Cancer is the natural ruler of the Fourth House of the Zodiac, commonly referred to as the "House of Family and Home" and known in Vedic Astrology as the "Subterraneous Place.". The name Cancer is derived from Latin, literally meaning 'the crab'. Cancer has the characteristics of dreaminess, intuition, emotion and need for a safe retreat. Also known as the Sign of the Prophet or Teacher, Cancer is Negative in polarity. They also have a certain degree of spirituality. They have excellent memory retention skills. Cancerians are kind, sensitive and compassionate. They are very domestic and love fortifying their home environment to their own satisfaction.

In personal relationship, cancer is a mixture of toughness and tenderness, Emotional, romantic and sentimental on one side, while tenaciously possessive and loyal on the other side. Cancerian has a retentive memory and rarely forgives slights and hurts. A Cancerian will never let one forget one's error. As being driven by emotional nature, they can be the best and the worst of friends.

Star Stone for Cancer

The star stone for cancer is the beautiful, translucent, PEARL. The Pearl can be all the silvery colors of the moon and not just white. The pearl takes on its silvery, shimmering, colors from the color of the linings of the oyster in which it are grown. This precious stone can be harmed if subjected to hair spray, acids, perspiration, and some types of cosmetics.

Cancer Ruling Planet

The moon was called Luna by the Romans, Selene and Artemis by the Greeks, and many other names in other mythologies. The moon represents the basic nature of your instincts and feelings. It has a nurturing influence that gives a deep impression and unique sensitivity within your mind. Intuitive people often have a strong moon placement. The moon has a direct influence on the mind which can be seen and felt in varying ways during each unique phase of the moon. This is particularly hard for those who are slightly unstable as the pull that the moon exerts on the tides is also felt in the brain fluids, making the effects of mental illness more enhanced. This is how the asylums came to call their inmates 'lunatics' as they were worse, or more dangerous, during the full moon.

The moon also brings out the negative side of the cancerian nature which he or she must continually battle in order to overcome what could easily become a major flaw in character causing themselves and others much grief and pain.