Zodiac Zone: Meet Cancer ♋
Cancer is the fourth constellation of the zodiac. Its name is the Latin word meaning “crab.” Learn more!
Cancer is the fourth constellation of the zodiac. Its name is the Latin word meaning “crab.”
Astrologically, the Sun resides in the house of Cancer from June 21—July 22 each year.
The astrological symbol for Cancer is ♋, and the constellation sits in the sky between Gemini to the west and Leo to the east. Other nearby constellations include Lynx to the north and Canis Minor and Hydra to the south.
Learn more about each zodiac sign.
Cancer Constellation
The constellation itself consists of five stars — Decapoda, Asellus Australis, Acubens, Tarf, and a fifth, unnamed, star — that form a Y-shape. In all, there are more than 80 stars within the boundaries of the constellation, including the so-called “Beehive Cluster,” a bright grouping of several stars located near the constellation’s “breast,” in the words of ancient astronomer Ptolemy.
In Greek mythology, Cancer was a giant crab sent by the goddess Hera to distract Hercules from completing the second of his famous Twelve Labors, slaying the nine-headed Lernaean Hydra. According to legend, Cancer scuttled up to Hercules while he was fighting the many headed-monster and grabbed onto the hero’s toe. What happened next differs depending on which account you read. Some say Hercules kicked the crab so hard that he landed in the heavens. Others say Hercules crushed Cancer underfoot, and Hera placed the crab in the sky as a token of her gratitude for his sacrifice. Either way, the great crab still shines down on us to this day.
Cancer Characteristics
People born during this period have Cancer as their Sun sign. Proponents of astrological determinism believe that people born under the same Sun sign share certain character traits. Cancer people are most often described as sympathetic, sensitive, imaginative, intuitive, deeply emotional, cautious, and protective.
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Join The Discussion
Is Cancer your zodiac sign?
Do you believe in the character traits listed above?
Have you ever seen the Cancer constellation in the sky?
Let us know in the comments below!
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Jaime McLeod
Jaime McLeod is a longtime journalist who has written for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and websites, including MTV.com. She enjoys the outdoors, growing and eating organic food, and is interested in all aspects of natural wellness.
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I never heard about the Crab but I know that stories of the long past are often changed to be comprehended by the listeners or readers of that age. These changes are so small and unintentional as years pass that after hundreds of years, one may not realize that the real story was different to which they just heard or read. Just as a young plant in the soil, day to day growth may not be noticed, but collective days, weeks and months, the growth will easily be seen to the unsuspecting observer.
I’m a Cancer. Just celebrated my birthday yesterday. I had never heard or read the story of the Crab. Very interesting. Thank You for the info. Appreciate it.