Cancer - Signs of the Hebrew Mazzaroth

THE BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE SIGN OF SARTAN (CANCER) - “Prince, elongated in width”

The time of Jacob’s trouble, the second coming,

the binding of Satan, and the ascension of the saints.

“As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings.” (Dt. 32:11)

Sartan is represented by the 16th letter of the

Hebrew Aleph-Bet and has a value of 70

Ayin

Modern

Hebrew

Paleo

Hebrew

The ancient paleo form of the Hebrew letter Ayin was represented by an eye, implying “to watch, see, know, obey, shade.” The meaning of this letter and its gematria of 70 has everything to do with the final events leading up to and including the second coming of Christ. The meaning of this letter and the number 70 connects more directly to an eagle rather than the crab typically associated with Cancer. We will explore the reasons for this shortly.

The Hebrew letter Ayin is composed of two other letters: Zayin, which represents a sword, and an extended Yud, symbolizing an outstretched hand. Together, they depict a sword in an extended hand, signifying the deliverance of God's people at the second coming of Christ.

The number 16 is strongly associated with love and its manifestations. Paul in the book to the Corinthians said that there are 16 things connected to love:

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails...” (1 Cor. 13:4-8) NKJV

In the Old Testament, 16 of the various names and titles for God specially signify His constant, never-ending love for the children of Israel. (See https://www.christianpost.com/trends/the-16-names-of-god.html)

Cancer is about “home, security and rest.” Those born under this sign take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. They are maternal, domestic and love to nurture others.

In like manner, Cancer represents the home of the saved, where love, nurturing, and family will reign supreme. The symbolism employed in the sign of Cancer speaks of the second coming of Christ to take his people to their heavenly home, to their haven of rest represented by the minor constellation Argo, “the Ship” in Cancer.

Sailboats symbolize going on a far journey and adventure. They’re also associated with being carried along by the wind, as its primary form of momentum is gained through the wind in its sails. The wind is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.

“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

A ship conveys life away from dry land” (i.e. the earth) as will be the case for those taken to heaven.

Now, let's explore the possibility that Cancer was once represented by an eagle rather than a crab. We will examine the constellation’s outline, its proximity to other constellations, the meanings of its star names, biblical references, other zodiac traditions, the meaning of the word Cancer, and most importantly, the significance of the Hebrew letter Ayin (70), which represents Cancer.

In modern star maps, the crab is positioned directly above Hydra, the Water Serpent, symbolizing its victory over it. However, a crab is not a natural predator of a serpent—an eagle is. This aligns with depictions of an eagle snatching a serpent from the water, reinforcing the idea that Cancer may have originally been symbolized by an eagle.

The modern name Cancer, meaning "crab" in Greek, obscures the sign's original meaning. It comes from a mistranslation of the Arabic words khan (inn or manger) and cer (encircling). Two star names reinforce this idea: Acubene (the sheltering place) and Tegmine (holding). Additionally, a faint star cluster called Praesepe means "enclosure, stall, or manger," further supporting this interpretation.

From the book “The Glory of the Stars” by E. Raymond Capt, we read:

“In our modern zodiacs we have the picture of a gigantic crab. It is the same in the Hindu and Chinese zodiacs. Here again, it is evident that the original picture, as well as those of Cancer’s first and second minor constellations (Ursa Minor and Ursa Major), has been lost, because they do not agree with the meaning of their star names.”

“The Dendera Zodiac however provides us with the key to its meaning. Although portrayed as a sacred beetle, Cancer was called “Klaria” meaning “the folds, the resting places.” This is in perfect harmony with all its star names, as well as the minor constellations and their star names. In other Egyptian zodiacs, it is represented by the head of an eagle which is probably Cancer’s original picture.”

“This is born out by the Arabic name for the sign which is Al Sartan which means “who holds or binds.” The Syrian name “Sartano” means the same. The Greeks called it Karkinos which means “holding or encircling…” (Pg. 119)

Combining these meanings with the idea that Cancer may have originally been represented by an eagle, we see an eagle spreading its wings over an enclosure or fold, encircling it from above. Looking at the outline of the Cancer constellation, while it can resemble a crab, it just as easily forms the shape of an eagle with outstretched wings over a sheepfold.

