When is a lion a crab?

Of myself and my two sisters, I would say Cathy is the most traditionally Christian.  I think she abides by more of the "rules" than Cindy or I do.  I am a Christian, but I have serious misgivings about organized religion and the feeling appears to be mutual.  Most churches I have attended have been uncomfortable with my questions.  Though I am a firm believer in God, I have some thoughts and theories that could best be described as not mainstream.  Cindy is, I believe, also a Christian but she is also the most metaphysical of us.  All of us have a metaphysical streak, I just believe Cindy's is more pronounced.


So what is the purpose of all this jabber?  Cathy seems to have found information putting forth the idea that the Zodiac has changed over the years and now there are 13 houses rather than 12.  You can see an article about this here New Zodiac Signs


My birthday is August 4th.  I'm not sure how much credence I give to astrology, but up until now I've been a Leo and I always thought the description of Leos pretty much covered my personality.  Below is a description of Leos.  I have highlighted the parts I think don't necessarily match up to my persona.

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac. These folks are impossible to miss, since they love being center stage. Making an impression is Job One for Leos, and when you consider their personal magnetism, you see the job is quite easy. Leos are an ambitious lot, and their strength of purpose allows them to accomplish a great deal. The fact that these folks are also creative makes their endeavors fun for them and everyone else. It's quite common to see a Leo on stage or in Hollywood, since these folks never shy away from the limelight. They are also supremely talented and have a flair for the dramatic. Warmth and enthusiasm seems to seep from every Leo pore, making these folks a pleasure to be around. They do love pleasure!

It's the Lion that symbolizes Leos, and the king (or queen) of the jungle is a most appropriate mascot, since they consider themselves the rulers of their universe (and the zodiac at that).  Like Lions, Leos tend to be dignified and strong, and it's this sense of their power that allows them to get things done. A Leo on your team is a good thing, since Lions are eager to see their projects through to completion. Putting these folks at the helm is a good thing, too, since the Leo-born are natural leaders. They may ruffle a few feathers along the way, however, since they can also be overbearing and somewhat autocratic.  This may be in keeping with the Fixed Quality assigned to this sign -- Lions are indeed opinionated and set in their ways.  That said, they are well organized, idealistic and have a knack for inspiring others.

Leo is ruled by the Sun -- the center of the universe and the fuel for our being. In much the same way, Leos consider themselves indispensable and the center of the universe, and those who would tell them otherwise had better look out! Lions are outgoing, self-assured (somehow I missed out on this unless I'm with people I know) and have a tremendous zest for life. So what if the world revolves around them? There are worse role models, for sure. The Lion's enthusiasm is boundless, and along with that comes generosity of spirit and the determination to succeed. That focus may be construed as vanity and even bossiness at times, but Lions would say 'No way!' and continue along their regal path. Regardless of appearance, those born under this sign can be counted on for their loyalty and sense of honor. They are also decisive, intensely proud and wonderfully romantic.

The element associated with Leo is Fire. (I respect fire, but I also have a well honed fear of it). Everything about the Lion's personality is hot, hot, hot. Those born under this sign are fearless and strong, which may be why Lions plunge in headfirst and let the chips fall where they may. Thankfully, Leos are dignified enough not to commit too many pratfalls. It's the Lion's unswerving courage that wins so many folks over. If you need someone to lead the charge, call a Leo -- and the bigger the project, the better, since these folks love an expansive stage (and the audience that comes with it) (not necessarily). While some would take to calling Lions status-conscious, these folks are truly warmhearted and want everyone to be happy. Hey, it's their kingdom, and happy campers make for a perfect peace. Further, it's the great gift of the Leo-born to be dynamic, forward-thinking and self-confident. These attributes certainly catch the attention of others, making Leos sought after by both friends and lovers. The Lion's charms extend to all, even to the children they dearly love. (There are some children that I dearly love, but none of them are mine.) Yes, the pleasure principle is paramount to the Lion, and along those lines, Leos are great at spending money.  Lions can't fathom an uncomfortable throne. Leos also enjoy trying their luck at the tables, so expect to find them living it up in Las Vegas. (I'm usually a bit of a tightward, and I'm not much of a gambler. Too cheap.  But I loved Vegas. I really like shiny, sparkly, colorful things.)

Come play time, Leos are at their best. Those born under this sign enjoy fun and games both outdoors and in (and with a group), so expect to find them playing softball, hockey or a game of cards. Lions are also a natural at the gym, where they can show their stuff to a crowd. (Not so much.) When the lights are low, the essential Lion comes to the fore, since this beast is 90 percent fun and 100 percent romantic. The Leo lover is devoted, creative and almost too hot to handle! Since Leo rules the heart and back, however, overzealous Lions may have to take a deep breath and slow down a bit. You can bet that the Lion's home will be swaddled in royal purple and gold. (My favorite color is green, but purple and gold are very good too.)

