Cancer (Karka) in Vedic Astrology

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Sanskrit Name: Karka

Symbol: Crab

Ruling Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Quality: Movable (Chara)

Zodiac Position: 90° – 120°

Cancer, known as Karka Rashi in Vedic astrology, is the fourth sign of the zodiac. It represents emotions, nurturing, protection, and sensitivity. Cancer spans 90° to 120° of the zodiac and is ruled by the Moon (Chandra), the planet associated with the mind, emotions, intuition, and inner perception. As a water sign with a movable (Chara) quality, Cancer is connected with emotional flow, care for others, and the ability to respond to changing emotional environments.

Ruling Planet of Cancer: Moon

The Moon (Chandra) rules Cancer and represents the mind, emotions, feelings, and intuition in Vedic astrology. The Moon also governs nurturing instincts, emotional security, and the connection with home and family. When the Moon is strong in a birth chart, Cancer qualities such as empathy, care, sensitivity, and emotional awareness become more prominent.

Element of Cancer: Water

Cancer belongs to the Water element, along with Scorpio and Pisces. Water signs represent emotions, intuition, depth, and sensitivity. The water element gives Cancer its nurturing nature and its ability to understand emotional environments and relationships.

Water signs in Vedic astrology include

Cancer (Karka)

Scorpio (Vrischika)

Pisces (Meena)

Quality of Cancer: Movable (Chara)

Cancer is a movable sign, meaning it represents change, movement, and beginnings. Movable signs initiate action and bring energy into new phases of life.