Dear Cancer, seriously consider coming out of your shell just a little more. Yes, you're shy, but there's really no need to be! Your devotion to family and friends and ability to see the optimistic view of any situation are naturally endearing. Being a little more open will make a lot more options available to you. It doesn't mean you have to take the limelight, just step out of the shadows! From there, you can moderate your exposure as the comfort zone dictates.

Around your personal space, you like things comfy. There's not a lot of flash here, as it's people, not things, that the home celebrates. Consequently, you'll find many family photos and pieces of memorabilia dotting each room instead of art or knickknacks.

For careers, you do well in quiet professions where you can extend or retract your personality. Examples include massage therapist or dental assistant. You rarely move into leadership roles, even though your talents and diligence are both well worthy of recognition. A birth number 8 implies that today's Cancer is additionally very responsible, and constantly places high demands on personal performance. This, in turn, can negatively reinforce your tendency to withdraw, due to fear of potential ridicule.

Your shyness also makes it hard to initiate relationships. But inside you are a very giving, sensual being just waiting for the right person to give yourself to wholly. You are the most considerate friend and you remember everything!

Gift idea: a family portrait.