Cry No Tears for Me, Cancerian (June 21 to July 22)

photo by Patricia Herlevi

Sentimental, mushy, clingy, nurturing, motherly and generous (though sometimes stingy depending on the childhood experiences), Cancer natives leave many folks feeling baffled.  Who are these mysterious moonbeams staring at the stars and wishing on dandelion pollen? Who are these hoarders of old birthday cards, childhood photographs and memories of past loves?

Their reflective moods remind us of the cycles of the Moon as the orb shines its light on a calm lake or they remind us of a kaleidoscope capturing the rainbow wings of dragonflies.  Cancer natives, though often shy, peak during the summer months.  It's at this time that you find the Cancer natives hanging out on the beach watching the surf roll in or out on a sailboat, that is if they're not frightened of deep water like I am.

Famous people born under this sign include Princess Diana, Robin Williams, Tom Cruise, Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep (cry me a river), Erin Brockovich, Harrison Ford, Sylvester Stallone and Jessica Simpson.  You'll find Cancer natives in real estate, alternative medicine, the metaphysical field, entertainment, the arts and sports.  Many Cancerians suffer from shyness, but that also depends on the phase of the Moon.  Full Moons bring out the zany extroverted side of Cancer natives and being besides a large body of water brings out their dreamy contemplative side.

photo by Patricia Herlevi

Cancer rules the stomach and breasts and many Cancer woman have larger breasts, but this also depends on their Rising Sign.  A Cancer woman with a Capricorn Rising will fall on the thinner side.  Cancers eat for sentimental, emotional and nostalgic reasons.  They have a tendency to crave comfort foods, the creamier the better, but they also crave foods from their childhood. For me I couldn't get enough of tomato soup and grill cheese sandwiches which reminded me of childhood.  I also craved animal cookies in my 20s and 30s because that took me back to my earlier years, plus Cancer people love animals in all forms, though many of us are vegetarian.

There's a myth that Cancer women long to become mothers and have families.  I have met Cancer women who devoted themselves instead to spiritual practices or careers with no intention of mothering children, at least not their own.  Cancer natives who endured a difficult childhood might find that being around children too painful for them.  While other Cancerians will choose to work with children in some way because of a deep empathy they feel for them.  Cancers also have a playful side which children enjoy.

I have found many of the Cancer men in my age group to be somewhat old fashion even when they're rock musicians.  Many of them marry young or they pursue the romantic ideal, often ending up disappointed. Some Cancer men played the field and ended up with gaping wounds.  But all the Cancer men I knew in the past in my age group were sweet and probably wax nostalgic these days.  It's true if the Moon is in an awkward sign or waning, then Cancer natives seems grumpy and downright crabby as they go about snapping at people.  They also worry too much that others don't like them and are often slighted by nuances of others.  This seems odd to me since Cancerians are one of the most intuitive signs associated with the High Priestess in the Tarot deck so why do we keep imagining things?

Wikipedia

As far as lost loves go, Cancerians cling to their former lovers the longest of any sign. They don't hold vengeful thoughts in their hearts like Scorpio or escape into the next love interest like Pisces.  They quietly nurse their wounds, cry into their pillow and seek out divination tools and psychics to tell them what they want to hear, even if they choose to believe lies.  And what a waste that is (I can tell you first hand), because people of this Sun (Rising and Moon) Sign are a real catch of the day.  Many of them stick to their values and ethics while expecting others to do the same.  One astrologer called Cancerians wholesome or the old fashion boy or girl next door.  We could make that argument.

I'll be celebrating my 50th birthday this June and having spent that many years with a Cancer Sun, I still haven't figured out this Zodiac Sign.  I'm still chasing rainbows, looking for Peter Pan, and feeling like the Pied Piper on a good day.  Get me near the water and I'll leave my worries of the day or week behind.  Comfort food is my weakness as is nostalgic music from my childhood.  I also have a box of old birthday cards I can't seem to toss out (nor do I want to), and my moods change with the Moon.

For my fellow Cancerians here are things to watch out for:

You are sensitive so don't hang around harsh people or environments
Keep your allergies in check
Toss out old clothing etc and don't keep just for sentimental reasons
Let the old loves go and seek new ones
Watch your diet and stop eating foods for nostalgic reasons
When tears back up, watch a sad movie and sob 
Express your emotions (don't hold them in your breasts)
Mother yourself and let others off the hook
Nurture animals and plants
Advocate for a cause close to your heart
Hang out near water to relax
Drink plenty of purified water
Remember to exercise (walking, bicycling, swimming, Tai Chi or yoga)
Use natural medicines
Meditate
Work with crystals (make sure you cleanse them first)
Love and honor yourself (this isn't selfish)
Choose loving-kind and gentle partners 
Don't play the field (or you'll get burned)
Get a pet

If you can think of anything else to add to this list, leave it in the comment section.

Happy Birthday Cancerians!

Sign up for a Solar Return at Whole Music & Whole Astrology.  The birthday special for the months is $10 off on an hour reading June and early July).