Star Signs and Character Types

The Lounge
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The CANCER Child

Dear, dear, how queer everything is today!

And yesterday things went on just as usual

Write it down so you’ll remember it and not be surprised every day of your life: your Cancer baby will change his moods as frequently as you change his diaper. It’s a strange, new world for the lunar infant. He’ll be fascinated by delicious things to eat and drink, and he’ll love all the colorful pictures which pass before his sharp little eyes, and impress themselves on his indelible memory. What he experiences will never leave him. When he’s old and gray, your Cancerian boy or girl will remember every feeling and emotion, and be able to give it back as an exact image.

One of the dearest Cancerian women I ever knew was born in Europe, and when she was ill, she would sing every word of the Russian lullabies she had heard as a child, even though she came to America almost half a century ago. Most of us would be lucky if we remembered the tune or words to “Rockabye Baby.”

From breakfast until bedtime, the busy mind of the Cancerian child will be recording what he sees and hears. It’s difficult for worldly adults to follow him up his moon mountain of dreams or go beside him as he wades in the streams of his luminous imagination. His emotions are rich, colorful and varied, but for all that, he may be lonely.

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Playing with lunar babies can be loads of fun. They’re funny little creatures, with droll expressions and eyes that almost talk by themselves. Their features constantly contort with tears, twist with a grimace or spread wide with smiles. It’s interesting to watch those elastic expressions, but you may frequently wish you could predict when he’s going to giggle, or get that faraway look in his eye as he listens to the curious music every moon child hears.

These youngsters have more emotional needs than Pisces boys and girls. Much more than with any other children, the strongest influence on Cancerians is always the early home environment. From infancy through the teens, young crabs are tremendously dependent on the reactions of their parents and their brothers and sisters. Your lunar child may be too shy to express his real inner desires, but he secretly wants to be made over, cuddled and adored. If he doesn’t get attention and approval from his family, relatives and friends, the rejection can simply crush him. I have a close friend who was born in July. Late one night in her kitchen (where else?), we were talking about her childhood.

She told me, “When I was a little girl in grade school, my parents gave me ten or fifteen cents a week to spend. But I never spent it. I saved it, so I could give a prize.”

“For what?” I asked her.

A wistful look passed across her wonderfully mobile features. “Well, I used to offer fifty cents at the end of each month to the friend who treated me the nicest.”

At first I was amused, and started to remind her of all the candy and treats she had missed by passing out her entire allowance for kind treatment, but something in her eyes changed my mind.

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Although your young Cancerian may briefly turn into a rebel without a cause in adolescence, during his tender years, the little crab is usually easy to manage and discipline. His inner life is very real to him, and he’ll happily play by himself for many hours. He may even have an invisible playmate called something like Boris or Betty, who helps him make mud pies, plant imaginary flowers or play cowboy and Indian. The make-believe Boris or Betty are always well-behaved and courteous. They will always let the Cancer youngster win, and they’ll give in to his desire to be a gentle leader without a murmur. Sometimes these imaginary playmates will disappear for weeks at a time, but they’ll return as soon as a real, live neighborhood chum or schoolmate wounds those little lunar feelings or bosses the moon child around too much. As docile and quiet as most Cancerians are, Cancer is a cardinal Sun sign of leadership. Despite their tender emotions and gentle manners, they are not followers. There’s a great deal of independent thinking and individualism.

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If your offspring follows the pattern of most July children, he’ll get his way and be slightly spoiled around the edges. It’s the squeaky hinge that gets the most oil. He won’t exactly squeak, but he can get mighty weepy when he’s ignored or treated harshly. Talk about tears! A moon child can cry rivers and flood a room. It’s as if someone left the kitchen spigots running. If all that dampness doesn’t get him the tender sympathy he must have for healthy emotions, the little Cancerian boy or girl will grow up into a dry-eyed adult with a barren heart, unable to give or receive love easily—seeking solitude, forming very few warm friendships—and become a recluse in old age.

