In mythology Cancer is often associated with the Greek myth of the Lernaean Hydra, one of The Twelve Labours of Hercules and the mythical figure of Perseus, where Hercules completes all of his tasks, or labours.

Characteristics considered positive

Tenacious Retentive Resourceful Home-loving Loyal Intuitive Generous funny Conservative Emotional Loving Shrewd

Sensitive Protective Introverted Cautious Purposeful Wise Easily flattered Romantic Imaginative Security-oriented Warm Sympathetic

Patriotic Sentimental Caring Maternal instincts Sincere Kind

Characteristics considered negative

• Changeable
• Moody
• Gloomy at times
• Devious
• Clinging
• Indecisive
• Insecure
  

Physical traits

Some astrologers choose to associate Cancer's physical characteristics with being average or below average height, well endowed, having an athletic body and short legs. Their athletic build allows for strong, confident people. They see Cancers as usually having brown hair, a well-defined face, a tan complexion, a prominent forehead, penetrating eyes of green or blue, a shortish nose that curves straight or slightly up, and a full mouth with full lips and a wide smile, as well as long arms and fingers resting on defined hands. In essence, the upper body is proportionally well balanced in proportion to the lower, which may make for a rather smooth-going, attractive athletic appearance.

Compatibilities

Although many mainstream astrology books do not bother with superficial sun-sign compatibilities, Cancer is widely thought to be compatible with the same element signs, Pisces and Scorpio. Cancer is also often considered to be good with Taurus. There are many variables that determine compatibility in astrology, such as birth dates, birth months, birth years, position of a sign within the Sun, the Moon, Stars, etc. The signs listed as compatible with Cancer do not reflect an individual profile or individual reading as interpreted within astrology, but rather reflect a general guideline and reference to compatibility as dictated by variables such as Qualities and Elements within the Zodiac. The branch in astrology dealing with interpersonal compatibilities is called Synastry.

Correspondences

• Birthstones: Emerald; Pearl and Moonstone (June); Ruby (July)
• Colours: Silver and Sea green
• Gemstones: Moonstone; Emerald
• Day: Monday
  
• Metal: Silver
• Countries: Scotland • Holland • New Zealand
• Cities: New York • Venice • Amsterdam
• Animals: All crustaceans

• The Indian equivalent of Cancer is Kataka.

• The Chinese equivalent is thought to be the sincere, sympathetic Sheep, whose lunar month is 7 July - 7 August.
• The corresponding month in the Babylonian calendar is Arax Du'uzu, dedicated to Adar.

What every Cancer should know...

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 favor 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 theCancerian 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 favor 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 gray in color, their noses short, perhaps upturned, and their mouths full. They sometimes walk clumsily.
Possible Health Concerns...
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.

PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE FOR YOU, AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
As with all sun signs, we all have unique traits to our personalities. When these traits are suppressed, or unrealized, problems will arise. However, with astrology we can examine the problem and assess the proper solution based on the sun sign characteristics. As a Cancerian you may see things below that really strike home. Try the solution, you most likely will be amazed at the results. If you find yourself on the receiving end of the negatives below, it is because you are failing to express the positive. PROBLEM: You can be oversensitive and something of a clinging vine which may cause you to harbor imaginary hurts and slights, this can make for highly unsettling conditions with your spouse.
SOLUTION: Be sure that the love you are expressing is not simply your need to hang own to someone for moral support, and if necessary, you should seek professional help in order to overcome this negative, clinging aspect of your personality.
PROBLEM: One of your biggest personality flaws, next to neediness, is the habit of being so self absorbed that you sometimes fail to notice what others are doing and accomplishing in their lives, you feel shut out and jealous if a family member has more success than you do.
SOLUTION: You should make a special effort to change this in yourself by forcing yourself to rejoice over their good fortune and when you do this you find that it will eventually become a habit and you as well as they will be happier for the change.
PROBLEM: Your inability to take orders without getting angry or upset may be another one of your problems and this one could be very serious as it affects your chances of earning a good living for yourself and/or your family, since you are quite apt to walk away from any job where you feel 'picked on'.
SOLUTION: Try keeping an ear out and find out how the ones who have been on the job for any length of time gets along with the boss and coworkers. If you follow his lead or simply decide that you will simply keep quiet and follow orders you will soon see how well you can be really liked by all concerned.
PROBLEM: You also have a problem with putting things off until the last minute which upsets your family and friends. This also has a tendency to make an unpleasant matter even more unpleasant when you procrastinate.
Solution: Make taking care of the business at hand your prime objective from now on for, when you do not have all those worries in the back of your mind you will find it more pleasant to be around people, and you will also find that life goes smoothly for you from then on.

