Traditional
Cancer Traits
Emotional and loving
On the dark side....
Changeable and moody
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 It can range from the timid, dull, shy and withdrawn to the most brilliant,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 favour 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 favour 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
grey in color, their noses short, perhaps upturned, and their mouths full. They
sometimes walk clumsily.
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. nevertheless, Cancerians are said
to be liable to breast cancer and to suffer from pleurisy, dropsy, piles and varicose
veins. The excitability mentioned above can lead to weak digestion, gastritis and
other stomach ills, and there is a tendency to coughs and weakness of vision.
Intuitive and imaginative
Shrewd and cautious
Protective and sympathetic
Overemotional and touchy
Clinging and unable to let go
