Why is Cancer a Crab?
Have you ever wondered why each zodiac sign has its symbol? There’s a story behind each one!
As an astrologer, I love asking people if they know the myth behind their sign. Most of the time, they don’t. So if you’re a Cancer—or you love someone who is—this is the story behind why the crab represents Cancer.
The Myth of Hercules, Hera, and the Hydra
This story starts with Hercules, a famous hero from Greek mythology. Hercules was very strong and brave, but he had to make up for a terrible mistake. After being driven mad by the goddess Hera, Hercules accidentally hurt his family. To make up for it, he had to complete 12 big challenges, called the 12 Labors of Hercules.
Hera, who didn’t like Hercules, kept trying to make his tasks harder.
One day, Hercules was fighting a monster called the Hydra—a huge, snake-like creature with many heads. As Hercules began to win the battle, Hera sent a new helper to the Hydra: Carcinos, a giant crab.
Carcinos wasn’t a fierce fighter. He pinched Hercules on the heel, trying to distract him. But Hercules quickly crushed Carcinos with his foot, then went on to defeat the Hydra.
What Happened to Carcinos?
There are two different endings to Carcinos’ story.
In one version, Hercules kicks Carcinos so far that he flies into the sky and becomes a constellation (a group of stars).
In the other version, Hera puts Carcinos in the sky to thank him for trying to help—even though he wasn’t much help. But she makes the Cancer constellation the dimmest as a sort of joke, showing that she wasn’t fully impressed.
Either way, Carcinos becomes the zodiac sign Cancer, and the crab becomes its symbol.
What This Myth Tells Us About Cancers
Carcinos was gentle. He wasn’t mean or dangerous—he was just trying to help.
That’s how Cancers are too. They don’t want to hurt anyone. But they will defend the people and things they love.
Cancers may not fight loudly, but they care deeply. And when they feel threatened, they can protect with a strong “pinch”!
A Much Older Symbol: The Crab and the Gate of Life
Even before the story of Hercules, the crab had another deep meaning in ancient astrology.
In old books, Cancer is called the “Gate of Life.” That means it's the sign connected to birth, family, and caring for others.
The crab was chosen because it's an amphibious animal—it can live both in the water and on land.
Long ago, the ocean was seen as a symbol of the spirit world. It represented the big, connected soul that we all come from. Each wave or drop of water was like a person’s soul.
When a crab crawls out of the ocean and onto land, it represents a spirit being born into a body—entering the physical world. That’s why Cancer is the “mother sign” of the zodiac. It gives us life and watches over it.
Cancer is also ruled by the Moon, which represents emotions, memory, and motherly energy.
Cancer and Mother Energy
Cancer has strong ties to the idea of the Divine Mother. This doesn’t mean only women can have this energy. Anyone, no matter their gender, can have the loving, protective, and caring nature that Cancer is known for.
Cancers are often:
Nurturing
Gentle
Protective
Emotional
In tune with the feelings of others
They seem to understand, deep down, that we’re all drops in the same ocean. They want to make others feel safe and supported, even during hard times.
Honor the Cancers in Your Life
The story of the crab may seem small, but its message is big.
Cancers don’t go looking for fights. They prefer peace and harmony. But if someone they care about is in trouble, they will step in—and defend with all their heart.
If you know someone who is a Cancer, take a moment to appreciate them:
Thank them for their love and support
Notice how they care for others
Remind them how important they are
Having people in our lives who carry mother energy—whether they're mothers or not—is a big part of emotional healing and balance.
Final Thoughts
The symbol of Cancer may be small—a crab—but its meaning is powerful.
Cancer reminds us that:
Strength doesn’t always look loud or bold
Love is a form of bravery
Protecting others can be sacred
Even the quietest hearts can shine
Thank you to all the Cancers who bring love, safety, and deep care into the world. You are the quiet protectors. The emotional healers. The soul’s soft landing place.
May the stars guide your way,
Aleks
 | A guest post by
|