The fourth sign on the zodiac circle, Cancer represents the transition of the Sun through the sign of the Crab between June 21 and July 22 every year, according to the tropical astrology.

The Crab is another of the non-human symbols, with a strong connection to the water element.

The Crab, with his tough outer shell, symbolizes the innate need of Cancerians for stability and warmth in their lives. This crustacean is also symbolic for the emotional retreat of the moody native.

Symbolism and history of the Crab

The Crab in the Cancer astrology meaning is the representative figure of the water crustacean always in a self-protection mode. The Crab shelters from danger in its shell and comes out only when there is sure that there is no dancer around.

This reminds of the giant crab from Greek mythology that was used by Heracles in the battle he fought against Hydra, in the second of his twelve labours.

The Crab seems to have been sent by the goddess Hera to distract Heracles from winning over the giant sea monster, Hydra.

The Crab, that carries his house around, seems to be the best metaphor to describe the attachment of Cancer to family values and to the safety of their home. It also symbolizes the connection that this zodiac sign has with the space of water.

The symbol of the Cancer zodiac sign depicts the Crab with its clamps spread around. The glyph consists of two crescents oriented in opposite directions an each carrying at opposite ends and towards the interior, a circle. This reminds of the Crab’s clamps and the presence of circles is another reminder of the soul openness and the emotional nature of this sign.

Characteristics of the Crab

There are five main directions in which the symbolism of the Crab can be used to describe the character of the Cancer individual.

The first and most suggestive of all refers to the Crab carrying its shell everywhere in order to get shelter in case of danger. Just the same, Cancerians feel the need to have a space of their own in which they can retreat from the hardships of the world and in which they can be alone with their feelings.

The Cancer native is a highly emotional individual who is sometimes insecure of his owns abilities and who needs constant reminders of his capacity. Just like the ties in the sea, Cancer’s mood constantly swings between highs and lows, although most of these natives long for emotional stability.

The Crab seems to cling with its pincers to anything it gets the chance to. Similarly, the Cancerian can attach to other people and be very loving and loyal but also clingy and pretentious. The Cancer native is a master in using emotional tools to convince and even manipulate those around.

The Crab cannot really move forward and its movements are rather sideways. This is similar to Cancerians, whom, despite making great leaders seem to be taking less travelled routes to reach their destination. They are known to sometimes choose the more complicated alternative.