According to most Sun sign guides, Cancers are famous for one thing: their love of home and family. In fact, they're often portrayed as being fond of nothing else ... although this tends to be a nearsighted description. While it's true that Cancers have an innate loyalty toward their roots -- especially toward the people and places who have shaped their memories -- there's a lot more to them than simply where they came from. They're also concerned with where they're going, and with finding the safest way to get there. So when dear ones are involved, a Cancer will spare nothing to ensure they're not exposed to dangers on any level. They can even be a bit too protective at times, so much so that they need to be careful of a tendency to overdo it!

The one trait that's not usually mentioned under Cancer's list of qualities, however, is the one most important to them: privacy. Their symbol is the crab, after all -- a creature so fond of its own world that it carries a shell on its back, into which it may retreat at any time!

When it comes to relationships, there's absolutely nothing Cancers won't do for a loved one. They're capable of very deep feelings and, especially in romantic relationships, this can often mean they're easy prey. As a means of self-protection, they need to be careful in matters of the heart.

As parents, Cancers offer an endless supply of nurturing, even if it's aimed toward animals, plants or even other people's kids. These folks certainly have a knack for taking good care of anyone or anything that needs them.

In short, Cancers make the world a better, kinder place!

June 21: The Sun enters Cancer and squares Uranus
Each year the Sun enters security-focused Cancer, marking the Summer Solstice. The Sun's transit through this homebody sign reminds us of the importance of spending time in familiar environments with those we cherish. But before you head to the card store or get visions of family members cozily sitting around the fireplace or breakfast table, keep the following in mind: The Sun's immediate square to Uranus is all about change! This aspect will shake you out of your ruts, so don't suppress your naturally healthy desire for change. It will lead you in new and interesting directions!

June 23: The Sun squares Jupiter
June 25: The Sun opposes Pluto
These days, the social climate is all about quick action, pioneering ideas and bold creative ideas. It's enough to give a Cancer Crab agita! But don't hide your head in the sand. Tend to your security needs while also being open to a plan of action. The Sun's opposition to Pluto represents forces that have already been set in motion. Assess the balance between your personal family themes and those of your worldly and career concerns. You may be asked to step up. If you know which houses this opposition straddles in your own chart, apply these themes to those areas of your life.

June 25: Mercury enters Cancer
As Mercury follows the Sun into Cancer, this communication planet forms the same dynamic and contentious aspects as the Sun. Expect your ideas to be challenged. Your conversations will be spirited, but your thoughts tend to be colored by feelings -- and everybody will communicate much more emotionally than usual. Keep your heart open, but bring some logic into the mix if you have something important to say.

June 26: Lunar eclipse in Capricorn
Lunar eclipses are like an extra-intense full Moon -- a time known for amped-up emotions. The difficult aspect patterns this week are present during the eclipse, which almost guarantees plenty of breaking news. Capricorn is the sign of responsibility and authority, and this is where the Moon now conjuncts Pluto. The Sun and Mercury are in Cancer, a sign that rules the family and your tribe (as in country or community). First, get a sense of what you want to be responsible for, and what you don't. You can make the most of this time by striking a healthy balance between the personal and professional areas of your life.

June 27: Saturn quincunxes Neptune
This is the third quincunx between these two planets in this series. (The first occurred on May 2, 2009; the second on September 12, 2009.) During this time, fantasies and unrealistic plans have become clear, and hopefully by this point, you're not investing in them. This aspect reminds you of the importance in making appropriate adjustments to your long-term planning, as the environment changes and new information becomes available.

June 28: Mercury conjuncts the Sun
This past April, retrograde Mercury formed a conjunction with the Sun. At that time, you received information you were unable to put to good use ... but hopefully you still used that time to gather information. These two come together again, making a perfect time to reap the benefits of all your conversations and ideas over the last couple of months. You have new plans, and now you get the go-ahead to do something with them!

