Cancer (astrology)

Cancer (♋︎) is the fourth astrological sign in the zodiac, coming from the constellation of Cancer. It spans from 90° to 120° celestial longitude. In astrology, the Sun moves through this area roughly between June 22 and July 23 each year.

Cancer is known as a cardinal sign of the Water trigon, which includes Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio. It is one of the six negative signs, and its ruling planet is the Moon. While some pictures of Cancer show a lobster, crayfish, scarab beetle, or turtle, the sign is most often shown as a crab, based on the Karkinos. The sign opposite to Cancer is Capricorn.

Background

See also: History of astrology

Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac. People born between June 22 and July 23 are often called "Cancerians." Cancer is linked to the water element, along with Scorpio and Pisces. The Moon is the ruling planet of Cancer, which means it has a special connection to those born under this sign.

In ancient times, Cancer was seen as different animals. In Egypt, it was a scarab beetle, and in Mesopotamia, it was a turtle. These animals were thought to help move the sun during the summer solstice. In stories from Greece, the crab Cancer was crushed by Heracles, and later placed in the sky by Hera. Similar stories exist in Roman mythology with the goddess Juno.

In the arts

During the Middle Ages, the sign of Cancer was used in books and big statues. Artists often showed Cancer as a crab, especially in areas around the Mediterranean Sea and Western Europe.

Famous writers and artists have used Cancer in their work. For example, the poet Dante mentioned Cancer in his book Paradiso. The artist Giovanni Maria Falconetto painted Cancer as a guardian of the city of Verona. Another artist, Agostino di Duccio, made a sculpture called View of Rimini Under the Sign of Cancer. In a painting by Giorgio Vasari, Cancer appears on a ceiling with the moon and a crab.