Cancer

(22June to 22July)

Animals: otter, seal.
Birds: seagull, owl.
Colour: silver and pastel shades;
Day: Monday.
Origin and glyph: The glyph represents the breasts; Cancer probably came from ancient Babylon.
Ruling planet and groupings: Moon; feminine, cardinal and water.
Flowers: poppy lily, waterlily white flowers, especially the rose.
Food: dairy foods and fish.
Gemstone: the best stones for this sign are emeralds and moonstones, though cat's-eyes, pearls and crystal are alsoin harmony.
Metal: silver.
Numbers: two for cancer; seven for the moon;
Trees: willow, sycamore.

The Sun enters the zodiacal sign Cancer about June 22 each year, remaining therein until July 22. However, the power of Cancer is not fully exerted until about June 27, and people born between June 22 and 27 are also controlled to some extent by the gradually declining influence of Gemini, which should be taken into account when their character and fortune are being estimated.

The protective nature of the Cancerian is the overriding aspect of the character, but it is tempered by a stubborn and often moody streak. Although they tend to be of the worrying type, Cancerians have a remarkably good intuition, and their instinctive reactions and decisions can usually be relied upon. There is, however, a changeability about Cancerians that manifests itself in several ways. They can rapidly adapt to pick up information, habits, etc, from others.

It also means that they can be touchy and, like the crab, may be hiding a soft, easily hurt person beneath a seemingly hard shell.

The symbol of Cancer is the crab, a creature whose habits typify the timid, hesitant yet tenacious disposition of those born under this sign. Cancer is known by astrologers as a watery sign, and it is ruled by the negative and watery Moon. Therefore, it is not surprising that this negative quality is the chief characteristic of those born under Cancer; it can be observed in all their actions and habits of life, making them shy, timid and retiring, constantly anxious over trifles, intensely sensitive, hesitant, romantic, dreamy, but undemonstrative; their tenacity and powers of endurance are, however, little short of amazing. Having once committed themselves usually after much hesitation-to a definite course of action, they will pursue it resolutely until they have either achieved their goal or perished by the wayside.

Few people are as sensitive as those born under Cancer. The least censure, criticism or lack of understanding is taken deeply to heart, but they respond with gratitude to appreciation and encouragement. However, they will not tolerate interference in their affairs or in any project which they have undertaken, preferring to shoulder all the labour and responsibility rather than allow any meddling on the part of others. In uncongenial surroundings, or when tried by much opposition or lack of success, they become morbid and introspective; but they shrink to the last from opening their hearts to others, and jealously keep their worries and grief to themselves.

People of the Cancer type are often dominated by a fear of the future and old age. This may lead them to hoard money, and to become selfish and niggardly. However, they rarely want for money in actual fact, although their business affairs may pass through trying periods. They are very unsuccessful as gamblers, and their wealth-which is often excessive-is usually the fruit of persistent hard work, coupled with shrewdness, economy and foresight.

Cancer subjects have most retentive memories, and this gift is often useful to them in their work, whatever it may be. They have also a great respect for convention, and are deeply interested in everything that is old, sacred or historical. At the same time, the freshness of unspoilt nature appeals to them strongly, and they are never so happy as when wandering in the woods and fields, especially in the neighbourhood of water.

Lower types of the Cancer subject are usually found to be indolent, greedy, mean, intensely selfish, suspicious, morbidly sensitive, and keenly resentful of imaginary injuries and slights. The higher types, however, who are hard-working, peace-loving and devoted to their families, provide one of the most valuable elements in the community. Cancer is very close to the moon. And the moods of a Cancerian alternate according to the phases of the moon. Cancerians are very moody and so you never know whether they are going to be happy and cheerful or down in the dumps.

Cancerians are very sensitive to any kind of criticism. And since they also have incredible memories, one has to be wary of offending them. For they will remember an offensive remark for years to come.
Cancerians love secrets but don't expect them to tell you theirs. They definitely don't like discussing their private lives, although they love to hear all about yours.