The watery mamas of the Zodiac, Cancer, the innate nurturer. If they don't have kids of their own, then they’ve probably energetically adopted many. They sense pain and because of their cardinal assertive instincts, they’ll know exactly what to do to alleviate it. What they are really learning to do is to nurture themselves.

Their compassionate imagination is lush with imagery and they know how to direct that energy to influence others. That's another talent they have, they can emotionally charge a room with whatever mood you're in. And talk about moods, they live very close to the moon cycles and are deeply affected by them. A wrong glance from one of their chosen people and they could be mush for the day! By the same token they could fill a room with joy having felt embraced by the same person. But let someone talk about the person who just hurt them and they turn from mush to incredible Hulk! You defend home and family (whether biological or extended) to the death.

Cancers are great with money but you may find them a bit miserly. It's not that they are cheap, just insecure and having a nest of cash is an assured safety net. They give it up readily if they feel they are choosing to help you when you need it, but they tend to resist lending money when asked. Yes, I guess the C in Cancer can sometimes stand for Control.

Have you ever observed a crab on the beach? They move from side to side until they see something they want and then you can't cut them loose. That's how Cancers are with their communication, they skirt around an issue until they see it's safe enough to talk. You see, underneath that tough exterior (and it is tough, just hurt a Cancer's feelings, which are abundant, and you’ll see how tough that shell really is) is a ball of tenderness. So, naturally they protect it. And when you are chosen, forget it, it would take a welder's torch to cut them off.

Oh, there is the issue of Mother. Not about being a mother, which Cancer does well, but with the woman who raised them. Cancers are attached to their mother for better or worse. Sometimes it makes for some turbulence, especially in adolescence, because there is the need to push away from the tie. Sometimes it mellow, and in later years a healthier bond can be made.