Cancer I: Sweet Relationship
We continue the series on the 36 Decans of the Zodiac with the sign of Cancer. Today, we're going to look at the first 10 degrees, or decan, of Cancer. We'll differentiate it a bit from the other decans by examining the planets that rule this part of Cancer. We'll also explore Tarot symbolism, a little bit of Kabbalah, and how ancient authors described this face—the term they used for decans in ancient times. Additionally, we'll discuss the images associated with this decan. Finally, I’ll explore examples of people with their rising degree in this part of the zodiac: Jimmy Stewart, the famous movie star; and singer-songwriter Karen Carpenter.
There’s a lot to unpack. I hope you enjoy my video on YouTube! If you do, please like and subscribe—it helps people find the content.
Transcript (Modified and Expanded)
The Sign of Cancer: An Overview
Let's begin by talking about the sign of Cancer in general. It’s the first of the water signs, and all water signs are connected to our emotional lives. The first sign of any element always deals with the most personal aspects of that element.
For Cancer, it’s about my emotions—the personal, individual experience of feelings. For Scorpio, the next water sign, it’s about our emotions, focusing on shared emotional experiences. Finally, for Pisces, the last water sign, it’s about universal emotions, emphasizing understanding and connectedness on a collective or spiritual level.
Cancer, in general, is ruled by the Moon, so it’s important to unpack the Moon’s meaning. In astrology, understanding the two lights in the sky that illuminate our path—the Sun and the Moon—is essential.
The Sun and the Moon in Astrology
The Sun lights our path during the day and has a consistent quality. It rises in the morning and sets at night, symbolizing masculine Yang energy, consciousness, and the oneness of God or the universal Godhead figure. The Sun is associated with clarity: when it’s light outside, you can see where you’re going and understand what you’re doing.
In contrast, the Moon receives and reflects the Sun’s light. It is literally reflective, representing yin energy and changeability. Its light is not consistent—sometimes we have a Full Moon, sometimes a New Moon, and other times a First or Last Quarter Moon. This cyclical nature highlights the Moon’s transformative energy.
The Moon is strongly associated with mothering and nurturing, but it’s important to remember that anyone, regardless of gender, can embody these qualities. Its receptive energy connects it to the rhythms of nature, such as women’s menstrual cycles and the tides. The Moon embodies material and intuitive energy, representing our emotional memory and the way we carry experiences within us.
When following the Moon’s light at night, the path is not as clear as it is during the day. If you’re walking through a forest lit only by moonlight, you might stumble or need to move slowly, feeling your way forward. This reflects the Moon’s intuitive energy, which is less direct but deeply attuned to subtle emotional and environmental cues.
The Moon also connects to the archetype of the three-part goddess, representing multiplicity and differentiation. Unlike the Sun’s consistent, unified energy, the Moon’s energy is varied and shifting.
Cancer is also about protection. Its symbol, the crab, represents the instinct to create and maintain a safe space where things can grow and thrive. This nurturing quality is central to Cancer’s energy.
That was a long explanation of the Moon’s energy, but understanding it is essential when discussing Cancer, the sign ruled by the Moon.
The First Decan of Cancer
Now, how do we differentiate the first decan of Cancer from the others? By looking at the planets associated with this decan. In the triplicity system, this decan is ruled by the Moon, while in the Chaldean order, it is ruled by Venus.
And so, it's a Moon-Moon-Venus decan, right? Because we have the Moon for the sign overall, and then the decan itself has the Moon and Venus. The Moon is crucial for this decan. When we think of the Moon as mothering, as nurturing—when I say mothering, always keep in mind that men can mother as well. Anybody can, right? It’s that nurturing quality.
So, when we combine the nurturing quality of the Moon with the receptive, loving, and beautiful harmonic nature of Venus—and let’s not forget, Venus is also the goddess of justice as well as love and harmony—then we get this beautiful sweetness in people who have planets or points in this part of the zodiac. When I say points, I’m referring to the Ascendant, Descendant, Imum Coeli, and Midheaven.
There can just be this quality of sweetness, and of course, you can see that right away when I tell you the people I’m going to use as examples: Karen Carpenter, and Jimmy Stewart, both of whom had this abundant sweetness in how they carried themselves in the world.
Descriptions of Cancer I in Ancient Texts
Beyond looking at the planets that rule the decan, we can also examine the images or faces that ancient writers used to describe this part of the zodiac. We’re going to look at two books: The Picatrix and Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy.
