Friday, February 24, 2012

The Astrological Sun Signs: The Details of Cancer

The fourth of the sun signs is Cancer, and those born between June 21st and July 22nd are often under its influence. Cancer can appear gruff and grumpy, but this is often a defense mechanism, protecting a more vulnerable heart. Though the personality of Cancer is often discussed in astrology, often the details that go into determining this personality are ignored.

The Cancer Personality

There are many factors that must be taken into account when determining the personality profile for anyone born under a specific sign. In regards to the sign of Cancer, these factors come together to describe someone who is loyal, sensitive, and imaginative.

Cancer is a cardinal, feminine water sign. Feminine signs are inwardly directed and strong through inner reserves. Cardinal signs are enterprising and initiators of the world. Those born under a water sign are emotional and intuitive. All this comes together to indicate a person who might be sensitive and kind, often conceiving of great ideas, but rarely seeing them to fruition.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon. The Moon reigns over emotions and intuition, and is connected to the subconscious mind. Those born under a sign ruled by the Moon may be shrewd and canny, often seeing into the heart of complex situations.

The primary symbol of Cancer is the Crab. The Crab is cautious, possessing an impenetrable shell that protects the vulnerable flesh underneath. When threatened, the Crab retreats into its shell, keeping itself safe. The glyph (written symbol) of Cancer represents the claws of the Crab. Those ruled by the sign of Cancer may have a desire to store memories and possessions, sometimes at the expense of friends and family.

The Correspondences of Cancer

Each sign rules a particular part of the body. Cancer rules the breasts and stomach. People born under the sign of Cancer may enjoy eating and have to work against becoming overweight, especially in their later years. They may also be prone to digestive ailments caused by tension or stress.

Monday is considered to be a lucky day for Cancer, as are the numbers three and seven. Pearls are associated with this sign, and are said to transform the good into bad and create harmony from chaos. They are also thought to bring support from influential people.

Some other correspondences of the sign of Cancer are:
  • Silver and sea green, the colors of the moon and water;
  • Cities such as Algiers, Amsterdam, New York City, and Venice;
  • Countries such as Holland, New Zealand, and Scotland;
  • Trees which are rich in sap;
  • Flowers such as acanthus and larkspur;
  • Silver; and
  • Animals covered by shells, such as crabs and snails.
Many of the details of Cancer are associated with water and emotion. Those born under the sign of Cancer may be susceptible to accidents in the home. They may also be prone to being the victims of theft. For the most part, however, Cancer is a cautious and careful sign.

Weekly Astrological Horoscopes: February 25th to March 2nd 2012

Aries 

A situation will crop up this week that just seems beyond your grasp. Look again, and try to keep an open mind. There are bits and pieces to this situation that you haven’t noticed yet. Details may be subtle and likely to escape you if you’re not paying attention. Don’t take anything at face value.

Taurus

Your desire to be a part of the group isn’t a bad thing, but beware of being unduly influenced this week. Don’t let yourself get talked into doing something you really don’t want to do. If your instincts warn you off, listen to them. Someone has an ulterior motive that is contrary to your own best interests.

Gemini

You’ll need respect in the workplace if you’re going to get ahead. Determination and confidence will go a long way to getting you the respect you need, but remember that respect is earned, not bestowed. You can’t make people respect you, but if you take the lead and show good judgment, the people you need will come around.

Cancer

A typical Cancer often feels the need to be in control of themselves. This week, however, you might be tempted to control others, or at least try to. It won’t work, and will likely backfire. Instead of trying to control the world around you, focus on your reactions to the situations you face this week.

Leo

If you need to get emotional, this is the time to do it. Don’t worry so much about being in control and hiding your inner turmoil from others. It’s okay to lean on the shoulders of friend and family when you need to. Everyone needs a little help now and then, even the fiery and powerful Leo. Don’t be ashamed to ask for it.

Virgo

Your natural magnetism gets a boost this week as the planets move to help you get what you need. Don’t hesitate to grasp the opportunities that float your way, for they may not come again. Your feisty nature will attract those who can help you toward your goals, so don’t blow people off, especially when you might need them in the immediate future.

