We have reached my Sun sign, Cancer! Putting together this list of Cancer Zodiac Sign facts has been such a mirroring experience for me. A helpful one too.
Knowing your Sun sign is not just about understanding the positive qualities but also knowing your challenges and struggles. Each sign has this polarity which makes the self-discovery process rich with meaning and opportunities for growth.
So, what does the Crab have to say about the water realm of astrology?
Table of Contents
Cancer Constellation History
1. It's Also A Scarab
The ancient world decorated their environment, bodies, belongings, and dwellings with symbols that spoke to their connection with their religions, beliefs, and way of life.
In ancient Egypt, the Cancer constellation had a different interpretation and was viewed as a scarab beetle, a symbol of immortality and transformation. The god, Khepri, had the form of a scarab beetle, or the form of a human with the head of a scarab beetle.
Kephri was said to roll the sun across the sky, causing the sun to rise and set.
2. The Giant Crab Mythology
The Cancer constellation also has roots in Greek mythology, associated with the story of Hercules (Heracles) and his Twelve Labors.
One of Hercules' tasks was to slay the multi-headed Hydra, a serpent-like creature that lived in the swamps of Lerna. As Hercules battled the Hydra, Hera (Juno), the queen of the gods, and Hercules’ stepmother, who despised him, sent a giant crab to distract him.
The giant crab, named Carcinus (Karkinos), bravely attacked Hercules, trying to pinch his feet. Despite its valiant effort, Hercules crushed the crab under his foot. As a reward for its loyalty and bravery, Hera placed the crab among the stars, creating the Cancer constellation.
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Learning The Basics of Astrology
3. Cancer Constellation
The Cancer constellation is one of the twelve constellations of the zodiac wheel and is located in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Cancer constellation is situated between Gemini to the west and Leo to the east. It is a relatively faint constellation, lacking the bright stars that characterize some of its neighboring constellations.
The best time to observe the Cancer constellation is during late winter and spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It can be challenging to spot with the naked eye due to its faint stars, so a clear, dark sky is ideal for viewing.
Cancer Zodiac Sign Symbolism
4. Fourth Sign of The Zodiac
We have officially entered the realm of the water element, the realm of feeling, intuition, and caring, and have landed in the fourth Zodiac sign of Cancer. After visiting the fast and energetic sign of Gemini, you now get to slow down and enter the feminine sign of Cancer.
The Cancer season is from around June 21 to July 22, depending on the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the start of Summer, the time to spend time vacationing with family and returning home for mom and dad time.
5. The First Water Sign of The Zodiac
As a water sign, Cancer helps to explore the depths of emotions and intuition. This sign encourages a deep connection with one's inner world, facilitating an understanding of complex feelings and nurturing instincts.
Cancer also aids in the exploration of personal and familial history, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity.
6. Ruled by the Moon
Each planet rules one or two signs; the Moon rules Cancer and is exalted in Taurus.
Cancer is profoundly influenced by the Moon, which governs emotions, intuition, and the subconscious.
Just as the Moon undergoes phases, Cancers may experience fluctuating moods and emotional states, sometimes appearing moody or unpredictable.
The Moon also affects monthly cycles, impacting behavior and feelings according to its waxing and waning phases. This is why learning about the full lunar cycle is important for moon phase manifestation rituals.
7. Symbolism of the Crab
The crab represents Cancer’s ability to retreat into its shell for protection. This symbolizes the need for a safe, comfortable home environment and the tendency to withdraw when feeling threatened or overwhelmed.
Just watch how a crab defends itself, and you will understand a lot about this sign's approach to conflict.
Did you know that some crabs lay over 100K eggs in one go? Talk about mother vibes.
8. Cardinal Water Sign
As a Cardinal sign, Cancer initiates and leads, but being a Water sign, it does so through emotional and intuitive means. Cancer is a natural nurturer and caretaker often leading with compassion and empathy.
One of the most famous Cancer Sun individuals is Princess Diana, born on July 1, 1961. In Princess Diana, you can see a natural caretaking leader involved in charities for children's issues, AIDS patients, arts, the ban on landmines, and more.
She became known as a caring and loving figure of the Royal Family.
9. Rules the Breasts
In medical astrology, each sign has an association with a particular body part and/or organ, and it could be multiple of each. With Cancer, the chest, breasts, and stomach come into focus.
And how appropriate for a zodiac sign known for caretaking and nurturing others to have a correlation with the breasts?
The breasts produce life-giving milk for infants. Some see the ♋ glyph as breasts, while others see the crab's pinchers.
10. Cancer And Capricorn Make A Pair
As we discussed before in our What is Astrology post, Cancer and Capricorn are cardinal signs, and therefore have a few things in common. These signs are Zodiac pairs, sitting opposite from each other in the Zodiac wheel. Cancer is the 4th Sign, and Capricorn is the 10th Sign of the zodiac.
