Cancer Zodiac - Know Your Star Sign

Calling all Cancerians! This article will unpack everything you’ll want to know about this empathetic and loyal zodiac sign, from its compatibility with other zodiac signs, to its birthstones, associated tarot cards and more! 

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Cancerians are nurturing, intuitive and emotionally attuned. Typical Cancer qualities include being caring, empathetic, and deeply connected to their emotions and their home life. They have an excellent sense of emotional intelligence that allows them to pick up on the subtle feelings of those around them and create a warm, comforting environment. 

Their strengths include being:

Their “weaknesses” include:

The symbol for Cancer is the Crab, which perfectly encapsulates the nurturing and protective nature of this astrological sign. The crab's hard outer shell represents the emotional barriers that Cancerians often put up to shield their vulnerability, while their pincers symbolise their tendency to cling tightly to their loved ones and familiar surroundings.

Just as the Crab carries its home on its back, Cancerians place a great deal of importance on creating a secure and comfortable home environment. Additionally, the crab's connection to the ocean's tides and the moon's cycles signifies Cancerians' deep ties to their emotional depths. 

In Greek mythology, the Crab is associated with the legendary tale of Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra. As Hercules battled the multi-headed serpent, the goddess Hera sent a giant crab to aid the Hydra and distract the hero. Hercules crushed the crab underfoot, but in recognition of its courage, the goddess Hera placed the crab's image among the stars, forming the constellation Cancer.

In Egyptian mythology, the Crab was a sacred symbol of rebirth and immortality, as it sheds its shell to grow anew. This process of shedding and regeneration aligns closely with the emotional depths and changing nature of those born under the Cancer sign. 

The Crab also has a connection to the Moon. As one of the few zodiac signs represented by a creature closely tied to the tides and lunar cycles, Cancer has long been associated with the Moon's mystical influence. In ancient times, the appearance of the new Moon in the Cancer constellation was celebrated as a time of renewal and fertility.

When it comes to astrological compatibility, few signs are as deeply in tune with their emotions and relationships as Cancer. As a Water Sign, Cancer naturally harmonises well with fellow water signs like Scoprio and Pisces, who both share their emotional depth and sensitivity. They also tend to find common ground with the grounded, nurturing Earth signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, as these signs provide the stability and security that Cancerians crave. 

So let’s get into more detail and find out which of the 12 zodiac signs Cancerians are most compatible with:

Aries and Cancer

This fire sign’s bold and impulsive nature can sometimes overwhelm the more sensitive Cancer.  However, Aries' passion and courage can also energise Cancer and inspire them to come out of their shell. With compromise and understanding, their opposing elements can balance each other, forming a comfortable relationship. 

Taurus and Cancer

As an Earth sign, Taurus shares some common ground with the nurturing Water sign Cancer. Their grounded, loyal natures can align well, though Taurus will need to exercise patience with Cancer's moodiness from time to time!

Gemini and Cancer

Gemini’s curious energy can clash with the homebody Cancer. In a relationship, Gemini may grow restless with Cancer's attachment and need for routine, and in turn Cancer may find Gemini’s detachment emotionally unsatisfying. 

Leo and Cancer

Leos are proud and like attention, so in a relationship they may struggle being with a Cancer who is more reserved. However, Leo’s warmth and passion can also draw the shy Cancer out of their shell. If they want a successful partnership, then both need to adjust their expectations and learn to meet in the middle.

Virgo and Cancer

As an Earth sign, Virgo can provide the security, routine and attention to detail that Cancer values and craves. However, Virgos tend to criticise a lot, which may affect the sensitive Cancer, so consideration for feelings is essential. 

Libra and Cancer

This people-pleasing Air sign may struggle to develop a deep emotional rapport with the moody Cancer. However, Libra's diplomacy can help smooth over Cancer's emotional storms. They both value partnership, so as long as they compromise, they can form a great pair.

Scorpio and Cancer

These two water signs can form an incredibly intense and emotional connection. However, their mutual sensitivity and unwillingness to let go of grudges can lead to drawn-out emotional wars. Setting healthy boundaries is important for these two signs to get along.

Sagittarius and Cancer

Sagittarius is a free-spirited sign, full of energy and enthusiasm in life, a trait that Cancer may initially find attractive. However, in the long term, this could create distance between the two as Cancer always finds comfort in the comfortable, being at home, and feeling safe—something Sagittarius may not be able to provide.

