'Cancer' is an
astrological sign, which is associated with the constellation
Cancer. Under the
tropical zodiac, Cancer is occupied by the Sun from
June 22 to
July 22 and under the
sidereal zodiac, it is currently from
July 21 to
August 9. The sign opposite to Cancer is
Capricorn. The corresponding month in the
Babylonian calendar is ''Arax Du'uzu'', dedicated to
Adar.
Mythology
In
mythology Cancer is often associated with the
Greek myth of the
Lernaean Hydra, one of
The Twelve Labours of
Herakles and the
mythical figure of
Perseus, from the Greek myth of
Medusa. Cancer is also associated with the Greco-Roman
goddess Selene/Luna and sometimes the
goddesses Artemis/
Diana and
Hecate/
Trivia.
Characteristics
Individuals born under this sign are thought to have a kind, emotional, romantic, imaginative, sympathetic, nurturing, and intuitive character. The Cancer person is protective, sensitive, tenacious, retentive, resourceful, self-contained, family and home oriented, maternal, security oriented, warm, patriotic, sentimental, and loving. They can also be touchy, over-protective, moody and ''crabby'' and prone to changeability, hypersensitivity, depression, and clinginess.
In the last, Cancer was considered a fortunate, fruitful sign, strongly associated with tribes, clans, and closely-knit family groups. Many modern astrologers consider it to be significant that
Pluto was discovered on the
longitude of 20 degrees Cancer and the first
atomic bomb was detonated at the moment when Saturn reached this longitude. Saturn is said to become particularly malefic in Cancer and
Leo, for they are opposed to Saturn's own domiciles.
Richard Saunders writes in ''Astrological Judgement and Practice of Physick'' (
1677) that
Black Plague of
1593 has been caused by transiting Saturn in Cancer, breeding "Flegm, thin Water, and Melancholy mixt".
Caesius likened the sign to "the
Breastplate of Righteousness" in
Ephesians VI:14. Elsbeth and
Reinhold Ebertin extended this concept to that every single degree of 360 degrees of
zodiac correlates to a specific part of human anatomy. In their ''Anatomische Entsprechungen der Tierkreisgrade'' (''Anatomical Correspondences of the Zodiac Degrees'',
1949), the section about Cancer starts with the 1 degree of Cancer correlating to the sixth
rib, ends with the 30 degree of the sign correlating to the twelfth
dorsal vertebra.
In astrology Cancer is ruled by
the Moon. The Indian equivalent of Cancer is 'Kataka', the Chinese equivalent is the
Sheep
Relationships
In love the Cancer person is likely to be romantic, sentimental, very clinging and tender, and open to sensual stimulation. Maternal instincts are strong in women and protective instincts in men. However they can also be touchy.
Occupations
Suitable occupations are where shrewd but sensitive nature can be constructively employed, or in looking after others; such as nurses, gardeners, archaeologists, hoteliers, publicans, estate agents.
Body and health
In
medical astrology and in terms of anatomy, Cancer is said to rule the breasts, epigastric region, elbows, stomach, digestive organs, upper lobe of the liver, thoracic duct, pancreas, blood serum, and the womb.
Miscellaneous
In terms of
mundane or political astrology Cancer is linked with
Ishikawa Prefecture,
Tonga,
Tuva,
Altai Republic, and
Calabria.
The following items are also traditionally associated with Cancer:
★ Birthstone =
Alexandrite is the 'Traditional Birthstone'; Other popular birthstones for the month of
July are
pearl,
ruby,
moonstone,
agate,
chalcedony, and
emerald.
★ Colors = Orange, Silver, White
★ Gemstones =
Moonstone
★ Metal =
Silver,
Magnesium
Sources
Mayo, Jeff , ''Teach Yourself Astrology'', pp 41-55, Hodder and Stoughton, London, 1979
Parker, Derek and Julia, ''The New Compleat Astrologer'', pp106-129, Crescent Books, New York, 1984
Pottenger, Maritha ''Astro Essentials'', pp 31 - 36, ACS Publications San Diego, 1991
See also
External links
★
Cancer the Crab
★
Cancer Profile
★
Cancer - lucky day, number, color, gemstone, talisman, positive and negative qualities, traits and famous personalities. Also daily horoscope, weekly horoscope, monthly horoscope and yearly horoscope.