The great strengths of the Leo-born are their creativity, idealism and leadership. Lions don't lack for ambition, either, so they're likely to accomplish a lot -- and have fun while they're at it. Their warmth and loyalty ensures that others will enjoy the ride as well.

Okay, so now I'm supposed to be Cancer.  Below is a description and my notes where I think I differ:

Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is all about home. Those born under this sign are 'roots' kinds of people, and take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. Cancers are maternal, domestic and love to nurture others. More than likely, their family will be large, too -- the more, the merrier! (I'm not at all maternal, domestic or a nurturer. I have a large family, but not of my own creation -- I was born into it). Cancers will certainly be merry if their home life is serene and harmonious. Traditions are upheld with great zest in a Cancer's household, since these folks prize family history and love communal activities. They also tend to be patriotic, waving the flag whenever possible. A Cancer's good memory is the basis for stories told around the dinner table, and don't be surprised if these folks get emotional about things. Those born under this sign wear their heart on their sleeve, which is just fine by them.

The mascot of Cancer is the Crab, and much like this shelled little critter, Cancers are quick to retreat into their shells if it suits their mood. No wonder these folks are called crabby! For Cancer, it's not that big of a deal, though, since they consider this "shell" a second home (and they do love home). The flip side of this hiding is that shell-bound Crabs are often quite moody. Further, in keeping with their difficulty in sharing their innermost feelings, it can become a Herculean task to pry a Crab out of its secret hiding place. What to do? Give the Crab time -- eventually these folks will come out to play again. When they do, they'll be the first to say so, in keeping with the Cardinal Quality attached to this sign. It's said that Crabs are first to laugh and first to cry, so you can bet they'll fill you in. That shell, by the way, isn't the only tough thing about Crabs. These folks are tenacious and strong-willed and like to get their way.  If their well-documented kindness and gentleness doesn't do the trick, however, they're not above using emotional manipulation to make things happen. If that still doesn't work, they'll just go back into their shell and sulk, or find a way to get back at the source of their pain, since Crabs can be rather vindictive.  That said, any self-respecting Crab would tell you that they are ultimately motivated by protecting their home and loved ones, a most noble goal.

Cancers are ruled by the Moon (interestingly: Leos are Sun signs) -- the Great Mother of the heavens in ancient times. Here on Earth, this is manifested in the Crab's maternal instincts (again, not me) and desire to protect home and hearth. This may appear smothering at times, but that's the Crab for you. (I don't think I've ever been smothering; if fact, just the opposite is more true). The Moon is associated with fertility (the Knights are fertile, but my reproductive system was put together with Elmer's, duct tape and a staple gun) too, a quality that is most pleasing to Cancers. The Moon is also the ruler of moods, and Cancers have plenty of those. (AMEN!) These folks can cry you a river if they're so inclined, and they usually are. They can be overly sensitive, easily hurt (though you'll never know it) and prone to brooding. Even so, Crabs find it easy to be sympathetic to others and are quick to show their affection. Their intuition is also a great help to them, especially in times of stress.

The element associated with Cancer is Water. (I love water!) Like the rolling waves of the sea, the Crab's emotions can make quite a splash. These folks tend to pick up on things and bring them in, with the outward result ranging from sentimentality to possessiveness. Crabs need to resist the temptation to become selfish or to feel sorry for themselves, since this behavior won't help. On the bright side, Cancers are good with money (although some consider them too thrifty), probably because they value a sense of security. Crabs are also quick to help others and tend to avoid confrontation. In keeping with their nurturing bent, those born under this sign are a whiz with food (as long as I don't have to prepare it). A hearty picnic in the park is heaven-on-earth to most Crabs.

Cancers often find that a robust workout session is just the tonic for their touchy feelings (not so much). Team sports are always nice, since they offer a sense of community; water polo should be elemental to aquatic Crabs. What are their team colors? The Moon is silver and white (very low on my list of favorites). Since Cancers have a tendency to be lazy, however, they may need someone to push them out the door (I have always been self-motivated). When it comes to the game of love, eager Crabs are devoted, romantic and able to get things going on their own. Crabs are wise to listen to their gut, since this sign rules the stomach.

The great strength of the Cancer-born is the tenacity with which they protect their loved ones. These folks don't ask for much, either: a comfortable home and sense of peace about sums it up. It's that nurturing instinct (I just don't think that's me) which makes Cancers a pleasure to be with.

So, what do we have?  Seems to me I'm a little bit of both.  But it also seems to me if I were to select any one of the other 12 or 13 (depending upon which side of the discussion you favor), I would find things that fit my style and things that don't.  I am me.  I am an individual, and as such, I am like no other person on this planet. I like me the way I am, and if you don't, well too bad.  Some may say I'm a crabby old lion, and they'd be more than a little bit correct, but I've lived hard, I love hard, and it has been one helluva ride so far.