Libra

Physically, you’ll be ready to run this week. Your energy is up, your desire to get something done is high, and the opportunity to accomplish a powerful goal is ready to present itself. But in order to take advantage of all this, you’ll need to be open minded and ready to accept new ideas.

Scorpio

Pluto, as your ruling planet, is getting ready to change your life in a big and positive way, but if you’re not careful, you’ll miss the chance. It’s time to come out of your shell and take a risk now and then. Get involved in the world around you and Pluto can help you to really shine.

Sagittarius

Roaming is your nature, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see the benefits of staying put once in a while. Your instincts might encourage you to do just that, and your instincts are rarely wrong. Stay close to home and remember the value of family and friends. You’re going to need their support very soon.

Capricorn

Your life starts moving quickly, but you’re ready to shine. Greet new situations with zeal and you’ll find that things move along right in line with your goals and desires. But back away due to fear or nervousness and you’ll miss out on something big. Don’t let others hold you back and stop you from pursuing your dreams.

Aquarius

If you’ve been working hard toward a special goal or desire, things can start to pay off now. This pay off might be in the form of cash, but as is typical of Aquarius, money wasn’t necessarily the primary goal. Your focus might start to shift to another project, so let your creative mind flow. Don’t listen to your detractors. Follow your heart and it won’t lead you astray.

Pisces

Everything’s lining up to help you move forward with your life, but only if help yourself first. Stop looking to everyone else to make you happy and search within. The key to accomplishing your goals and finding happiness lies inside yourself. Until you respect yourself enough to believe that you can achieve your dreams, you’ll never even get close.

Friday, February 17, 2012

The Astrological Sun Signs: The Personality of Cancer

Those born between June 21st and July 22nd are born under the sign of Cancer, the fourth of the sun signs. This sign symbolizes loyalty and sensitivity. Cancer is the sign of the Crab, and individuals with this trait often express the words, “I feel.”

True astrology is much more than interpreting sun signs. To create an accurate birth chart, factors such as moon sign, aspects, and houses must also be considered.

The Character of Cancer

Cancer is a truly complicated sign, and those born under its influence can be difficult to understand. If you are a Cancer, you may change faces faster than those around you can appreciate. You may be gentle, patient, sympathetic, and kind one moment, then cranky, snappish, and perhaps indifferent the next. You’ll be helpful and solicitous before breakfast, then start complaining and wallowing in self-pity not fifteen minutes later.

The sign of Cancer is like the shifting tides of the ocean. Beneath the surface, powerful forces are at work. Many born under this sign offer no clue to the inner workings of their own minds, building up elaborate defenses to hide their deep feelings and extreme sensitivity.

If you were born under the sign of Cancer, it is likely that you desperately seek approval, and resist needing this approval all at the same time. When you do get the approval you need, however, you will often give your undying loyalty to those who made you feel secure and loved. Once someone has gained your loyalty, it is unlikely that anything will change your positive opinion of that person. Cancerians tend to develop a blind spot particularly to those who have earned their love.

As a Cancer, you tend to guard your secrets well. While others may pour out their hearts to you, you might only rarely do the same. If offended, you are likely to pout instead of retaliating. If often works, as those closest to you cannot stand to see you upset.

The Sign of Cancer and Its Relationship With Others

Though you likely present a tough outer shell to the world, inside you have a heart of gold. When someone asks for a favor, you may initially say ‘No,’ but this answer will usually become a ‘Yes’ in short order.

You are likely highly possessive, and this can sometime alienate you from others. Anyone who becomes a part of your life may never be completely free of you. Your need to stay in contact with classmates, coworkers, friends, and family could easily turn into obsession. Those who do leave your life likely do so against your will, and once they’ve gone, you never really forget them.

You are most probably difficult to deceive. Others usually know this, and don’t bother trying. When someone does attempt to deceive you, you are likely to take great offense. You may desire to retaliate, but you are too much like the Crab to do this directly. Instead of approaching the issue directly, you probably prefer to sidestep the issue, possibly for long periods of time. You may be discreet, and you may take your time, but you almost always accomplish your goals in the end.

