In astrology, each zodiac sign is governed by a planet that determines its defining characteristics. In the case of the wildly perceptive and empathic crab, Cancer’s governing “planet” is responsible not only for driving the ocean tides, but also for endowing the sensitive water sign with an emotional flare and a sharp gut feeling. Cancer is one of two zodiac signs whose rulers are officially luminaries, not planets. (The opposite sign is Leo, controlled by the sun.)
According to astrologer Lauren Ash, the moon represents the subconscious mind, emotions, and intuition in astrology. In a birth chart, your moon sign reveals how you express your emotions, how you nurture others, and may even represent the mother and the mother-child bond. According to Ash, while viewing the moon in regard to its transits and how it impacts the collective as a whole, it symbolises the fight between our emotions and our ego and reasoning. Therefore, Cancers are known for their clairvoyant talents and sensitivity to emotional cues.
Even if you’re not a Cancer, knowing about the water sign’s planetary ruler is a terrific way to connect with your emotions and complete the rest of your birth chart. Continue reading to discover more about the planetary ruler of Cancer.
The Moon, Cancer’s Dominating Planet
As the only celestial body except Earth that humans have visited, our knowledge of the moon is rather extensive. The moon was utilised by ancient cultures as a calendar and method of telling time. Its shifting appearance also served to denote seasonal cycles. Numerous ancient societies identified the moon with feminine energy. Among the Incas of South America, the moon was personified as the goddess Mama Quilla, who regulated menstruation cycles.
“In astrology, the moon represents the mother and the bond between a mother and child,” adds Ash, which explains why Cancers are typically seen as maternal and caring.
Influence of the Moon on Cancer
Since the moon represents the unconscious processes of the psyche, Cancer zodiac signs are inherently perceptive and sensitive to their own and others’ emotions. Cancers have a natural ability to flow with the emotional spectrum, without overanalyzing or rejecting their emotions. Additionally, they have a natural aptitude to establish trust in relationships.
“The moon has a significant impact on your interpersonal interactions and your intuitive perception of the world,” argues Ash. Cancers rely on their emotions and gut instincts to make decisions, and they would prefer dwell in their emotions and listen with compassion than explain them with reasoning.
The water sign’s governing planet also enables them to easily access their gut sentiments. Due to the fact that the luminary represents intuition, Cancers may trust their instincts without hesitation. Their sixth sense provides individuals with a continual knowledge of themselves.
Ash says that if you have a Cancer moon in your birth chart, you have a strong connection to your inner self. “Having a moon in Cancer as your natal moon heightens your emotional sensitivity and intuition more than others,” explains Ash. The receptivity of a Cancer provides others with a form of reliable maternal comfort.