By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
A Symbol of Emotions, Depth, and Protection

Cancer sign is the fourth sign in astrology and reflects the depth of mind, emotions, affection and inner happiness. Just as waves of the ocean may remain calm and then suddenly become intense, in the same way the mind of Cancer sign keeps moving through very subtle and sensitive waves. Whenever there is a need to know which planet rules Cancer, which body parts and nakshatras are linked with Cancer or what the life philosophy of this sign is, this complete Cancer astrological data works like a guide. By understanding this data a person can recognise emotional nature, bond with family and inner need for protection in a clearer way.
The first identity of Cancer sign is its extreme sensitivity. Natives of Cancer often understand emotions of others even when nothing is spoken. Many times when a person says nothing in front of them they still sense a hint of hidden pain or joy. This strong sixth sense makes them very different.
The second deep layer of their nature is motherly affection and care. People of Cancer sign remain ready to do a lot for their own people. Family, children, elders and close friends all find a very soft space in their heart. A nurturing energy lives in their nature which inspires them to offer emotional shelter to others.
The third trait is fluctuation of mood. Just as Chandra wanes and waxes, the mood of Cancer can also change quickly. Sometimes very enthusiastic then quiet or sad after a short while. If people around them understand this, relationships become smoother because this change is more a natural expression of lunar influence than a weakness.
The fourth point is their sense of security. Natives of Cancer keep deep attachment with home, family and their private world. They do not open up quickly before unknown people. It takes time for them to show their true inner form. From within they wish that their dear ones remain safe and the atmosphere of home stay stable.
The fifth special feature is their memory. People of this sign preserve old events, memories and traditions carefully. For them the past is not only an old story. It becomes a base to understand the present. Old pictures, gifts and experiences turn into sources of emotional strength in their life.
Cancer sign carries a kind of magnetic attraction. Many times they themselves do not understand why people are drawn towards them so easily, yet softness of their nature and inner wish to give protection pulls people unknowingly. People begin to call them their own even if they are not very talkative from outside.
On Cancer natives the effect of Chandra is very clearly visible. Around full moon and new moon there can be strong changes in behaviour and mood. Near full moon they may appear more happy, emotional and active, while around new moon they may feel quiet, inward or sad. This effect is directly linked with the ruling planet Chandra.
Their personality also shows a tendency of collecting and preserving. They may like to keep old letters, receipts, small objects, tokens and memories. For them the past is preserved not only in objects but also in feelings attached with each incident.
The Sanskrit name of this sign is Karka or Karkata, which means crab. The crab is known for its walk near the ocean shore, for protection and for its strong grip. The symbol of Cancer sign is the crab which stands for protective nature and the tendency to hold strongly. When this sign catches something in mind whether it is a person or a thought, it is not easy for them to let it go.
In the sequence of signs Cancer is the fourth sign. It is associated with mother, comfort and property. Home, land, vehicles, domestic happiness and mental peace all fall within the field of Cancer sign. Therefore many natives of Cancer move ahead in life keeping home and family at the centre.
Cancer sign is regarded as the fourth sign of the zodiac circle. Where Gemini is the sign of intellect and communication, Cancer is the sign of mind, feelings, affection and comfort. In the kalapurusha kundali it occupies the place of heart, so this sign wishes to give not only outer safety but also inner emotional security.
As the fourth house Cancer sign represents chest, lungs, heart and feelings. Waves of emotion that flow with the beating of the heart belong to this sign. Atmosphere of home, love of mother and memories of early childhood hold very deep meaning for Cancer sign.
The ruling planet of Cancer sign is Chandra. Chandra is regarded as significator of mind, emotions and coolness. Therefore small waves rise quickly in the mind of Cancer natives. Sensitivity is high, yet this sensitivity also makes them kind and compassionate towards others.
The presiding deities are Shiva and Parvati. This combination shows a wonderful balance of completeness, family life, austerity and softness. In Cancer sign one can see both sacrifice and strong loyalty towards family and duties.
By element Cancer belongs to jala tattva, the water element. It expresses flow of emotion and sensitivity. Just as water changes its form according to the vessel, natives of Cancer try to mould themselves according to their loved ones. Like water their mind remains full of depth and waves.
By nature this is a movable sign. Because of this there can be constant rise and fall in their emotions. A person of Cancer may appear calm from outside while inside passes through many layers of feeling. This movement keeps them alive from within.
By guna Cancer is a satvic sign. Satva guna is related with purity, kindness and peace. Such people try more to understand and support rather than to hurt. A feeling of goodness lives naturally in their heart.
By gender Cancer is considered feminine. It carries receptive, nourishing and soft energy. By caste it is described as brahmana like. Interest in knowledge, quiet nature and sacred activities can appear in their tendencies.
In direction Cancer is linked with the north. This direction also indicates stability, guidance and development of the inner mind.
