AstrologicalDictionary.com

Cancer is called Karkata in Sanskrit, which means both circle and crab (the sea
creature). The example of the crab is significant because crabs live near water,
and Cancer is a Water Sign. Crabs are particular about protection. This is
becuase they move somewhat slowly and their bodies are very soft. So, they
employ hard shells and claws to help themselves survive. They tend to sit in
holes in the rock for further protection when not scrounging about for
provisions. They often inhabit the shells of other bygone creatures.
Cancer is one of the more sensitive signs therefore. All the water signs are
sensitive, but this one is the leader. Water flows around your finger- it does
not object if you stick your finger into it. Whereas, fire will burn it off, and
Earth simply wonÕt allow it in. But water is adjusting to others. Water
doesnÕt mind Ògoing aroundÓ obstacles and Òassuming the shapeÓ of
wherever someone may pour it. So it is with this sign- it is adjusting, soft,
sensitive, generally in need of protection, and a natural servant of those
persons or places that give it shelter.
Cancer is ruled by the Moon, and as the Moon reflects the light of the Sun, so
goes Cancer- always searching for that great light to reflect, or glorify, or serve.
Cancer feels dependent and needy, and so has a natural tendency to depend
upon others. If everything is safe, it is a very good sign, but if things arenÕt
safe, itÕs likely to use itÕs little pinchers to pinch a wound or two into the
threat.
As Cancer is the only sign ruled by the Moon, and Leo the only sign ruled by
the Sun, much of the nature of the feminine and masculine principles are
taken from these two planets and their two signs. The masculine principle is
independence and control, whereas the feminine is dependence and
submission. The masculine is strong in the material world, whereas the
feminine qualities are more helpful for emancipation from this world,
because what is needed in spiritual life is first and foremost a humble and
submissive attitude towards the divine.
If you need someone to be concerned about setting up or protecting a home,
or about nurturing and caring for dependent children, then Cancer is your
woman!