Cancer
Cancer
June 22nd ~ July 22nd
The constellation of stars forming the sign of Cancer is not only part of the Zodiac but as well associated with the Labours of Hercules. It was believed by Ancient Greeks to be Carcinos, a giant crab (or lobster depending on the version) who was living in the swamps of Lerna.
When Heracles (Hercules) was sent to free the swamps of Lerna of its nine-headed monster, the Hydra, it is said that Carcinos appeared at Hera’s bidding to prevent Heracles from accomplishing his Second Labour. Undeterred, Heracles crushed the creature under his foot.
For its efforts Hera granted it the privilege to have a place in the sky, however in a group of stars noted for their faint magnitude (Cancer is the faintest constellation of the zodiac).
The constellation is surrounded by Leo to the East (the Nemean Lion, Heracles First Labour) and Hydra to the South.
The Cancer constellation is also believed to be the home of the Moon, where it was supposed to be at the creation of the world.
The tropic of Cancer is the latitude on Earth where at the summer solstice, the Sun is overhead at noon. It is named after Cancer, because in the past, the solstice occurred when the Sun was in Cancer.
