Astronomy
Cancer lies between Gemini to the west and Leo to the east, Lynx to the north and Canis Minor and Hydra to the south. Its name is Latin for ‘crab’ and it is commonly represented as such. Cancer is relatively small among the constellations with an area of only 505 square degrees and its stars are rather faint. Cancer is the dimmest of the zodiacal constellations, having only two stars above the fourth magnitude. Of special note in the cancer constellation is 55 Cnc which has a quintuple planet system with one super-earth and four gas giants, one of which is in the habitable zone and as of such has expected temperatures similar to Earth.

Astrology
Those personalities born between June 21st and July 22nd are in the fourth sign of the zodiac. This cardinal, water sign is endowed with sensitivity to the vibrations of their surroundings and the thoughts and feelings of those around them. This same element of sensitivity can lead to shyness and even withdrawal and moodiness when feelings are impacted. Exhibiting calm strength, they are usually well liked by their peers. Although they are emotional, those born under this sign are able to conceal emotions very effectively. This ability, combined with a polished but tough outer shell, can make them a difficult opponent. Being that this sign is the ruler of the 4th zodiac house, which oversees the home and family, it’s likely that they enjoy creating a safe and comfortable base for loved ones to be shielded from the outside world. Cancer is idealistic in romance and sentimental about the past. Antiques hold real appeal as tangible links to the ‘good old days’ and retaining all manner of mementos and keepsakes also adds to Cancer’s reputation as something of a hoarder. Quietly rebellious at times, they were likely to have been regarded as a goody two-shoes in their teens due to their caring nature and dislike of direct confrontations. Loyalty to family and friends is important and similar loyalty is required in return. On the negative side, Cancer is sometimes regarded as moody and, in extreme cases, thought to be dealing with pent up hostility. It’s important for those born under this sign to choose environments well because of the tendency to resonate with surroundings. Cancer will likely find locations by the sea particularly energizing and inspiring.

Mythology
The creation of the constellation Cancer is explained in Greek mythology by the short-lived association of Karkinos (a giant crab) with one of the Twelve Labors of Hercules. While Heracles was fighting the multi-headed monster called the Hydra, in the swamp near Lerna, Hera sent Karkinos to distract Hercules and put him at a disadvantage during the battle. Karkinos emerged from the swamp and added its own attack by biting Hercules on the foot. Heracles angrily stamped on the crab, crushing it. For this modest contribution to history, we are told that the goddess Hera, the enemy of Hercules, put the crab among the stars of the zodiac. Fittingly enough for such a minor character, it is the faintest of the zodiac constellations. Some scholars have suggested that Karkinos was a late addition to the myth of Hercules in order to make the Twelve Labors correspond to the twelve signs of the Zodiac.