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withdrawn to the most brilliant, and famous Cancerians are to be found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 favour 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 the Cancerian 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 favour 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.

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.