Famous Cancers

Julius Caesar (July 12, 102 BCE)
Emperor of Rome
Henry VIII (June 28, 1491)
King of England
Dr. John Dee (July 13, 1527)
English Mathematician, Inventor,
Astrologer to Queen Elizabeth
Saint John of the Cross (June 24, 1542)
Spanish Priest, Mystic Poet: DarkNightoftheSoul
Jean Jacques Rousseau (June 28, 1712)
French Romantic Philosopher: TheSocialContract
John Singleton Copley (July 3, 1738)
American Colonial Painter
Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (July 16, 1796)
French Landscape Painter
George Sand (Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin)
(July 1, 1804) French Novelist:The Haunted Pool
Phineas T. "PT" Barnum (July 5, 1810)
Legendary Showman & Circus Master
Henry David Thoreau (July 12, 1817)
American Transcendentalist Author
Camille Jacob Pissarro (July 10, 1830)
French Impressionist Painter
Ferdinand Maximilian (July 6, 1832)
Austrian-born Emperor of Mexico
James Abbott McNeill Whistler (July 10, 1834)
American Etcher, Painter
Hilaire Germain Edgar Degas (July 19, 1834)
French Impressionist Painter
Max Liebermann (July 20, 1847)
German Painter
Gustav Klimt (July 14, 1862)
Austrian Painter
Herman Hesse (July 2, 1877)
German Author, Poet: Siddhartha, Steppenwolf
Helen Keller (June 27, 1880)
American Educator
Edward Hopper (July 22, 1882)
American Realist Painter
Franz Kafka (July 3, 1883)
Czech Author: The Metamorphosis
Marc Chagall (July 7, 1887)
Russian-born French Painter
Jean Cocteau (July 5, 1889)
French Author, Painter, Film Director
Rose Kennedy (July 22, 1890)
American Matriarch
Duke of Windsor (June 23, 1894)
King of England (Abdicated)
Ernest Hemingway (July 21, 1898)
American Author: For Whom the Bell Tolls
James Cagney (July 17, 1899)
Legendary American Film Actor
George Orwell (June 25, 1903)
English Author: Animal Farm, 1984
Pablo Neruda (July 12, 1904)
Chilean Nobel Poet, Ambassador
Frida Kahlo (July 6, 1907)
Mexican Painter
Andrew Wyeth (July 12, 1917)
American Painter
Ingmar Bergman (July 14, 1918)
Swedish Film Director, Screenwriter
John Glen (July 18, 1921)
American Astronaut, Senator
Pierre Cardin (July 7, 1922)
French Fashion Designer
Nelson Mandela (July 18, 1926)
South African Patriot, President
Bob Fosse (June 23, 1927)
American Dancer, Choreographer
Neil Simon (July 4, 1927)
American Playwright
H. Ross Perot (June 27, 1930)
American Billionaire, Presidential Candidate
His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV (July 6, 1933)
Tibetan Spiritual Leader
Georgio Armani (July 11, 1934)
Italian Fashion Designer
Donald Sutherland (July 17, 1935)
Canadian Actor
Bill Cosby (July 12, 1937)
American Comedian, Actor
Ringo Starr (July 7, 1940)
English Musician, Drummer for The Beatles
Harrison Ford (July 13, 1942)
American Actor
Sylvester Stallone (July 6, 1946)
American Actor
Meryl Streep (June 22, 1949)
American Actress
Robin Williams (July 21, 1952)
Canadian Comedian, Actor
Isabelle Adjani (June 27, 1955)
French Actress
Tom Hanks (July 7, 1956)
American Actor
Lady Diana (July 1, 1961)
Princess of Wales
Tom Cruise (July 3, 1962)
American Actor
George Michael (June 25, 1963)
English Singer, Songwriter