Capricorn and Cancer

These two signs mesh well together and can form a great partnership. Capricorns are very goal-oriented and logical, which balances well with Cancerians, who tend to make decisions based on their emotions. However, Capricorn's shyness from displays of emotion could leave the sensitive Cancer feeling ignored, so communication should be prioritised. 

Aquarius and Cancer

This pairing can find it difficult to find common ground. It’s likely the Aquarius might find Cancer’s mood swings unbalancing and a bit overly clingy, leading to some detachment. At the same time, Cancer may pick up on this detachment due to being quite emotionally attuned and feel resentment. Compromising on socialising versus downtime will be helpful for this pair.

Pisces and Cancer

Two water signs like these can form a deep and spiritual relationship. However, Pisces are known to be emotional and sensitive as well, so there may be times when their shared moodiness and tendency to absorb negative energy could drag them down into an emotional whirlwind, if boundaries aren’t maintained. 

Just as the stars and planets have their own influence over each of the 12 zodiac signs, so too do the Earth’s natural gemstones and crystals carry their own unique energies and properties. From ancient times, various cultures have associated certain precious stones with the different zodiac signs, believing that these birthstones can strengthen the inherent qualities. 

Certain gemstones were aligned with the planetary rulers and elemental energies of each zodiac sign. This meant that the stones could channel forces that complemented the traits of that particular sign. 

The birthstone for Cancer is the Ruby, a fiery red gemstone loved for its rarity and royal connection. It is believed to have particular healing properties for Cancerians. It can balance their emotions by activating the heart chakra. By activating this energy centre, Ruby empowers Cancerians to pursue their dreams and fulfil their life’s objectives by instilling confidence in them.  As Cancerians are known for their nurturing nature, they often expend their energy caring for others; wearing a Ruby gemstone can revitalise their energy. 

You can read more about Cancer birthstones and their many healing properties, as well as other gemstones and crystals that resonate with Cancer in our dedicated blog post - Cancer Birthstones.

Moon signs differ from Sun signs, which serve as our primary “rising” Zodiac sign. Therefore, while your ascendant sign may be Cancer, your moon sign probably aligns with a different celestial constellation. This is because your rising (ascendant) Sun sign reflects your external image - how you’re perceived by others. On the other hand, your moon sign reveals the core of your soul - your innermost characteristics. 

If your moon sign falls under Cancer, you most likely harbour a sense of empathy and nurturing instincts from an early age. You also would have an intuitive understanding of emotions, which gives off this comforting aura, drawing others towards you. However, finding a balance between caring for others and looking after yourself can be a challenge. 

You can use this online calculator to discover your Moon Sign.

If you want to learn more about Cancer Moon, read our article - Cancer Moon: Traits, Characteristics, and Compatibility.

There are also certain tarot cards that have a close association with the Cancer zodiac. 

The Chariot is one of the most significant tarot cards linked to Cancer. As a cardinal sign, Cancer is represented by this Major Arcana card which symbolises willpower, determination, and pushing forward in spite of obstacles or emotional turmoil. The Chariot depicts a figure harnessing the contrasting forces of black and white steeds, representing the duality Cancer must learn to balance - their deep emotions and sensitivity alongside an inner resilience and resolve to overcome challenges. This tarot card encourages Cancerians to temper their moodiness with self-control while using their intuition as an inner compass to stay on course. 

Cups Court cards also link to the water signs, like Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio. Cards like the Ten of Cups and the Queen of Cups mirror Cancer's nurturing personality. The Ten depicts a joyful family celebration, while the Queen represents a compassionate, caring maternal figure - both powerfully resonate with the protective and home-centred Cancer.

Actors

Angelina Jolie

Margot Robbie

Sofia Vergara

Musicians

David Bowie

Toby Keith

50 Cent

Lana Del Rey

Leaders

Nelson Mandela

Henry VIII

Julius Caesar

Creatives

Elon Musk

Frida Kahlo

Gustav Klimt

Influential individuals

Aretha Franklin

Malala Yousafzai

John D. Rockefeller

For an overview of the 12 Zodiac Signs, including their association with the four elements and a brief introduction to the Chinese Zodiac Signs, visit our comprehensive article - A Guide to the 12 Zodiac Signs & Astrology.

If you’re fascinated by the world of Astrology, consider checking out our accredited Astrology Diploma Course for just £29 (save £98!). The course comprises 16 modules, covering topics such as moon phases, planetary placement, calculating horoscopes and more!