karka

Karka is a term used in several contexts, most prominently in Indian astrology where it designates the zodiac sign Cancer. In Jyotisha, Karka (Cancer) is the fourth sign of the zodiac in the sidereal system and is associated with the element of water. The Moon is its ruling planet, and the sign is commonly linked with emotional responsiveness, intuition, and a strong attachment to home and family. The crab, the symbol of Cancer, is seen as reflecting a protective, nurturing nature and a tendency toward mood shifts when security feels compromised.

In astrology, Karka influences are said to color personality, relationships, and domestic life, with emphasis on care, empathy, and memory. People with prominent Karka traits are often described as loyal, sensitive, and oriented toward cultivating close communal bonds. While the symbolism emphasizes warmth and receptivity, it can also point to fragility or withdrawal during emotionally unsettled periods.

Dates associated with Karka vary by astronomical computation, but in common Western and Indian traditions it roughly encompasses late June to late July, with exact boundaries shifting slightly year to year. In Western astrology, Cancer is treated as a cardinal water sign ruled by the Moon, sharing the crab symbol and many similar traits with the Indian interpretation.

Beyond astrology, Karka can also appear as a place name or surname in various languages and contexts. In those uses, meanings are highly context-dependent and not tied to the zodiacal sense.