Summer is here, and so is (finally) my own zodiac sign: Cancer.
Known also as the crab, the moonchild, or even the mother of the zodiac, Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac and the one that represents the beginning of the warm season. This constellation lies between Gemini and Leo in the night sky and is best visible during spring. The sun traverses it from about June 21 to July 22 (my birthday!!!), but unlike flashier constellations, it is relatively faint. However, it holds deep significance in the zodiac wheel, as it marks and coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Within this nakshatra’s borders lies the beautiful star cluster Praesepe, or Beehive Cluster, a very in-theme symbol of home and community, typical of Cancerians.
As I already said, it is commonly represented by the crab, an image of protection and resilience, which perfectly embodies what it means to be a Cancer. And like all zodiac signs, its roots lie in Greek mythology. However, if I have to be honest, the myth about Cancer is not one of my…favourites.
You’ll understand why.
The tale of the moonchild of the zodiac is connected to the legend of Heracles. In fact, during one of Heracles’ twelve labours, as he’s battling the multi-headed Hydra, Hera (Zeus’ partner and goddess of marriage, family, and women) decides to send a giant crab to distract him and help the monster. She despises Heracles because he reminds her of her husband’s infidelity, and therefore, she calls this giant crab to make him fail.
Now, pay attention. This is the most important part.
The crab valiantly tries to clamp onto Heracles’s foot, but the hero simply crushes it beneath his heel, ending its life.
And… yup, that’s it.
Not even a protagonist or villain of its own story.
Anyway, Hera, impressed by its courage and loyalty even in defeat, places the crab among the stars, creating the constellation of Cancer.
The myth, compared to the others, is kind of bland, a little bit weird, and definitely tragic, but you can say that it is deeply symbolic. What it probably wants to convey is that Cancer’s legacy is not about winning battles but about defending fiercely and loving ardently, even in the face of impossible odds.
Which, if you ask me about it, does indeed do a good job in summarising how delusional Cancerians can be. The crab’s sacrifice represents Cancer’s quiet strength and loyalty, which, once again, if you ask me about it, are very typical of this zodiac sign.
In astrology, Cancer is a cardinal water sign, meaning that not only does it make it a great leader but also that, much like water, it represents and is connected to change.
It is ruled by our pearl in the sky, the moon, making the people born under this sign deeply sensitive, emotionally intelligent, and intuitive. We Cancerians have very strong instincts and are incredibly loyal and caring. We can often be misunderstood as being moody or withdrawn, but the truth is that we feel deeply and frequently carry not only all of our emotions but all of those around us as well.
And the crab portrays well this nature of Cancer, with their hard outer shell but soft interior. Like a tender heart that needs security and trust before it can open up. But once it does, prepare yourself, because you’ll be loved unconditionally.
Cancerians are also described as highly artistic and creative. A lot of artists out there are born under this zodiac sign. They make great writers, cooks, bakers, healers, nurturers, and quiet leaders. They may not be loud but are protectors and can be incredibly tenacious.
Last but not least, as I have already written, Cancer is connected to the moon, which, contrary to the other zodiac signs, is not a planet nor a star. It has strong ties with feminine energy and motherhood, and that’s why it’s also called ‘the mother’.
And if you look closely, you might even notice how we Cancerians often lose ourselves gazing up at the moon, like we miss her, and somehow, like a mother, she misses us too.
Which, as a Moonchild myself, I admit I do.
I do. I really do.
Up, Cancer Illustration by my amazing twin Soul
Sources:
The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk (2012)
The Library of the Unseen 
Penny for your thoughts…