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When such a sensitive little crab is in your care, it’s really urgent to laugh and cry with him and to calm his fears. He’ll have a whole passel of them. Your own lunar child may not have each one on the list, but he’s sure to have quite a few. He can be afraid to go to sleep in the dark without a soft night light, afraid of fire and matches, afraid of fast cars and loud noises. He can fear strangers, large animals, bright lights, food he’s never tasted before, lightning and thunder.

Lots of young loony-birds get the blues when it rains. A spring or fall shower can do strange things to the inner nature. It can make him suddenly want to write a poem, paint a picture or make music. At other times, it can cause him to hide his frightened little head under the bedspread, while his bottom half protrudes and trembles visibly.

This child requires much emotional empathy to develop his fine, loving, artistic and creative qualities. If it is given wholeheartedly in his formative years, it will help him grow into a patient, generous, quietly confident and open-hearted adult. If attentive understanding is denied him, his natural compassion and gentleness may be warped and twisted into self-pity and bitter, silent brooding. Fear, unless coped with early, can become illogical prejudice and hatred. Little crabs who have been stunted in their emotional growth sometimes turn into suspicious snappers, often revengeful and even suicidal. At best, these moody, unhappy men and women lead sad, uneventful lives, unless they make a dramatic decision to bury themselves in building a financial empire or developing a latent talent. Either one can mercifully replace the love and affection withheld from the gentle lunar heart when it was the most vulnerable—in childhood.

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It can’t be emphasized enough that these sensitive children can imagine hurts or slights, and dream up a rejection which never existed. Special care has to be taken to convince them that they’re good, smart, pretty, handsome, loved and wanted. Many parents sense this, which is why lots of little crabs are pampered so much at home that they get quite a shock as adults when they discover the world takes a cool, disinterested view of their personal desires. No wonder so many Cancerians fondly remember Mama and practically build a shrine to her as they grow older. No one else will ever again care quite so much. The big question with a moon child is always whether to be overly firm and warp him, or overly permissive and spoil him. Finding the middle road is never easy, and the problem can keep you up a few nights. The keyword is: relax. Love usually finds the way. The best formula is a good old-fashioned spanking when he needs it, with plenty of hugs and kisses and lots of physical expressions of affection at all other times.

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Teachers normally find the Cancerian boys and girls whizzes in history. They seldom forget dates or events. That’s because, thanks to their mirror-like sensitivity, they can read about something that happened years ago, and almost believe they were there. If Paul Revere, Thomas Jefferson, or Abraham Lincoln themselves could return and tell their stories, they probably wouldn’t be recounted with much more color than the typical young Cancerian uses when he discusses the happenings of the dim and dusty past. It’s as if they actually saw the Battle of Lexington, the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the shot fired on Fort Sumter. There’s hardly a detail they can’t imagine. It’s easy to see why so many of these sensitive boys and girls go on the stage, become creative photographers or follow a distinguished career in music or art. Instructors of the young lunar mind may now and then complain of stubbornness or daydreaming, but it’s not often that either failing becomes pronounced enough to be really troublesome. There may be some exaggerating. The boy may describe the ordeal of being attacked in the woods by a dangerous bear to explain some scratches caused by a fall from his own front porch. The girl may give a sad recital of how she was locked out with no supper by cruel parents, after what was only a mild argument with her family. But a few tall tales can be expected when you consider the strong mental impressions created by reading adventure stories with the lunar imagination. When there’s real heartache, instead of make-believe tragedy, the typical Cancerian child will normally remain quiet and decline to speak about it.

There’s an old Chinese proverb: “He who is really hurt—doesn’t talk.”

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Like the Libran child, happy Cancerian youngsters can run up the family food bill to fantastic proportions and soothing hurt feelings caused by the nickname Fatty is common. If there’s a lot of brooding or nervousness, the nickname may be Skinny. It’s best to bypass all nicknames with moon children. They should never be teased.

