Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac. It is also known as the sign of the crab. If Cancer is your lunar sign, then this guide is for you. The horoscope presented here is based on the ancient science of Vedic astrology, also known as the Sidereal or star-based system of astrology. It is a moon-based approach rather than the sun-based approach common to western astrology. In this article, you’ll learn all about your strengths, weaknesses, compatibility, ideal careers, and more.
Cancer Overview
Cancer is known as कर्कट (karkata) in Sanskrit, or “crab.” Each sign of the zodiac is characterized by certain basic traits. This includes Symbol, Planetary Ruler, Element, Nature, and Gender. The general make-up of the Cancer sign is below:
Sign of the Crab. Cancerians are resilient, emotionally defensive, and progress through numerous different phases in life.
Ruled by the Moon. The Moon is the planet of the mind, motherhood, emotions, beauty, and water. Lunar individuals are creative and nurturing.
A water sign. Those with a Cancer moon are perceptive, artistic, and sentimental.
A movable sign. Persons born under this sign are fluid, spontaneous, and fond of change.
A feminine sign. This makes the native receptive, sensitive, and empathetic.
Strengths
The moon is the planet of mental activity. His influence makes Cancer-natives contemplative souls with a wisdom beyond their years. You are perceptive and intuitive, and you possess a heightened ability to read people. Your memory is above average as well.
As the moon casts a gentle glow on the earth, you have a calming aura. Others feel secure and comforted by your presence. You are a soft-hearted person, and you are sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others.
Those born under the sign of the crab choose their words carefully, preferring to communicate through subtle means rather than in a direct or forceful manner. For this reason, you are fond of poetry and other types of creative self-expression. When something grabs your interest, you pursue it with determined focus, undeterred by whatever obstacles might arise. As crabs inhabit both land and water, you are an adaptable person who can thrive in a variety of circumstances.
You have an active imagination and can learn new things quickly. However, you may have a hard time bringing your ideas down to earth and making them a reality.
Cancer Careers
Cancer-natives are expressive individuals who can excel in professions that utilize their natural creativity. As the moon moves through its phases of waxing and waning, you will see sharp rises and falls in your career. It is important to set aside savings in times of good fortune so that you can live comfortably during periods of decline.
Recommended careers: Anything creative. Cancerians make gifted poets, writers, actors, designers, inventors, scientists, marketers, consultants, and lawyers. Their maternal qualities make them exceptional doctors, healers, and therapists.
Careers to avoid: You should avoid careers that require detachment or harshness. For example, butchers, executioners, judges, prison personnel, or military strategists.
Weaknesses
Cancerians are subtle people who often pick up on the thoughts and emotions of others. However, they can also be overly sensitive and too easily influenced by those around them. You are mild-mannered, non-confrontational, and somewhat timid. Like water, you prefer to take the path of least resistance, even if it means putting up with unpleasant circumstances for a long time.
Your active mind can sometimes lead you into periods of moodiness and depression. You may find yourself brooding over the past or scheming for the future without taking much practical action to better your situation. You are also prone to drama and over-reaction.
In the same way that the moon goes through its phases, you may experience period mood-swings in life. Maintaining a regular spiritual practice, involving prayer, meditation, scriptural study, or yoga can be a powerful resource for remaining peaceful even in turbulent circumstances.
Growth Opportunities
You can balance your natural strengths and offset your weak tendencies by putting some effort into the following areas:
- Avoid debt. Cancerians suffer from above-average stress levels. Debt adds an extra layer of risk and anxiety to life. In addition, your professional career may wax and wane, making it difficult to keep up with payment plans that span multiple decades.
- Develop a routine. Doing the same activities every day helps stave off melancholy. It also helps hone creativity. Many successful writers and artists set aside a fixed period every day for practicing their craft.
- Keep a daily spiritual practice. Cultivating a connection with God or a higher power can help you remain emotionally strong even when tragedy strikes.
Cancer Relationships
Cancer-natives are devoted to mother and father and make excellent friends. They enjoy traveling and new experiences, but are somewhat passive toward life. This may make it difficult to adjust to new locations as it will take time to develop close relationships.
Friends
Though you aren’t the popular type, you are fortunate to have good friends who genuinely appreciate you and your talents.
Family
Children of the lunar sign are affectionate and dutiful toward their parents, and take after them in many ways. As parents, Cancer-natives can be somewhat overbearing toward their children. Their tendency to worry will likely be perceived as irritating when children reach the young adult phase.
Romance
Cancerians take their romantic life seriously—sometimes too much so. You have a sensitive heart. and may unknowingly set yourself up for disappointment if you attempt to give it to the wrong person. However, when feelings of love are mutual, and you and your partner are highly compatible, you can be a thoughtful and dedicated spouse.
Compatibility
In Vedic astrology, compatibility in relationships is a complex science that takes many different factors into account. It’s always helpful to consult with an experienced astrologer who can carefully consider yours and your partner’s individual charts.
Nonetheless, there are general patterns of compatibility across signs. These signs are usually a good match for Cancer:
- Cancer
- Scorpio
- Pisces
The Sexes at a Glance
The Cancer Man
- A family man
- Moral
- Affectionate
- Soft-hearted
- Possessive
- Weak
The Cancer Woman
- Responsible
- Family-oriented
- Doting
- A worrier
- Superstitious
- Fussy
Saturn’s Grind
Each planet oversees different areas of life. Saturn is the slowest-moving of the planets, and his influence is often accompanied by hard lessons.
When Saturn passes through the native’s moon sign, as well as the one before and after it, this is known as sade sati, or “Saturn’s Grind.” During this period, one experiences heavy karmic reactions. However, by adopting the right attitude, this can be a period of tremendous personal growth.
For Cancer-natives, the periods of sade sati are as follows:
- August 5, 1943 — September 19, 1950
- June 10, 1973 — November 3, 1979
- July 22, 2002 — September 9, 2009
- May 30, 2032 — October 22, 2038
- July 10, 2061 — August 29, 2068
Famous Cancerians
Politicians
Marco Rubio
Tulsi Gabbard
Manmohan Singh
Actors / Actresses
Victoria Wood
Wesley Snipes
Charlize Theron
Tom Hanks
Clint Eastwood
Drew Carey
Shia LaBeouf
Summer Glau
Paul Lieberstein
Stephen Fry
Tom Cruise
Patrick Swayze
Louis Garrel
J.K. Simmons
Musicians
Van Cliburn
Stella Mwangi
Bruno Mars
Mike Gordon
Chris Martin
Marilyn Manson
Michael Bolton
David Bowie
Ringo Starr
Writers / Directors
John Updike
James Joyce
Kurt Vonnegut
Thomas Hobbes
Judith Butler
Ezra Pound
Gustave Flaubert
Jack London
Oscar Wilde
Robert Bly
Michael Pollan
Philosophers / Scientists
Robert Koch
Pierre-Gilles de Gennes
Judith Butler
Entrepreneurs
Paris Hilton
Andrew Breitbart
Athletes
Joe Montana
Vince Young
Timea Bacsinszky
Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Cathy Freeman
Harry Carson
The 12 Signs of the Zodiac
Learn about each of the twelve signs of the zodiac.
Aries | Taurus | Gemini |
Cancer | Leo | Virgo |
Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius |
Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces |
The 27 Nakshatras
Learn about the 27 Nakshatras or “Lunar Mansions” of Vedic astrology.
Sources
Barbara Pijan Lama’s Vedic Astrology
What is Your Rashi? — Miles Davis
Saturn Transit Dates
Astro-Charts