Through a Jungian Lens

Cancer the sign of the crab

This is one interesting looking crab that I found hiding on the side of a rock, the most colorful crab seen during the time spent in the Philippines, and there were a fair number of varieties of crabs seen and photographed. I chose this photo for today’s post because of an image I receive in my e-mail inbox just about everyday, a horoscope for the day for the sign of Cancer.

DailyOM

The image to the right was borrowed from the e-mail which comes from OM, a service that provides both a daily meditation and a daily horoscope. As is likely obvious at this point, I was born under the sign of Cancer. I did a bit of web-surfing to find out more about Cancer and the crab and found this interesting bit of information:

“A crab is able to walk or run sideways. Similarly, Cancer natives can sometimes “move about” in life, in a figurative sense, in an indirect manner. The crab’s body is covered by a carapace (shell). Cancer natives are self-protective and sensitive, and often retreat into themselves when hurt. Crabs are able to resist changes in the environment, thereby protecting themselves from hostile elements in various habitats. Similarly, Cancer natives are thought to avoid too much change, and to be on the defensive. Crabs have “complex  behavior patterns” (1). The inner world of Cancer natives is thought to be rather quirky and complex. Some crabs “conceal themselves by decorating their bodies with plants and animals” (2). Cancer natives tend to try to blend in with their environments, preferring not to make a big splash in life.” (Cafe Astrology)

I have to admit that this is a fairly decent image of myself though by no means a complete image. One of the interesting things that I found out is that the moon is the natural ruler of the sign. I then noticed the 6 and 9 image and immediately thought of the yin yang symbol.  Research didn’t find any correlation between the yin yang symbol and the symbol for cancer.  However, the horizontal 69 is said to represent the “couple” as well as a woman’s breasts which nurture. There is so little that I know or understand about astrology that I would best be advised to listen to others who are more versed in the science.

In the Chinese Zodiac, I am represented as an Ox.  It is curious to note that the Ox is ruled by “yin” the dark, feminine aspect, with earth as its element for the particular year I was born. For those who are interested, the years of the Ox are: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985.  According to some sources, the least likely mate for an Ox is a Tiger.  According to one site, the union of Ox and Tiger is marked by: “Personality clashes and bitter rivalry. No understanding of each other. Animosities and mutual distrust. Unable to resolve their differences. ” Well, that explains the animated relationship I have with my wife of 40 years (humour intended here).  You can’t believe everything you read.