The Zodiacs: Cancer, the Crab
Born: 21 June- 22 July
Duality: Feminine | Element: Water | Ruling Planet: Moon
Symbol: The Crab | Glyph: ♋︎ | Keyword: I Feel
Polarity: Capricorn | Body: Breasts and Stomach
Lucky Day: Monday | Birthstone: Pearl
Flowers: Larkspur, Acanthus | Trees: Those rich in sap
Animals: Shelled | Dangers: Home-accidents, victims of theft
History of Cancer the Crab
Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac and is represented by the crab, a water creature that can walk on land. The Chaldeans, an ancient people who lived in Chaldea c.800 BC and ruled Babylonia 625–539 BC, were renowned as astronomers and astrologers. They gave the sign this name because the crab’s backward appeared to mirror the Sun’s movement when entering this sign. Around June 21st, the sun appears to remain stationary for a few days, marking the beginning of summer solstice. The word solstice signifies “the Sun standing still.”
In ancient Egypt, the constellation was represented by two turtles. The theory is that it could be seen at dawn, when the Nile was at its lowest point, and Nile turtles were plentiful at that time of year. Many astrologers think the crab was a melding of the Egyptian turtles and a Babylonian water creature called Allul, which was a type of tortious. The turtle, tortious, and crab have two important similarities: slow-moving and hard-shelled.
According to Greek legend, Cancer was the crab sent by Juno to destroy Hercules. Although Hercules crushed it while engaged in the battle against Hydra (the monstrous, nine-headed serpent), Juno placed the crab’s figure in the heavens as a reward for its sacrifice.
The Astrology of Cancer
Sun In Cancer
The Cancer zodiac sign is associated with people born between June 21 and July 22. Its symbol is the Crab, representing their protective and nurturing nature. The Cancer glyph ♋︎ represents the claws of the crab and the human breast, the body part that Cancer rules. The two circles of the Sun are connected by two crescent moons. The moons reflect Cancer’s desire to collect memories, while the circles represent powerful energy (Sun) expressed through emotions (moon.)
Cancer is a water sign ruled by the Moon, symbolizing emotions, intuition, and sensitivity. The moon's relationship with Cancer means they have psychic-like intuition and a photographic memory and are difficult to deceive with their acute awareness. They are also collectors and can struggle with being possessive. People born with the Sun in Cancer have difficulty trusting others and need continuous encouragement and words of affirmation to settle their complex and fragile mood. There is no such thing as too much love and approval!
Cancers do not like change and are worriers and silent brooders. Cancers crave harmony and don’t like to strike back directly but retaliate by sulking. Similar to the crab, they take an indirect approach to conflict. Individuals born under this sign are known for their deep empathy, loyalty, and strong connection to their family and home. They are hopeless romantics and tend to still hold onto an old-fashioned idea of love, romance, and marriage. Cancers are supreme nurturers and will give unselfishly to anyone who needs them. Their greatest impact is on human relations and understanding others.
Cancerians are also full of contradictions. They are known for their moodiness, sensitivity, and tendency to retreat into their shell when feeling overwhelmed or hurt. They love security but crave adventure. They are cautious while also courageous. They shift emotions like the tide of the ocean. Because they see their sensitivity as a vulnerability, Cancers build an array of defenses to hide their deep feelings. Their crab shell is the armor that hides their heart of gold. But with balance and focus, their sensitivity can be channeled into a source of great power.
With their creativity and intellect, Cancerians attract wealth and make shrewd businesspeople. They are cautious and conservative in their endeavors, yet their senses can spot the latest trends and patterns in public taste. Cancers are seen as people who can spot opportunities for financial gain. Because to them money means security, they hold onto it like they do any other posession-tightly.
Those who give Cancerarians security have a ride-or-die friend with undying loyalty. At times, they can have blind spots for those they love. Cancerians are deeply devoted and caring partners in relationships. Overall, Cancer is a sign that embodies emotional depth, intuition, and a strong sense of protection toward loved ones.
Moon in Cancer
The Moon is in its natural home in Cancer, for this is the sign the Moon rules. Cancer moons are warm-hearted, sensitive, charismatic, and romantic. The moon in Cancer brings stronger imagination, empathy, tenacity, loyalty, and protective nature. Conversely, it also means increased possessiveness, moodiness, self-pity, and a critical nature. Lunar Canccerians have excellent memory and are often found in professions such as historians, teachers, actors, and writers. They set their own pace and are more receptive than active. They live their life through feeling.
Fire Sun (Aries, Leo Sagittarius) + Cancer Moon = Dramatic and enthusiastic creativity
Air Sun (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra) + Cancer Moon = Magnetic intellect, daring, and influental
Water Sun (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) + Cancer Moon = Intense, intuitive, and deep
Earth Sun (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) + Cancer Moon = Passionate and unshakeable loyalty
How to Attract a Cancer
Cancers are receptive and scared of rejection, so give them authentic praise and warm approval. Reveal your softer side by sharing what is troubling you or direct the conversation where the Cancerean can show their empathetic and constructive advice. Talk about art, creative projects, finance, politics, or sports. The theatre, opera, small concerts, or art cultural events are great starting points for date ideas. A romantic dinner with live music also can’t go wrong. No matter what you do, don’t betray loyalty. Cancers are not often found to forgive and forget.