As opposite signs on the zodiac wheel, these signs naturally balance each other and highlight contrasting qualities.
Both signs are initiators (cardinal modality), one is ruled by the Moon and the other by Saturn. Mother vs. Father. Home vs. Career. Both of these signs have protective instincts, but each expresses it differently.
11. Moonstone is Your Stone
Each sign has a color correspondence, which helps you to identify crystals for each zodiac sign. With Cancer, we look to its connection to the Moon, the sea, and water for hints to helpful crystals and stones.
Some people consider Ruby as the Cancer birthstone, while others prefer Moonstones and Pearls for their Cancer crystal jewelry and ritual objects.
Or perhaps, you like to use the color of water, and attune to blue-colored stones, such as Larimar or Blue Lace Agate.
12. Home-Related Careers
With each sign, we can explore themes of careers, possible hobbies and interests. In Cancer, the theme of home and caregiving is strong. What tasks do we perform in relation to the home and caregiving?
Home — cooking, cleaning, decorating, nursing, caretaking, etc.
Being a chef or restauranteur is very Cancerian, as is being a real estate agent, nurse, senior caregiver, interior designer, or home stager. What Cancerian jobs come to mind for you?
Oh, here's another for you… antiques dealer. Cancer loves things of the past.
Cancer Zodiac Sign Traits
To understand the Cancer archetype, you dive into the topics of sensitivity, loyalty, memory, and maternal instincts, amongst other key qualities and traits.
Let's discuss a few here:
13. Creativity and Imagination
Cancer's connection to the Moon makes Cancer individuals highly sensitive and emotionally aware, giving them a profound inner world.
This emotional depth allows you to tap into a wide range of feelings, which can be channeled into creative expressions such as writing, painting, or music.
Tap into your imagination, and allow yourself to play to make use of this creative energy.
14. Loyalty and Protectiveness
Cancer is a highly empathetic zodiac sign, allowing individuals to deeply understand and connect with the emotions of their loved ones. This emotional connection fosters a strong sense of loyalty.
With Cancer’s nurturing tendencies, you may be driven to protect those you care about. You may assume caregiving roles within your relationships, providing emotional and physical support.
15. Memory and Nostalgia
Cancer’s strong memory and deep connection to the past are influenced by its ruling planet, the Moon, which governs emotions and the subconscious.
Your attachment to home and family, sentimental nature, and reflective tendencies all contribute to your nostalgic outlook. These qualities inspire you to cherish family traditions and childhood experiences, often using these memories as a source of comfort and emotional grounding.
Perhaps you become the family's record keeper with volumes of childhood photo albums on your bookcase.
16. Innate Intuition
Another gift of having the Moon's influence, Cancer possesses strong intuitive abilities, often sensing what others are feeling or thinking.
This makes you an excellent listener and an empathetic friend who can offer support and understanding. If you're like me, you're able to pick up your friend's words before they're spoken and expressed. #truegift
You're invited! Let's continue the conversation…
17. Water Baby
Surprise! You love water. Each element has its associations and preferences. With Cancer, being a water sign, you often feel a strong connection to bodies of water.
You may find peace and solace near oceans, rivers, or lakes, and being near water can have a calming effect on you.
If you're tapping into your Cancerian nature, and working with the moon, do consider making yourself a jar of moon water.
18. Complex Interior Life
Remember when we talked about Cancer's inherent emotional depth and ability to read the vibes? This level of undercurrent reading capability means Cancers feel things intensely.
Your heightened sensitivity allows you to experience a wide range of emotions, often simultaneously. This depth of feeling contributes to a rich interior life, as you constantly process and reflect on your emotional experiences.
19. Maternal Instincts
Cancer is often associated with strong maternal instincts, regardless of gender. That's right, you don't need to be a specific gender to be maternal there are plenty of non-female-bodied individuals who are homemakers and caretakers.
This Cancerian maternal instinct allows you to take on nurturing roles and you are often seen as the “parent” or caretaker in your social circles.
20. Connection to the Subconscious
As a Cancer, the Moon’s influence over your subconscious mind means you often experience rich, vivid dreams and maintain a strong connection to your subconscious thoughts.
This deep connection fuels your creativity, allowing you to draw inspiration from your innermost thoughts and dreams, which you then express through various art forms.
Your sign's intuitive and emotional nature enhances this creative process, making your artistic expressions deeply personal yet relatable.
As I mentioned before, I have a soft spot for the Cancer zodiac sign, as each day I learn more and more about my emotional needs and how I can best navigate my waters. How do you use the Zodiac knowledge in your day to day? I hope this list is helpful in your self-discovery journey. 🙂
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