Mythic Monday: Cancer the Crab

The glory of Cancer the Crab shows that even a wrathful Hera can be soft hearted toward one of her trustworthy minions. Although the outcome was not in Hera’s favor, she bestowed eternal life on her faithful helper. The basic myth of the immortalized crab comes from the time of Hercules’ twelve labors. As the son of Zeus and a human woman Alcmene, Hercules aroused the ire and burning hatred of Zeus’ wife Hera. Among other nefarious plots, she commissioned a multi headed serpent called the Hydra to dispatch him. When things were going badly for the Hydra, Hera sent her valued giant crab to help defeat Hercules. However, the uber strong warrior crushed the crab. As a reward for his bravery, Hera immortalized the crab by placing him in the night sky.

Of the twelve zodiacal constellations, Cancer is the dimmest and has no bright stars. Fittingly, it is near the constellation of the Hydra.

In astrology, Cancer is a feminine water sign. It is linked to the womb, motherhood, and birth. The symbol of the crab is also related to Egyptian myths featuring the sacred scarab. Cancer is ruled by the changeable, fast moving moon. Of her, the poet Shelley said: “Wandering companionless among the stars that have a different birth — and ever changing.”

The astrological glyph for Cancer depicts the claws of the crab.

Persons with sun in Cancer have deep roots, and their home is of upmost importance to them. They love to furnish it in an eclectic, comfortable style. Cancers can appear cold, but their hard external shells serve as protection for a soft interior. They are nurturing parents and loyal friends, caring and dependable. They can demonstrate clinginess in their desire to safeguard loved ones. Cancers are ultra sensitive and often in touch with unseen worlds. By temperament they tend to be moody. Such moodiness can, at times, intensify into worry and negative emotions. Cancers are inquisitive and always on the lookout for interesting experiences. They make for excellent friends and family.

Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Paranormal Fantasy Romance