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Most young crabs look forward to working for pay, and they’ll scour the neighborhood for odd jobs. Your Cancer child will begin early to cut grass, sweep leaves and babysit. He’ll return bottles for refunds, help hang out the laundry, assist the trash men, sell lemonade at the curb, or anything else he can think of that will make his pockets jingle. The pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters—and finally the dollars he makes will be carefully accounted for, and a good portion of them saved. After a while, you may be able to save some yourself—on his allowance. He’ll probably supply his own spending money sooner than other children, and be proud of it. You’ll find him easy on your pocketbook in many ways. These children often work their way through college. The boys will have a healthy curiosity about the business world. The girls will be efficient in cash matters, too, but they’ll also spend lots of time with their dolls and baking brownies, practicing to be a mother some day.

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The Cancer child will keep you amused with his jokes and his contagious laugh. He can make funny faces that look like Halloween masks, and he sees the humor in every facet of the human parade as it passes. Give him, if possible, a little plot of earth he can call his own, where he can plant things with his green thumb and watch them grow. He’ll be tenderly concerned with relatives who are ill, financial emergencies in the family, and the difficulties of his friends and neighbors. Lunar youngsters love books about heroic people who braved hardships to do great deeds, and they’ll be especially gentle and sympathetic with animals. But if they feel cruelly treated themselves, they may pass on the cruelty, or rather, reflect it to others smaller than themselves in a sort of “kick the cat” progression. Young crabs can live up to the name and be quite crabby, but such moods seldom last more than a few hours, before they’re replaced by a lovable loony grin.

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So once I came across a picture showing a sad Capricorn captioning “Why do we have to compete with Sagittarius?” and I was kinda amused. :grin: So I googled it, my older brother being the former and I the latter, giving:

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AI Overview

Ah, the age-old cosmic query that arises when the grounded Goat meets the boundless Archer! The tension between Capricorn and Sagittarius is one of astrology’s most classic examples of an “opposites attract, then occasionally clash” dynamic, where the core difference in their approaches to life can lead to both frustration and profound mutual growth.

It’s a fascinating interplay between the elemental energies of Earth (Capricorn) and Fire (Sagittarius), and their distinct planetary rulers, that creates this frequent point of friction.

The short answer is that the Capricorn personality (disciplined, practical, long-term focused) often views the Sagittarius personality (free-spirited, spontaneous, adventure-seeking) as too carefree and perhaps even irresponsible, while Sagittarius tends to see Capricorn as overly serious, rigid, and a bit of a “buzzkill”. The universe, in its infinite wisdom, pairs them up so they can teach each other valuable lessons, even if the learning process feels a bit like an uphill battle for the pragmatic Capricorn!

The Astrological Breakdown of the Conflict

The fundamental differences that cause a Capricorn to wonder why they must deal with a Sagittarius stem primarily from their ruling elements and modalities, which shape their core motivations and behaviors:

  • Element Differences: Earth vs. Fire

    • Capricorn is an Earth sign: This means they are inherently practical, grounded, and focused on material reality, stability, and building tangible success. Capricorns are concerned with the “how-to” and the long-term consequences, preferring a methodical, step-by-step approach to achieving their ambitious goals.

    • Sagittarius is a Fire sign: This makes them passionate, energetic, spontaneous, and driven by inspiration and exploration. Sagittarians are the visionaries, focused on the “why” and the “what if,” always seeking new horizons and a broader philosophical understanding of the world. Fire can scorch earth if not carefully managed, while earth can stifle fire, which aptly describes their potential for conflict.

  • Planetary Rulers: Saturn vs. Jupiter

    • Capricorn is ruled by Saturn: This taskmaster planet bestows discipline, structure, responsibility, and a sometimes heavy sense of duty. Saturn’s influence makes Capricorns patient, cautious, and rule-oriented, seeking a secure foundation for their lives.

    • Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter: The greater benefic planet brings themes of expansion, luck, optimism, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge and adventure. Jupiter’s influence makes Sagittarians enthusiastic risk-takers who prefer to believe in a good outcome rather than focus on potential limitations.

  • Approach to Life: Structure vs. Freedom

    • Capricorn craves structure: They thrive on plans, deadlines, and a predictable routine that allows them to climb the ladder of success. A Sagittarius’s impulsiveness and lack of a clear agenda can be a source of significant anxiety and frustration for a meticulous Capricorn.

    • Sagittarius cherishes freedom: They resist feeling tied down or constrained by rules and rigid schedules. A Capricorn’s desire for commitment and order can feel incredibly stifling to the free-spirited Archer, who needs space to roam and explore.

Why They “Have to Deal with” Each Other (The Growth Opportunity)

In astrology, there is no such thing as an accidental pairing; these two are essentially cosmic teachers for one another, representing a vital Yin and Yang dynamic.

  • Sagittarius teaches Capricorn to loosen up, laugh a little more, embrace spontaneity, and see the value in new, unplanned experiences and a positive outlook.

  • Capricorn teaches Sagittarius how to be more organized, disciplined, and patient, helping them to channel their many grand ideas and visions into concrete, achievable goals and stable realities.

Ultimately, for this relationship to work, a significant amount of mutual respect, open communication, and compromise is required. If they can appreciate the unique strengths each brings to the table—the visionary thinker (Sagittarius) and the pragmatic builder (Capricorn)—they can form an incredibly powerful and well-rounded team that can achieve remarkable things together.

So, while a Capricorn may sigh at the thought of another spontaneous, plan-disrupting idea from a Sagittarius, the universe intends for them to find a harmonious middle ground, turning potential conflict into an enriching partnership.

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Sigh, Well, back to the Cancer child:

As you turn off the lamps at bed time, you may wonder, as all parents do about a day in the not too far distant future when the little head that keeps popping up “for one more drink of water” will be missing. The house will be still then, and empty of his alternating tears and laughter, after the funny, imaginative little crab crawls away to raise his own family. Will he forget? Not if he was born in late June or July. Years can go by, and he may sail on distant seas, but you can keep his toy dinosaur—the one you gave him that Saturday afternoon after you quarreled—on his dresser. And you can leave her rag doll in its place on the window seat. Your moon child will come home again many times throughout every tomorrow—to meet old memories and return to the past. No matter how many miles separate him from yesterday, anywhere he lives is always handy to home. Keep his bedroom intact.

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My mum’s a Gemini, so there goes:

GEMINI the Twins - May 22nd through June 21st

“It takes all the running you can do,
to keep in the same place.
If you want to get somewhere else,
you must run at least twice as fast as that!’

How to Recognize GEMINI

“I wish you wouldn’t keep appearing
And vanishing so suddenly
You make one quite giddy!”

This time it vanished quite slowly,
beginning with the end of the tail,
and ending with the grin,
which remained for some time
after the rest of it had gone.

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If there are times when a Gemini person makes you think you’re seeing double, don’t run out and change your glasses. Just remember that Gemini is the sign of the twins, and there are two distinct sides to his changeable personality. Now you see it, now you don’t. Was it love you thought you caught fleetingly on those mobile features? Hate? Ecstasy? Intelligence? Idealism? Sorrow? Joy? The mercurial changes of a Gemini’s expression are as fascinating to watch as the psychedelic lights in a nightclub. It’s hard to tell where reality ends and illusion begins. They blend—then they separate.

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@Ripcord freaking hilarious! :joy:

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Knowing where to look for this versatile creature requires a little forethought.

He may be one place today and somewhere else tomorrow. Suddenly, too.

A Gemini can change his clothes, his job, his love life or his residence as fast as he changes his mind, and that’s pretty fast.

Finding a good example to study may keep you hopping. You could try a bookstore.

