Decorated with the sign of Cancer, this mango wood box has a 10 × 10 cm base and stands 6 cm high. Tiny gold dots cover the dark blue lid, with a cream circle in the middle. Inside it is a crab drawn in gold lines, claws spread wide and a crescent moon above its back. Twelve sections around it hold the zodiac constellations. Two hinges sit at the back and a metal clasp at the front. Once opened, the lid does not fall shut, leaving both hands free. Made in India; you receive one box.
The sign of the Moon
Astrology links Cancer to the Moon, which is why the crab carries a crescent on this lid. Cancer season runs roughly from 22 June to 22 July.
People born under Cancer are thought of as caring and devoted to their families. They keep their memories for a long time, old photographs and letters included.
A water sign at the start of summer
Together with Scorpio and Pisces, Cancer is a water sign. The Sun enters it at the summer solstice, when the days are longest. If your family has several water signs, each of them can have a box with their own sign.
A box for keepsakes
To a Cancer, this box can be the home of small keepsakes. Grandmother’s ring, a baby tooth or a small folded photo will fit. Put a baby tooth in a small envelope first so it does not roll around. Inside, the wood is bare, the clasp keeps the lid shut, and a dry, soft cloth is all you need for cleaning.
If someone in your family celebrates in late June or July, you can hand them their own sign with this box. Pearl and moonstone are the birthstones for June, ruby for July.