Cancer subjects are "tried and true" individuals who cling to tradition as though they were a part of it. Some are even fearful of the future and the unknown, while others find the real world to be a threatening place, whereupon they retreat into dreams and fantasies, sheltering themselves in the relative safety of the past. Yet, the moods and even the purposes of Cancer natives may become as changeable as this Sign's ruling planet, the Moon. However, such self-contradiction is understandable when recognized as part and parcel of the innate Cancer nature. These are people who are home-loving, fond of family life and domestic tranquility, but who also enjoy travel and adventure. Those governed by Cancer adore the past and, at times, practically live in it. This accounts for the manner in which they seek out the new while always returning to the old. Cancer individuals are sensitive, though this may not always be displayed. Arguments tend to wear them down, crticisms hurt them and, somewhat like the crab which symbolizes their sign, they are prone to crawl into their shells under such circumstances. Proud with deep reserves of emotion, Cancer natives tend to "scuttle away" at the first sign of danger. Basically, these are timid souls yet, in a real emergency, they tend to be fantastically brave. Those who fall under the jurisdiction of Cancer tend to build boundaries, make homes and gather things for incubation, protection, nurturance and "mothering." Security is all-important to Cancer natives there are definite inclinations toward melancholy and introversion.

While strongly conservative, Cancer individuals are nonetheless fond of amusements and the social life. Their moods may differ by or night, and even changes in the weather are liable to affect the restless Cancer nature but, beneath that variable surface, these are steadfast characters who disapprove of sudden or radical changes. The loyalty of a Cancer subject to friends and family is constant, unless broken by some actual hurt or imagined slight. In that event, he or she may never feel the same toward a person. Although imaginative and affectionate, those born under this Sign of the Zodiac are not apt to show such emotions in an outward fashion. Thus, they are all too often misunderstood or go unappreciated. Any form of spite or jealousy should be avoided by those governed by Cancer and indeed, these can be the Cancer individual's greatest faults. The goal of Cancer natives should be toward outward expressions of sympathy and loyalty. If this is not achieved, then friends may perceive them to be fickle. Cancer subjects respond gratefully to appreciation and encouragement but will not tolerate interference in personal affairs by anyone...no matter how close that person might be. In short, those born under the jurisdiction of this Zodiac Sign are not truly quite as "soft" as some would imagine. These individuals are prone to giving the wrong impression and, very often, Cancer subjects themselves are not at all sure what they wish the desired impression to be.

Cancer natives are frequently vivacious and normally humanitarian by nature. Many devote themselves to worthy causes. However, there is a tendency to become too opinionated to understand another's viewpoint. When this happens, the Cancer individual is always puzzled as to why he or she is being neglected or ignored. In short, Cancer subjects have a difficult time in admitting personal blame or fault. Occasionally, the firmest decisions of a Cancer individual will be abandoned without reason...yet one more indication that those who fall under the jurisdiction of this Sign are swayed by moods. Nevertheless, despite these contradictory characteristics, Cancer can prove to be one of the best Signs of the Zodiac if its natives are willing to subordinate their morbid side and refuse to dwell in the past. Cancer persons are blessed with strong determination and great perseverance, otherwise they would not go to the extremes that they do. If these faculties are employed toward constant effort instead of toward futile conflict, then Cancer subjects can attain the loftiest of goals and free themselves of worry and despondency.