Detailed Compatibilities

• CANCER-ARIES : Compatibility horoscope Cancer foresees a sharp contrast between an adventurous nature of Aries and a more traditional behavior of Cancer. But a strong sexual desire is most probable in the beginning. However, Aries may provoke a dark jealousy of Cancer. And Cancer is likely to get hurt by a loose tongue of Aries. At the same time Aries can�t stand proprietor inclinations of Cancer. The relationship is going to be hard and marriage is unhappy.
• CANCER- TAURUS : Cancer brings sensuality and imagination to this union. Both are passionate and are not interested in small romances outside the relationship, as they are pleased with each other. Taurus is able to feel the changes in spirit of Cancer and can solve problems if they appear. Taurus is careful, while Cancer is responsive to care. Compatibility horoscope Cancer shows that mutual understanding will help to establish a happy relationship or a lucky marriage.
• CANCER - GEMINI : Timid Cancer will loose his usual self-confidence in communication with unfaithful, always flirting and seeking for pleasure Gemini. Uncontrolled sexual energy of Gemini will be a problem for Cancer and will provoke quarrels. Cancer will be very jealous and will try to calm down Gemini, but will only raise indignation of his partner. This is a very emotional liaison and long-term relationship is possible despite the difference of temperaments.
• CANCER - CANCER : They are too similar to be happy together. Both are extremely sensitive that cause emotional problems. Both want to play a leading role in sexual relationship and this provokes quarrels and criticizing. However, they are physically attractive to each other, and a romance may be quite emotional and passionate in the beginning. Compatibility horoscope Cancer doesn't deny the possibility of a happy marriage, but it will require much effort from both sides.
• CANCER - LEO : Leo is able to cheer up Cancer. Leo is generous for affection and that makes changeable Cancer feel confident. From the other hand, Leo needs flattery and admiration, especially what concerns sex and he must dominate at all costs. If Cancer is ready to help his partner in establishing a healthy relationship, it is going to be quite passionate and may end by a happy marriage.
• CANCER - VIRGO : Virgo is practical by nature and plays a core role in this union. Cancer is more emotional than a reserved Virgo, but they are capable of mutual affection. Besides, they are compatible sexually. The problem is that they are both shy and should take all possible steps to cheer up each other. Compatibility horoscope Cancer promises a fine liaison and a fairly good marriage.
• CANCER- LIBRA : It's difficult for faithful Libra to deal with changeable temperament of Cancer. Cancer feels worried and not so self-confident beside an affectionate Libra. Libra tries to avoid troubles. If Cancer is offended somehow, he'll be hard to get along with. When Libra starts looking for some romance outside their liaison, the relationship is finished. The infatuation is possible, but a marriage is a risky one.
• CANCER - SCORPIO : The power of Scorpio, his need to dominate and to protect his partner - this is what Cancer is looking for. Cancer is more sensitive in sex, while Scorpio is more passionate. However, Cancer is willing to give pleasure to his partner and that's why many problems may be avoided in this sphere. Cancer is faithful to his beloved and there is no reason for Scorpio to feel terribly jealous. Love is lasting, and compatibility horoscope Cancer forecasts a wonderful marriage.
• CANCER - SAGITTARIUS : They have opposite objectives and different wishes. Sagittarius is a wanderer and doesn't like to be tied up by any sexual bounds. Cancer needs certainty in love that Sagittarius can't provide. Cancer is living in the future. Sagittarius enjoys the present moment. When Sagittarius will suddenly get bored and will start looking for new relations, Cancer will be badly hurt. Compatibility horoscope Cancer sees some vague perspectives of a stable union.
• CANCER - CAPRICORN: Capricorn is not likely to provide an affection that Cancer needs, he has too many other interests. However there is a strong sexual drive between them. In bed everything will be gorgeous till Cancer gets bored by a practical and reserved Capricorn. The relationship is going to be unstable, and compatibility horoscope Cancer is not advising to get married.
• CANCER - AQUARIUS : Lonely Aquarius will get a vulnerable Cancer into a fuss. Cancer is more open and stable than Aquarius, looking for new adventures and romances. Needs of Cancer may remain unsatisfied. Aquarius is inclined to free himself from emotional obligations. They will be able to get along in bed for some time, but according to compatibility horoscope Cancer, partnership in the living-room will fail.
• CANCER - PISCES : This is a good couple when sex is concerned. Both are sympathetic, affectionate, help each other. Cancer is possible to be a leader, as Pisces are eccentric in love. Quarrels are short-lived and end quickly in bed. Compatibility horoscope Cancer guaranties a good match day and night over a long or short time.

