One of the biggest problems for individuals who are born under the water sign of Cancer is that they can be slaves to their emotions. Combined with a vivid imagination you may, if not careful, become consumed with worry - especially over your nearest and dearest. Fear for the wellbeing and safety of loved ones is Cancer's Achilles' heel.

Worry can also have a detrimental effect on your digestion, which is linked to your birth sign, resulting in complaints of the digestive system. You need to eat several small meals a day and to allow yourself time to relax after meals. Food allergies and eating disorders are not uncommon. Cancer is the sign of nurturing - and that means yourself as much as anyone else.

Your over-developed imagination means that you can exaggerate the importance of minor ailments so be sure to get medical advice before panicking.

Cancer is strongly associated with the past and Moon people tend to be sentimental and traditional. You do, however, need to avoid clinging on to outdated patterns of thought or behaviour. You have a long memory and a tendency to dwell on those things which are no longer valid or relevant to your life. Learning to forgive themselves is an important lesson for all Cancers.

A strong and loving home base is not only necessary but essential for your health, happiness and general well-being. You have a great deal of love to give and need to be surrounded by people who appreciate your caring qualities. Worried or under pressure you have the ability to wound those who love you. You are extremely sensitive to any kind of criticism. Like the Crab which symbolizes your birth sign, your tough shell hides a sensitive, vulnerable soul. Do as you would be done by is an apt phrase for Cancer people.

With Pluto, the planet of renewal, currently passing through the health angle of your solar chart, where it will remain until the beginning of 2010, you should be taking particular care of yourself, just now. Avoid overstraining yourself physically, and pay attention to your bodily needs and demands.

It should be pointed out that the sign of Cancer has absolutely no connection with the disease of the same name. However, since the sign is linked to the breasts, Cancer women would be well advised to examine themselves regularly and have routine check-ups.

In common with your opposite sign of Capricorn, you have great determination and tenacity which generally enables you to get your own way. A gentle demeanour can disguise an iron resolve. Once you know what you want, you will stop at nothing to achieve or acquire it. You will fight like a demon on behalf of those you love and defend them to the death. '

Your instincts and intuition are finely-honed and you must learn to trust them. Your first impressions tend to be the right ones. You are prone to dramatic mood-changes - frequently influenced by the Moon's phases - but are not terribly keen on disruptions to your lifestyle.

Avoid bottling up your emotions. Your ability to absorb other people's feelings make it important that you can air and share your own. It is all too easy for you to get weighed down by concerns for others which can have an adverse effect on your health.

Because you give so much to those around you, you need time and space for yourself. It is vital that you have a personal bolt hole, a room or area of your own where you can go, at regular intervals, to recharge your batteries.