MY BIRTHDAY: 18 July (CANCER)

Your personal ruling planets are Moon and Mars.

Though your natural impulse is to boldly go where no man has gone before, something stops you. Some sense of inadequacy at times. This frustrates you and denies you the success that would otherwise be yours. You harbour grudges at times which are better expressed through the Mars influence. Even then, you may be abrupt and irritable in off-loading your frustrations.

Be more tactful and diplomatic in dealing with others and don't be too proud to ask for help.

Your lucky colours are red, maroon and scarlet and autumn tones.

Your lucky gems are red coral and garnet.

Your lucky days of the week are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Your lucky numbers and years of important change are 9, 18, 27, 36. 45, 54, 63, 72.

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Like the crab that represents them, people who are born under the sign of Cancer can be curious and complex creatures. Emotional security and tranquility are your overriding concerns, and you tend to feel things deeply. If you are a Cancer, you are most likely doggedly determined when it comes to getting what you want if it will promote your sense of safety. You are very conscience-ridden, which explains your strong sense of responsibility towards not only yourself but others. When you put your mind to it, you almost always achieve your goals.

People might find you extremely difficult to get to know as you can be shy and evasive in public, but you are open, loyal and protective to those close friends and family whom you trust. Perhaps because the Sun changes direction in Cancer, you can be temperamental. At times you will seem to have the greatest love for life, yet at others you can be nothing but a self-pitying mess. You can be pleasant and cheerful, or you can be egotistical and vain.

A trait which others might find annoying about you is that you are most likely passive-aggressive. This can lead to a lot of stubbornness on your part. You do, however, pay attention to details and are usually punctual, exact, and efficient. But let others beware: only you can talk yourself into something, and no-one can make you do anything that you don't want to do.

Your friends may note that you are a good listener and are emotionally sensitive. If you have a problem, such as worries about your family or money, you are more likely to brood over it than to seek solace or solutions. Deep down, all you want is to feel safe, secure, and loved. This aspect of your personality goes hand-in-hand with your strong domestic urge. There is little more that you would like than to settle down and create a home. You do well in relationships because you are a good diplomat whenever problems arise, and you never forget a single moment of anything that ever happens. Partnerships are preferable to you, as the thought of loneliness is frightening. If you can control the mood swings and tendency to retreat into your shell at the merest hint of trouble, you can do very well.