June 30: Mercury conjuncts the south node
Keep your ears and eyes open as new information from the past becomes available. The trick with this aspect is to act upon your new knowledge without losing sight of the big picture. Otherwise, as the saying goes, the tail wags the dog!

July 1: Mercury sextiles Mars
This aspect describes an animated conversation. If you can prevent yourself from investing in old ideas that didn't work before -- and won't work now -- you'll be able to sell people on your new, forward-looking ideas. Pay attention to the details so you're prepared for any questions that come your way, and let your words carry the importance of what you want to say.

July 3: The Sun conjuncts the south node
Seek out mama-bear types as a security- and family-focused Cancer Sun joins the south node. As you come under the umbrella of her protection, just make sure all that nurturing and protection doesn't make you lazy. Do what you can to help yourself and others!

July 5: Uranus turns retrograde
Astrologers have a saying when Uranus changes direction: Expect the unexpected! This is the first time this eccentric planet has turned retrograde since entering fiery Aries on May 27. Over the next several months -- until December 5 when Uranus turns direct -- review the areas of your life that need a bit of tweaking. It's time to refresh and renew! Leave old ideas, routines and schedules behind. The more comfortable you are with the concept of change in general, the more you'll be able to utilize this dynamic energy.

July 9: Mercury enters Leo
Have something to say? So does everybody else! The communication planet in this bold fire sign wants you to pay attention. Dramatic announcements are common during this transit, and some people may compete for attention. Nobody wants to play second fiddle, and issues of how everyone is treated take on extra importance now. To make the most of this transit, just make sure you give the same respect you want to receive.

July 10: Venus enters Virgo
When Venus, the planet of love, enters this practical and analytical sign, it's time to tangibly improve your relationships. Are you helpful to your partner? Are you a working team? Do you make time for each other? Whether you need to get a date night into your weekly schedule or set aside a weekend to clear out the garage, be sure to focus on making your day-to-day life together run smoothly and efficiently. When you think about it, making life easier for the person you care about is such a loving thing to do!

July 11: Solar eclipse in Cancer
Eclipses herald a time of big messages, so expect bold headlines and plenty of breaking news. We use the word "eclipse" when something dramatic occurs that takes our attention away from something else. If you know where in your own chart the eclipse takes place (and which planets are contacted, if any), you'll have more information about an important area of your life -- one that will captivate your focus. Since all solar eclipses occur at a new Moon, this marks a dramatic beginning for you. In Cancer, the sign of home and family, nurturing those you love takes top priority, so make your favorite comfort food or plan a family picnic!

July 13: Venus quincunx Jupiter
Your love life needs a bit of tweaking as the relationship planet receives a bold message from big-idea Jupiter. While Venus in Virgo is somewhat reserved, Jupiter in Aries is anything but! It may be time to break out of your shell and give something new a try. The old ways just don't work like they used to!

July 13: Venus trine Pluto
Venus's entrance into practical Virgo last week now receives support from Pluto in grounded Capricorn. You may know what you want, who you want and how you want to be loved. Now it's time to transform your relationships to establish a deeper connection. Are you single? Write down what your heart wants. If you can dream it, you can have it! Start with a positive attitude and a loving heart.

July 21: Saturn re-enters Libra
Saturn entered Libra last year on October 29, and your attention shifted from work and health themes (Virgo) to relationships (Libra). On April 7 of this year, retrograde Saturn re-entered Virgo, and once again your work conditions and health issues needed more of your attention and consideration. On May 30, Saturn turned direct in this order-loving sign, and it was time to get your projects and plans ready to move forward. Now this taskmaster planet finally returns to relationship-oriented Libra. Whether you are married, seriously committed or single, you are now prompted to take your relationships more seriously than you have for awhile.

July 22: The Sun enters Leo
Do you orbit around somebody or something else? Or are you at the center of your own solar system? As the Sun enters its own sign, it's time for you to shine as brightly as it does! Increase your self-confidence by investing in fun projects that show off your talents. Most of all, be sure during this transit to embody the three top Leo qualities: self-respect, creativity and strength.