Cancer sign governs chest, breasts, upper parts of lungs, diaphragm and stomach, that is, digestive system. Rhythm of breath, expansion of chest and softness of stomach all come under the influence of Cancer.
In nature of dosha this sign is kapha dominant. Kapha represents fluidity, moisture and coolness in the body. Therefore at times natives of Cancer need to pay attention to cold, cough, mucus and problems of digestion.
| Classification | Description |
|---|---|
| Ruling planet | Chandra |
| Presiding deities | Shiva, Parvati |
| Element | Jala |
| Nature | Movable |
| Guna | Satvic |
| Gender | Feminine |
| Caste | Similar to brahmana |
| Direction | North |
| Body parts | Chest, breasts, lungs, diaphragm, stomach |
| Nature | Kapha dosha |
The rising type of Cancer is prishtodaya. This means that this sign rises from the back. It suggests that influence of Cancer natives appears slowly. In the beginning they may look reserved or quiet, but with time their true emotional depth becomes visible.
In strength period Cancer is strong at night. At night this sign is considered very powerful. Loneliness, calmness and moonlit nights can make the mind of Cancer more active. Many of their deep thoughts take shape during night.
In the category of vashya Cancer belongs to jalachara. Jalachara are beings of water. This also points to the nature of Cancer which gains strength while swimming in the ocean of feeling. The sideways walk of the crab symbolises this watery tendency.
By height natives of Cancer are usually short or medium and the body may look a little full. It does not mean that everyone will look the same, but as a general tendency this description is seen.
In sound classification Cancer is bahu shabda. It means this sign has the ability to express emotions in many ways. Sometimes softly sometimes strongly, yet always according to the situation.
In category of living beings Cancer is a multi footed sign. Like the crab which has many legs, this energy can spread sensitivity in many directions at once. In reproductive capacity this sign is called fruitful, that is, very fertile. It holds strong capacity for creation and growth.
Cancer sign stretches from ninety degrees to one hundred twenty degrees. This is the part of the sky where water element and emotion are fully active. Its colour is white or light red. White is symbol of purity and peace, while light red expresses gentle warmth and softness of love.
The exalted planet in Cancer is Guru. Exaltation of Guru increases wisdom, compassion and protective feeling. The debilitated planet here is Mangal. Debility of Mangal can sometimes disturb balance of courage and anger, so maintaining calmness is important for Cancer natives.
Cancer sign is also mooltrikona sign of Chandra. From zero degree to ten degrees of Cancer lies the mooltrikona zone of Chandra. Here Chandra, with full natural strength, tries to keep mind and feeling balanced.
Friend planets of Cancer are Surya, Mangal and Guru. Surya supports self confidence, Mangal gives courage and Guru grants wisdom. Enemy planets are Shukra and Budha. The neutral planet is Shani, who is neither complete enemy nor complete friend.
| Astronomical factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Span | Ninety degrees to one hundred twenty degrees |
| Colour | White, light red |
| Exalted planet | Guru |
| Debilitated planet | Mangal |
| Mooltrikona | Chandra from zero degrees to ten degrees |
| Friend planets | Surya, Mangal, Guru |
| Enemy planets | Shukra, Budha |
| Neutral planet | Shani |
Cancer sign is divided among three nakshatras. One pada of Punarvasu, all four padas of Pushya and all four padas of Ashlesha lie inside Cancer. Punarvasu relates to fresh beginning, hope and feeling of safety. Pushya is regarded as highly auspicious and symbolises nourishment, dharma and stability. Ashlesha is linked with grip, depth and secret mental processes.
Name letters of Cancer sign are hi, hu, he, ho, da, di, du, de, do. Names beginning with these letters strengthen the feelings connected with Cancer nakshatras. Many families choose first letter of name according to birth nakshatra.
The lords of these nakshatras are Guru for Punarvasu, Shani for Pushya and Budha for Ashlesha. The total number of padas is nine which shows diverse energies spread inside Cancer sign.
In the body of kalapurusha Cancer sign represents heart, chest and lungs. For people whose charts have strong Cancer influence, emotional reactions often show through the chest region. Emotional strain can sometimes appear as heaviness in chest or change in breathing rhythm.
Sensitive factors are kapha, cold, digestive troubles and mental strain. Cold food, irregular diet or very heavy emotional load can cause challenges for Cancer natives. Soft digestive system encourages them to prefer clean and light food.
By nature they often see dreams connected with water, sea, ancestors and family. Childhood home, old relations or scenes of water may appear repeatedly in their dream world which is part of emotional memory of Cancer sign.
In physical appearance natives of Cancer often have round face, bright eyes and soft skin. Such a face expresses feelings easily and the eyes carry deep sensitivity.
Cancer sign aspects Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus. It can colour matters related to children, deep change and gains or friendships. Emotional tone of Cancer adds a special shade to these areas.
