Cancer: Year of the Pig
John Abel presents us a basic naturescape of Pig, crab, land, water and sky, all broadly sketched and broadly stroked. What we see is what we get — both in this canvas and in Pig-Cancer. Well? Maybe.
‘I feel’ is the mantra of the Chinese Pig and the motto of Western Cancer. Abel recognizes this subject is emotionally powerful, so chooses to keep detail to a minimum. There is no way, his work suggests, to visually capture a maelstrom of passions like those of Pig-Cancer. It is not a personality, it is a concept. Pig-Cancer is a civilized and refined duality, with a cultivated but thin veneer covering unbridled passions. Pig is the Eastern horoscope’s most complicated nature; the wild boar had to be domesticated before entering the farmyard. So, what makes this particular Pig tick? It could just be Cancer. Wisely, Abel makes the crab the only companion in sight. The two confront each other eye to eye, and have no doubt, Cancer shows the impassioned Pig a complication or two. As a crab jumps side to side, Cancer can be evasive and indirect. Its crustiness signals sudden flashes of temper. Since Pigs can also be cross, expect a sudden and volcanic temper in Pig-Cancer. This fusion of signs has the greatest emotional appetite in the combined zodiac, wanting and seeking it all and quite likely getting it. Pigs are very attractive, and never more so than when fueled by the very careful calculations of Cancer.
It is much better, or at least simpler, as Abel’s deceptively simple painting suggests, to ignore any murkiness of character within this, the zodiac’s most passionate and reckless creature. Just enjoy the wonderful attributes, the color, form and texture of Pig-Cancer.
(Source: eastmeetswestco.com)
Cancer: Year of the Dog
Under a star lit sky, Ken Goldman shows us an unexpected ramble as Dogs and crabs cavort in and out of water, playing with sticks. The moon, the planet of Cancer, gleams at the upper left, as the earth, planetary symbol of the Dog, rises at the lower right. In the center of each orb the artist shows us Cancer and Dog, each staking claims on a dual planetary system.
The Dog is a pack animal, but what does one make of a pack of Dogs and crabs? Cancer is normally deep and watery with emotion. But now, alloyed into a psyche ruled by both earth and moon, this is one edgy individual. The Dog is loyal, honest, and quick to defend, while Cancer is crusty, jumps side to side in avoidance and hates to leave its home. Both are worriers and overly sensitive; they can snap out when provoked. We obviously have a real set of interlocked contradictions. Dog-Cancer can be a wacky dreamer or the kind of person who can walk alone for hours contemplating a problem. Dog is portrayed as his ingenious and adaptable ancient ancestor, Coyote. This Dog interacts with Cancer utilizing a sharp mind. Cleverly he carries Cancer out of its water element, without getting pinched, using a simple stick as a tool. What a practical, artistic and creative solution! Later the stick is likely to be tossed aside and the larkspur, Cancer’s favorite flower, may end up in the Dog’s mouth instead. It will certainly end up in Cancer’s mouth if the Dog discovers the crab wants it; this Dog-Cancer combination likes to please others. However, that last trait can cause problems when one also needs large blocks of time alone to think and dream. Dog-Cancer may run with the pack, but this pack is usually a spread out, only returning home at the end of the night, on time and happy, but ready to disappear again at sunrise. Both dependent and independent Dog-Cancer may be a bit hard to understand.
Loony but lovable, muddled but loyal and true, this personality is astrology at its most creative. Dog-Cancer is a zany but absolutely charming and lovable character.
(Source: eastmeetswestco.com)
Cancer: Year of the Rooster
In this unique painting by Stephanie Goldman, the Eastern Chinese Rooster is combined with the Western zodiac’s Cancer, to create an exciting and innovative portrait of the duo.
