Karkata (Cancer), the fourth sign of the zodiac, provides pliability, emotion, and the quality of sympathetic appreciation. Its action is decisive, and its hold invincible. Prom its grip, no one can extricate himself without shedding some blood. Inwardly it is a little shaky about itself and uncertain of its power and potential, which often makes it an easy target for birds of prey. Sages consider the sign to represent the four aspects of Parabrah-man: sthula (physical), sukshma (subtle), bija (causal), and sakshi (the Silent Watcher). It also represents the four states of consciousness: jagrata (wakeful), sushupti (the dream state), turiya (deep sleep) and nirvana or samadhi (deep meditation). These attributes are suggestive of the fact that Karkata (Cancer) has a wide range of operation and operates in the subjective as well as the objective realm of manifestation. Esoterically, Karkata (Cancer) stands for the interaction of time and space on the involutionary path of the soul. It is related to the Hiranyagarbha of the Hindus and the Bythos of the Greeks. Karkata (Cancer) is feminine, watery and movable. Water is adaptable and can assume any shape depending upon the vessel in which it is kept. Water is formless, colorless, and odorless, but it is also the sustaining energy of all life. Cancer provides sustenance: the differentiation of cosmic ideation in space and time is an expression of this life-sustaining force. Being feminine in nature, Karkata (Cancer) is very productive provided it is met by the right kind of unity force. Karkata (Cancer) never feels at ease with inaction; it desires to be engaged in some kind of movement — even mere displacement, or movement without much significance.

Chandra (Moon) owns this sign, showing its great expansive capacity. Guru (Jupiter) is exalted here, which reveals the protective quality of the sign. Mangala (Mars) is debilitated, signifying inaction as the most trying experience for Karkata (Cancer).