The Picatrix
The Picatrix describes this decan as follows:
“A man having twisted and crooked fingers and head, and his body is like the body of a horse, and having white feet, and upon his body fig leaves. This is a face of teaching, knowledge, of love, subtlety, and of skills.”
Let’s break down some of this imagery because it may seem a little odd at first. This is ancient language, and it tends to be indirect, right? There’s a subtlety to the language itself.
For example, where it describes the twisted and crooked fingers and head, that’s just another way of talking about the intuitive nature of this decan. If you think about Cancer’s symbol, the crab, crabs walk sideways along the shore—they don’t take a direct path. This highlights Cancer’s indirect and intuitive qualities.
Then, we have the image of white feet. Feet represent our stance and perspective in the world, while white symbolizes purity and innocence. So, there’s also an innocent quality associated with this decan. You see this innocence in characters like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, played by Jimmy Stewart. There’s a sweet quality to that character, just as there was to Stewart himself.
Next, we have the mention of fig leaves, which have a protective quality. In the story of the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve used fig leaves to cover themselves when they felt shame. Cancer, as a sign, carries this protective energy as well.
Agrippa
Agrippa described this decan as:
“A young virgin adorned with fine clothes and having a crown on her head. It giveth acuteness of senses, subtlety of wit, and the love of men.”
This is a repetition of some of the same themes. The virgin symbolizes innocence and grace, while the crown represents dignity and authority. The phrase “love of men” highlights a relational quality, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection.
We’ll find that the people who exemplify this decan—Carpenter, and Stewart—demonstrated this love of men idea. There’s a relational, nurturing quality in each of them, which reflects the Moon-Venus energy of this decan.
I also want to mention how much of this innocent and sweet energy is captured in Jimmy Stewart’s roles. In particular, his character in It’s a Wonderful Life demonstrates this. The emotions he’s able to convey on his face—the longing, the care, the struggle—are remarkable.
The Two of Cups and the Energy of Creation/Beginning of Relationship
Rider-Waite Deck
The Tarot card associated with this decan is the Two of Cups. In the Rider-Waite deck, this card depicts a man and a woman facing each other, symbolizing partnership and connection. The man is reaching out toward the woman, embodying the cardinal energy of Cancer, which represents the initiation of relationships and emotional bonds. Between them, each holds a cup, as tarot “cups” are always associated with relationships, love, and emotions, reflecting the flow of feelings between two people.
Two of Cups, Rider-Waite Tarot
Above the pair is a winged lion’s head, a symbol of protection, strength, and passion, suggesting that their union is blessed and empowered by higher forces. The lion’s wings can also signify spiritual elevation and the transformative potential of love. Below, a caduceus (a staff with intertwined snakes) appears between the cups, an ancient emblem of harmony, healing, and balance. This highlights the idea that the relationship depicted in the card is not purely romantic but one of mutual exchange, emotional healing, and growth.
The backdrop features a calm, open landscape with a blue sky, reflecting peace and emotional stability, a fertile ground for a relationship to flourish. Together, these images create a powerful symbol of connection, balance, and the harmonious energy that sparks at the beginning of a relationship.
The number two in Hermetic Kabbalah corresponds to Chokmah on the Tree of Life. Chokmah represents yang energy, which is active, masculine, and expansive in nature. Positioned on the masculine, or yang, side of the Tree of Life, it embodies the creative force that moves outward into the world, initiating the flow of energy and bringing potential into action.
Chokmah is the second Sephirah on the Tree of Life, positioned on the right side of the Supernal Triad, and that's the top three Sephiroth. It represents wisdom, the divine masculine, and the pure, unbounded potential of creation. It's closely linked to Kether, the crown, the first Sephirah, and serves as the immediate outflow of Kether's infinite light and energy. So you have “the One” Kether, and then from that, the “Two,” the creative spark emerges, and here the creative spark is around relationships. So again, you can see that expressed in the masculine side of this card reaching out for the feminine.
While this card may appear to be about romantic love, its meaning is not limited to that. This decan represents relationships in a broader sense, encompassing all forms of connection. The imagery of the man and woman serves as a metaphor, highlighting the yin-yang balance and the sense of connectedness that marks the beginning of a relationship, as symbolized by the Two of Cups.
Thoth Deck
We see this energy reflected a little bit more precisely with the Thoth Tarot 2 of Cups card, which is called the “Lord of Love.” Here, instead of a man and a woman, we see two dolphins, a lotus flower, and flowing water. These symbols emphasize the dynamic, harmonious flow of love and emotional energy.
