Cancer
The Crab
Water
Cardinal
The Nurturer
protective, sensitive, sympathetic, emotional, creative

Cancer the constellation is said to depict a crab, and I’ve promised myself not to make any comments
about how crabby people with Cancer placements can be (if it’s in the “big 3” or one has a stellium in
Cancer). The real reason that the crab is such an appropriate symbol for Cancer is the protective shell
that acts as a home and a defense mechanism. Cancer energy loves the feeling of home and brings it
wherever it goes (if it can even be coaxed to leave the home). Cancer is also highly sensitive and
emotional, being a water sign and ruled by the moon, and if the vibes aren’t right they will want to
retreat into a safe, protected place (literally if able, metaphorically as in the happy place inside if not
able to actually leave). Cancer energy is mother hen energy, and whatever area of life this sign rules
(house or planet in your chart) is an area where you will be sensitive and protective of both yourself and
others. Cancer is also a cardinal sign, because the sun passes through Cancer at the beginning of a
season (around June 20-July 21, which is the beginning of astronomical summer in the northern
hemisphere). This gives Cancer a motivated, ambitious, and reactionary energy to any house or planet
they influence. In Cancer’s case, the strongest cardinal quality is the emotional reactivity, but the
intense motivation part comes out when it comes to caring for or protecting those they love.