This star pattern bares a striking resemblance to the tabernacle in the wilderness that Moses was instructed to build at the foot of Mt. Sinai in Exodus 25:8 where YHVH bore his people on eagle’s wings and brought them unto himself. (Ex. 19:4).

The star cluster Praesepe is positioned precisely where the Ark of the Covenant stood in the Most Holy Place. It serves as a powerful symbol of divine protection and presence, representing the gathering place for Yah’s people in the end times—“the secret place of the Most High.”

The Hebrew name Sartan for Cancer consists of two parts: Sar meaning "prince" or "ruler," and Tan meaning "to elongate." This aligns with Cancer’s glyph, which resembles the number 69 turned on its side, symbolizing the coming of the Messiah.

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks…” (Dan. 9:26)

Unto the coming of the Messiah the Prince a total of 69 weeks would pass. At the beginning of the “70th” week the Messiah would be revealed. Here we have the number 69 tied to the glyph of Cancer, and the 70th week tied to the Hebrew letter Ayin that Cancer is represented by.

The symbolism brought to view then in Cancer is of the coming of Messiah, the Prince of Peace, the Mighty One of Israel, descending from the right hand of the Father as an Eagle spreading forth (i.e. “elongating”) his wings over his people, and baring them on eagles wings unto himself and to the Father in heaven.

The Tabernacle in the Wilderness

Considering the time frame represented by Cancer, leading up to and including the second coming of Christ, and the symbolism of an Eagle spreading its wings over an enclosure near the Most Holy Place, Psalm 91 becomes profoundly meaningful. It highlights how God's people will be sheltered during the time of trouble under His wings, "in the secret place of the Most High." This location likely refers to the Most Holy Place, where the Shekinah presence of God dwelt above the Ark of the Covenant, beneath the wings of the Seraphim. Those spiritually aligned in this "secret place" will be protected from destruction, pestilence, and the seven last plagues that will be poured out upon those who defy His holy law.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” (Ps. 91:1-16)

(Note that there are “16” verses in this chapter tying it to Ayin, the 16th letter of the Hebrew alphabet).

“Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder,” an adder is a venomous serpent. Note in the layout of the constellations how the Crab (Eagle) is treading upon the fleeing serpent under its feet and ready to face off with the Lion, perfectly reflecting what we read in this text.

The Cancer constellation is often depicted without the star Tegmen, which makes the outline of an "enclosure" with a pair of wings above it unclear. Praesepe, also known as "The Beehive Cluster" and translated as a "manger," is located exactly where the Ark of the Covenant was placed in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle, surrounded by an enclosure. This is also where the Cherubim spread their wings over the mercy seat (see Ex. 25:20).

CANCER CONSTELLATION

With and without the right

corner star Tegmen

Tegmen

The following Bible references shed light on this more complete outline as it relates to the time of Jacob’s trouble and the second coming of Christ:

“Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.” (Jer. 49:22)

“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” Isa.63:1)

“I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.” (Mic. 2:12)

“Bozrah” referenced in these texts is defined in Hebrew as “an enclosure, i.e. sheepfold” such as we see in the outline of the Cancer constellation. God’s people are likened to “sheep” or a “sheepfold” (See Jn. 10:16). Those who are within this “enclosure” surrounded by the white linen curtain (a symbol of the righteousness of the saints) when Christ returns will be sheltered during the time of trouble and saved. (See Ex. 27:9; Rev. 19:8; Rev. 3:18)

“Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.” (Ex. 19:4-5)

Here we have a picture of YHVH delivering his people out of Egypt, preserving them through the 7 last plagues and bringing them unto himself on eagle’s wings to Mt. Sinai. In like manner, at the end of time he will shelter his people under his wings, shielding them from the 7 last plagues. He will swooped down from heaven as an eagle (metaphorically speaking), and bring his people unto himself to the heavenly Canaan fulfilling the promise he gave his disciples in John 14:1-3.

