the 4th astrological sign: CANCER

The fourth sign of the zodiac is Cancer and it is represented by the crab. Appropriately enough, Cancerians can seem easygoing, sympathetic, and patient one minute, then cranky and irritable the next. Because of this ability to make a sudden change, Cancer is the least predictable of all signs. They are ruled by the moon and have water as their element, so their mood swings can be compared to the turbulence of the shifting tides. If they feel they need to, they will retreat to their own emotional shell to keep others out. However, Cancerians can be very sympathetic to others and readily show their affection. Cancerians are also very emotional and sensitive, which may be why they are so empathetic towards others.

Cancerians need a lot of attention due to their unpredictable character, but if you give them the support they need, they will offer you their undying loyalty and love. Once you have won their trust, nothing anyone else can say will sway them against you.

Sidesteppers
Just like a crab, Cancerians are often known for sidestepping. They rarely take the direct approach to what they want, but eventually they get what they are after. Cancerians are better judged by what they do and not what they say. When asked to help, their first response might be no, but in the end, they always come through. They can often be hard on the outside, but soft on the inside. The hard shell they show to the world is only there to protect themselves from being hurt.

Cancer is also the sign of home and family life. They seek out relationships and are happiest when with those they love because it gives them a sense of security.

Psychic
Cancerians are very intuitive, almost to the point of being psychic. They are able to spot even the smallest change in another's behaviour, so it is hard to deceive them. They are very insightful and most have a photographic memory. The combination of these two skills plus their excellent observation skills makes them very aware of the ulterior motives of others.

Weaknesses
Cancerians are often seen as moody, cranky, and unpredictable. Because of their sensitivity, they can be seen as overemotional and touchy, almost to the point of being clingy. They tend to be possessive of those they have allowed in their world. Cancerians can shut people out if they feel uncomfortable and "going into their shell" is seen as being introverted.

Cancerians may seem hard on the outside, but do not take that to heart. Once you get to know them, they can be very loving and insightful of your feelings. They love to be with family and their families love them despite their turbulent mood changes.

Cancer in Love
Whether you are a Cancer looking for love or a person in love with a Cancer, knowing what Cancers want and need from a relationship is very important. Certain signs are more compatible with other signs, but even the less compatible signs can work on their relationship if they know what the problem areas may be.

Cancer Women
A Cancer woman is a composite of many things. She can be flirtatious, passionate, and feminine. At the same time, she can be shy, sweet, and nurturing. If you are a man in love with a Cancerian woman, you should know that trust is very important to her. The water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) all value trust and therefore may be reluctant to give their hearts away easily. She will subtly let you know she is interested, so look for small clues or you may miss your opportunity to make a move. Once you win her love, you will find she is a true romantic and will show you total devotion. She loves to reminisce by pouring over old love letters, so make sure you send her plenty to keep her happy.

Cancer women are emotional and extremely vulnerable to both praise and criticism, so try to avoid criticising her. Praise will work wonders, but only if it is warranted. Cancerian women can tell whether a compliment is sincere or not. Try to show the Cancer woman your sensitive side as they themselves are very sensitive. Discuss problems that are troubling you and your Cancerian woman will open up to not only show you empathy but also offer genuinely constructive advice.

Cancer Men
Just like the Cancer woman, the Cancerian man also likes to take the sly route to romance. But, he is also inclined to fall in love quickly, as he too is a romantic. Whereas Cancerian women like to reminisce over love letters, the Cancer man would rather let his imagination run wild with scenes from the past or daydream about the future. Because Cancers are so sensitive, they are usually great communicators and love to talk about their feelings. He expects his woman to be faithful and may show signs of jealousy. One good woman is enough for him and when he finds her, he will focus all his affections on her. He is attentive and will probably be very generous with gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and wine.

Cancer men are happiest when they find women who want to share their dreams with them. While your Cancer man may be cautious about a commitment, also know that the longer he waits to make a commitment, the less likely he is to follow through with it. He may focus on a hurtful incident that happened some time back (as Cancers have great memories) and the emotions from that memory and lack of trust caused by it may prevent him from carrying the relationship further.

The Perfect Date
What is a good date for a Cancer? Tickets to the theatre, an art gallery, or some other type of cultural event are a great start. Cancers also love music, so a concert or opera is also an excellent choice. But don't rule out a romantic, candlelit dinner for two. Cancers also tend to be homebodies, so to suggest renting a video and getting takeout is also acceptable.

Regardless of what sign you are, you may be able to have a committed, loving relationship with a Cancer if you keep a few things in mind:
Cancers are one of the most sensitive signs
They are very loyal and seek the same from mates
They are very sentimental
They have great memories
They are very nurturing

Cancer in a Nutshell:
Cancer is a mysterious sign, filled with contradictions. They want security and comfort yet seek new adventure. They are very helpful to others yet sometimes can be cranky and indifferent. Cancer has a driving, forceful personality that can be easily hidden beneath a calm, and cool exterior. The crab is Cancer's ruling animal and it suits them well, they can come out of their shell and fight but they can also hide in their shell of skitter away back into the depths of the ocean. They are very unpredictable. With cancer, there is always something more that meets the eye, for they are always partially hidden behind the shell. They are a have a deep psyche and intuitive mind that is hidden from the world. Cancer is deeply sensitive and easily hurt, this might be why they have their defense shell in place, to avoids being hurt by others. They are nurturers so they surround themselves with people, whom after a while can offend or hurt a cancer without even knowing they did so, therefore Cancer's protective shell keeps them safe from hurt. They are complex, fragile, unpredictable and temperamental and need constant support and encouragement, more then any other astrology signs, Cancer needs to be needed. When cancer gets the support it needs, it has a tremendous amount to offer in return. When cancer gets offended, they tend to sulk instead of confronting the persons face to face. This needlessly prolongs the pain and suffering. Cancer is very possessive, not just with material possessions but with people as well. Cancer will always want to stay in touch with old friends and anyone who has ever been close to them, because it is easier to maintain a friendship then attempt to learn to trust a new person. It is easier this way for them emotionally. If you befriend a Cancer, you will stay friends for a long time. Cancer makes the perfect mother, this is the sign that represents motherhood. They have unconditional love and caring more so then any other astrology sign. Cancer are very intuitive. Most of the psychics of the world are Cancer astrology signs. They have an excellent memory and are very observant and can read people very well. They can usually tell of other people's intentions are good or not. Never dupe a Cancer, they can see your motives. Cancer has a lot of emotional issues to deal with but once they overcome this large hump of shyness and insecurity, there is practically nothing they can't do. With their strong intuition, sensitivity, powers of observation and intelligence, they will have great success in anything they undertake.