Those governed by Cancer have a tendency to gravitate toward becoming a "jack-of-all trades." Deep concentration on one specific aim will aid these individuals in gaining success. However, the heart of a Cancer individual must be in a project fully before he or she can be interested enough to totally commit to the work involved. Thus, the Cancer subject should always be free to choose a career that he or she really loves. Yet, there will be times when Cancer individuals are hesitant to commit themselves...to a course of action or a personal relationship or a promise. Nevertheless, once committed, Cancer natives feel obligated to keep their word. Those who fall under the jurisdiction of this Sign will shrink from opening their hearts to anyone if they feel they have made a mistake or taken a wrong step. That having been said, Cancer is quite adept at grumbling in general when things fail to go as anticipated. There also tends to be a fear of old age associated with this Sign, which is why Cancer subjects are prone to keep looking and thinking young...a self-protective mechanism against the loneliness Cancer believes is sure to accompany advancing years. Pride comprises a large portion of the Cancer personality, both in a positive and negative sense. On the positive side, Cancer individuals take pride in family, position, children and the home. On the negative side, pride may prevent the Cancer native from making and forming lasting friendships since he or she can be very suspicious, constantly questioning the motives of others and never quite ready to accept open-heartedly what appears to be overt overtures of friendship. In other words, Cancer persons tend to be perpetually "niggled" that something somewhere is not quite right. They are also inclined to be somewhat smothering or overly-possessive of loved ones.

In business, those governed by Cancer succeed along established lines. They do well as manufacturers and merchants. Quality is important to a Cancer native and he or she will be proud of whatever is produced. However, Cancer individuals must learn to be progressive since they are liable to vacillate in business (as well as other fields) and may find themselves left far behind. Professionally, Cancers make for good teachers or lecturers. If inspired with the romance of a subject, they will go to the ends of the earth to communicate their passion for that subject to their students. Librarians, historians and scientists are also excellent career choices. Cancers are capable lawyers and politicians, while many rise to high ranks in art, literature and music. Nonetheless, there is a tendency here for missed opportunities because of the inherent Cancer changeability. This particularly applies to those Cancer individuals who hold subordinate positions and become too content with their "lot in life" to think of what they might have been, instead of becoming what they should be. Occasionally, proper business associations can do much to verify this. Cancer and Capricorn are opposite enough to form a strong combination. There is also an affinity between Cancer and Aquarius, which marks this pairing as good business partners. An association with Gemini may also prove most beneficial...provided Cancer can keep the versatile Gemini partner under due restraint. A teaming with the exuberant Leo may also be very effective...as long as Leo is allowed to be the dominant factor in any decision-making.

Traditionally, the complex mother/child relationship will dominate the emotional life of any Cancer subject. This dynamic may play itself out in a number of ways...the Cancer individual taking the role of good or bad mother...good or naughty child. In child mode, those born under this sign hunger for love. There never seems to be enough to bring true satisfaction since Cancer natives feel compelled to doubt the sincerity of such affection and, therefore, are obliged to test it by seeing how much a friend or partner can endure before withdrawing or withholding the desired love. In this regard, the generally mild Cancer can be the most "pushy" of the Zodiac Signs and there will always be an overwhelming need for security, protection, tenderness, domestic harmony, ritual and routine. At their best, Cancer subjects may be counted among the most loving of people. They will be profoundly intuitive, quick to grasp and respond to the emotional needs of others. Such Cancer persons will inspire and nurture growth...of children, animals, plants, projects, homes, ideas and cultures. Thus, it is important that Cancer individuals find the safe haven in which their Sign's exquisite sensitivity can bloom and flourish...otherwise, he or she may become dominated by the prickly and grasping side of the Cancer nature.

Cancer natives love the security of a home around them and the female especially often makes for an excellent parent. These are also frequently intellectual souls with an extremely retentative memory...indeed, memory recall is one of Cancer's most special gifts...and nature which is yet unspoiled particularly appeals to the Cancer personality. It is important that Cancer individuals use their inborn tenacity to help them succeed only when they have carefully considered which course should be taken. The Moon makes Cancer emotional and those who fall beneath its jurisdiction should not fight those emotions, or it could lead to inhibitions and unhappiness. Cancer subjects should strive to be unafraid of others perceiving their basic qualities. Only then will Cancer individuals find joy in releasing emotions under all circumstances. The secret fear of those who are governed by the Sign of Cancer is that they will be hurt and, in the end, will have nobody to care for.