The artist first combines the wonderful sea-green, silver and white colors representing Cancer, with the moon, Cancer’s planet. A bombastic Rooster crows the rising of another sunny day, and awakens its Western, crabby side to the beauty of the the rising sun. The Cancer’s moon is sinking into the horizon, a dubious expression on its face. What has gotten into the shy and reserved crab? Why, the power of the Rooster. Flamboyant and charismatic, it can charm the quiet and sometimes hard-shelled crab into the spotlight, a place all Roosters enjoy. This is an extremely modern combination. Utopian and well-dressed as all Roosters are, but reserved and austere in the style of Cancer, this attractive couple look solemnly within themselves, as all Cancers do. But on their heads the joyous fun of this fusion emerges. Delightfully rendered and in full motion, the exhibitionistic Rooster crows out the wonders of their duality.
Only the Rooster can coax Cancer out of its shell to show the world the authentic nature of Cancer — affectionate, understanding, instinctive, caring and sensitive, supportive and thoughtful of those they love with a truly kind and compassionate nature. Add the Rooster’s charm, dignity and strongly independent spirit, and this duo is worth taking the time to get to know. If you work to bring their best traits to the forefront, you wind up with the wild and loving individual who is Rooster-Cancer.
(Source: eastmeetswestco.com)
Cancer: Year of the Monkey
A Monkey with child emerges from the ocean, ensconced in a shell atop a strong-bodied crab. The Monkeys look rather sweeter than expected, as does the crusty Cancer. Stephanie Goldman portrays their inner natures rather than their outer. Although the Eastern Monkey is fun-loving, occasionally thoughtless, and Cancer can be tempestuous, this combination, apparently, is not.
Usually the Eastern Monkey is fun-loving and can be thoughtless, the Western Cancer prone to attacks of moodiness. For this trio, apparently, that is not always so. If we look closely, Goldman, with her perfect composition and coloration skills, reveals much in this personality portrait: a closed unity pervades the picture and its colors are both blended and painted in special harmony. That rosy sky may contrast with the Monkey’s blue fur, but it also symbolizes a passionate, albeit reckless, nature. Although this blue may not occur in nature, the blues do occur in Monkey-Cancer; when these people are sad it is serious business. Goldman understands that the crab supports — something Cancer was born to do — and will carry those it loves to the ends of the earth. The Monkey can be naughty, flighty and swinging from tree to tree, but quite rightfully wear halos; Monkey is the Chinese zodiac’s symbol of purity.
Monkey-Cancer cannot be anything he or she is not; part of their appeal is the definite need to be known and liked for who they are. Monkey teaches confidence and street smarts; Cancer teaches honesty and devotion. Together this duality can achieve much and lead others; their problem is a certain insularity. Monkey-Cancer can and does extend her or himself, but truthfully would much rather not.
We’re drawn into this fragile world, apparently defensive and protective. But, if we attempt to intrude too far, the crab has powerful claws and Monkeys do bite. As can Monkey-Cancer, so keep that in mind.
(Source: eastmeetswestco.com)
Cancer: Year of the Ram
What is it that makes up a delightful personality? Artist Andre Rushing’s painting of Ram-Cancer offers several clues: whimsy, a touch of the bizarre, maybe even downright craziness. A magnificent sky of half day half night, a deep and dark emerald sea, a strip of bright sand and black, secret rocks, all make up a singular landscape. Its inhabitants are two very curious creatures.
We see an nimble crab in the color of Cancer, silver, while nearby are pearls, Cancer’s gemstone. The Cancer personality is said to be tender-hearted, home-loving, a bit shy. In this case, shimmering and glamorous, Rushing’s crab looks forged at Tiffany and not born of the sea. It clutches an elegant floral chain of lilies, a favorite flower of Cancer. The garland rises upward, umbilical-like, secured to the horns of a Ram skull. Ram is the Chinese zodiac’s most sensitive sign. They are gentle, artistic, easily wounded, needing stability and direction. Defenseless? Not quite. The Ram can be obstinate, manipulative, and almost impossible to deflect from its chosen direction. The Chinese say that what the Ram needs most is a tether and Rushing has supplied one, anchored to the West’s most emotionally complicated moon sign.
