The symbol for Cancer is The Crab. The Crab as a symbol represents self preservation, and has also been recognized as two nurturing breasts. It is truly symbolic of the ability to have a tough exterior in order to protect a more vulnerable and sensitive core. Either way, its symbol signifies a nurturing approach to life, and is well suited to the life attitude of those born under Cancer. The Crab, just like many Cancers, reflects complexity, sensitivity, support, durability, and emotion!

According to Greek mythology, the constellation of Cancer is associated with the legend of the Twelve Labors of Heracles (whom the Romans referred to as Hercules). The Goddess Hera, Queen of Olympus, sent Heracles on his second labor, to battle with the ferocious and dreaded nine headed serpent known as Hydra. Heracles set out to the marshes of Lerna to challenge the huge beast. Once the fight had started, the animals all rallied for Heracles, but the Goddess Hera had another surprise. She did not want Heracles to win this battle, so she sent another foe to fight him as well. In fact, she tried to undermine him in most of his chosen labors. In the midst of the battle, a giant crab appeared from the darkness of a cave and took hold of Heracle's toe. This was just the distraction Hera had hoped for, as it caused Heracles to lose his focus on the giant serpent beast trying to kill him. Heracles however lived up to his legendary status, and crushed the life out of the crab before returning to defeat the serpent as well. As a sign of appreciation by Hera, she wished to acknowledge the crab for its bravery and loyal support. It was then that she placed the image of the crab amongst the stars above, the constellation Cancer. While she was at it, she also placed an image of the serpent Hydra (whom she also admired and honored for dying) not far from the crab.

The reason why the constellation Cancer does not have many bright stars has been considered many times over the years. In keeping with this legend, it was believed that the crab was so badly crushed, that it was not able to sparkle. It was also understood that although Hera may have honored the crab, because it was not victorious in its mission to help defeat Heracles, she deemed it unworthy of any major recognition. Cancer was therefore the least visible of the constellations.

Amongst the constellation Cancer is a smaller group of stars known as the Asses, which appear upon the back of the crab's shell. One legendary tale describes that these Asses were ridden into battle between the Olympians and the Titans. They were able to cause confusion with their constant braying upon their arrival, which was a major reason why the giants of Titan retreated from the battle. In honor of their efforts, they were placed within the universe to the west of the constellation Cancer.

The Malaysians considered the crab as the ancient First and Only Crab, who lived in a deep opening under the bottom of the sea. It was so huge its movements controlled the tides of the oceans. However, the first to name this constellation Cancer were considered to be the Chaldeans, who simply believed that the backward stepping crab, symbolized the movement of the Sun, when passing through the constellation of stars!