Astrology @ Work — Cancer, The Crab

by Don Squibb

Cancer — The Crab
(Born June 22 through July 22)

     Those born when the sun is moving through the sign of Cancer are recognized often for their caring and kindness to others. This demeanor is not confined to this sign certainly, but seems to be a dominate way these people handle their lives. Their conduct is one which reflects a profound sensitivity to the feelings of others but even more so to their own feelings. In fact that nature shapes their lives by ruling their self expressions.

     Cancers are people governed more by their feelings than most. They react more through sensitivity than intellect. Their emotions overtake them at times, triggering a drastic change of attitude. At times their feelings and attitude adjustments can produce a hasty retreat from where they are at the moment in order to seek shelter of some kind.

     The symbol of the crab is an accurate way to grasp their true nature. The tough protective shell over the creature’s soft insides protects it from injury. At the first sign of danger, they retreat into their covering rushing from their land existence into the sea where they feel more protected. The safety of home is their favorite shelter preferring it to whatever is going on around them. They use all their creativity to make their home the place of their dreams. In effect it can be their heaven on earth and their most prized possession.

     The conduct of the crab has another facet that is present in humans of that sign, too. Once they set a claw to grip something, they will hold that grasp no matter what is done to get them to release it. They will give up a claw rather than let go. This can be perplexing to observers who see another position or possession that may well serve them better.

     They spend their lives trying to protect themselves because of their strong emotional natures and feelings of vulnerability. Nonetheless, much of their efforts to function effectively involve getting over their easily hurt feelings. They rigorously attempt to be sure they are not hurt again—ever. Cancers are always on the lookout for similar circumstances or people exhibiting conduct that has caused them to experience pain before.

     The sign of Cancer is known as a nurturer and to a degree it embodies much of the feminine approach to living whether they are male or female. Both are very much attuned to the needs of others. Males may adopt some sort of conduct that will mask their great sensitivity and tenderness. They do this by being bold and blustery, thereby projecting an image of toughness where they live, work and play.

     Getting to know these complex people can be very difficult since they can be quite contradictory in the way they act which can vary even from hour to hour. What you have just seen in their conduct may not reveal much of what is deep inside them. It is as if they can not control the way they present themselves on a consistent basis.

     The Cancer is directly influenced by the fluctuating energies of the moon resulting in mood swings that are frequent and major for them. The mood swings at times are almost beyond their personal management. The moon’s phases change quickly, more so than the planets of our solar system. Think about how the Earth’s tides are affected by the moon and how they go in and out, day and night. Knowing that the body is composed mostly of water makes these internal mood swings more understandable.

     The Cancer’s mood can shift from being socially outgoing to shy very quickly. They may try to control their emotions as they mature but it will take real intent and considerable effort. Still it probably will not be totally effective given their basic nature even if it provides some decrease in fluctuations.

     Those born in Cancer have a profound orientation toward family. That can mean more than an actual blood family. It may well be a group where common interests are shared such as classmates, neighbors, associates in a work setting, organizational connections, and the list goes on. An example of “holding on” like a crab can come into play when one forges a connection with their feelings or heart. They will hold on to that relationship whether or not they ever see one another again. They can be very devoted, and will work hard for those who are important in their lives, which can include employers and business associates.

     This sort of pattern reveals another very strong trait of Cancers. When they feel safe and reasonably shielded from harm themselves, they exude affection, caring, real interest and much warmth toward others around them. Such conduct makes them lovers of their nation and very, very patriotic. Their country is in effect where they live, i.e. their greater home.

     They will regularly find family of sorts in places others might not. Most individuals who do receive such a level of sincere interest and personal connection feel better, perform better, and are encouraged. This nurturing conduct is magical when promoting and selling in which they often excel whether it be in ideas, products or services. Repeated contacts with those being solicited and served is a natural process for them. When Cancers are presenting their appeals and knowledge, they are doing so often in the context of a growing relationship which the other person might not realize is developing or in effect already in place because of the presenter’s feelings.

     With their profound sensitivity, Cancers are great teachers whether in a classroom setting or not. Affirming and listening are traits these folks take seriously as many become caretakers of other people’s needs. They are sympathetic when encountering any kind of suffering or misfortune in others.

     Cancers never rush into anything in their lives. As is often said, “caution is their middle name.” To understand why this is, you must realize they are always on the alert for delusion. Their possible injury on some level is a question that is always in their minds as they make their way in life.

     So, when their nurturing spirit is coming out, it is important to understand that this is only displayed after the Cancer has taken care of himself or herself and is feeling safe. Still they fundamentally expect to find they will be deluded sooner or later and particularly by a portion of those they regard as family. Such an orientation, however, does not change their basic natures of profound caring.

