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 are fiercely loyal and have a difficult time letting go. But
Cancer are 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 that
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