Cancer. Artwork and astrological symbol (upper left) representing Cancer the Crab (22 June to 22 July), 4th of the 12 star signs that make up the year. Astrologers claim that the star sign (also called sun sign) that you are born under will influence your character and destiny. The star signs originated as the 12 constellations (star patterns) of the zodiac, the path that the Sun traces in the sky as the Earth orbits the Sun during the year. Ancient astronomers used them to track the passing of the year. Their shapes in the sky inspired many myths. We use their Roman names. R550/437-448 shows artworks of all 12 star signs.