Mythology

In mythology Cancer is often associated with the Greek myth of the Lernaean Hydra, one of The Twelve Labours of Herakles and the mythical figure of Perseus, from the Greek myth of Medusa. Cancer is also associated with the Greco-Roman goddess Selene/Luna and sometimes the goddesses Artemis/Diana and Hecate/Trivia.

Characteristics
Individuals born under this sign are thought to have a kind, emotional, romantic, imaginative, sympathetic, nurturing, and intuitive character. The Cancer person is protective, sensitive, tenacious, retentive, resourceful, self-contained, family and home oriented, maternal, security oriented, warm, patriotic, sentimental, and loving. They can also be touchy, clingy, over-protective, moody and crabby and prone to changeability, hypersensitivity, depression, and clinginess. .
In the last, Cancer was considered a fortunate, fruitful sign, strongly associated with tribes, clans, and closely-knit family groups. Many modern astrologers consider it to be significant that Pluto was discovered on the longitude of 20 degrees Cancer and the first atomic bomb was detonated at the moment when Saturn reached this longitude. Saturn is said to become particularly malefic in Cancer and Leo, for they are opposed to Saturn's own domiciles. Richard Saunders writes in Astrological Judgement and Practice of Physick (1677) that Black Plague of 1593 has been caused by transiting Saturn in Cancer, breeding "Flegm, thin Water, and Melancholy mixt".
Caesius likened the sign to "the Breastplate of Righteousness" in Ephesians VI:14. Elsbeth and Reinhold Ebertin extended this concept to that every single degree of 360 degrees of zodiac correlates to a specific part of human anatomy. In their Anatomische Entsprechungen der Tierkreisgrade (Anatomical Correspondences of the Zodiac Degrees, 1949), the section about Cancer starts with the 1 degree of Cancer correlating to the sixth rib, ends with the 30 degree of the sign correlating to the twelfth dorsal vertebra.
In astrology Cancer is ruled by the Moon.

Relationships
In love the Cancer person is likely to be romantic, sentimental, very clinging and tender, and open to sensual stimulation. Maternal instincts are strong in women and protective instincts in men. However they can also be touchy.

Occupations
Suitable occupations are where shrewd but sensitive nature can be constructively employed, or in looking after others; such as nurses, gardeners, archaeologists, hoteliers, publicans, estate agents.

Body and health
In medical astrology and in terms of anatomy, Cancer is said to rule the breasts, epigastric region, elbows, stomach, digestive organs, upper lobe of the liver, thoracic duct, pancreas, blood serum, and the womb.

Miscellaneous
In terms of geography Cancer is linked with Ishikawa Prefecture, Tonga, Tuva, Altai Republic, and Calabria. The corresponding month in the Babylonian calendar is Arax Du'uzu, dedicated to Adar.
The following items are also traditionally associated with Cancer:
Birthstone= Alexandrite is the 'Traditional Birthstone'; Other popular birthstones for the month of July are pearl, ruby, moonstone, agate, chalcedony, and emerald.
Colours= Orange, Silver, White
Gemstones= Moonstone
Metal= Silver, Magnesium