Cancer (the sign, not the illness) is the fourth sign of the modern astrological zodiac. The sign belongs to those born between June 21st and July 22nd. Cancer is a water sign, along with Scorpio and Pisces. Its ruling planet is actually the Earth’s moon– a lot closer and much more motherly than most other planets in the solar system.
People born under the sign of Cancer are said to be emotional and intuitive, not so drawn to logic and facts but more about the murky ocean of feelings. They often demonstrate a high level of empathy, and are able to innately understand their relationships with other people without anyone needing to say it, which makes small talk difficult but can be a boon with the right people in the right situation.
Cancers are also incredibly creative and funny, able to find their place in nearly any environment. But they can find themselves to be loyal to a fault, which is an enviable trait that still can cause some issues when people in their lives are not as dedicated as they are.
In early history, the sign was considered more of a scarab beetle, instead of a crab. The word for it also translates to “to scratch,” instead of its current associations. This continued until the time of the ancient Greeks. In their myths, the creature was either a crab or a lobster called Karkinos, but current translations remain unclear. But either way, the crab/lobster was crushed by Heracles, and then Hera placed the crab’s remains in the sky, which created the sign.
The Chariot is all around a good card, if you’re willing to put in the work to succeed. The Chariot represents concepts like victory, overcoming obstacles, success, ambition, determination, willpower, control, self-discipline, hard work, and focus.
The image of the Chariot in the RWS deck is somewhat the opposite of the Cancer– a regal figure in a chariot (go figure) being drawn by two sphinxes. There are no reins on the sphinxes, implying control through pure willpower alone. Cancer’s emotional intuitiveness seems to come at odds with this direct strength. But it serves as a spiritual balance. Through the mess of Cancer, the Chariot carries with it a challenge– that of maintaining direction and control throughout your life despite the hardships it brings.
The card itself is a challenge if it appears to you at all! It challenges you directly, asking whether or not you have the willpower to shape your life into what you want it to be, whether you have the strength to take control and command the parts of your life which are available to you.
You have the power to drag victory out of the cruel jaws of life– be honest, be open, be true and always persevere. You’re due great successes if you win against the hardships that life throws at you, because it’s what you’ve worked to deserve. It’s all waiting for you– you just need to go and get it.
The ideals presented by the Chariot can seem daunting. But, there are many things you can look out for if you are dealt the Chariot in a reading.
In love, the Chariot means that you need to conquer your emotions for a successful relationship. If you're in a relationship, you and your partner may need to communicate and work together to get through a rough patch. But if you’re single, then it means that your past relationships have left you battle weary, whether you realize it or not. You can overcome your struggle and become greater than your pain. In essence, love takes work. As long as you’re willing to put in the work, everything will work out in your favor.
In terms of money and your career, it represents itself very neatly: ambition and motivation are in your life or may be soon. Put aside your other worries and knuckle down, and hard work with self control will deliver you to success. Because the card also represents overcoming obstacles, if you are in a financial situation that seems tight, the card may be a sign that you can overcome this obstacle and now is a good time to do it.
If you’ve been feeling sick, then the Chariot is a sign that you will feel much better soon. Not that you will heal quickly, but a big step on the road to recovery is due very soon. It also, uniquely, may represent issues with the digestive system, so keep an eye out. Be prepared, and everything will turn out great for you.
If you liked this article but Cancer’s not your sign, then check out some other ones! For example, here’s an article about Virgo's the Hermit, or one about Leo's Strength!
