June 21, Cancer begins

(Much more at wilsonsalmanac.com)

(Jun 21 - Jul 22)
In astronomy and astrology, Cancer, the crab, is one of the twelve constellations of the zodiac (thirteen, if you count Ophiuchus). Cancer is small and dim, and to many it does not resemble a crab. It lies between Gemini to the west and Leo to the east, Lynx to the north and Canis Minor and Hydra to the south.
In Greek mythology, Cancer was a brave little crab who tried to stop Heracles from defeating the Lernaean Hydra and was squashed for his efforts.
The astrological sign Cancer (June 21 - July 22) is associated with the constellation. In some cosmologies, Cancer is associated with the classical element Water, and thus called a Water Sign (with Scorpio and Pisces). Its polar opposite is Capricorn.
In the 1970s there was a proposal to rename the zodiac sign, as some astrologers felt that an imagined association with the disease Cancer was off-putting. Some people with the sun sign of Cancer refer to themselves as moon children instead (the sign is associated with the Moon in astrology).
Astrology    The Real Constellations of the Zodiac    Astrology: Pro    Astrology: Con