     A Cancer person almost never attacks a problem or situation to be resolved directly. Instead they study it, move around it for a while, and then make a move. If you see them make a major change in their lives, you might conclude they are plungers like an Aires moving courageously forward. Not so. Just like the crab, their movement is frequently sideways or may even seem backwards at times. These patterns of motion are not intended to “rock the boat” or even announce what they are doing.

     They can appear timid. Nonetheless underneath is usually a great tenacity of purpose. Accomplishment and ambition are in their shadows ever motivating them. They often prevail as they chip away on a task in their own way completing it before the opposition realizes what the Cancer is about.

     Cancer people for the most part are fascinated by probing into the mysteries of life and nature with history being of great interest to them. They have a great fondness for the past and hold onto it. Many of their ideas or actions can be grounded in what they know from their studies and own personal history.

     Most are collectors of sorts, and they acquire everything from antiques to souvenirs along their way that nourish their vibrant memories. Some are by nature “string savers” for they feel they can never know what might be needed later on. They are also interested in anything new as well revealing a more progressive nature than their conduct reveals. Strong interests of most are conservation and often preservation on some level.

     No matter what they have accumulated, the Cancer can be surely defined as being very financially insecure. They are very conscious about accumulating as the Taureans are but for different reasons. The Cancer nature is to worry about assets shrinking or even disappearing. They sense they must persevere for the future because they don’t know when someone they or others they consider family may need help.

     At times casual observers may view them as immensely frugal because of this nature. Ironically, they are usually very generous people. This is demonstrated by their conduct of supporting others in need regularly and their core nature to nurture as they can. Therefore, their initial caution present before providing outlays of any sort has a definite motivation. Often their personal sharing comes only at the last minute after the human crab has carefully surveyed the scene and realized no one else will meet the concern, not even the future recipient of Cancer’s generosity

     One characteristic not readily visible is the Cancer seeks some structure to participate in--or at least feel supported by. Without support, the Cancer feels there is nothing backing them should circumstances produce feelings beyond their seeming ability to cope. In order for them to be effective in their own lives, Cancer's must emotionally understand they have a source or sources of help should they become overwhelmed in some way or another. The structure may be ill defined, but to them it must seem present. The fear of being totally alone, very vulnerable and unsupported, guides much of their actions and responses.

     HOW TO SUPPORT A CANCER: Since Cancers can be quite unforgiving about slights in the past and amazingly won’t forget them, encourage them to move on as many of these slights are inconsequential in the long run. Help them laugh themselves out of their dark moods, for that is very healing to them. Encourage them not to be too protective of their children and associates by offering reminders that some of the best lessons are learned through mistakes in life. Be sure to remember their sensitivity which means they bruise easily emotionally. Being compassionate and tender will delight and be so helpful when exhibited with them.

     TIPS FOR WORKING WITH A CANCER: Be willing to tolerate their moodiness for they just can’t help it even if it makes no sense to you as you watch their rapid fluctuations in demeanor. Remember that although their attitudes will change frequently, at their core they do not and will be very considerate for others around them. Also, though inconsistent in expression, they are very dependable whatever phase they are in at the time.

     They are very good workers being employed to gain personal security and they appreciate that to the core. These super sensitive people find appreciation very comforting so it should be shared authentically with them if at all possible. However, it must be real as they can spot phoniness in an instant and will recoil from it. Remember they are on alert for deceit and delusions. If you must discuss things in depth which may include a review of performance and maybe some correction or discipline, do be as supportive as you can basically to help improve the work contributed by this gentle (at least on the inside) person.
 
     HEALTH MATTERS FOR A CANCER: Worry can cause the collapse of their bodies, and if their respective security is deeply threatened, it can cause illness or perhaps accidents. Moods are a significant factor in working to maintain a good general well being for them. If resentment and bitterness as well as anxiety are regularly present, these factors can very negatively impact the health of these people.

     Controlling fear becomes a paramount response to preventing sickness. Many have almost a perpetual anxiety as the years go on that their respective bodies may collapse and not support them. Ironically, these souls do not like to take pills being apprehensive about dependency on them and their potential negative side effects. They usually feel there is much delusion about what the consequences of consuming them might be. Their intolerance about drugs is usually not overcome unless there is a medical crisis that demands it.

     These Cancers are sort of glue that holds groups and societies together not necessarily with their intent to do so, but by their orientation to help, nurture and support those around them. The traits of determination and responsibility are in place if only to assure their own security and a sense that we are family in one way or another. No matter the pace of things, they are compassionate and sympathetic, helping as they can to make others feel better, be informed and receive what they need. They often exhibit a wonderful subtle joy from their deep caring that is healing by being in its presence. They are generally very dependable and delight in watching over the store or any arena in which they find themselves. You can count on them if you have earned their trust.


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