Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac and it scales from 21st June to 20th July. In Indian Astrology, Cancer is identified as "Karkata" in Hindi. Punarvasu, Pushya and Ahlesha are the Nakshatras under this zodiac. Cancerians are gentle and sweet one day, critical and cranky the next. Varied emotions govern a Cancerian and their treasure runs much deep than visible. Cancer is receptive, sensitive, imaginative, sympathetic, kind, emotional and possesses an active, shrewd and intuitive mind.

Ruling Planet of Cancer
Cancerians are ruled by Moon. In astrology, the Moon governs emotions and intuitive behaviour. The moon represent Cancer"s desire to store memories and possessions; the circles tied to the moon represent force and energy expressed through emotions and imagination.

Physical Characteristics of Cancer
There is a sense of roundness about Cancerians, such as a round face with round features. Their facial features tend to be soft with high cheeks, while their complexion tends to be fair with a small nose. They usually have dark and thin hair. They will probably have small hands and feet. They are usually on the heavier side owing to their love for food.

General Characteristics of Cancer
Cancerians are highly self-defensive. They also seem to be self-centred to most of the world. But that is because they are very sentimental though they never reveal their feelings, as they do not want to get hurt or express their feelings in something unworthy. Cancerians will not show it, but they are very emotional people constantly needing emotional security of love and warmth. For them their family means the most, and is the roots of all securities in life.

They seem so much self-obsessed within their own insecurities that they often turn withdrawn and depressed in a shell. They can be at times intense brooders. But they are not selfish. In fact, they are highly intuitive about other"s pains and troubles and they can come up with generous help at unexpected quarters when someone really needs it. Cancerians are also sound leaders, who never make rash or impulsive decisions. Their decisions are always well thought and diagnosed.

Health of Cancer
Cancerians have the tendency to go in depression easily. At the same time, people of this sign are highly tenacious, and can actually create medical miracles if they set their mind to it. Cancer rules stomach, pancreas, gastric organs, liver and serum. They can run into problems on account of being heavy eaters, and lover of food and drinks. They also have tendency to put on weight and suffer from weight related issues for the same reason. They are also subject to digestive ailments caused by tension and emotional stress.

Career of Cancer
Cancerians are good leaders, and can create stable, long-lasting careers for themselves in whichever field they go. Most of the successful businessmen are born under this sign. They can be good as chefs, managing restaurant business, nurses, historians and homemakers.

Amorous Nature of Cancer
Cancerians value family and are very keen on finding the right mate for them. A mate who can understand their emotional needs are usually the apt one to go with them. Behind their hard shell, they are the most romantic and vulnerable souls. Cancerians are the one to pamper his/ her lover by taking them for candlelight dinners, moonlit walks and theatres. Their relationship means a lot to them. The occasional period when a Cancerians retreats in a shell is a difficult time for their partners. But by giving a bit of patience understanding, warmth and faith, one can have the most compassionate Cancerian lover for life.

Compatibility Signs for Cancer
Geminis do not usually go with this sign. Libra and Aquarius can be gentle with this sign. Earth signs like Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn make good companions. Cancerians gel well with water signs of Pisces, Scorpio and fellow Cancerians. Fire signs are generally incompatible.

Gemstones for Cancer
The birthstone for Cancer is the Moonstone. The Zodiac sign of Cancer also responds to other gemstones like Emerald, Sardonyx, Pearl and Ruby. Moonstone is strongly connected with the energy of the Moon, enhancing the intuition and representing new beginnings for Cancerians. It also helps to open up to creating change and transforming his/her life to manifest their desires.