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 can. There is no paradox in 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 must not regard that 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 often have a highly idealistic outlook. They invariably think on a grand scale, in both time and space. There is a strong tendency towards a poetic or romantic view of the world. They see life as a kind of knightly quest, a wandering journey. They regard themselves as pilgrims of a sort, or guardians of some grail. Some are inclined to present themselves as prophets, even when they are nothing of the kind. Cancer may be said to overlook the practical details of life. Moreover, this quality often gives rise to extreme egotism and conceit. Self-aggrandisement, or an exaggerated sense of the importance of their role, becomes almost habitual, often leading to contempt or a lack of consideration for others. This is a fault against which they should always be on their guard.
Cancer is the sign most emphatically associated with memory, and those born under it dwell intensely in the past, with 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 magnified and idealised. Worship of the past tends to distort the picture, leaving little sense of its true worth or significance. They often ignore anything that does not serve their purpose. Thus, although they may be devoted to history, they make the worst historians. Their romantic temperament can nevertheless make them highly inspiring teachers or guides. People like to have things presented in a somewhat rosy light. Cancer rarely possesses a powerful intellect. It lives too much through feeling and emotion. It may be highly developed spiritually, yet seldom frees itself from ethical implications. It is bound by convention—not by the conventions of its immediate surroundings, but by those of whatever historical period commands its admiration. It is therefore very often superstitious in the true sense of the word. These people are emotionally very sensitive. Ridicule will not stop them in their activities, but they will take the wound very personally. There is a marked tendency towards a kind of martyrdom, and Cancer seems to take pleasure in its own misfortunes. They are also deferential towards authority and antiquity, and feel compelled to defend themselves by magnifying their own Personality. Moreover, they are always ready 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 through reflected impressions. Their conservatism is nearly complete, yet they offer scarcely any resistance to change once the necessary impression has been made. This type is neither imaginative nor prone to the romantic illusions of the active type. Sentimentality takes the place of those qualities. There is very little depth of feeling; the most affectionate woman may be scarcely troubled by her husband's death. She accepts the new situation with perfect composure and will probably remarry within a year, without 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.
There is very little moral stamina in these people; many streetwalkers belong to this type, yet it is exceedingly rare to find a courtesan with the passive form of this sign on the Ascendant. They are never truly wicked, any more than they are good. They simply accept things without forethought or plan. They never create; there is no initiative in them. Although they appear thoroughly domestic 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 are not particularly enthusiastic about the idea, feeling that it may interfere with their activities. The passive types welcome marriage as a source of security, and remain in it for the same reason. They are not especially faithful by nature, but prefer fidelity to any disturbance of their domestic life.
In love, the active types are persistent, steadfast and inclined to self-sacrifice, 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 kind of mother. The child is cherished and cosseted, and indulged in every possible way, but as soon as it commits some first offence that irritates the mother, unreasonable punishment follows.
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.
