Here’s everything you need to know about the spiritual Cancer zodiac sign.
The correct Cancer sign dates, the Cancer constellation origin, and the symbolism behind the Cancer zodiac sign.
You’ll also learn about the traits of Cancer people, their characteristics, personality, and Cancer’s compatibility with other zodiac signs.
Before we explore the astrological crab in detail, let’s do a quick review of Cancer’s main attributes:
Cancer Sign DatesJune 22 – July 22 |
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Cancer ElementWater |
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Cancer Ruling PlanetMoon |
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Cancer ModalityCardinal |
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Cancer TraitsEmotional, Sensitive, Homey, Self-nurturing, Nourishing, Caring |
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Cancer CompatibilityCancer, Scorpio, Pisces, and Virgo |
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Cancer StrengthsImaginative, Tenacious, Sympathetic, Persuasive, Loyal |
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Cancer WeaknessesInsecure, Overly-emotional, Moody, Pessimistic, Suspicious, Manipulative |
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Cancer LikesHome-based Activities, Relaxing near (or in) Water, Time with Loved Ones, Comfort Food |
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Cancer DislikesStrangers, Criticism (any form), Intrusions (especially in personal life) |
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Cancer Lucky ColorBlue |
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Cancer Lucky Numbers2, 3, 15, 20, 48 |
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Cancer BirthstonesMoonstone, Ruby, Emerald, Pearl |
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Cancer Body PartsRuler of the breasts, stomach, diaphragm, womb, vagina, lymphatic system, and right eye |
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Cancer Lucky DayMonday |
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Cancer CelebritiesKhloe Kardashian, Lionel Messi, Ariana Grande, Chris Pratt, Post Malone, Solange Knowles, Selena Gomez, Vin Diesel |
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Cancer Dates
Governing the astrological chart from June 22 to July 22, Cancer is the fourth sign in the zodiac wheel.
Cancer Dates are from JUNE 22 to JULY 22
However, in astrology, the Cancer dates vary according to birth year.
In some cases, Cancer’s zodiac month starts on June 21st, and in other cases, on June 22nd.
Similarly, depending on one’s birth year, the end of the Cancer zodiac month could fall on July 21st or 22nd.
Cancer Signs and Symbolism
Named from the Latin word ‘Cancer,’ which translates as ‘crab,’ this zodiac sign is depicted in the astrological literature as a crab, lobster, or crayfish.
In ancient Egypt, the sign of Cancer was symbolized as the scarab beetle, while in Mesopotamia, it was represented by the lobster.
Cancer Symbol is the CRAB
Mainly depicted as an oceanic crustacean seamlessly weaving between sea and shore, Cancer folks have a unique ability to exist in both emotional and material realms.
People born under the Cancer zodiac symbol are deeply connected with their internal monologues and in tune with the external environment.
Cancer Sign Element
In astrology, each zodiac sign is created from (associated with) one of the four main elements: Water, Earth, Air, and Fire.
The constituting element (Water, Earth, Air, and Fire) impacts the character of the signs and provides insight into the most suitable life and love matches.
Together with Scorpio and Pisces, the Cancer sign belongs to the Water element.
Cancer’s Element is WATER
Being a Water sign, Cancer is associated in the zodiac with the mother’s wombs and water, and thus with inception, birth, origin, home, and new beginnings.
Cancer Ruling Planet
Cancer’s ruling planet is the Moon.
The celestial body represents comfort, self-care, and maternal energies.
As such, the Moon’s influence makes the Cancer sign emotional, homey, and self-nurturing, in constant pursuit of nourishment and comfort.
Cancer planet is the MOON
Cancer Modality (Quality)
In astrology, the 12 zodiac signs are further categorized by their modality (read sign’s energy and vibe).
There are three primary modalities (also known as qualities):
Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable; each represents how each group of signs expresses their energy, reacts to circumstances, and navigates through life.
