The Oracle’s Library takes to the next zodiac sign—Cancer. The astrological sign Cancer once marked the rise of summer at the time of solstice granting it a cardinal position amongst the zodiac. In ancient times this zodiac sign signified the Sun’s highest position at the northernmost latitude—thus naming it the Tropic of Cancer. Cancer is the ‘crab’ in Latin—the fourth sign of the Tropical Zodiac. Cancer spans from 90° to 120° on the Zodiac Belt, as it reaches into the height of the summer season.
Cancer Zodiac Sign Profile
In Sidereal Astrology, if you were born between July 16th and August 15th your Sun sign is in Cancer. This means the Sun transited through the constellation Cancer at the given time of birth. In Tropical Astrology, the sign Cancer is given to anyone born from the dates June 21st and July 22nd.
Cancer is a Water Sign that mixes moisture with the rays of summer Sun to refresh the Earth with a blanket of heat and humidity. At this time, the warm summer rains seem to strike with a sudden down-pour from the sky. The tropical zodiac Cancer is ruled by the Moon. Those born under Cancer are said to possess an expansive imagination, a thick outer shell and tender heart. The Crab is a naturally cautious figure who would rather observe the on-goings of others before getting involved.
The Myths and Legends of the Crab
In ancient Greece, the legend of the Crab originates in the story of Heracles. Within the Twelve Labors of Heracles, the hero was sent to fight and destroy the nine heads of the water-serpent Hydra. The resentful Hera sent the giant Crab Karkinos to complicate matters. In the heat of battle, the Crab clamped its claw upon Heracles who crushed it underneath his foot. It was Hera who then placed the Crab among the stars as a reward for its efforts.
It is often thought that the Crab originated from the ancient Egyptian constellation depicting the Scarabaeus or Scarab. To the Babylonians, this particular constellation was either the crab or a tortoise. This particular region in the sky symbolized the Underworld for many ancient peoples of the past. Other forms of the constellation take the shape of a water beetle, lobster or crayfish.
Stargazing the Constellation Cancer
The constellation Cancer is a fairly dim pattern of stars with the brightest feature beta Cancri or the star named Al Tarf. Next in line is delta Cancri, an orange giant which holds the record for the longest name—Arkushanangarushashutu. It comes from the Babylonian translation for ‘the southeast star of the Crab’. Cancer is rich with deep sky objects such as Praesepe—the Beehive Cluster found in the chest of the Crab. The Beehive Cluster is among the closest open star clusters in the night sky. The constellation Cancer also holds two stars with known planets. The star 55 Cancri is a binary system just 41 light years from Earth with five planets orbiting around the primary star.
The Delta Cancrids seem to fall from the constellation Cancer from mid-December to February. These shooting stars peak between January 1st and 24th each year–though with only about four meteors per hour. Cancer is found between the constellations Leo and Gemini. To spot Cancer, look for the upside-down Y just east of the twin stars Castor and Pollux. Cancer is also located high above the brightest star in the sky—Sirius. It is best viewed during the early months of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Thank you for reading at the Oracle’s Library! Are you a Cancer? Please comment and share your experience with the Crab.