He’s a browser, because he can get the gist of the contents in a brief scanning of the pages.

(It’s no accident that John F. Kennedy was a speed reader.)

Mercury people also have that nasty habit of reading the last page first.

If you know a Gemini who has ever read a book from beginning to end without getting bored halfway through, send him to the Smithsonian as a curio (or check his natal chart to see if he has Taurus, Capricorn or one of the more persistent signs on the ascendant).

Geminis like to skip back and forth in a book, a pattern of action they also prefer when it comes to things other than reading.

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You’re sure to find a Gemini or two skimming through the halls and matching wits with people in a radio station, a public relations firm, a publishing house, a telephone answering service, an auto showroom or an advertising agency—if you can catch one between appointments.

When you’ve found this quicksilver person, study him carefully, even if you do get exhausted following him around.

The first thing you’ll notice is a nervous energy that fairly snaps, crackles and pops in the air around him.

If he has a Scorpio, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn moon, he may not vibrate with so much obvious crackle, but the snap and pop are latent, and you’ll sense their presence under the influence of the other planetary positions.

An occasional Gemini will speak slowly, but most of them talk fast. All of them listen fast.

Man or woman, Gemini is impatient with conservative, stick-in-the-muds, or with people who can’t make up their minds where they stand on particular issues.

Gemini knows where he stands, at least for the moment.

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Unless there’s a conflicting ascendant, the Gemini build is generally slender, agile and taller than average. Many of them have small, sharp features, as if they were cut in a cameo. You’ll find some with brown eyes, of course, but the majority of those ruled by Mercury will have beautiful, crystal-clear hazel, blue, green or gray eyes, that twinkle and dart here and there. Geminis never rest their eyes on one object for more than a few seconds. In fact, their alert, quick-moving eyes are often the easiest way to recognize them. The complexion tends to be rather pale, yet they usually tan easily, and that’s the way to spot them in the summer. (In the winter, they often have wind burns from swooping down a ski slope.)

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There’s an eagerness about Geminis, an immediate, sympathetic friendliness, and unusually quick, but graceful movements. The hair can be light or dark or both—like, streaked. Twins, remember? The nose is likely to be long and straight or dainty—in either case, probably well formed. There’s frequently a receding hairline in the men (from all that activity in the brain, perhaps), and both sexes normally have rather high foreheads.

It’s usually a mistake to try to pin Geminis down to either one place or one idea. It’s always a mistake to challenge them to a battle of wits, because they can talk themselves in and out of situations with the greatest ease. They think fast on their feet (or in any other position); they can be sharply satirical, and they’re more clever than almost anybody. Some Mercury people take a mischievous delight in disconcerting slower minds with their lightning fast mental processes. How would you like to get into an argument with Gemini Joan Rivers?

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A June person will sometimes appear to light near you, like an inquisitive bird, survey the scene with excited curiosity, then dart off in a different direction almost before you can say hello.

I often join a Gemini friend in Lindy’s for cheesecake and some casual conversation.

He’s thirty-five to forty years old, but he looks like a college student, which is typical of Gemini’s ageless appearance.

For a while we’ll talk pleasantly, interrupting each other and easily bouncing from one topic to another.

Then I’ll search in my purse for a compact or a pencil, look up—and like some disappearing artist in a magic act, my Gemini friend has vanished into thin air, taking the check with him.

(The more un-evolved types use this agility to leave you with the check.)

When he pulls one of those fast dissolves, I glance around the room anxiously, and suddenly, there he is—making a phone call or waving to me gaily as he skips out the door to who-knows-where.

This particular Gemini was recently engaged to a wonderful Aquarian woman (if anyone can cope with an elusive Gemini, it’s an Aquarian), and a week before the wedding, five would get you twenty anywhere on Broadway that he would find a way to slip out of the noose—that somehow, he wouldn’t make it to the church on time. But he did. Geminis can surprise you. Especially when they’re in love.

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