Planets in Cancer
Although you are very emotional, you have a hard shell like the Crab, which symbolises your Sign. However, you are very soft and sensitive under the shell, and that’s why harsh words from others can deeply hurt you. You are apt to sink into depression quite frequently. You tend to seek solace in your family members and close friends, but soon realise that they can at best provide only temporary happiness. You may find the higher, permanent happiness quite elusive.
You are also prone to mood swings, and can lose your cool over things that seem insignificant to others. You also have a habit of latching on to things from your past, and find it very difficult to let go, which in turn hampers your progress towards your defined goals in life. There may be a bit of a contradiction here, but you can be shrewd and selfless at the same time. However, you do have a keen sense of humour, and with the things you say, you can send your friends into fits of laughter. You are a family person, and your nest is the most important thing in the world for you.
Astrology deals with ten planets, namely the Sun, the Moon (the two luminaries are considered planets in astrology), Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Minor celestial bodies, such as the Dark Moon, asteroids and the nodal axis, are also taken into account. Each planet has its precise function in the natal chart, and represents a specific energy. The planet’s action is influenced by the sign it tenants. It plays out primarily in the area of life indicated by the house where it is posited.
Cancer Ruling Planet: Moon
The Goddess of the moon in Greek mythology is called Selene (Luna in Roman mythology). Selene married a mortal, and when he approached death she could not bear the thought of losing him so she cast a spell to have him sleep for eternity. The moon represents Cancer and it’s emotional response to everything. The Sun is concerned with action and the Moon is concerned with reaction. When we are young we are very reactive, we are open with our emotions more so than when we are adults. Our emotions are raw. When looking at the Moon as a Cancer or even the moon in your chart, it will give away why you feel the way about certain things that you do. My moon is in Scorpio, so my emotions are reactive as those of a Scorpio. Make sense? Our moon is also how we we set up our home, and how we pass on lessons to our children. It also has control on our habits as well such as our eating habits.
This Moon-ruled sign rules the home, family, motherhood, and children. It’s also in charge of emotions, so expect any Cancer planet to operate "from its gut." Cancer specializes in instinct. It’s cardinal water—good at emotional beginnings and keeping private. But the world is a scary place to Cancer planets—they’re emotionally vulnerable, sensitive, and easily hurt. Cancer planets often long for their safe nests. Because they love with the energy of the Moon, Cancer planets say "I love you" by tending to your needs for food, warmth, or a place to sleep. They offer the very best hugs in the zodiac. The problem with Cancer planets is that they often become needy or unable to function unless they feel someone or something is dependent on them. They are moody, but it’s their job to be — they’re Moon-ruled.