Crabs live in the inter-tidal zone of the oceans, where tides rise and fall twice every day. This is the most dynamic and changeful place on earth, but also the most nutrient rich. Because of the constant change, Crabs have developed a hard outer shell for protection. You Crabs can use the hard outer shell of your home as your protection. But it's more than just that. Typically, your sensitive Crabs can hold your feelings quietly behind your own walls.

Crabs also have large pinching claws, and your Cancerians can hold onto things, especially from the past. You are fiercely loyal and have a difficult time letting go. But you are also quick to bring those you love inside the safety of your outer shell while you nurture them. Your love is protective, but unless tempered, can be smothering.

Your motto could be, "A good defense is the best offense." Like a Crab in its cave, your attack can consist of baiting your opponent into your territory. What appears to be a retreat to others can be your best aggressive tactic. As you feel your way through life, building your security by developing your home and family relationships, remember that unexpressed anger can turn into resentment and depression, so find someone you can trust and share your feelings.

Element: Water

Astrologically, the water element symbolizes emotion. Water runs deep; it seeks its own level and will flow until it has found it. The cycle of water is endless with the snows falling in the mountains and melting. The mountain streams join to make the great rivers that run to the sea. The tides and currents churn the oceans. Similarly, our feelings are flowing as they connect the present with past experiences. Sometimes the waters are so deep that we cannot put words to our feelings.

The water of Cancer is that of the changing tides. Regular rhythms that bring food and nurture the creatures who live there. But this is also about the water of a smoothly surfaced lake. No movement is apparent, yet beneath the surface there is movement, currents and much hidden activity.

House: Fourth

The Fourth House is related to the mother. It is where we are nurtured, and takes in not only our real mother, but all those who nurture us -- especially early in life. This is the house of childhood surroundings. It is where we retreat from the noise of the outer world.

Key Planet: Moon

The Moon is always changing, not even the same two nights in a row. It races around the Earth once a "month," and as such we are familiar with her regularly repeating patterns. Women's menstrual cycles are naturally tied to the lunar rhythm, putting them in closer touch with the subconscious realms of the Moon. But to man and woman alike, the Moon is the key to our feelings and our emotional cycles. As the key planet of Cancer, the Moon symbolizes our basic needs -- how we need to be nurtured and how we nurture others.

Greatest Strength:

Your ability to nurture others

Possible Weakness:

Fear of the past repeating in the future

Emotional Exploration

A fresh wind hits the sails of your relationships on January 5 when buoyant Jupiter enters airy Aquarius and sets up shop for a year in your 8th House of Intimacy. Exposure to different people and unique ways to dig deeper can stretch your ideas about sharing while encouraging experimentation.

Every Full Moon raises emotional tides, but the one on January 10 is in your sign, making it even more dramatic and heartfelt. You may find your insecurities exaggerated when you interpret small slights as major insults. Fortunately, inventive Uranus forms a brilliant trine to the Full Moon from your 9th House of Higher Truth, enlightening you with an original perspective or an unexpected opportunity to break free from old habits and attitudes. If crisis arises, stay cool and step out of character to find a surpris Continue >