Now, let's explore some other reasons why Cancer may have originally been depicted as an Eagle instead of a Crab.

1. The Crab is never mentioned in the Bible, unlike all the other zodiac constellations, which appear in various biblical stories.

2. Of the 4 living creatures listed in Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 4, only 3 are to be found on the ecliptic, the Eagle is missing. Where is it? Most place it in the sign of Scorpio, but that’s a Scorpion not an Eagle, nor are any of its minor constellations an Eagle. So it only makes sense the Eagle should also be located somewhere on the ecliptic. Cancer would make a good candidate for the location of the Eagle.

The verse in Ezekiel reads:

“As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.” (Ez.1:10)

Note that on the right side there is the face of a man (Aquarius) and the face of lion (Leo). On the left side there is only the face of the Ox. The Eagle is neither on the left or the right side. Might this be a possible justification for the Eagle being out of sync with the other three living creatures on the ecliptic?

3. America was born in the Sign of Cancer, its independence day is the 4th of July, The symbol of America is the American bold eagle! I believe this was providential as the Pilgrims that fled to America were a type of “second” Israel fleeing into the wilderness on Eagle’s wings metaphorically from persecution in the old world to a land flowing with milk and honey in the new world and given rest. In the Bible the Eagle is symbolic of supernatural divine guidance and protection (See Ex. 19:4).

Cancer also has to do with traveling as indicated by Argo, “The Celestial Ship.” And so it was with the early pilgrim fathers who believed that their Christian faith was incompatible with the Church of England and boarded ships, such as the Mayflower, to come to America.

4. The letter Ayin that Cancer is represented by refers to the eye or sight. The eagle is known for its incredible eyesight. Eagles see about 7 times better than humans. A thousand feet up in the air, a Bald Eagle can spot its prey over 3 square miles.

5. Finally, in this passage we see the “eagle” mentioned in connection with the second coming of Christ:

“For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.” (Mt. 27:24)

HEBREW TRIBE: Issachar

Meaning: “he will bring a reward, wages” [H3485]

The meaning of the name Issachar, the tribe associated with the sign of Cancer, is a perfect match as it continues with the theme of Christ’s second coming who “shall reward every man according to his works.” (Mt. 16:27)

“Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: 15 And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.” (Genesis 49:14,15)

Two of Cancer’s principle stars Asellus Borealis and Asellus Australis, the northern and southern donkey. The two “burdens” are two “sheepfolds” as we see in the meaning of the word burdens: “a stall for cattle (only dual):--burden, sheepfold.” H8192

“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.” (1 Chr. 12:32)

Likewise, the 144,000—the remnant of Israel at the end of time—will understand the times they are in and know what they ought to do.

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thess. 5:1-6) NKJV

The prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, just prior to entering into the promise land was Paltiel, who’s name means: “deliverance of God” [H6409] (Num. 34:26).

So also will God’s people be delivered from their enemies at the 2nd coming of Christ and enter into their heavenly rest.

“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” (Isa. 32:18)

All of this connects to the symbolism of Cancer, its minor constellations, and its Hebrew letter Ayin, which represents sight, understanding, and knowledge. It also ties to the number 16 (love) and 70 (Israel and judgment). Consider these Scriptures related to these themes at Christ’s second coming:

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Cor. 2:9)

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him…” (Rev. 1:7)

“And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob(Israel) were seventy souls…” (Ex.1:5)

Seventy is the number which defines a generation. It is intimately linked with judgment – so much so that in Jewish law the Supreme Court, the Sanhedrin, was composed of 70 members, just as there were 70 elders in the days of Moses.

“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Mt 24:30,31)

The “gathering together of the elect” is a gathering together of a sheepfold. The sheep are separated from the goats. This sheepfold is represented in the sign of Cancer by the minor constellation of Ursa Major, which has been mistaken for a bear with a long uplifted tail. Their journey to heaven is represented by the other minor constellation in Cancer, Argo, “The Celestial Ship.”

HEBREW MONTH (Tammuz) - The month Moses

descends from Mt. Sinai with the Ten Commandments.