In business, you may be unexpectedly shrewd. If you can master your shyness and turbulent emotions, you might find that your heightened intellect can take you quite far. Your natural sensitivity may be channeled into an instinct for business that often leaves colleagues in awe. The classic Cancer can achieve anything he or she desires, and this is especially true in regards to business endeavors.

Cancer is a combination of sensitivity, kindness, and intuition. Those born under this sign may be crust on the outside, but only to hide a more vulnerable nature. The correspondences of Cancer are a power influence on this sign, contributing to the gentle kindness that is Cancer.

Weekly Astrological Horoscopes: February 18th to February 24th 2012

Aries

January may have been a rather slow month for you. It may have seemed as if any intentions you had or projects you launched simply didn’t get off the ground. This week, however, these things may start to gather momentum. The glitches and slight irritations of last week might begin to fade, giving you a new confidence in yourself. You might also have the sudden desire to change your look, perhaps with a haircut or a makeover. After the previous week, it may not be such a bad idea to give in to this desire.

Taurus

As spring slowly comes closer and the Sun heightens in power, you might feel a surge of vitality. This may give you the desire to reassess your love life, but proceed with caution. This may not be the best time to make any changes. If you do, make sure you approach the situation with your customary pragmatism.

Gemini

Ruled by Mercury, you may have felt its effects in the past weeks. Now, however, things start to change. This may open doors that have been recently closed. It also means that the mistakes and miscommunication that you may have experienced should be passing. If these mistakes lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings, take the time to correct those things. Gemini may also wish to search for guidance during this week, perhaps from a colleague at work.

Cancer

For Cancer, this might be a week of clarification. If you’ve been waiting for a key piece of information or news, it may reveal itself this week. It also could be the time to start a new venture. This might be the beginnings of a new business, especially one started with a friend, or it might be a new love affair. Whatever it is, it is quite possible that this venture will be incredibly successful, even if it doesn’t seem so at first.

Leo

The Sun always has a powerful influence on a true Leo, and now this is especially telling. This could be the week to dust off your résumé or CV and tweak it in the hopes of gaining a new job. You might consider using this week to shine, to show others the unique qualities and skills you have to offer. If you’re lucky, you’ll find you’re much in demand in a good way.

Virgo

For Virgo, this could be a very positive week. You may find that financially you are better off than expected. Perhaps you receive unexpected money from a variety of sources, such as an inheritance, bonus, or even a payment due to you that you had forgotten about. Traveling can also prove beneficial, so if you feel the urge to visit family and friends, consider following it. You may also decide to take off to some unknown local for the week, and this isn’t necessarily a bad idea.

Libra

Though you may have to face disapproval from someone close to you, this week is generally bright. You might find that you are more optimistic than you have been in weeks and that you feel the need to complete old projects and start new ones. It’s also possible that you’ll be able to communicate your thoughts and feelings with greater clarity, so take advantage of this.

Scorpio

You may have found it difficult to fulfill all your obligations and live up to all your responsibilities recently. This week might be a time to step back from these things, if only temporarily. Try attempting to reconnect with anyone you might have ignored lately. It might be worth your while.

Sagittarius

You may find yourself tempted to satisfy your each and every whim. It may become important to resist temptation this week. Fortunately, the Sun’s steadying influence can help you to do this; consider using its bright energy to focus on a healthy balance between work and play. While you’re at it, you might discover something that you had thought lost.

Capricorn

This is the week for Capricorn to gain support. If you have been having difficulty getting anyone to agree with you, put your argument together in a logical fashion and people might just come around to your way of thinking. This may be especially true at home, so having friends and family over for dinner might work in your favor this week.

Aquarius

This week looks to be one of progress for the creative Aquarius. Projects that you’ve wanted to complete may get done with exceptional speed, and you will probably want to start something new in many areas of your life. You may choose to start a new romance, upgrade your computer, put new floors in the bathroom, or simply have a new idea.

Pisces

While there are many weeks where Pisces can mix business with pleasure, this isn’t one of them. Financially, this week may be good to you, and you may even make good career decisions, but be prepared to have a friend or two envy your success. Try to keep some distance between your friends and your career.