Cancer, The Crab

Spring ends with social and curious Gemini; summer begins with empathetic and private Cancer. One of the more sensitive and psychic signs, Cancers are both totally lovable and completely moody.

The strongest stereotype related to Cancer is that they love home, family, and food, but there's a lot more to the crab than that. Cancer is the second cardinal sign and the first of the emotional, sensitive water signs; as such, Cancers take initiative to protect their loved ones and create safe, cozy, and fulfilling environments for all those lucky enough to know them. Cardinal signs are the first sign of each season, giving them a pioneering and energetic edge. You might think your Cancer friend is really shy, but there's a tough mama under that shell.

Cancers love the past. For an immature Cancer, this can mean that nothing in the present measures up—they'll always view last Thanksgiving, the car they briefly had in 2012, or their ex-partner as 1000 times better than their current situation. If you want a Cancer to fall in love with you, be their ex. If you're worried your Cancer friend hates the picnic you're on, end it swiftly. The sooner it feels like yesterday, the more they'll love it. Mature Cancers who live in the moment are less attached to the past but still suckers for nostalgia. When it comes to Cancers, you can't lose by reminiscing.

Since Cancers are ruled by the Moon, there's a loony, silly aspect to them, which isn't as frequently acknowledged as the weepy, sometimes-quiet sides of their personalities. The Chariot card in the Tarot is associated with Cancer, which is a symbol for the Merkabah, the vehicle we ride in when travel through astral planes. Cancers are acutely aware that whatever we surround ourselves with and consume, in any capacity, will affect our most sacred space, our true home: our body and mind.

Cancer's glyph can be interpreted as breasts—which is the part of the body Cancer rules—or as crab claws. Either way, it's unfortunate, because no one wants to deal with crabs when in the 69 position!