Some of you might remember the words to an old song - "By the light....of the silvery moon..." (I must confess, those are the only words I know...) but all singing aside, if you want to spot a Cancer - that is how you will find him...by the light of the moon.

Pretty words - not entirely accurate, but pretty. Cancer is ruled by the moon, and is subject to it's many phases, by this I mean full moon, waning, waxing, new, etc. Each phase governs Cancer's deep seated emotions, and although the moon appears to change, it doesn't - and neither does the crab.

In general, moon people are quiet and sensitive. Their emotions run deep, and are rarely shallow or superficial. They aren't overly gregarious, and seldom seek out the spotlight, content to stay on the fringes, however, should the spotlight find them for one brief shining moment, they won't hesitate to soak up the attention.

Like most of us, Cancer loves to be appreciated - they may take refuge in their shell for many things, but being appreciated is not one of them.

I should warn you though, if you do decide to befriend a Cancer, make sure to have your rain gear or at least an umbrella handy! Cancer is prone to emotional outbursts, tears, and long periods of melancholy...and there is nothing damper than a depressed, morose crab. Cancer can drown you in depression deeper than the ocean.

This is not to say that they don't have a sense of humour - they do, and they usually use it to cover their fears and insecurities. No one enjoys a joke like Cancer, and their humour can be startling when it pops up.

Picture the man in the moon - handsome, round face, soft skin, large smile - almost baby faced could sum it up. Rather rounder features than most, both facially and body type. This is one type - the other is more crab-like - larger skull, overhanging brow and high cheekbones, rather prominent lower jaw, and the eyes are smallish and set further apart. Their body structure is bonier and their arms and legs may seem longer in proportion to the rest of their body - broader than average shoulders and their hands are either very small or quite large. They are generally top heavy, and female crabs will either wear extra large sweater sizes or be flat chested - either way, there is no middle ground with the feature.

Moon people have markedly expressive features. You can see each one flit across their faces during a conversation. Cancer has been known to laugh wildly, cry at the drop of a hat, snap in anger, and retreat into their shell, all within the space of one conversation!

Have you ever watched a crab scuttling across a tide pool, from rock to rock, always guarded, preferring to skirt the edges than rush headlong across open water? The same can be said for Cancer. They rarely, if ever, dash headlong into anything. Cancer takes the sideways approach to things, carefully feeling out the territory, then tripping in to snatch whatever they have been watching with a quick sideways motion, and skittering away before they themselves can be caught in someones net - leave the direct approach to Aries or Taurus.

Like the crab, when Cancer has a hold of something, be it a treasure, friend, lover, or even a job, they won't let go. A crab would rather lose a claw than relinquish a morsel it has decided upon, and the same goes for moon people. They will fight tooth and nail to protect something that belongs to them, and can be quite the pack-rat.

Crabs are very seldom impulsive, choosing instead to watch and wait before acting. They calculate their actions based on experience or a proven track record. They fear going it alone without a safety net or foundation. Should they make a mistake and fail, Cancers have a tendency to brood over their mistakes instead of shaking it off and trying again.

Their home is their castle - in most cases, and that is where they feel safe and protected. Most crabs I know have something of themselves gracing the walls of their abode - a sampler perhaps, painting, drawing, cross-stitch or even photographs that they have snapped themselves, that they will display with pride - and why shouldn't they?

No matter how much money or how much love a Cancer has, it is never really enough. Their emotions will not give them a break, and their insecurity about what could happen keeps them awake at night. Worry and apprehension can literally make them sick, and cheerfulness and positive energy can make them well.

Most Cancerians are private people - they can ferret out a secret from you, but not the other way around. The crab seldom confides his deepest darkest secrets to anyone, preferring to lock them away in his shell where it is safe and sound.

Many Cancers have green thumbs, and produce wonderful gardens that they tend with love and affection. Something else green that they tend with the same care is their savings account. Money tends to stick to crabs. They are generally frugal with their funds - not cheap - there is a difference - and they like to keep a few dollars aside for rainy days. Cancer generally manages his money exceptionally well, although a Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn comes a close second. Like the beautiful lush garden he tends, his bank account will flourish under his attentive care. The only time you will see Cancer as a spendthrift is when a child is involved. Cancer can be most generous with children, but don't try and overcharge him in the grocery check out!

Speaking of groceries - Cancer appreciates a good recipe and a well cooked meal. Some Cancers I know have extensive recipe collections - and take cooking very seriously. Cancer feels safe and secure with the larder is full - whether they eat or not, however, few moon people will turn down a dinner invitation. One Cancer rule - take as much as you like, but eat what you take. There is no such thing as waste when it comes to food.

Both sexes have strong maternal instincts (unless they have conflicting ascendants) and they are always trying to stuff food into you, bundle you against inclemant weather, or protecting your interests. Cancer can be very protective. It's hard to say which calls to the crab's nature more - food, children or money!

All of these things are wrapped in a tough shell - exactly like their namesake - where they take refuge against the storms that threaten their sensitive natures. They gather the treasures that others leave in the sand, and wait for the waves to wash their dreams ashore...

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