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Cancer Mythology and Themes

© Rose B. Glavas

Cancer: I Feel June 22 - July 23

Cancer is a cardinal, water sign--making it a sign that leads people through their feelings. Most people don't think of this as a sign of leadership but if you think about the usual association of motherhood with Cancer then you can begin to see where this theme can be expressed. Mothers are associated with leading their children through to adulthood and teaching them the survival skills they need to become self-sufficient individuals.

Following on from the intellectual Gemini stage where the exploration of the immediate environment is a theme, the Cancerian stage of development includes needing to feel a sense of belonging to a family, tribe, clan, etc.

The symbol for Cancer is the crab. The hard outer shell of the crab represents the fabulous self-protective and survival capability of this sign and the ability to protect their soft, sensitive interior. It also represents the ability for Cancerians to hide their emotional nature through appearing a little 'hard' at times. The crab's claws also suggest the tendency for this sign to cling onto the familiar.

On a physical level the Cancerian symbol resembles the human breasts, symbolizing the need to nourish and protect. This sign is also with the female reproductive system, stomach and digestive system.

Cancer in Mythology

In Greek mythology the Crab was given its place in heaven by the Mother Deity, Hera. This was gained through the crab's involvement in the second Herculean task of slaying the monstrous Hydra. While this battle was taking place, the Crab bit Hercules in the foot and was then stomped to death by the great giant. Hera, who was antagonistic to Hercules's ventures, was so pleased with the Crab that she promptly granted him immortality and placed in the Zodiac.

Looking at this myth at a deeper level (with reference to Liz Greene) Hera's hatred of Hercules is because he was the son of one of Zeus' paramours. It is really the anger of the matriarch against the upstart hero who threatens her rule. The battle to free oneself from the power of 'mother' (in every sense of the word) is often a pronounced and difficult issue for Cancerians.

The crab in this myth uses the classic Cancerian approach to situations - indirect! While the hero is struggling with the Hydra the crab snaps at the feet and ankles rather that confront the hero directly.

In another Greek myth relating to Thetis, the sea goddess, we can interpret another level of Cancerian myth. She has many qualities including a beneficent life-giver, but also a monster. But Thetis is not only God, but the waters themselves. Because of the water association she is difficult to pin down... a link to a Cancerian trait of change and depth of emotion - and also of the depth that this sign has in delving in for creative expression.