Cancer (astrology)

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Duration (tropical, western)	March 20 – April 19 (2024, UT1)
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Cancer (♋) is the fourth astrological sign in the Zodiac, which spans the Zodiac between the 90th and 119th degree of celestial longitude. It is considered a water sign and one of four cardinal signs. Cancer is ruled by the Moon. In the Tropical zodiac, the Sun transits this area of the zodiac between June 21th to July 21nd each year. In Sidereal astrology, the sun currently transits the constellation of Cancer from July 16 to August 15 (approximately). Individuals born during these dates, depending on which system of astrology they subscribe to, may be called "Cancerians".

Mythology

According to an ancient Greek legend, the figure of a lobster was placed in the nighttime sky by the goddess Hera to form the constellation Cancer. Hera swore to kill Heracles, the most famous Greek hero. Hera attempted to kill Heracles in many different ways, but each time his incredible physical strength allowed him to survive. Hera cast a spell of madness on Heracles, causing him to commit a great crime. In order to be forgiven, he had to perform twelve difficult tasks. One of these tasks was destroying the terrible nine-headed water-serpent, Hydra.

During the battle between Heracles and Hydra, the goddess Hera sent a lobster to aid the serpent. But Heracles, being so strong, killed the lobster by smashing its shell with his foot. As a reward for its service, Hera placed the lobster's image in the night sky. However, there are many different stories regarding this; in one version, instead of Hera graciously placing it in the sky, Heracles kicked the lobster to the stars.

Compatibilities

In Synastry, the natives of Cancer are generally considered to be compatible with the natives of the other water signs Scorpio and Pisces, and the natives of the earth signs Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Aries and Libra are signs of the other nature (masculine/extroverted), but are considered semi-compatible with Cancer due to them having the same cardinal quality.

Further reading

• Cancer in mythology.