If ever there was a zodiac marriage made in heaven, it is Ram-Cancer. These are twin souls locked in an emotional conspiracy. Ram can be as loony as it wants and Cancer will hold it steady with its own deep need to be loved. The crab can be crusty and curt but Ram will supply the sweetness that makes everyone forgive and forget. Truth be told, the rest of us just want to watch this enchanting personality, to be around it, and to bask in its lunar charm. Just as Rushing’s painting grips us with its mixture of dark and light, bizarre and beautiful, the Ram-Cancer will grip us with the indefinable magic of their natures. Clingy and wheedling, he or she has the rest of us jumping through hoops, usually without the slightest bit of resentment on our parts. All the while remaining absolutely and utterly delightful!
(Source: eastmeetswestco.com)
Cancer: Year of the Horse
This painting of Horse-Cancer by John Abel explodes like a burst of fireworks. His Horse rears up, vibrantly alive with red eyes and a neon-pink outline. His crab, Cancer, erupts in hot reds and oranges. Fire is the element of the Horse, and Abel implies that it is the defining quality of this dual sign. Cancer is known for its cool lunar qualities and prudence, but those ruled by Horse-Cancer are considerably more vibrant and spontaneous than the average crab. This combination likes people, enjoys society, and takes a freedom-loving approach to work and life. Yet, as we look closer, the artist anchors his painting with the dark outline of a tree. Trees are associated with Cancer and they indicate the deep roots of home and family that Cancer desires. Abel’s painting suggests an individual moderate and temperate in habits; one who steers toward the middle ground. Another clue to this personality — the moon at the upper right of the composition is at half phase. This indicates the sign is equally balanced, Cancer’s moon only half as strong as the Eastern fire sign.
Horse-Cancer is a sign of great poise, one that is good at a great many things. It is one that is happy and satisfied being the boss or on the team, one that is happy in solitude as well as in company. They have feelings without being overly emotional, committed but not fanatical, steady but not compulsive. Horse-Cancer is well liked and respected for their steady, spirited qualities. Most of us would never suspect the fire that drives them, unless we threaten or mistreat them. Abel shows us a marriage forged in fire, but cooled by a steady and deep connection to life. Horse-Cancer gets better and better with age, because they never lose their spirited drive toward life’s richest goal — with this half fire, half lunar personality, it is to bond with others.
Horse-Cancer have their priorities right.
(Source: eastmeetswestco.com)
Cancer: Year of the Snake
Artist Ken Goldman’s portrait of Snake-Cancer offers the perfect image of this powerful combined zodiac sign. Two crabs rest between two Snakes, one crab with a candle in its grasp. Significantly, fire is the Snake’s favorite element. For once in the zodiac, Snake subjects find their very secret fire nurtured by a sun sign, one which perfectly understands them. Cancer and Snake present an interlocking set of character traits. The Snake slithers away, the crab jumps side to side. Neither will directly confront, so Snake-Cancer will be a master of evasion. Secretive? Like nothing you have ever seen.
There are deep and mystical overtones in this painting, as well there should be. Some astrologers use the word unfathomable to describe these subjects and, indeed, Goldman’s depiction lends credence to such a characteristic. He shows us a provocative night, with mysterious creatures gathered together in some kind of riparian rite. Even the constellations have lined up in support of the gathering; the stars of Cancer are displayed in the night sky, as is a mysterious cloud formation uncoiling into the head of a Snake. The moon, ruler of Cancer, sheds the soft silvery light that is most flattering to the sinuous Snake. The Snake is the Eastern zodiac’s most complicated creature and Goldman renders it with technical, clinical precision. Ringed in red and white, they gleam with a cool and dangerous allure. And what of the influence of Cancer? The crab for all its side-stepping mannerisms can present a direct attack, and those claws grab deeply and will hold on forever.
