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Cancer - The Crab

In Astrology the sign of Cancer (The Crab) being the second of the cardinal signs steps up one level in iconic symbolism and begins a new series of images for us to reflect upon. Cancer traditionally rules the family, emotions, the mother, women, and the Moon. Curiously enough the original crustacean employed as a totem image for Cancer was the crayfish, while in ancient Egypt it was connected with the talismanic scarabeus, Kephra or "dung beetle". So why would one ask is a crab now employed and what is the symbolic connection between sea-dwelling crustaceans, and the astrological sigil for Cancer? The answer lies in the peculiar asymmetrical arrangement of the sigil itself. Firstly, the emblem resembles the clasped arms of a nurturing mother round a child. Secondly, the association with the Moon. Secondly, the association with the Moon is literally reflected in the fact that the Moon is like a mirror and that mirrors have the power to reverse images. Secondly, the two halves of looped coils are reminiscent of the claws of the crab and the spiral alternation of lunar energy from waxing and waning quarters. The whole of this symbol is very similar to the Chinese yin/yang symbol. The crab is also capable of inhabiting both sea and land and in this sigil we may detect a reference to the two halves of its shell and its peculiar eye stalks. The crab's shell is its home and is used to carry its young on it back, therefore the association with close family ties. The empty shell of this crustacean not only makes a suitable dish in which commodities may be stored but resembles a boat. In the 14th - 17th century many boats were converted into dwellings when they ceased to be suitable for ocean-going, simply by inverting them. Here again we can see the power of inversion strongly connected with the gestalt imagery of Cancer. Emotions are powerful forces and in adverse circumstances can truly invert or pervert the will or reason of any individual. Similarly, the Moon as an astrological influence has a power which can be utilised for good or evil. In fact the word "Utility" and "Dependency" is of vital importance in understanding the symbolism of this zodiac sign. Cancerians are by nature tenacious, mercenary and acquisitive in their general attitude. The sigil suggests positive and negative traits can be deduced from the qualities of the sign. It depends largely on the personality and will power of who uses it - which has some bearing on the next sigil governing the sign of Leo, the Lion. http://astrostargazer.co.uk/astro04.html