Cardinal signs: Cancer, Aries, Capricorn, and Libra
Fixed signs: Aquarius, Leo, Taurus, and Scorpio
Mutable signs: Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo, and Pisces
Cancer Modality is CARDINAL
As Cardinal signs, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn, and Aries start the year’s season, winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
Therefore, Cardinal signs are seen as trendsetters or “fresh ideas” people of the zodiac.
Cancer Constellation
The Cancer constellation is located in the northern sky and is the faintest of the 12 zodiac constellations.
According to the International Astronomical Union, the Cancer constellation contains 10 stars:
Acubens, Asellus Australis, Asellus Borealis, Copernicus, Gakyid, Meleph, Nahn, Piautos, Tarf, and Tegmine.
In Greek mythology, the Cancer constellation is associated with the crab sent by Hera to defeat Heracles (Hercules).
In different versions of the myth, the crab is either kicked into the sky by Heracles or placed among the stars by Hera after getting crushed by the Greek hero.
Cancer Traits
Deeply intuitive, emotional, and sentimental, Cancer is one of the most challenging zodiac signs.
Living in an endless ocean of feelings, Cancer’s extreme sensitivity can be a beautiful thing.
Cancer is EMOTIONAL and SENSITIVE
Like the crustacean that represents them, Cancer folks are susceptible to the surrounding environment and can ‘sense’ the energies in a room.
That’s why people under the Cancer sign are believed to have psychic-like intuition.
However, too much sensitivity (when not controlled) translates into feelings of being easily offended, wounded, and even hurt.
Even constructive criticism – appreciated by other horoscope signs – can send Cancerians into emotional lows.
Thus, Cancers must learn not to take things personally to preserve energy and mental health.
For the ultra-sensitive Cancer sign, learning to deal with emotions and feelings is critical to personal growth.
Cancer is INTROVERTED
There’s a good reason crabs have shells: to retreat in there instead of facing the world.
Similarly, avoiding conflicts is a leading trait of Cancer sign.
Like the hard shell crustaceans that represent them, Cancers are safety seekers, creating protective shields around them.
Ruled by the Moon, the ‘home planet,’ Cancers are domestically oriented in everything they do.
Cancers love creating safe and cozy environments that become home sanctuaries and places they spend lots of time.
The crustacean zodiac sign is an excellent host who enjoys entertaining guests with comfort food, good drinks, and free-flowing discussions.
Cancer is COMPASSIONATE
At first, astrological Crab people can be perceived as cold or distant.
In time, if allowed, the Cancer horoscope sign will reveal a gentle and compassionate nature.
As fast as they are at avoiding conflicts, Cancers are always quick to help others.
Cancer’s desire to help is not always selfless but driven by self-preservation questions:
- What can I do to have a better image in my family and community?
- How can I stay connected with my friends, relatives, and lineage?
Yet, as Cancer folks sense peoples’ feelings and moods, they’ll try to balance these ‘energies’ to the best of their capabilities.
Emotional and sensitive, Cancerians empathize with others’ pain and suffering and will do anything to fix family and home matters.
Cancer Personality
Guided by profound emotions, people under the Cancer sign have difficulty blending into the world around them.
Moreover, as a Water element sign ruled by the Moon, Cancer’s uncontrollable emotional bursts and mental mysteries are exacerbated by the phases of the lunar cycle.
Cancer Is SENTIMENTAL
When little, the Crabs’ coping and defensive mechanisms are not yet developed to protect them from the outer world.
Thus, when approached with care and understanding, children in the Cancer zodiac will grow to learn how to respond the same in return.
On the other hand, any lack of patience and love will manifest later in Cancer’s life as a lack of confidence, selfishness, self-pity, and in some cases, manipulation.
To be happy, content, and at peace with the world, Cancerians need the safety and the harmony of a loving family and parental home.
Cancer is PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE
Since many Cancer people avoid confrontation or what’s perceived as drama, the sign will adopt a passive-aggressive approach.
Assuming that people know why they’re upset, Cancer folks avoid open and honest discussions and instead prefer to drop hints.
However, if the partner doesn’t get the message, like the crustaceans that rarely benefit from close combats, the Cancer sign will attack from a distance with more decisive and powerful blows than expected.
