CANCER the Sign & its Symbols.

THE SIGN
The main ruling planet of Cancer is the Moon and the waxing and waning of the Moon is often seen as a metaphor for the changing moods of the Cancerian. Cancer is a cardinal, feminine water sign of the zodiac whose positive traits indicate compassion, sensitivity, shrewdness and a tenacious nature, while more challenging traits include moodiness, selfishness and can be overpowering.

THE SYMBOLS
The astrological symbol for Cancer is represented by a symbol that closely resembles the Yin and Yang symbol of ancient China. Certain herbs, spices, flowers, trees, shrubs, gemstones, metals and animals have long been associated with particular signs of the zodiac. Several plants, for example, have lucky connections with Cancer and, it is said, they are most effective when picked on a day that is influenced by their ruling planet. These include geranium, whose oil is used for reducing stress; flaxseed which is good for the heart, the oil obtained from flaxseed is called linseed and is commonly used to oil cricket bats; the herb tarragon indigenous to Russia and Mongolia, considered an appetite stimulant; the lotus which played an important part in Egyptian creation myths, also has various magical and medicinal uses. The seeds and pods are said to be an antidote to love spells.The petals alleviate thirst and inflammations and the seed powder mixed with honey relieves coughs. Gemstones linked to Cancer include the pearl, which is a symbol of innocence; amber, which is said to protect the wearer from negative energy as well as curing colds and flu; moonstone, which is a help in relationship problems. Animal connections include many animals that have shells, crabs, turtles, lobsters, crayfish etc. This fits in with the idea that Cancerians can be easily hurt and when upset retreat into their shells, staying there until they have recovered enough to face the world again.

THE CANCER NEEDLEPOINT DESIGN
Motifs have been selected from all the different astrological aspects of Cancer and include: the symbol most associated with Cancer, the crab, whose claws rise up from under the water to form a frame around the centre square. In one claw a pearl is held in the other a sprig of flaxseed. In between the claws is the astrological symbol for cancer. In the top left corner is found the Moon, the ruling planet. The bottom left corner has a lotus floating on the surface of the water and in the opposite corner sits the roman numeral IV (for the fourth house). The Cancerian colours are represented by the blue of the water and the silver grey of the border.

KEY WORDS
Helpful
Caring
Sensitive
Compassionate
Shrewd
Kind

To further personalise your needlepoint cushion, add your chosen name and date of birth to the outer border, along with one or two of the Cancercharacteristics. On the chart, the borders have been left plain ready for you to draw in your own lettering, as preferred. Instructions and alphabets have been supplied or alternatively you can use lettering of your own choice.