The “Lord of Love,” Thoth Tarot
We can feel the dynamic nature of love flowing in this card and that dynamic energy pouring out into the world. Dolphins have a long history in mythology, particularly in connection with Venus-Aphrodite (Venus), the goddess of love who rules this decan. In both Greek and Roman mythology, dolphins were sacred to Venus and often represented playfulness, intelligence, and emotional depth. Dolphins are also creatures of the sea, which ties them to the lunar energy of Cancer.
The lotus flower, another key symbol in this card, represents purity and spiritual awakening, while the flowing water symbolizes the emotional currents that connect us to one another. Together, these elements highlight the relational and emotional themes of Cancer I.
Chart Examples
Jimmy Stewart: The Everyman with a Protective Heart
Jimmy Stewart is one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, known for portraying kind, moral characters with a grounded, relatable quality. In films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, he often played roles that emphasized innocence, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility—qualities that align strongly with Cancer I.
In It’s a Wonderful Life, Stewart’s character, George Bailey, gives up his dreams of traveling the world and pursuing his ambitions as an architect to help his family and community in Bedford Falls. After the stock market crash, George takes over his late father’s building and loan association, ensuring that working-class families have access to affordable housing. His efforts stand in direct contrast to the greed of the town’s wealthy banker, Mr. Potter.
This protective, self-sacrificing quality reflects Cancer I’s focus on creating a safe and nurturing space for others. George’s decision to prioritize his community over his personal ambitions mirrors the relational and nurturing themes of this decan.
Later in the film, George faces a personal crisis and contemplates suicide, feeling as though his sacrifices have amounted to nothing. But when his guardian angel shows him the profound impact his life has had on others, George comes to see the value of his selflessness. This emotional arc—centered on relationships, care, and the longing for connection—is a perfect expression of Cancer I’s energy.
Off-screen, Stewart’s personal life also reflected these themes. He had a longstanding friendship with actor Henry Fonda, despite their political differences (Stewart was a Republican, Fonda a Democrat). Their loyalty to each other highlights the relational harmony that Cancer I often embodies. Stewart also had a long, stable marriage, further showcasing his capacity for commitment and emotional connection.
Karen Carpenter: The Voice of Cancer I
Karen Carpenter’s music is a beautiful example of Cancer I’s emotional depth and relational energy. Her songs, such as “We’ve Only Just Begun”, “I Won’t Last a Day Without You”, and “Close to You”, are filled with themes of love, longing, and connection. These tracks are timeless expressions of the relational focus of this decan.
For example, “We’ve Only Just Begun” is often played at weddings, symbolizing the beginning of a relationship—a theme that aligns with Cancer I’s cardinal energy of starting something new. Similarly, “Close to You” captures the longing for intimacy and connection, which is central to this decan’s emotional nature.
At the same time, Carpenter’s life also reflects the shadow side of Cancer I. The nurturing, self-sacrificing energy of this decan can sometimes lead to overextending oneself emotionally, especially for women, who are often culturally conditioned to take on caregiving roles. Carpenter struggled with anorexia nervosa, a condition closely tied to issues of control, self-sacrifice, and emotional vulnerability.
In her chart, Uranus conjunct her Ascendant may have also played a role, symbolizing sudden or disruptive energy in her identity. But the Cancerian tendency to over-nurture others at one’s own expense—combined with societal pressures—likely contributed to Carpenter’s struggles.
Karen Carpenter’s music came up for me because of my sister, Linda, who loved her. Linda is 10 years older than me, and has her South Node in Cancer I. There’s something about both of them that reminds me of this decan. Carpenter’s songs were a big part of my childhood, and they carry this sweet, expressive beauty that captures the longing for connection so central to Cancer I.
Austin Coppock refers to this decan as the Decan of the Mother and Child, which makes sense. There’s something symbiotic about the relationships Karen sang about—whether it’s the closeness of a romantic partnership or the deep emotional bonds we carry with others.
Final Thoughts on Cancer I
This decan, ruled by the Moon and Venus, is all about relational depth, nurturing, and emotional expression. Figures like Jimmy Stewart, and Karen Carpenter each reflect these themes in unique ways. Whether it’s Stewart’s everyman protectiveness or Carpenter’s emotional artistry, Cancer I shines as a space of compassion, connection, and care.