Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is all about home. The mascot of Cancer is the Crab, and much like this shelled little critter, Cancers are quick to retreat into their shells if it suits their mood. Cancers are ruled by the Moon -- the Great Mother of the heavens in ancient times. Here on Earth, this is manifested in the Crab's maternal instincts and desire to protect home and hearth. The element associated with Cancer is Water. Like the rolling waves of the sea, the Crab's emotions can make quite a splash.

The Cancer-born are quite complex individuals, but fundamentally, they are conservative and home-loving people. They love to be in familiar surroundings and nurture their relationships. Although they may appear cold and detached, the Cancer is quite emotional people. They empathies with others and love to take care of them. They can be so over-sensitive that they tend to harbor imaginary hurts and setbacks. This can create highly unsettling conditions for them.

Cancer is also associated with memories. This is another significance of the constellation rising backwards. People born under this sign will have a keen interest in history, personal genealogy and a desire to protect customs and kin. 

People born under this sign are wavering souls who have more than fair share of mood swings. Affected by the lunar cycle of the moon cancer sign fluctuates between emotional highs and lows. Like the fluidity of water which gives it no shape, emotions of Cancerians run astray and might catch them and people around them off guard. 

Cancerians are true friends. If you trust them, they will be the friends, whom you can depend upon. As mentioned earlier, Cancerians love their family and friends. Any one can trust them blindly, be it with any responsibility or dependability. Cancer individuals are trustworthy and understanding. For the most part they do not take the lead -- but rather are the creative genius behind the scenes which makes it all possible. Cancers are sometimes entrepreneurial, especially in areas of business which require original thinking or ideas.

Cancerians are loyal lovers. They know how to respond with love to others. They are passionate lovers and they return nothing but love for their close ones. They are so lovable that it is literary difficult to avoid them. The Cancer’s first love is its home and family. They love to nurture those around them. No sacrifice is too large to ensure their home is secure and their loved ones are safe and happy. They are very kind and sharing. Cancers are also very moody, and often retreat into themselves to regenerate, or sometimes sulk. 

The Cancer male is super sensitive, and often grows up shy. How open he is depends on whether he's learned that it's ok to trust others. The older Cancer wears a protective shell, and often appears aloof. But inside, he's still that same softy with the big heart. It can be difficult to pick out a Cancer man from a first impression. He may be nervous and fickle one minute, then extremely confident the next. These mood shifts are influenced by the lunar phases of the moon.

A Cancerian woman has mood swings every now and then and these are only a few of her mood swings. However, her basic personality traits remain the same. She is very sensitive, emotional, kind and caring. She is one of those people who do not crib about bad luck. She will get depressed and may shed a few tears alone, but she will be patient and wait for the time to change again, this time in her favor. Almost all the Cancerians have the desire of being pampered like a child, especially when they feel low.