by Cortney Litwin
Source: California Psychics
It must be the lunacy of the Moon that makes Cancers so hilarious. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, after all. Just look at this lineup of comical crabs: Dan Aykroyd, Milton Berle, Mel Brooks, Bill Cosby, Will Ferrell, Tom Hanks, Gilda Radner, Robin Williams and talk show host Carson Daly. While Berle and Radner are no longer with us, the rest are still tickling our funny bones with their zany magic.
So what's their secret? Cancer is the sign of the "everyman/woman." That is, the person everyone can relate to. What makes Cancers so funny is that they see the humor in everyday situations, stuff we wouldn't normally think of as amusing. When was the last time you were amused by your irritated spouse, your unruly kids, or a rude driver who cut you off? Leave it to a Cancer to point out the humor in such situations.
What's more, Cancer rules emotions, so we often relate well to Cancer celebrities on an emotional level. They just seem to "get" us, which shows up in their performances - whether they're being funny or serious. Some Cancer celebrities, such as Robin Williams, Tom Hanks and even Will Ferrell, have a gift for both comedy and drama. Note Williams's dramatic roles in Dead Poets Society, Awakenings and One Hour Photo (creepy!). Hanks earned critical acclaim in Forrest Gump, Philadelphia Story, Saving Private Ryan and Apollo 13. And surprisingly, Ferrell was terrific as the straight-faced IRS auditor in Stranger Than Fiction. Cancers can be superbly multi-talented, especially if their emotions are engaged in their performances.
Of course, not all Cancers are natural comics. While it's tempting to say that Cancer and comedy go hand-in-hand, the Sun sign is only part of the picture. The talent for making us laugh is a blend of influences in the chart. For instance, the charts of Ferrell, Williams and Daly show powerful aspects from Uranus, the planet of enlightenment and rebellion, and Pluto, the planet of emotional depth and complexity. What a strange combination for a comedian, you say?
Well, Uranus can shock us into seeing life in a different way. A comedian with a powerful Uranus uses humor to propel us out of our complacency and into a different perception on life. Uranian performers can be highly original or downright weird, too. Or outrageously quick - like Williams. Pluto, conversely, adds an element of depth to a performance. It digs deep into the psyche to reveal our collective paranoia, longings and compulsions - fodder for funnies, especially the sarcastic kind.
Let's take a closer look at the charts of Ferrell, Daly and Williams to see what makes them tick.
Will Ferrell
For Ferrell, Uranus conjunct Pluto is a double whammy of weird and compelling. The New York Times described his performance in Old School as "hilarious, anxious zealotry" - undeniably the effects of wacky Uranus and compulsive Pluto. Plus, Moon in Pluto-ruled Scorpio makes him a spot-on impersonator. Scorpio's penetrating nature gives him a talent for impersonation as well. And Venus in Virgo assures he gets the details right.
Carson Daly
The host of Last Call with Carson Daly has a T-cross involving Sun, Mars and Pluto, which heightens his intensity and gives him an edgy vibe. And if he gets annoyed, watch out! He has a temper for sure. This seems at odds with Moon in Pisces, which indicates an impressionable emotional nature. Even so, he's a wild-child - Uranus afflicts his Mercury conjunct Venus in Cancer, which makes him a rebel at heart. He can be pretty far out there, both mentally and emotionally.
Robin Williams
Speaking of out there, Williams is unsurpassable when it comes to breaking the mold. His over-the-top performances and originality come from Mars conjunct Uranus in Cancer. Even without his forays into cocaine, the Mars-Uranus influence gives him a talent for lightning-speed performances. Additionally, Mercury conjunct Pluto in Leo indicates a razor-sharp wit. He can be reckless as well, both physically and in his personal life. But like Daly, Moon in Pisces gives him a sensitive side and, of course, plenty of imagination. And he shares Ferrell's talent for details from Venus in Virgo. Put this all together and you get a master comedian.
Funny, sad, original and often weird, Cancer comedians entertain us through a wide range of emotions. But it's their gift of laughter that keeps us coming back for more.