Cancer 🦀
Cancer is water in action…. I want that to seep in. Cancer in theory takes more initiative, action, leadership than say a Scorpio based on their cardinal mode. And Scorpio has plenty of moments being forward and showing outward passion. But real action, getting things started is cardinal action.
Cancer is water, a feminine and reactionary element. This indicates a degree of passiveness. In “The Astrology Bible” by Judy Hall, she states, “Cancer, which is dampened down by the water element, draws on cardinal energy in less obvious but no less ambitious ways. This tenacious sign seeks emotional control, especially of home and family.”
Let’s address Cancer and being “passive aggressive”. I’m not going to lie and say Cancer is not passive aggressive. In their basic nature Cancer is one of the most passive aggressive signs. But of course maturity helps anyone learn to handle conflict in more direct and constructive ways. Also Cancer is known for their emotional understanding, it is through UNDERSTANDING they begin to open their mind and hearts to more open forms of communication and problem solving. Passive aggression is not a “laid back” action or “weak” action that I think many might imagine. Yes the word “passive” is there but so is “aggression”. Cancer and the water element as a whole has a manipulative side. Cancer leads, takes action, and takes control behind the scenes, with suggestions, with patience, and with intuition.
On the negative side you see a Cancer trying to control someone by making them feel like others dislike them, like the Cancer is the only person they can turn to. On a sort of neutral scale, Cancer leads by playing off your emotional wants and needs. On the more positive side Cancer uses intuition and understanding to know when something is wrong even when you don’t show it. Cancer predicts how to handle a tough situation, especially emotionally and acts accordingly to avoid upsets or issues.
Cancer is a protective sign, and in guarding and protection you may really see their “action” come alive. They will stand up for someone they care about or who they think is being bullied. Possessing, which can be a thin line with protecting for the crab, is also an area you will see them take action. Here the crab’s pinchers come out.
Cancer is known as the “crybaby” but as I know I’ve written many times, Cancer is hard and tough on the outside, soft on the inside! This “crybaby” trait is rarely seen. “The sign of the crab reflects many of the traits of its namesake in the natural world: it appears to have a hard, tough exterior, but like a real crab, it has a soft and vulnerable center. The touchy moodiness provides protection, as Cancer defends itself against revealing too much of the soft sensitivity hidden inside.” - The Cosmic Egg Timer. I would only criticize the “moody” nature of protection in this quote. I would look to the Rising and aspects to the Rising and Sun to get a better idea of how each Cancer “protects” themselves. For example a Cancer with a Fire Sign Rising may use confidence to hide their inner sensitivity.
Note many times moodiness isn’t always crying, complaining, and obvious outward signs of sensitivity; it can be coldness, harshness, and a prickly approach. Cancer’s tough outer exterior can be interpreted as someone who can “hang”, who can “deal”, nothing gets under their skin….
Let’s address the home and mom. Cancer is connected to family, home, and motherhood. With this many write about how Moon in Cancer tends to be a mommy’s boy, Cancer is depicted as a homebody, they are depicted as people who have been dreaming of having a family since they were kids. Change this thinking to that the individual has a huge focus on the home, mother, and family and this doesn’t always mean closeness or positivity. You may find most Cancer Moons either have an incredibly close relationship with their mother or have a very toxic relationship with them. The mother is extremely influential to their emotional, inner being; good or bad. Cancer Rising the mother played a huge role in shaping how they approach the world. Cancer Mars the mother has an influence on conflict, their drive, and their “inner warrior”. Be cautious of using this as a blanketed statement, “look to where Cancer is in your chart to see how your mother influences you”. Aspects, house placements, are all important in piecing together the puzzle of your chart.
Our parents shape and influence all of us, they make us who we are. But for Cancer - this is a signal that their mother played a role that is more intensely woven somehow.
Cancer is cardinal and therefore is action, change, assertion and action in the emotional realm gets messy.
