cancer the CRAB

The association of Cancer with water dates back to the very dawn of astrology and the Ancients believed at one time that Cancer was the first Sign of the Zodiac because this was the entrance of life from the heavens to the primal ocean mother. Its actual placement within the Zodiac, however, is related to a relatively minor chapter in Greek Mythology and is associated with the one of the legendary Twelve Labors of Heracles (known to the Romans as Hercules). As his Second Labor, Heracles was sent to do battle with the fearsome, nine-headed serpent monster known as the Hydra which lived in the marshes of Lerna. During the fight, all the animals favored the hero but a giant Crab sent by the Goddess Hera (Queen of Olympus and the one who had dispatched Heracles to perform his twelve tasks, hoping he would not survive them) emerged from a cave and took a claw-hold upon the toe of the hero, thereby drawing his attention away from the Hydra. Due to this distraction, Heracles very nearly lost the battle but, after crushing the life from the unfortunate Crab, returned to the fight and eventually defeated the serpent. Impressed by its loyalty and courage, Hera (who frequently encouraged Heracles' failure in his appointed labors) placed the image of the Crab in the night sky. Since the Hydra had been a favorite of Hera, it was equally honored upon its death and also placed in the heavens, not far from the location of Cancer.

There are varying reasons to explain why the constellation of Cancer contains no bright stars. One is that the creature was too badly crushed by Heracles and another is that although Hera applauded the Crab's valiant effort to turn the tide in favor of the Hydra during the battle, it did nonetheless fail in its task and therefore, the Goddess withheld the award of distinctive illumination. Thus, it is the most inconspicuous constellation in the Zodiac.
Among the stars of Cancer is a small grouping known as the Asses, which appear on the back of the Crab's shell. According to legend, Hera had driven the God Dionysus insane and he roamed through Egypt and Syria in the midst of his madness. He attempted to recover his sanity by visiting Dodona in order to ask the Oracle of Zeus what he should do. As he came to a large swamp, he encountered two Asses, captured them and rode them over the swamp, thereby avoiding geting wet. Upon reaching the other side, Dionysus realized that he was cured and rewarded the Asses by placing them in the heavens. Another explanation for the Asses grouping of stars in the constellation of Cancer states that during the war between the Olympians and the Titans, Dionysus, Hephaestus and the Satyrs rode into battle upon Asses. Their braying and the confusion they caused made the Giants flee and for these reasons, they were given a place in the heavens on the Western side of Cancer.
Some sources suggest that astrologers later added the Crab to the ancient Hydra myth in order to have the Twelve Labors of Heracles reflect the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac. However, it is difficult to associate all of Heracles' tasks with the Zodiac and it seems almost certain that the Crab did indeed figure in the original version of the legend of Heracles' Second Labor. In Malaysian myth, Cancer was the "First and Only Crab" which existed long ago. This huge crustacean lived in a deep hole in the sea and was so large that her comings and going caused the ocean tides.

Positive Traits: kind, loving, emotional, intuitive, imaginative, shrewd, cautious, protective and sympathetic.
Negative Traits: changeable, moody, over-emotional, touchy, untidy, clinging, unable to "let go," and a tendency to wallow in self-pity.
Likes: hobbies, romance, children, parties, home and country.
Dislikes: failure, opposition, aggravating situations, being told what to do and being given advice...whether good or bad.





Spiritual Goal:  To learn how to take a balanced view of things
Spiritual Correspondence:  The Dominations
Apostle:  Andrew
Prophet:  Amos
Anatomy:  Rules the chest, breasts and stomach
Corresponding Tarot Card:  The Chariot
Associated Countries:  Scotland, Holland and New Zealand
Associated Cities:  New York, Venice and Amsterdam
Animals:  Crustaceans, Otter, Seal, Turtle, Stag, Unicorn and Sphinx
Watchword:  Sympathy
Keynote:  Patience
Physical Manifestation:  Flexibility
Mental Manifestation:  Imagination
Motto:  The Tide Will Turn
Quote:  I Feel