These are the global energies of Mars in Cancer or in 4th House that must be nuanced according to your birth chart, see the article Mars in signs; see also the article on the general interpretation of Mars.
The planet Mars is one of the attributes of the Animus in the chart, so it can indicate a Projection of it.
It informs about the man side, the action, the desire, the lover, our impulses, the libido, but also more broadly on our way of asserting ourselves, our combativeness and the latent violence which results from it, it manifests qualities in the colors of the occupied sign. See Mars in the birth chart of a woman for the specific influence of this planet on the Anima.
Mars in Cancer : persistence and defense
Mars, a Fire planet, is in fall here, which means that its natural spontaneity is restricted (see Rulerships); it cannot express the full extent of its harmonious aspects while it’s immersed in this aquatic environment.
All of the Martian aggressiveness which is generally externalized is oriented inwards with this sign, so it can lead to large amounts of nervousness, or even psychosomatic issues in extreme cases.
Socially, Mars in Cancer people are more passive, more inclined to spectate and avoid violence, and more prone to try to avoid direct confrontation. They have a huge need for security, much more than for action. The excellent initiative that Mars usually offers turns into conservatism and resistance to change, since these people perceive change as reckless risk-taking.
Mars in Cancer people are thus in a way more calculating (or even manipulative), and are influenced by the Moon’s feelings (they are under its rulership). They are unadventurous, think before doing, and even go so far as getting their emotions tangled up in their thoughts; let’s just say that Cancer does indeed form a Square with Aries, so it’s far from the latter’s impulsiveness and primal instincts.
Thus, these people have good self-control and are sensitive and delicate when dealing with others, so they are not at all the sort of people to easily lose their temper ! They have a tendency to apologize rather than get angry. That said, they are able to defend themselves well despite everything else, and even though they are slow starters, they are likely to fiercely resist any attack ! Additionally, their resentment is generally long-lasting. They remember the people who hurt them, even long after-the-fact, often dwelling on the past.
More aggressive, direct, or short-tempered signs may consider them to be weak, but, in the same vein as Mars in Pisces people, Mars in Cancer people consider anger and violence to be the real weaknesses ! They are peace-loving humanists, yet in terms of their tenacity, they are every bit as persistent as people with Mars in other, more warlike positions, and they could even give those other people a lesson.
Mars in Cancer people’s libido is directly related to their emotions, which gives a very feminine touch to their personality ! The protective nature of Cancer comes together with the dynamic nature of Mars, so these people are very sensitive and focused on protecting themselves and their loved ones. Often, children represent a particularly significant priority for them, and maternity or paternity may be of paramount importance in their life and give them a crucial sense of meaning.
Their biggest fear is being abandoned by those whom they love, being treated with indifference, or being ignored; simply thinking about this leads to emotional panic for them. But if you reassure them and help to build up their self-confidence, they can be very devoted, obliging partners who are very faithful in a long-term way.
Mars retrograde in Cancer
Mars’ Retrograde motion in this sign makes these people even more cautious and reserved, with very good self-control, and also very introverted.
On the other hand, they may have a hard time adapting to change, and tend to get paralyzed and stuck in whatever environment they are in. Very much deprived of direct, spontaneous Martian energy, they often have a hard time initiating their process of development as an individual.