Modality: Cardinal
Element: Water
Ruler: the Moon
Season: Summer
4th Sign of Zodiac
Metal: Silver
Stone: Pearl, Opal
Color: White, Yellow
Anatomy: Breasts, stomach
Keywords: gentle, conservative, feeling, nurturing, defensive, contemplative.

Comparison with the Cancer symbol, the Crab: Cancer the Crab SymbolA crab is able to walk or run sideways. Similarly, Cancer natives can sometimes "move about" in life, in a figurative sense, in an indirect manner. The crab's body is covered by a carapace (shell). Cancer natives are self-protective and sensitive, and often retreat into themselves when hurt. Crabs are able to resist changes in the environment, thereby protecting themselves from hostile elements in various habitats. Similarly, Cancer natives are thought to avoid too much change, and to be on the defensive. Crabs have "complex behavior patterns" (1). The inner world of Cancer natives is thought to be rather quirky and complex. Some crabs "conceal themselves by decorating their bodies with plants and animals" (2). Cancer natives tend to try to blend in with their environments, preferring not to make a big splash in life. Cancer's glyph, or symbol, may represent the breasts as a symbol of the nurturing qualities of the sign.