Cancer (Karka Rashi) in Vedic Astrology

Here is a detailed description of Cancer (Karka Rashi) based on classical texts such as Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS), Phaladeepika, Saravali, Brihat Jataka, and Jataka Parijata.

1. General Characteristics of Cancer (Karka Rashi)

Cancer is ruled by Moon (Chandra) and is the fourth sign of the zodiac, representing emotions, intuition, nurturing, and security. It is a Water sign (Jala Tattva), cardinal (Chara), and female (Stree) sign, making Cancer natives sensitive, protective, deeply emotional, and family-oriented.

Core Attributes of Cancer:

• Element: Water (Jala)
• Ruling Planet: Moon (Chandra)
• Quality: Cardinal (Chara)
• Nature: Female (Stree)
• Symbol: Crab
• Body Part: Chest, lungs, heart, stomach, and digestive system
• Nakshatras: Punarvasu (4th Pada), Pushya, Ashlesha
• Exalted Planet: Jupiter (Cancer 5°)
• Debilitated Planet: Mars (Cancer 28°)
• Moolatrikona of Moon: 4°-30° Cancer
• Friendly Planets: Sun, Mars, Jupiter
• Enemy Planets: Saturn, Mercury
• Neutral Planets: Venus

2. Description from Core Classical Texts

A. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS)

Maharishi Parashara describes Cancer as:

• Nurturing, emotional, kind, and intuitive.
• Soft-spoken, attached to home and family.
• Prone to mood swings due to the influence of the Moon.
• Strong memory, sensitive nature, and protective instincts.
• Good in creative and artistic pursuits.

B. Jataka Parijata

• Cancer natives are highly emotional, loving, and imaginative.
• They are protective of loved ones but may be overly possessive.
• Their minds fluctuate, making them prone to mood swings.

C. Phaladeepika

• Cancer-born individuals are deeply intuitive and highly empathetic.
• They may have a reserved nature but are very caring and affectionate.
• They prefer security and stability in relationships and finances.

D. Saravali

• Cancer individuals love their home, family, and traditions.
• They are emotional decision-makers and can be easily hurt.
• They have a strong sense of duty and responsibility toward their loved ones.

E. Brihat Jataka

• Cancer people are calm, affectionate, and protective but can be highly sensitive.
• They possess good memory, but their thoughts fluctuate.
• They are devoted to their family but may be prone to emotional instability.

3. Cancer Ascendant (Karka Lagna) Characteristics

If Cancer is the Ascendant (Lagna) in a birth chart:

• Physical Traits: Round face, broad chest, fair complexion, expressive eyes.
• Personality: Soft-spoken, nurturing, emotional, and intuitive.
• Health Issues: Digestive issues, chest/lung problems, anxiety, hormonal imbalance.
• Career: Good in teaching, caregiving, psychology, arts, and counseling.
• Wealth: Focus on savings, but expenses may fluctuate with emotions.
• Marriage: Devoted partner, highly emotional, but may be possessive.
• Weakness: Over-sensitive, moody, indecisive, and easily influenced.

4. Cancer and the 12 Houses

The placement of Cancer in different houses modifies its effects:

• 1st House (Lagna) – Emotional, intuitive, nurturing personality.
• 2nd House – Emotionally attached to family, wealth fluctuates.
• 3rd House – Strong imagination, good in writing and storytelling.
• 4th House – Strong family bonds, good real estate gains.
• 5th House – Creative mind, emotionally attached to children.
• 6th House – Sensitive to criticism, prone to digestive issues.
• 7th House – Emotional partner, strong attachment in relationships.
• 8th House – Strong intuition, deep emotional transformations.
• 9th House – Spiritual, interested in ancient wisdom.
• 10th House – Successful in careers related to care, teaching, and psychology.
• 11th House – Gains through emotional intelligence, strong social network.
• 12th House – Interest in spirituality, charitable nature.

5. Cancer and Planetary Effects

• Sun in Cancer: Protective nature, strong attachment to family and home.
• Moon in Cancer (Own Sign): Extremely emotional, intuitive, and artistic.
• Mars in Cancer (Debilitated): Impulsive emotions, anger issues.
• Mercury in Cancer: Emotional intelligence, good memory, strong writing skills.
• Jupiter in Cancer (Exalted): Strong faith, wise, and great teacher.
• Venus in Cancer: Romantic, nurturing, and devoted in love.
• Saturn in Cancer: Reserved emotions, disciplined but struggles with relationships.
• Rahu in Cancer: Emotional instability, psychological depth, and attachment issues.
• Ketu in Cancer: Detached from emotions, spiritually inclined, struggles with relationships.

6. Cancer Career & Profession

Best suited for:

• Psychology, counseling, and healing professions
• Teaching, education, and writing
• Real estate, home decor, and architecture
• Nursing, caregiving, and social work
• Hotel management, catering, and food industry
• Art, music, and creative fields

7. Cancer and Relationships

• In love and marriage, Cancer is devoted, protective, and nurturing.
• They seek emotional security and deep bonds.
• They may struggle with mood swings and emotional dependency.
• Best matches: Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus, Virgo.
• Challenging matches: Aquarius, Sagittarius, Gemini.

8. Remedies for Cancer-born Individuals

If Cancer is afflicted, the following remedies help:

1. Chanting Moon (Chandra) Beej Mantra:
   “Om Shram Shreem Shroum Sah Chandraya Namah.”
2. Wearing a Pearl (Moti) gemstone (if Moon is well-placed).
3. Observing fast on Mondays and worshipping Lord Shiva.
4. Donating white items like milk, rice, and sugar on Mondays.
5. Practicing meditation to control emotional fluctuations.

9. Cancer in Transit and Dasha Periods

• Moon Mahadasha (10 years) – Period of emotional growth, career in caregiving, but may bring mood swings.
• Rahu Transit in Cancer – Brings emotional instability, sudden attachment or detachment in relationships.
• Saturn in Cancer – Brings discipline in emotions, but may delay success.

Conclusion Cancer (Karka Rashi) is a deeply emotional, intuitive, and nurturing sign. Cancer-born individuals are highly sensitive, family-oriented, and creative but must learn to balance their emotions for long-term success.

Disclaimer

The information presented here is intended for reference by knowledge seekers. The author has compiled these details from standard texts and experienced astrologers. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, astrology is a vast and interpretative field.

If you have a different perspective or opinion on any fact mentioned, you are encouraged to use your own wisdom and judgment to follow the data points that align with your experience and belief system. The reader is responsible for their own interpretations and applications of the information provided.

About Post Author

Anupam Shukla

anupam@astrosutras.in

https://astrosutras.in