Born on a cusp: Cancer-Leo

Cancer is the fourth Sign of the Zodiac; Leo is the fifth. Those born on the Cancer/Leo Cusp have the vitality and ambition to be successful in their creative endeavours. Creativity is one of their keywords, and their caring nature ensures that the benefits of their imaginative powers help others. Cancer/Leos turn to nurturing the family group and take pride in their warm hospitality. They are emotional and traditional, interested in heredity and ancestors. Cancer/Leos can be prominent on stage and in film, as their natural ability to act, their flamboyance and their love of attention make them naturals at fame.

The astrological symbol of Cancer is the Crab; for Leo, it's the Lion. Cancer/Leos go through life with a strong shell around them that is not easily broken. However, Cancer/Leos are the first to express emotion in any given situation -- the first to laughter and the first to tears. In this way, the Cancerian influence exemplifies the Cardinal quality assigned to it. They also have a strong ability to see their projects through to the end. In this way, Leo exemplifies the Fixed quality assigned to it. Cancer/Leos are good organisers and tend to be popular, even inspiring.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, Leo by the Sun. In ancient times, the Moon, which represents fertility and instinct, was perceived as the Great Mother, responsible for nurturing all life. The Moon controls the tides and all water on earth, and it has a strong effect on human emotions. Cancers and Cancer/Leos tend to be more sensitive to the movement of the Moon through the Zodiac than are other Signs, their moods changing with the Moon's passage. In ancient times, the Sun was believed to be the centre of the Universe, the core of existence, the Father. The Sun generates warmth and keeps life on Earth moving. Leos and Cancer/Leos sometimes feel they are the centre of the universe, and sometimes they are! They are gregarious, social and fun-loving and live life with enthusiasm. Generally domestic and peaceful, they have strong emotional drives and won't sit still when loved ones are threatened. The Sun and Moon, mother and father, day and night -- Cancer/Leos are all of these things, and finding a way to express the entire continuum is both a challenge and a much-needed emotional release.