The life philosophy of Cancer sign is “Main mehsoos karta hoon”, that is, “I feel”. In this approach feeling holds more importance than dry logic. People of this sign look at life not only through the brain but also through the heart. Whenever any situation arises, the first question is how it will touch the mind of self and loved ones.
As dwelling places Cancer sign is linked with lakes, river banks, wells and fertile land. Sitting near water, watching flowing streams or spending time in green fertile surroundings gives them peace. If such an environment exists around their home, natives of Cancer feel more safe and balanced.
The benefic planet for Cancer is Mangal. When Mangal works in right direction it gives courage, strength of protection and power to act. Malefic planets are Budha and Shukra, which may bring challenges especially when balance between mind and reasoning or between feeling and pleasure becomes disturbed. For Cancer the obstructing house is the eleventh house and its lord Shukra acts as obstacle, which may sometimes show delay in fulfilment of desires, group gains or friendships.
The sound of Cancer sign is “sha”. This sound is considered to bring calmness to the mind. In hymns, prayers and recitation the use of sha can be especially soothing for those of Cancer nature.
In special names Cancer is called kulira, meaning crab, char jala, meaning flowing water, saumya and satvic. Like moving water this sign looks steady on the surface yet inside remains continuously in motion. Being gentle and satvic, natives of Cancer do not like to play with feelings of others.
In the view of Ayurveda Cancer sign is especially connected with kapha dosha. Kapha symbolises fluids, moisture and coolness. Therefore warm water, simple food and emotional balance become very helpful for health of these natives.
The auspicious gemstone for Cancer sign is motī, the pearl. Pearl belongs to Chandra and is believed to give coolness to the mind, emotional stability and sense of safety. The auspicious metal is silver, which is also related with lunar energy.
The favourable numbers for Cancer sign are 2, 7 and 9. Favourable colours are white, silver like and light blue. Suitable offerings for charity include milk, rice, sugar, white clothes, silver and white flowers, which are considered beneficial when given with sincere intent.
The environment of Cancer sign always searches for peace within home. They love a quiet corner of the house, picture collections full of old memories and a gift given by some dear person. Comfortable bed, soft cushions and a loving atmosphere can feel sacred to them.
The company of water is very important for them. A river, pond, lake or gentle rainy weather can bring deep peace to their mind. Sound of the sea or of falling drops slowly washes away inner strain.
Natives of Cancer equally need privacy and solitude. A place away from loud noise where they feel safe and can think freely is very precious. Instead of unknown crowd they prefer staying among their close ones.
For them a home with soft and cool atmosphere is ideal. Gentle light, white or light coloured decoration, calm music and an orderly room can stabilise the restless mind. They try to make their home not just a place to live but a space of emotional refuge.
It is often said that natives of Cancer carry an invisible inner radar. Their intuition is very strong. They sense approaching situations beforehand. At times they just feel a subtle sign within and later the same event appears in reality.
Another special trait of Cancer is their unshakeable grip. Because the symbol is the crab, once they hold a thought, a person or a memory, letting go becomes almost impossible. If this grip remains attached to the right direction it can bring great stability, though if it holds tight to old sorrows and fears it can exhaust them from inside.
The direct impact of Chandra remains throughout. With changing phases of Chandra their mood and level of energy go up and down. During bright fortnight hope and activity may increase, while in dark fortnight self reflection and introversion may grow. Around full moon they can appear most emotional and most active.
Another important aspect of Cancer sign is its protective shell. From outside they may look firm, rough or quiet, yet this is only a covering created to protect their soft mind. When they feel sure that the other person will honour their feelings, this covering slowly begins to open.
As the sign of the fourth house in kalapurusha, the main purpose of life for Cancer many times becomes to provide mental peace and safety to others. They wish to create such an atmosphere for family, friends and close ones where everyone feels safe, accepted and understood.
Common questions about Cancer sign
Which planet is the ruler of Cancer sign?
The ruler of Cancer sign is Chandra, who is significator of mind, emotions and coolness.
Which body parts are represented by Cancer sign?
Cancer represents chest, breasts, lungs, diaphragm and stomach and makes these organs more sensitive.
Which nakshatras and name letters belong to Cancer sign?
One pada of Punarvasu, four padas of Pushya and four padas of Ashlesha lie in Cancer and the name letters hi, hu, he, ho, da, di, du, de, do are used.
Which gemstone, colours and numbers are auspicious for Cancer sign?
Pearl as gemstone, white, silver like and light blue as colours and the numbers 2, 7 and 9 are auspicious for Cancer sign.
What is the life philosophy of Cancer sign?
The life philosophy of Cancer sign is “Main mehsoos karta hoon”, where decisions and relationships are shaped more by heart and feelings than by reasoning alone.
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