In Babylon the zodiac sign of Cancer was known as the Gate of Man, through which souls pass from heaven to earth. To the ancient Egyptians, the constellation was known as The Scarab Beetle. This was believed to be a symbol of resurrection and immortality and would be buried with mummies after being inscribed with quotations from the Book of the Dead.

Some refer to this mysterious and obscure cluster of stars as the Manger believing it to be the birthplace of Jesus. It has also been known as “The Stars of the Water”.

Walter Stevens-Hofer: Myth of the Zodiac