Snake-Cancer likes the best. Life for these enchanting subjects will sparkle. So will they; no other zodiac sign presents so crisp and fresh an appearance on first notice. By the second notice, we’re hooked. These lucky subjects will always be spoiled for choice, as all the rivers of the world flow to their door, making it easy to evade life’s most interesting riddle — how to know yourself, when no one else in the world ever truly can.
(Source: eastmeetswestco.com)
Cancer: Year of the Dragon
Artist Ken Goldman weaves a story of the dual personality of the tranquil, devoted Western zodiac sign of Cancer, born in the year of the lively and outgoing Chinese Dragon.
Cancer the crab possesses a hard shell, hiding a proverbial heart of gold. Though possessive, they are extremely devoted to family and friends; they love their home life, are affectionate and thoughtful. Protective of those they love, when threatened they become gruff and grumpy. Kind, compassionate, and usually shy, when treated unfairly they can become moody and unforgiving. Dragons on the other hand are exhibitionists. Exuding natural charisma, with great energy and self-confidence, they are lively company. They demand high standards, although this can lead them to be proud, over-assertive and intolerant. Success, capability and luck makes them self-confident and self-reliant.
Goldman adds the symbols and elements of each sign to show how they work together. The powerful Dragon stands on a raging shore, posturing menacingly. With flapping wings and thrashing tail, it breaths fire from its ferocious mouth. Firmly attached to the earth, it is not going anywhere. Meanwhile, Cancer stands calmly on the shore of a gentler sea. Unafraid of the fierce Dragon, it lovingly offers the gift of a Cancer pearl. Cancer’s flower and symbol of innonence, the lily, blooms at its feet, while a grove of pines, its symbolic tree of stability, is silhouetted on a distant shore. To show the duality of these signs, the astronomical constellation Draco (Dragon) and the astrological constellation Cancer appear in the night sky. Mystical light from the moon — Dragons’s sign and Cancer’s planet — washes down on them both. By painting them in this manner, Goldman shows the effect each has upon the other. The shy crab is given the beauty and courage of the Dragon, and the dynamic Dragon retains its exhibitionist qualities as Cancer’s kindness and consideration mellows its over-assertive nature. A powerful, loving and loyal combination, this painting elegantly depicts those individuals born Dragon-Cancer.
(Source: eastmeetswestco.com)
Cancer: Year of the Rabbit
Thierry Chatelain’s Rabbit-Cancer is an object lesson in brilliant composition. A large and luminous moon, the planet of Cancer, is the backdrop for a Rabbit. The Rabbit holds a shell, from which pearls drop into the waiting claw of a shell-encased crab. Our eye sees sets of objects which fit seamlessly together: moon and pearls, shell and shell, Rabbit and Cancer. There is both a flow and repetition which is visually stunning and richly detailed. The moon glows with the same cool perfection as the pearls; the Rabbit is beautifully rendered. Ears, eyes, feet, fur and markings, all are exquisitely detailed, as is the crab’s crustiness which sparkles with what look to be tiny pearls as shiny as the pearls that flow into his claw. And finally the two shells are well matched, yet from two different crustaceans.
Chatelain gives us a very rich personality portrait. There is a polite charm in his Rabbit; note how carefully and formally he offers Cancer’s favorite, pearls, to the crab. This is a perfect harmony that suggests a well-bred, affable personality, and one particularly home-loving as well; both Rabbit and Cancer are homebodies. There are many other interlocking traits — sensitivity, nurturing, and a deep gentleness — that unite these signs. Rabbit-Cancer is a smooth and even blend of East-West zodiac signs.
Cancer’s tough shell protects the peace-loving Rabbit. Diplomatic traits of Rabbit bring sensitivity to the sometimes unforgiving crab. It looks like Chatelain’s hare and crab have a nice regard for each other, two very good friends indeed, a clue to Rabbit-Cancer’s love of partnership with others, family and friends. It looks as though Chatelain’s Rabbit is offering a home, as well as treasures, to Cancer. Rabbit-Cancer is not a sign destined to go through life alone.
(Source: eastmeetswestco.com)
