♋ Cancer

The crab of Cancer comes from the labors of Hercules. While the hero battled the many-headed Hydra, Hera sent a crab to nip at his feet, and he crushed it underfoot. Hera honored its loyalty by placing it among the stars. The constellation is faint, but at its center lies the Beehive Cluster, also called Praesepe.

Cancer begins at the June solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the real start of summer. The Tropic of Cancer got its name because, around 2,000 years ago, the Sun stood in Cancer at the solstice. Thanks to precession, the Sun now spends most of these dates in front of Gemini, so the astrological sign and the constellation no longer match.

Cancer is traditionally described as warm-hearted and deeply caring toward the people close to it. It may seem guarded on the outside, like a crab in its shell, but it's said to be tender within and to treasure home, family, and memories. As a Water sign ruled by the Moon, it is pictured as finely tuned to feelings.

Being a safe place for someone else is a real gift. Today, try turning a little of that warmth toward yourself and resting somewhere you love.

At its best

Caring, loyal, and deeply empathetic. Cancer is said to be wonderfully protective of the people it loves.

Worth watching

Care for your own heart as much as you care for others. When something stings, gently putting it into words works better than holding it in.