The astrological sign of Cancer and the Great Mother are both represented by the crab. Because the crab has a hard shell and is thus self-protective, in dreams this quality can be highlighted. When someone is 'crabby' they are irritable or morose. The crab apple is small and sour and therefore has this same connotation. A crab appearing in a dream can indicate mothering, particularly of the 'smother love' type, but can also be the qualities of unreliability and self-interest. The crab can also, because of the way it moves, denote deviousness. In a womans dream the crab will often represent the different aspects of the three-faceted Moon goddess, maid, mother and crone. In a mans dream it is more likely to suggest the 'smother mother'.