Common words used to describe Cancer are nurturing, protective, and emotional. Cancers can also be possessive, overly cautious, and obsessive at times.
Cancer is a water sign. Like all water signs, they are intuitive, sensitive, and can be moody when their emotions get the best of them.
The Moon rules Cancer. It represents our emotions and inner selves. Cancer is strongly tied to their emotional core, in both good and bad ways.
Cancers are some of the most emotional and sensitive people out there. They care deeply for the people around them. They are nurturing, compassionate, and empathetic at their best.
At their worst, Cancers are manipulative and possessive. Their emotions sometimes get the best of them, affecting all areas of their life. They have the potential to be some of the most caring friends and partners, but they’re not perfect.
Dates | June 21 - July 22 |
---|---|
Symbol | Crab |
Element | Water |
Quality | Cardinal |
Ruler | Moon |
Opposite sign | Capricorn |
Best match | Scorpio, Pisces, Cancer, Taurus |
Worst match | Aquarius, Sagittarius, Aries, Gemini |
Spirit animal | Crab, Golden Retriever, Otter, Spider, Pangolin, Penguin, Woodpecker, Elephant, Bear, Mole, Cuttlefish, Opossum, Sheep |
Table of Contents [show]
Traits
Cancer’s traits include being intuitive, protective, dependable, and loyal. Cancers are incredibly emotional, sensitive, and compassionate people.
Cancers are deeply in touch with their own emotions. They are also empathetic and in touch with the feelings of others. This can benefit Cancer, but it can also be a lot to deal with for them.
Cancers are affectionate and loving people. Because of this, they often end up in careers where they care for others. Even if they don’t, they will naturally care for the people in their lives.
You should never underestimate Cancer. They are far more tough and tenacious than people give them credit for. They might fall down at first, but they always get back up.
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Compatibility
Cancer’s compatibility is highest with emotionally mature people who can be sensitive to Cancer’s needs.
The best matches for Cancer are their fellow water signs, Scorpio and Pisces. Scorpio can be the devoted and loyal partner that Cancer needs. Pisces is intuitive and can handle all of Cancer’s intense emotions.
Other Cancers also make an excellent match for Cancer! Nobody understands Cancer like someone who shares their sign. These two can form a deep emotional bond, and their similarities don’t tend to make them clash, which can happen with other signs.
Taurus is another good match for Cancer. These two will enjoy building a home together and can form a strong emotional bond.
The worst matches for Cancer are Sagittarius and Aquarius. Aquarius is too emotionally distant and independent for Cancer and tends to find Cancer clingy. Sagittarius also finds Cancer clingy and typically can’t meet their emotional needs.
Negative Traits
Cancer’s negative traits are sometimes the result of their emotions getting out of control. Cancers can become moody, pessimistic, obsessive, and even manipulative at their worst.
Cancer might be in touch with their emotions, but they don’t always know how to deal with them. They are likely to become overly emotional because of this. They feel things intensely, which makes them lash out sometimes.
Cancers can become clingy and possessive toward the people they love. If they are worried about losing their loved ones, they will cling harder instead of taking a step back and giving them space.
Many Cancers let their worry and anxiety get the best of them too. They overthink, which can make them suspicious and cause them to become even more moody.
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Spirit Animal
Cancer’s spirit animals are more varied than you might think. The symbol for Cancer, the crab, is the obvious choice. This animal represents Cancer’s protective nature. They also show how home-oriented Cancer is since crabs carry their homes around in the form of a shell.
The otter is another Cancer spirit animal. These affectionate creatures hold hands with their mates and float around with their babies cuddled up on them. They represent how important their partners and families are to Cancer.
Another good symbol for Cancer is the elephant. Elephants are deeply sensitive and emotional creatures. They are a good representation of how in touch with their own emotions Cancers are.
Communication
Cancer’s communication style is compassionate. Cancers do their best to listen to the people they are speaking with. They will never talk over or interrupt someone. They want to make everyone around them feel comfortable as well.
