Rashi 4 of 12 · ♋
Karka Rashi (Cancer)
Karka is the 4th sign of the sidereal zodiac — a water sign ruled by Moon, containing the nakshatras Punarvasu (pada 4), Pushya, Ashlesha. In Vedic astrology your rashi usually means your Moon sign: the sign the Moon occupied at your birth.
Lord
Moon
Element
Water
Western sign
Cancer
Exalted here
Jupiter
Debilitated here
Mars
Nakshatras
Punarvasu (pada 4), Pushya, Ashlesha
Personality
Karka natives are the nurturers, emotional, intuitive, family-oriented, and protective of their inner circle. Ruled by the Moon (Chandra), they have deep memory, vivid imagination, and the gift of holding space for others' feelings. They build their lives around home and tradition. The shadow side is moodiness, taking criticism personally, and difficulty letting go of past hurts.
Career
Karka thrives in fields that reward emotional intelligence and care, healthcare (especially nursing, paediatrics, midwifery), counselling, teaching young children, hospitality, cooking, social work, real estate (homes specifically), historical research, and family-business management. They are also gifted artists, writers, and musicians. They struggle in coldly competitive environments that disregard human feelings.
Love & Relationships
In love, Karka is deeply loyal, romantic, and protective; they love their partner the way they love family. They show love through cooking, remembering details, and physical care during illness. They need emotional safety above all and withdraw into their "shell" when hurt rather than confronting. Their best partners are patient, emotionally available, and value the home.
Health
Karka rules the chest, breasts, stomach, and digestive system in Vedic medical astrology. Common concerns include digestive issues (acidity, gastritis), water retention, breast and lung sensitivities, and mood-related health swings tied to lunar cycles. Mindfulness, regular meals, and emotional release practices (journaling, talking it out) support Karka health.
Compatibility
Most compatible with Vrishchika (Scorpio) and Meena (Pisces), fellow water signs that share the emotional depth. Strong matches also with Vrishabha (Taurus) and Kanya (Virgo). Most challenging with Mesha (Aries) and Tula (Libra), whose direct or detached styles can feel cold to Karka.
Lucky Attributes & Remedies
Lucky day
Monday
Colours
White, Silver, Cream, Pearl
Gemstone
Pearl (Moti)
Metal
Silver
Number
2
Direction
North-West
Remedy for Moon
Worship: Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
Beej mantra: Om Shram Shrim Shraum Sah Chandramase Namah
Nakshatras in Karka
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
Which planet rules Karka Rashi?
Karka (Cancer) is ruled by Moon. The Jupiter is exalted in Karka, while Mars is debilitated here. The lord's condition in a birth chart strongly colours how Karka traits express.
Which nakshatras fall in Karka Rashi?
Karka contains Punarvasu (pada 4), Pushya, Ashlesha. Your Janma Nakshatra is the one occupied by the Moon at birth, and it refines the broader Karka Moon-sign portrait.
What is the lucky day, colour and gemstone for Karka?
For Karka: lucky day Monday, colours White, Silver, Cream, Pearl, number 2, direction North-West, metal Silver. The gemstone of its lord Moon is Pearl (Moti) — wear only after a proper chart consultation.
Is Karka my Moon sign or Sun sign?
In Vedic astrology "your rashi" normally means your Chandra (Moon) Rashi — the sidereal sign the Moon occupied at birth. Because the sidereal zodiac differs from the Western tropical zodiac by about 24°, your Vedic rashi is often one sign earlier than your Western sun sign. Use the free Kundali or Moon Sign calculator to find yours precisely.