Cancer Compatibility
As a highly emotional sign, feelings are a critical part of Cancers’ choice of love, compatibility, and relationships.
Moreover, as a Water element sign, Cancer’s best matches in life and love are fellow Water signs.
Cancer is Most Compatible with CANCER, SCORPIO, and PISCES
Some of the most compatible signs of Cancer – in friendships and romantic relationships – are fellow Water signs.
Scorpio and Pisces understand Cancer deeper than any other zodiac sign, particularly the emotional language that Cancer speaks.
Cancer is Also Compatible with VIRGO, CAPRICORN, and TAURUS
The Earth element signs have a similar energy and lifestyle approach to Water signs – Virgo, Capricorn, and Taurus.
Home safety and relational peace are critical to these signs, hence the good compatibility in the long run.
Cancer is Less Compatible with LIBRA, AQUARIUS, and GEMINI
The Air signs (Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini) are the zodiac thinkers and the human rights fighters of the horoscope.
As such, the Air signs show little interest in home safety or worldly possessions the emotional Cancer sign desires so much.
In time, Cancer folks might feel let down by the Air signs’ interest in spiritual realms rather than material goods and home safety.
Cancer is Least Compatible with LEO, SAGITTARIUS, and ARIES
Fire signs (Leo, Sagittarius, and Aries) are on the opposite spectrum of Water element signs.
In nature, Water puts off Fire; similarly, in the astrological charts, Water signs will wash away the Fire sign’s burning passion for life.
The safety-seeking Cancer sign might perceive the Fire signs as too dreamy, inconsiderate, self-centered, and hard to pin down for a serious relationship.
Cancer Woman
Cancer women are depicted in the zodiac as having a complex and puzzling personality, at least on the outside.
That is because of their overly sensitive nature, which makes Cancer women emotionally vulnerable and afraid of falling in love.
In reality, Cancer’s love horoscope shows that the women under this sign are conservative, traditional, and home-loving.
Romantic and loving, Cancer women seek kind partners who can understand their unspoken feelings.
To seduce a Cancer sign woman, one has to be proactive and make the first move.
Yet, in the process, you must respect boundaries and treat her like a lady.
Cancer women expect more from their partners than just casual encounters, so don’t waste your time if you’re after a one-night stand.
And, despite the conservative nature exhibited, Cancer women are profoundly erotic.
When feeling safe, respected, nurtured, and loved, the Cancer woman will bestow her partner with the most incredible sex life.
Moreover, once you’ve earned the trust of a Cancer woman, she will be passionate and loyal.
Equally, to have a lasting relationship with a Cancer personality female, you must be faithful, respectful, and honest.
Cancer women don’t forget betrayal and, when hurt, will become cold, unpredictable, and vindictive.
Cancer Man
While the Cancer man is conservative, he is also aware that initiative is essential.
Yet, the Cancer man is afraid to become vulnerable (show emotions) before he feels safe.
Thus, any potential partner must make the first move.
Yet, do it subtly, constantly reassuring the Cancer man he’s still leading the way.
Cancer men are complex individuals; sensitive, shy, and overly protective of their loved ones.
When the Cancer male looks for a female partner, he subconsciously searches for a partner that reminds them of their mother.
The Cancer man is also an emotional person who loves to look after themselves and others.
Although the Cancer man can be moody, pessimistic, and clingy at times, he is a generous and reliable life partner.
Cancer in Relationship
Cancer people seek partners who can nurture their innate sensitive nature and make them feel at home, safe, and secure.
The typical Cancer prefers partners for life; thus, when this sign goes on dates, it struggles with partners who want casual relationships.
Instead of seeking flings or quick fixes, the Cancer native would pursue one genuine, drama-free, and long-lasting love.
Most importantly, Cancers prefer partners who understand their non-verbal language of love and a daily shared routine.
Those dating a Cancer know how attentive this zodiac sign can be, making them feel in the center of attention, looked after, and constantly nourished.
Cancer’s intuitive and sensitive nature pays off big in the bedroom.
