The Crab. The fourth sign of the zodiac. Its symbol presumably the folded claws of a crab, probably is intended to symbolize the joining together of a male and female spermatozoa -- as indicative of the most maternal of all the signs. The Sun is in Cancer annually from June 21 to July 22. Astrologically and astronomically it is the first thirty-degree arc following the Summer Solstice, marked by the Sun's passing of the Tropic of Cancer, and occupying a position along the Ecliptic from 90° to 120°). It is the Leading quality of the Water element: negative, cold, moist, phlegmatic, nocturnal, commanding, moveable, fruitful, weak, unfortunate, crooked, mute. Ruler, Moon. Exaltation: Jupiter. Detriment: Saturn. Fall: Mars.
Hard-Shelled Sympathetic Cancer.
...Who changes like a changeful season:
...Holds fast and lets go without reason?
...Who is there can give adhesion
...To Cancer?
Symbolic interpretation: The claws of the celestial crab; two spermatozoa intertwined, signifying the male and female seed, implying retirement and nurturing; the crab or scarab.
Cancer expresses the living organism, its capacity to grow.
Soon as the evening shades prevail
The Moon takes up the wondrous tale,
And nightly to the listening Earth
Proclaims the story of her birth. - Addison.
First Decan: Moods, strong emotions, poetic and dramatic expression.
Second Decan: Revelation, resourcefulness, energy; powerful emotions; the struggle with sex.
Third Decan: Research, curiosity, discontent, restlessness; love of Nature; a stormy life.