Funny stuff

You like to know what's going on in the lives of everyone in the galaxy. However, you tend not know know what's going on in your own. If you are lucky, your friends will tell you. Cancerians only get dressed because they have to, and their fashion sense can only be described as "erratic." You are more likely than any other sign in the zodiac (except Pisces, who does not iron) to iron your clothes by sleeping with them sandwiched between the mattress and box-spring. Likewise, you can stretch one pair of underwear out for almost a month. Your home is like your very own Biodome, and you can remain indoors for months at a time. Despite your need to be everyone's savior, you need no social interaction. SWAT teams often show up, mistakenly thinking there's a hostage situation. A Cancer is like a walking Ladies' Home Journal, quick on the draw with shortcake recipes and helpful hints on how to talk to your teen. Whether they know it or not, they are all born with an exceptional talent for cross-stitch. So much for buying the world a Coke - they would breast-feed the world if they could. This trait is not gender-specific. You will never excel in sports because you have to rest for fifteen minutes every time you breathe. You do not mind, since you plan to conduct your career from the comfort of your own bed. You maintain your questionable health through a steady diet of Ho-Ho's and beer. You also imbibe a great deal of Pepto-Bismol in order to confuse your numerous ulcers. People walk on you often. Actually, not often - all the time. If you think someone is screwing you, you're probably right. The most entertaining thing about this is that you like it. You strive to be a doormat. Cancerians coin their own words to describe philosophical concepts. This is why it is no surprise that George W. Bush is a Cancer. Cancerians have minimal influence over their friends, even though they show up with homemade soup to remedy every minor or major tragedy. However, they wield their power through the fact that they know what everyone is thinking at any given time. This is why they are never invited to parties. Cancerians claim to be "tactful". The word for this is actually "shiftless". Cancerians are always appointed to take their drunken, drooling friends home. These friends are usually Pisceans.

Character
Cancers are sensitive and sympathetic, always ready to listen and to help and are very well liked by all – for about 15 minutes. If there is one thing that Cancers are particularly bad at, it is disguising the scheming, manipulative, self-interested intentions behind their every action. And because nobody likes egotistical jerks, nobody likes Cancers. Cancers are incredibly fond of gullible people. These are the only sort of friends they can hold on to for any significant length of time. And of course, gullible people like Cancers back, because gullible people will like just about anything you would want them to. One thing that Cancers find extremely handy is their sharp intuition. A cancer will always realise when the game is up and his friends are about to ditch him and he will always make it a point to do it first. In such a case, you can expect silly excuses like, “I've got to stay in and train my hamster for the pet karaoke championships”, or “My boss needs me to work overtime this month… did I say 18 hours a day?” Cancers are very traditional, which is to say they are quite simply out of touch with the modern world. They are the sort of people who don't use e-mail because they can't figure out where to put the stamps. Cancers believe that the term e-book refers to the fifth volume of the Encyclopaedia Britannica and many of them wear surgical gloves at the computer, to minimise the risks of catching a virus from the mouse.

Love
As far as love is concerned, Cancers are the very stuff soap opera screenwriters dream of. In other words, they are ruthless, vengeful, backstabbers who hardly ever venture outdoors. They spend most of their time cheating on their partners at the office, in hospital wards and even at home. One really distinguishing characteristic is that they love to turn even the least argument into a horrible shouting match. Estate agents won't admit it, but having a Cancer living within 200m automatically devalues a property by 25% and selling out to a Cancer is a sure-fire way of getting back at the neighbours. A lot of Cancers are divorced. Many others are poisoned.

Money
Cancers are obsessed with money, but are far from financially wise. They are always falling for get-rich-quick schemes that are obvious rip-offs to everyone else. Cancers distrust credit cards and so they usually carry considerable amounts of cash, making them ideal targets for muggers. Astrologers are fond of the saying, “A Cancer and his money are soon parted.”

Future
Passion and intrigue await the Cancer-born, but the initial glamour will soon give way to record stress levels and inevitable heart disease. Cancers are destined to wander from one mess to another, scavenging for an elusive happiness but acquiring little more than the chronic bad breath and a dreadful, all-pervading, chain-smoking smell. Whatever money they manage to save up will soon find itself in the pockets of air-freshener and deodorant companies.

Ideal jobs
Cancers would be most comfortable being lawyers, politicians or mafia gangsters - not much of a choice really.

Sources

• Wikipedia >>> read original article here
• Astrology-Online >>> read original article here
• Elore >>> read original article here
• Marbella Guide >>> read original article here
• Syl Horoscopes >>> read original article here
• Astrology-Weekly >>> read original article here