Cancer June 20 — July 21

Home is where the heart is for Cancer, a great nurturer and protector of family, home and tradition. This sign is ruled by the Moon, and the Crab's emotions often swing with the cycle of that shimmering orb. Catch that mood on an upswing and you are likely to encounter a caring and devoted soul who can easily take the lead in romance. The strong-willed, persistent Crab will usually get its way, but that's not a bad thing, since it usually means being drawn into a "shell" which is rife with carnal pleasures. As is natural to a Water sign, Cancer's moods can flow like a meandering river or rage like the highest seas. Either way, the Crab rewards brave sailors with a seductive nest in which to test many moods, feelings and emotions. Scarlett O'Hara, that great protectress of Tara, must've been a Crab!

Romance

Where the romance dance is concerned, the Crab enjoys being the initiator in the game of love. Gentle, tender probing can soon turn to heightened passion, and few will be able to resist Cancer's charms, which is just fine. Romance here often involves a beautifully prepared meal, since those born under this sign have an innate feel for the comforts of home and the joys they can bring. This love of physical and emotional well-being which the Crab must have is a duty which a partner must help to fulfill. If this isn't achieved, the Crab might retreat into its pesky shell. When Cancerians are in full flower, they can make their lover feel like the center of the universe, and might feel the same way themselves.

Relationships

Call it a sixth sense, good gut or intuition, but whatever the name, the Crab has it. Members of this sign have an excellent instinct for which partner will serve them well, and once they hone in, it's a laser beam shot. Cancer's charm and magnetism are qualities which will prove most alluring to a lover, and coupled with their nurturing need, will prove hard to resist. The Crab loves to feel secure, so a lover who remembers birthdays and other special days, or simply pops a bottle of champagne for no special reason, will be rewarded with tenderness and affection. If the Crab tests a lover with occasional bouts of jealousy, it's only because a stronger emotional response is craved. The ideal Cancer soulmate can spoon on the couch and watch TV all night long.

Love

A slow, yet smoldering, courtship is what the Crab loves. What's the rush, anyway? The Crab is determined to win, so the prelims should go on for as long as possible. Once love is in the air, Cancerians prove themselves devoted lovers, protective of the object of their affections and unusually helpful and sympathetic. The Crab is an emotional bag of tricks and will feel most things very strongly, so don't be the one to cross them. That said, Cancer may be the perfect sign for a lover seeking pampering and seduction, someone who is willing to learn a thing or two in the game of love. An honest love, and lover, become Cancer, for it is in this safe environment that they are best able to create a warm home and indulge their nurturing instincts.

Sexuality

Like the rest of their life, a sexual encounter with Cancer is much like a slow dance, but if you've got the right moves, you can take the Crab to a torrid tango. Ole! The emotional firepower that can be aroused within Cancer usually manifests itself as a series of wonderful fantasies and less as sexual acrobatics. Either way, it's pure pleasure for both partners. The Crab is also quite intuitive and can generally sense what their lover wants, which makes an encounter between the sheets a finely-tuned union. Cancer's feminine side is often on display in the bedroom, which means the Crab enjoys being made love to. The good news is that the Crab is a very receptive student! With the Crab, sex often equals love and its nurturing aspects (such as home and hearth), so anyone who can appeal to this sign's deep need for security is likely to unleash a volcanic eruption of sensual treats. Being a Water sign, Cancerians are quite fond of sex on the beach or in the sea.

What Cancer Needs

What Cancer wants most is a partner who can take things slow and easy, secure in the knowledge that the ultimate victory will be sweet for both. An exchange of emotions is also ideal for the Crab, whether it's through sex, sports or some passionately-penned correspondence. Cancerians are great one-on-one and love that type of interaction, but they are also good at parties and enjoy dazzling a crowd. Consequently, an understanding lover is key. A partner as intuitive as the Crab will also help to draw them out of their shell and keep them out. In the end, a strong partner who can set the table and be there for the Crab is heaven-sent, and if they know how to retreat when necessary, even better. The nest is the most natural place for the affectionate Crab to be, and if they can share that space with someone special...well, that's hard to beat. The emotions of this winning sign help to make Cancerians empathetic and caring lovers, the sort of people who glow like the moon and flow like the sea.