Every zodiac sign faces stereotypes. Aries are seen as short-tempered, competitive, and impulsive. Leos are dramatic attention-seekers. Virgos are perfectionists with a knack for cleanliness. The list goes on, forcing individuals into a box where choice seems limited, especially for those identifying with particular zodiac signs.
As a Cancer, it was difficult not to listen to the stereotypes.
Cancers are described as emotional, defined by empathy and compassion. This made me feel like my only defining traits were my emotions, and I let them manage my life. I compared myself to others, growing upset with the difference between our successes. So, I packed my schedule full of activities to mold myself into a “star student,” and my stress levels became concerning. I cried over the littlest inconveniences, thinking the stars above littered my path with obstacles.
Being “emotional” morphed into self-sabotage.
My “coping” mechanisms involved displacing fault. I blamed those around me, my homework, and my racket while playing tennis until there was nowhere else for my frustration to go. It didn’t help that I was dealing with undiagnosed anxiety and depression, either.
And having the label “Cancer” above my head resembled the perfect scapegoat.
I viewed my Cancer status as an excuse. I chose to bottle everything inside. If I were going to be emotional, then I shouldn’t make it anyone else’s problem, right? I shouldn’t say “no” when someone needed help because I was supposed to be compassionate, right? I shouldn’t grow jealous of others even if I tried my hardest, right?
It was a liberating moment when I realized that the blame was mine and mine alone to bear.
I can look back proudly now and say I bettered myself because I had a stable support system. I relied on my friends and family, expressing my emotions instead of locking them away, and it felt good.
It felt cathartic to cry without shame. To talk about my feelings and not hear the self-deprecating voice that thrived on my discomfort.
I let being a Cancer decide what type of person I was. Was it because I needed guidance or favored the idea of fitting in? I don’t know. I do know that I didn’t want to be stuck navigating life cluelessly, so I turned to astrology to “fix” my problems like a fairy godmother.
My experience with my zodiac sign didn’t give astrology a solid reputation. However, the overall concept of astrology isn’t harmful.
Astrology utilizes constellations and celestial bodies to help humanity understand the unknown. To provide clarity and meaning where panic could bloom. Individuals’ beliefs determine their ability to influence the world, yet they shouldn’t impact someone’s decisions.
Allowing myself to be a Cancer without having to be the perfect Cancer taught me how to guide myself through life. And accepting my own blame has never made me happier.
Featured image via RDNE Stock project on Pexels
This article really resonated with me. It’s so easy to attribute our actions to our zodiac signs, but taking responsibility for our choices is empowering. Embracing personal accountability is a crucial step toward growth.