As Cancer is a cardinal water sign, it represents the most active or fiery aspect of water: the quality that makes water a universal solvent, capable of destroying solid matter just as fire does. There is nothing paradoxical about speaking of the fiery aspect of water; in almost every case, dissolving a solid in water releases energy in the form of heat. When considering the active Cancer type, we must not forget that we are dealing with water, yet we should not regard this water as passive, easily moulded, incapable of resistance, quiet and contemplative. That expression of the element is more characteristic of Pisces. In Cancer, there are certain differences between the active and passive types, as we shall see.
These people’s outlook is very often idealistic. They invariably think on a grand scale, in both time and space, and have a strong tendency towards a poetic or romantic view of the world. They experience life as a knightly quest, a wandering journey. They see themselves as pilgrims of a kind, or as guardians of some grail. Some are inclined to present themselves as prophets, even when they are nothing of the sort. Cancer tends to overlook the practical details of life. Moreover, this quality often gives rise to extreme egotism and conceit. Self-aggrandisement, or an inflated sense of the importance of their role, becomes habitual, often leading to contempt or a lack of consideration for others. This is a failing they should always guard against.
Cancer is the foremost sign, or symbol, of memory. Those born under it dwell intensely in the past and have a deep love of everything that offers rest and peace. In the active types, however, these qualities take a different form: images of the past are glorified and idealised. This worship of the past tends to distort the picture, leaving little appreciation of its true value and significance. They often ignore anything that does not serve their purpose. Thus, devoted though they may be to history, they make the worst historians. Their romantic temperament can nevertheless make them highly inspiring teachers or guides. People like things to be presented in a somewhat rosy light.
Cancer rarely possesses a powerful intellect, living too much through feelings and emotions. These natives may be highly developed spiritually, yet seldom free themselves from ethical implications. They are bound by convention—not by the conventions of their own time and surroundings, but by those of whatever historical period commands their admiration. They are therefore very often superstitious in the true sense of the word.
Emotionally, they are very sensitive. Ridicule will not put an end to their activities, but they will take the hurt very personally. There is a pronounced tendency towards a kind of martyrdom, and Cancer seems to take pleasure in misfortune. These natives are also deferential towards authority and antiquity, and feel obliged to defend themselves by exalting their Personality. They are always willing to seek evidence through analogy or history, but will never employ modern scientific methods.
Despondency is the natural antithesis of vanity, and Cancer is therefore prone to periods of extreme depression.
The passive types almost always live a reflected life. Their conservatism is almost complete, yet they offer scarcely any resistance to change once the requisite impression has been made upon them. Unlike the active type, they are neither imaginative nor prone to romantic illusions. Sentimentality takes the place of these qualities. There is very little depth of feeling: the most tender-hearted woman may be scarcely troubled by her husband’s death. She accepts her new circumstances with perfect composure and will probably marry again within a year, without any particular enthusiasm or regret. Things are accepted as they are and as they come, not through a conscious adaptability to new circumstances, as with Gemini, but out of sheer laziness. The easiest path is the only path.
These people have very little moral fortitude. Many streetwalkers belong to this type, yet it is exceedingly rare to find a courtesan with this sign rising in its passive form. They are never truly wicked, any more than they are good. They simply accept, without forethought or plan. They never create; there is no initiative in them. Although they appear thoroughly domesticated and dependable, they should not be trusted.
In speech and writing, the general characteristics of both types hold true. There is a strong tendency to evoke a sense of antiquity.
The active types are inclined to marry out of consideration for others, but have little enthusiasm for the idea, feeling that it may interfere with their activities. The passive types welcome marriage for the security it offers, and remain in it for the same reason. They are not particularly faithful by nature, but prefer to accept fidelity rather than suffer any disturbance to their domestic life.
In love, the active types are persistent, steadfast and willing to make sacrifices, although their kindness and desire to please may leave them open to accusations of unreliability. The passive type is wholly receptive, sensual rather than passionate. These people adore children but have little patience with their mischief. This makes for a very poor type of mother. The child is cared for and indulged, and they are inclined to spoil it in every conceivable way; yet the first mistake that irritates the mother brings unreasonable punishment.
People born under this sign are often drawn to spiritualism and other psychic phenomena. There is, however, a serious danger that they may venture so deeply into otherworldly realms as to jeopardise their health and worldly success.