The Hebrew month corresponding to Cancer is Tammuz. It was in this month when the sun was in Cancer that Moses descended from Mt. Sinai with the Tablets of the Ten Commandments in his hands and saw the children of Israel wholly given over to idolatry in the worship of the golden calf. In like manner, shall Yeshua descend from heaven with the Tablets of the Ten Commandments in his hands and see as Moses did, the vast majority of the people given over wholly to idolatry in one form or another and the worship of the image to the beast.

Just as Israelites waited impatiently for Moses to come down from the mountain and turned to the worship of other gods so is there great danger of those who will grow weary of patiently waiting for their Lord and Master to return from heaven.

“But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Mt. 24:48-51)

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Mt. 24:42)

From the classic book “The Great Controversy” by E. G. White we read this incredible revelation concerning the coming of Christ and the ten commandments:

“Then there appears against the sky a hand holding two tables of stone folded together. Says the prophet: “The heavens shall declare His righteousness: for God is judge Himself.” Psalm 50:6. That holy law, God's righteousness, that amid thunder and flame was proclaimed from Sinai as the guide of life, is now revealed to men as the rule of judgment. The hand opens the tables, and there are seen the precepts of the Decalogue, traced as with a pen of fire. The words are so plain that all can read them. Memory is aroused, the darkness of superstition and heresy is swept from every mind, and God's ten words, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, are presented to the view of all the inhabitants of the earth.”

“It is impossible to describe the horror and despair of those who have trampled upon God's holy requirements. The Lord gave them His law; they might have compared their characters with it and learned their defects while there was yet opportunity for repentance and reform; but in order to secure the favor of the world, they set aside its precepts and taught others to transgress. They have endeavored to compel God's people to profane His Sabbath. Now they are condemned by that law which they have despised. With awful distinctness they see that they are without excuse. They chose whom they would serve and worship. “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.” (Mal. 3:18) Pg. 639. (To read the entirety of this awe-inspiring chapter entitled “God’s People Delivered” see: https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/132.2868#2870)

THE TWO DONKEYS IN THE CONSTELLATION

CANCER AND THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

What do two donkeys (Asellus Australis and Asellus Borealis) have to do with a Sheepfold (represented by the enclosure and the outspread wings of an Eagle (if this is its proper depiction) representing the second coming of Christ? We are about to find out.

First of all, it should be pointed out that the two donkeys stars and the star cluster Praesepe, “The Manger” (or the Beehive Cluster) have no correlation whatsoever to that of a Crab. However, there DOES exist a most interesting correlation between two donkeys and that of a Sheepfold and the wings of an Eagle, symbolizing the coming of Christ the King of kings and Lord of lords. Donkeys are used to herd sheep. Secondly, note the correlation of these two donkeys with the coming of Christ in the following passage:

“Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” (See Mt. 21:1-9) NKJV

SUMMARY

Leaving the period of “the times of Gentiles” represented by the sign of Gemini, the sign of Cancer brings us to the final events leading up to the second coming of Christ when the plagues are falling and Yah’s people are being sheltered and protected during the time of trouble. Those who are “dwelling in the secret place of the most High and abiding under the shadow of the Almighty” (Ps. 91:1). They will be born on Eagles wings and brought to the Father in heaven to receive of their reward and enter into their haven of rest. No man shall be able to pluck them out of the hand of the Father or the Son. Meanwhile, the wicked will receive of their wages as well, the wages of sin which is death (Rom. 6:23). And Satan himself will also receive a portion of his wages. He will be laid hold of and cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years where he will no longer be able to deceive the nations until the 1000 years are finished. His final demise and that of the wicked after the 1000 years, Gog and Magog, will be depicted in the last sign of Leo, “the Lion” (Aryeh).

PROMISES

“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” (Ps. 91:14-16)

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (Jn. 14:1-3)

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” (Jn. 10:28-29) - The grip of an Eagle is ten times stronger then that of a human!

“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.” (Jer. 30:7)

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Ps. 91:1)

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” (Ps. 40:1-3)

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