Most people with Cancer lovers say that it feels like their partners can read their minds by anticipating their needs.
However, it is essential to remember that reciprocity is critical to the people under the Cancer zodiac sign.
Driven by a generous nature, Cancer folks expect partners to match the level of care.
To the Cancer sign, real love should feel safe, comfortable, and rejuvenating.
In love with children, parenthood, marriage, and traditional values, the Cancer sign has a traditional approach to love, with shared responsibilities and no drama.
Cancers hate superficial, flaky, or unreliable partners, so if their level of affection and attention is not matched, the love won’t last.
If taken for granted, Cancer retrieves their compassion and understanding, depriving partners of love.
When things go wrong, Cancerians tend to make unhealthy compromises to keep the image of a happy family going.
Cancer In Friendship
Cancer representatives are okay with meeting new social contacts.
Yet, the sign is sensitive towards new people penetrating their social circle or people forcing themselves into their lives.
Lovers of family values, Cancers love friends that give them that ‘in-the-family,’ personal touch.
To approve new friends into their circle, the Cancer folks will measure them with an emotional scale rather than wealth and social status.
Cancerians see through fakery and setups, and as close friends, they’ll keep you safe from troubles.
Cancers are best at creating welcoming environments for friends but not necessarily in their homes.
That’s especially true for Cancer folks with a super secretive life.
Overall, the Crab sign must be careful when over-invested emotionally, for there’s a risk of blurring the line between attentive nurturing and controlling behavior.
On the downside, given their intuitive and emotional approach to life, the Cancer sign folks are often hard to understand from a purely rational point of view.
And even though the celestial crab hates conflicts, it won’t shy away from inflicting damage when triggered, with the sign’s distinctive brand of passive-aggressiveness.
As a solution, Cancerians must learn to talk openly about what’s bothering them.
If you can convince your partner to have open discussions without making them feel threatened, you’ll build long-lasting trust and love.
Cancer In Family
Cancer is the ultimate family zodiac sign, dependent on relational bonds and home safety more than any other.
Cancer’s favorite party place is at home, where an intimate atmosphere can be created and shared in circumstances they control.
Just as the crab retreats into the shell, being at home – or feeling at home – is critical to the Cancer sign.
Home is the sign’s prime time for safety, rest, and reflection.
As Cancer folks care deeply about their families, they’re swift at adopting caregiver roles.
Deeply sentimental, the Cancer sign preserves family memories, keeping them intact for years.
The Cancer zodiac rules the stomach area, so there is nothing more important to this sign than a home-cooked meal.
When their personal lives are fulfilled, Cancers make wonderful, caring parents who know how their children feel, even when far away.
Cancer In Career
Irrespective of the profession, the Cancer sign will make their work colleagues feel important and looked after.
However, as with all aspects of their lives, the Cancer sign folks must feel secure at work.
To Cancer, job and money security are paramount hence why they work as hard as they do.
A steady income and a clear job trajectory are essential to Cancer’s mental and emotional sanity.
Thanks to their excellent listening skills and genuine interest in people, Cancers do well in professions where intuition, listening, and care are critical.
Cancers are also known to work well with children, so they’ll likely thrive in professions that involve kids and families, such as therapists, bodyworkers, or energy healers.
When a job needs to get done, the Cancer won’t stop until it is successfully finished.
Cancer folks are hardworking, loyal, and good at managing time and finances when the goal is to save and invest.
In business, as in the household, the Cancer sign is often in charge of the money keeping and expenses.
However, on certain occasions, the Cancer sign might use money – without even realizing it – to control business partners or family members.
Summary
A Cardinal Water sign, Cancer is the emotional homebody of the horoscope.
Gentle, considerate, and safety-seeking, this zodiac sign is the best at teaching how to be your most caring and nurturing self.
Now it’s your turn…
Which one of Cancer’s traits resonates with you the most?
Which characteristics of the Cancer sign do you think we’ve missed and should include in our next article update?
Please leave your comments below; we always appreciate your comments and use them to learn, improve, and update these articles.
