Cancer (Karka Rashi)
Cancer (Karka Rashi) is the fourth sign of the Vedic zodiac, ruled by the Moon (Chandra). In Vedic astrology, Cancer represents emotions, nurturing, home, family, and the mother. People with Moon in Cancer or Cancer Ascendant are deeply emotional, intuitive, and protective of their loved ones. Moon rulership makes Cancer the most emotionally sensitive sign — their moods wax and wane like the lunar cycle. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, making this sign a powerful position for wisdom, expansion, and spiritual growth. Cancer spans the nakshatras Punarvasu (4th pada), Pushya, and Ashlesha, with Pushya considered one of the most auspicious nakshatras in Vedic astrology.
♋ Water Sign • Ruled by Moon (Chandra) • Cardinal (Chara) • July 15 – August 14 (Sidereal)
Cancer at a Glance
Element
Water
Quality
Cardinal (Chara)
Ruling Planet
Moon (Chandra)
Symbol
Crab
Exalted Planet
Jupiter
Debilitated Planet
Mars
Lucky Day
Monday
Lucky Gemstone
Pearl (Moti)
Lucky Colors
White, Silver, Cream
Lucky Numbers
2, 7, 9
Body Part
Chest, Stomach, and Breasts
Sidereal Dates
July 15 – August 14 (Sidereal)
Nakshatras in Cancer
Cancer (Karka) spans the following Vedic birth stars (Nakshatras), each giving a distinct sub-flavor to the Cancer personality:
Cancer Personality Traits
Deeply emotional and intuitive — can sense others' feelings before they are expressed
Extremely nurturing and protective of family and close friends
Strong attachment to home, traditions, and ancestral roots
Excellent memory, especially for emotional experiences
Creative imagination fueled by rich inner emotional world
Moody and sensitive — affected deeply by environment and others' energy
Tenacious and determined when protecting what they value
Natural caretakers who express love through feeding and sheltering
Strengths
Weaknesses
Cancer in Different Life Areas
Cancer Career & Profession
Cancer natives excel in caregiving professions: nursing, counseling, social work, teaching (especially children), hospitality, food and restaurant industry, real estate, interior design, and any role involving nurturing others. Moon rulership gives strong intuition for understanding public sentiment, making them effective in marketing, HR, and psychology. The 10th house from Cancer is Aries (ruled by Mars), indicating career success requires courage and initiative — pushing past their comfort zone.
Read full career guideCancer Love & Relationships
In love, Cancer is devoted, nurturing, and deeply committed. They seek emotional security and a partner who feels like home. Moon influence makes them romantic and sentimental — they remember every anniversary and meaningful moment. Best compatibility with Scorpio and Pisces (fellow water signs who understand emotional depth) and Taurus (provides the stability Cancer craves). Challenges with Aries (too independent) and Capricorn (opposite sign — attracted but different emotional languages).
Cancer Health & Wellness
Cancer rules the chest, stomach, and breasts. Natives are prone to digestive issues, acid reflux, water retention, breast-related concerns, and emotional eating. Moon influence makes health closely tied to emotional state — stress directly manifests as stomach problems. Cancer benefits from comfort foods in moderation, water-based therapies, emotional healing practices, and maintaining a peaceful home environment.
Cancer Finance & Wealth
Cancer natives are natural savers who prioritize financial security for their family. Moon's fluctuating nature can create cycles of earning and spending. They do well in real estate (Cancer rules the 4th house naturally), food business, and any industry serving families. The 2nd house from Cancer is Leo (ruled by Sun), suggesting that income grows through confidence, self-expression, and leadership — stepping out from their protective shell.
Cancer Spirituality
The spiritual path for Cancer involves realizing that the divine mother resides within their nurturing instinct. Moon connects Cancer to Devi (Goddess) worship, particularly Parvati and Lakshmi. Cancer's nakshatras offer powerful spiritual paths: Punarvasu through renewal and return to source (ruled by Aditi), Pushya through selfless service and nourishment (considered the most auspicious nakshatra for spiritual practices), and Ashlesha through Kundalini awakening and serpent wisdom (ruled by Nagas).
Cancer Compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions about Cancer
What is Cancer (Karka Rashi) in Vedic astrology?
Cancer (Karka Rashi) is the fourth sign of the Vedic zodiac, ruled by the Moon (Chandra). It is a cardinal water sign spanning the nakshatras Punarvasu (4th pada), Pushya, and Ashlesha. Cancer represents emotions, home, family, motherhood, and nurturing. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, making it a powerful sign for wisdom and expansion. In the sidereal zodiac, Cancer dates are approximately July 15 to August 14.
Why is Jupiter exalted in Cancer?
Jupiter achieves its highest dignity (exaltation) in Cancer because Cancer's nurturing, emotional water energy perfectly supports Jupiter's expansive wisdom. Jupiter in Cancer expands emotional intelligence, generosity, and spiritual understanding. This combination produces people who are naturally wise, compassionate, and blessed with abundance. Jupiter exalted at 5 degrees Cancer (Pushya nakshatra) is considered one of the most auspicious planetary placements in Vedic astrology.
What are the health concerns for Cancer Moon sign?
Cancer rules the chest, stomach, and breasts. Common health concerns include digestive issues (acid reflux, IBS), water retention, chest congestion, breast-related conditions, and emotional eating. Moon rulership means emotional health directly impacts physical health — anxiety often manifests as stomach problems. Regular emotional self-care, a nurturing diet, and water-based healing (swimming, hydrotherapy) are beneficial.
Is Cancer compatible with Capricorn?
Cancer and Capricorn are opposite signs (7th from each other), creating attraction but also fundamental differences. Cancer leads with emotion while Capricorn leads with practicality. Cancer focuses on home while Capricorn focuses on career. When balanced, they complement each other perfectly — Cancer provides emotional warmth and Capricorn provides structure. Kundli matching evaluates the full Ashtakoot score to determine actual compatibility beyond the Rashi level.
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