Strengths

The primary Cancer strengths can be found in their kind, giving, and sympathetic natures. Always
ready to host, and set a table, they can be counted on to feed and care for friends, family, and any
weary traveler that stays in their home. With strong empathic powers and talents for healing, Cancer
natives can sense what others need, often long before they have articulated it themselves.

The famous sideways walk of the Crab can be observed in the cautious way a Cancer native enters a
space or social gathering. They tend to come in quietly, carefully surveying their surroundings,
before they open and reveal their whole selves. This protective instinct makes Cancerians good at
reading the emotional tone in a room, helping them anticipate danger or crisis early.

There is always something familiar about those born under the sign of the Crab, and those with this
sign rising, especially, give people the uncanny feeling they have met them before. This quality has
roots in this archetype’s connection to nurturing and building a home, often making people instantly
feel at home with them.

The ease, familiarity, and trust they inspire allow those who meet them to open up in quickly, saying
to the Cancerian “I feel like I could tell anything” or “It’s like I’ve known you my whole life.” This
uncanny quality serves the Crab natives well in their roles and professions, which usually have some
healing or nurturing aspect to them. Cancer natives are usually steadfast and loyal, and once you
have been accepted into their hearts, and inner circle, they will be your friend for life.

No matter what gender Cancerians identify with, they often have a strong matriarchal presence in
their homes, communities, and workplaces. Cancer natives have great sympathy for the underdog
and the downtrodden, and though usually quiet and peaceable, their claws come out when
protecting the vulnerable. They are also vigilant about protecting themselves, learning the
importance of strong emotional and energetic boundaries from a young age.

Weaknesses

Some potential weaknesses in the Cancer archetype are rooted in their great strengths. Though they
love creating a comfortable home, they can become so emotionally and sentimentally connected to
their space and their belongings, that it’s hard to let go and make changes when needed. Their
natural giving tendencies, if unbalanced, can cause natives from this sign to over-identify with being
needed. They could be vulnerable to projecting their neediness onto others, by enabling
codependent relationships.

Cancerian emotional instincts can be protective, and helpful, but can also become overactive if they
are not feeling healthy and grounded. This could lead them to become fearful, reclusive, and hyper-
vigilant when exploring the outer world. Gentle Cancer naturally inspires trust in others; however,
this can be taken advantage of, causing those born under the sign of the Crab to get caught doing
too much emotional labor, and stuck holding other’s emotional baggage.

Like all water signs, Cancer is vulnerable to absorbing toxic energies, so if they are in healing or
counseling work of some kind, they need to have cleansing practices. Breathing exercises, saunas,
smudging, and protective aura visualizations are all ways the Cancer native can maintain a “psychic
shell” to keep their energy clear.

Family, be that chosen or biological, are all important to Cancer, yet these natives need to beware of
a tendency to be clannish, exclusive, and slow to trust outsiders. There may be good reasons for this
caution, but it is still important for Cancer natives to keep this reflex in check so that they don’t hurt,
reject, or alienate anyone who is feeling vulnerable.

The strong matriarchal tendencies of this archetype are a powerful asset but can be overdone,
showing up in bossy, smothering, and even manipulative tendencies if the Cancer native is trying too
hard to control their environment.

With the moon’s connection to the brain, Cancerians are famous for their long memories, making
them prone to holding grudges. Others will feel the pinch of reactive, and sometimes hurtful words if
they cross the Crab.

Shy and sensitive Cancer children will be well-nurtured if they are allowed to come out of their shells
on their own time.