The zodiac sign Cancer, 22nd June - 23rd July, is ruled by the Moon and naturally rules the 4th House. The Cancer symbol is the Crab. Cancer Archetypes are the Mother, the Healer and the Invisible One. Cancer has the element of Water, and the polarity Yin, being more inward facing and feminine in energy.

Cancer thrives on self observation to find the answers to life. Feelings, emotions, reactions from within. They are happiest when floating in their own inner world, tucked away from outside noise and threats. Naturally following Gemini, Cancerians shift their processing from the cerebral to the heart space.

Strengths and Challenges

Ruled by the Moon, Cancerians use every experience as an opportunity to sense and feel. To have an emotional reaction. Of all the signs, they dig the deepest into pure feelings. Princess Diana and Robin Williams were both Cancerians and it's clear how deeply these two people felt both happy and painful emotions during their lives.

To do this safely, the Crab has to stay safe, back and away from the noise and chaos of the world out there. Therefore the Crab has to find balance, because it is also invested in growth. But to grow, it must sometimes venture out of it's shell, and risk itself outside where it can be easily hurt. However only when the Crab ventures outside the shell, can growth occur.

As the Archetypes the Mother and the Healer, Cancerians make wonderful nurturers, listeners, empaths and healers. Again, Princess Diana is a wonderful example. However they must always pay attention to their own needs. They are the most vulnerable, yet the most capable emotional healers. Like Aries, Cancer must choose their battles. As not all can be won. They must choose their friends carefully, their clients with scrutiny and honesty. Even their family should they become toxic and threaten the Crab's soft inner flesh. They must accept responsibility for their own wellbeing.

And here in lies the challenge. Cancerians must make sure they don't over care to the point they self harm. They can mask their own pain, because they 'care' so much about anothers. They can bury their own needs in the sand, until they they can believe perhaps they don't exist and fulfill the Archetype, the Invisble One.

They can also become so safe and 'happy' in their shells, they lives become mundane and boring. Yet they think they are happy because they make others happy.

Remember no two Cancerians are exactly the same. And whilst some of the key words used in pop astrology may indeed be ascribed correctly, best not to rely on generalisations. Your Natal Chart will show where your Cancer sign (ruled by the Sun) is placed specifically, as well as the corresponding House. Other aspects (planets and signs that are geometrically aligned), and many other considerations make up the total sum of a Natal Chart.

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