep; it seeks its own level and will flow until it has found it. The cycle of water is endless with the snows falling in the mountains and melting. The mountain streams join to make the great rivers that run to the sea. The tides and currents churn the oceans. Similarly, our feelings are flowing as they connect the present with past experiences. Sometimes the waters are so deep that we cannot put words to our feelings.
The water of Cancer is that of the changing tides. Regular rhythms bring food and nurture the creatures who live there. But this is also about the water of a smoothly surfaced lake. No movement is apparent, yet beneath the surface there is movement, currents and much hidden activity.
Fourth House: Home and Family
The Fourth House is related to the mother. It is where we are nurtured, and takes in not only our real mother, but all those who nurture us — especially early in life. This is the house of childhood surroundings. It is where we retreat from the noise of the outer world.
Key Planet: Moon
The Moon is always changing, not even the same two nights in a row. It races around the Earth once a “month,” and as such we are familiar with her regularly repeating patterns. Women’s menstrual cycles are naturally tied to the lunar rhythm, putting them in closer touch with the subconscious realms of the Moon. But to man and woman alike, the Moon is the key to our feelings and our emotional cycles. As the key planet of Cancer, the Moon symbolizes our basic needs — how we need to be nurtured and how we nurture others.
Cancer Greatest Strength: Your ability to nurture others
Cancer Possible Weakness: Fear of the past repeating in the future
Dominant Characteristic:
They have a deep sense of humanitarian values. They are very patient. They stick firmly with the decisions taken. They are home loving. Unfamiliar surroundings upset them.
Character Analysis:
This star is a watery sign symbolized by the Crab. It is ruled by the moon. They are very sensitive, shy, hesitant, romantic and dreamy. They can be distinguished by their timid nature. Being very sensitive they take criticism to their heart. They become upset by a general comment made by someone. At the same time they respond with gratitude to appreciation. They do not tolerate interference in their affairs. They prefer to shoulder all the labor themselves and they work very hard. They do not open their heart to others. Jealousy makes them keep their worries to themselves. Cancerians are often dominated by fear of the future and old age. This makes them hoard money and become selfish. They are unsuccessful gamblers. It is only the hard working nature that compensates for all the draw backs in them.
Ruling Planet – Moon
Birth stone – Pearl, Ruby
Lucky number – Two (2 series)
Lucky day – Monday
Your color- Silver
Your flower – Poppy
Your animal – Seal