Cancers tend to be respectful and polite, especially when talking to strangers. They are also intuitive and great at picking up on how others are feeling. They will immediately notice if they say something that offends or upsets someone.
Some Cancers are chatty, while others are more reserved. Either way, they will never dominate a conversation. They want everyone involved to have an opportunity to speak and have their voice heard.
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Attraction
To attract Cancer, you must be patient, sensitive to their needs, and emotionally mature.
Cancer cares far more about personality than looks. Physically, they might be attracted to kind eyes, soft skin, and a sweet smile. They may have certain traits they prefer, but they need more than physical attraction to truly be attracted to someone.
Compassion and kindness will attract Cancer. If you are genuinely caring and show this to Cancer, they will be drawn to you. Just be yourself if you want to attract Cancer, too, as they are far more attracted to open and honest people.
Dating
When a Cancer is dating, they are dating to find someone to settle down with. They don’t typically date around or casually date people. They are serious and looking to find long-lasting relationships.
Cancers typically prefer dates that allow them to get to know the person they’re dating better. They are also homebodies, so they love hanging out together at home. A romantic dinner at a quiet restaurant or a movie night at home are both great date ideas.
Focus on getting to know Cancer when you’re dating them. Be patient with them and go at their pace if you want to continue dating them. Don’t rush when it comes to things like sex.
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Love
Cancer’s love language tends to be quality time. Many also express love with acts of service. Cancer will feel loved when the people they care about make time for them. They will show love by doing favors and caring for their loved ones.
Cancers love with their whole hearts. Some of them take a while to fall in love, while others fall a little too quickly. Either way, it takes work for them to fall out of love. They remain loyal to people who don’t deserve it sometimes.
If Cancer loves you, they will do their best to show how much they care. They will be affectionate, sensitive to your needs, and will try to express love the way you like best.
Relationship
Cancers in relationships are some of the most loyal people you will ever meet. Cancer is sometimes loyal to a fault.
Cancer’s relationship will be their top priority. They will do their best to support their partner and maintain their bond.
Cancer needs a partner who will be just as devoted as they are. It’s far too easy for them to end up in relationships where they give more than they receive, and they need someone who will ensure that doesn’t happen.
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Gifts
The best Cancer gifts are ones that come from the heart. If Cancer loves you, they will appreciate anything you give them.
Many Cancers enjoy gifts that make life a little more comfortable. Sweaters are always a great idea, especially if you live in a colder climate. Food is also a great gift. They’ll never say no to homemade cookies or a hot meal!
You don’t need to break the bank to give Cancer a great gift. A thoughtful card will make them happy if that’s all you can give. Just write something sweet, and they’ll be delighted.
Marriage
Cancer’s marriage should ideally provide comfort and stability for them. Cancer will focus on their marriage and remain loyal to their spouse. Their marriage and family will be their top priority most of the time.
As a spouse, Cancer is devoted, affectionate, and faithful. They will always do their best to make their spouse happy. They tend to do a lot around the house. Building a comfortable home is important to them.
Cancer will do anything they can to keep their marriage together. They will be patient and sometimes put up with more than they should to maintain their relationship.
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Sexuality
Cancer’s sexuality isn’t always apparent at first. Cancers are sensitive and emotional in the bedroom. They take a while to open up and might not have sex with a new partner immediately.
It’s important to be gentle with Cancer in bed. They want a partner who loves and cherishes them. They will do their best to make their partner feel comfortable and take care of their needs. Ideally, their partner should return the favor.
Some Cancers have a wild side, while others are entirely vanilla. Either way, it’s essential to be patient and respect their boundaries.
Breakup
If a Cancer breaks up with you, that’s usually a sign they’ve been unhappy for a long time, and there is nothing more they can do to fix your relationship.
Cancers don’t give up easily on their relationships. They will typically try to make things work instead of breaking up with someone, even if a breakup would be for the best.
If you break up with Cancer, they will likely be highly emotional. They will grieve and mourn for your relationship. They will need time to get over you and aren’t likely to rebound immediately.