Cancer, the Enclosure

Cancer is the most inconspicuous of the twelve zodiac signs. Even so, it was always well determined—its stars not disputed as in some of the other signs. Because it is so dim, we normally see only three or four main stars and a small fuzzy spot.

Its Hebrew name was Sartan, which held the idea of holding or keeping. That meaning is probably what later gave rise to it being pictured as a crab which holds tight with its big claws. However, if we look at the other names in the constellation we get a fuller understanding.

* The alpha star, Acubens, means to secrete, a place of sheltering or hiding.

* The gamma and delta stars have always been the two asses, or donkeys. The astronomic sign for Cancer may picture the two asses standing head to tail beside each other (see above).

* M 44, Praesepe's fuzzy spot is actually a group of many small stars, which fits its popular name, the Beehive. Praesepe as a multitude or offspring, comes from a Hebrew root meaning to bear fruit. Other places it was the Manger, Crib or Stall. Included with several dimmer stars, it had a Coptic name meaning nurturing.

On a sky chart you can see a circle of stars surrounding all these parts. It forms the enclosure sheltering a multitude of offspring. Whose offspring are so carefully sheltered?

Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. (Psalm 100:3 NKJV)


The LORD is your keeper;

         The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
 
The sun shall not strike you by day,

         Nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;

         He shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in

         From this time forth, and even forevermore. (Psalm 121:5-8 NKJV)