Cancer Facts
| Dates | June 21 – July 22 |
| Symbol | The Crab |
| Element | Water |
| Modality | Cardinal |
| Ruling planet | the Moon |
| Body | Chest and stomach |
| Keywords | nurturing, intuitive, protective |
| Opposite sign | Capricorn |
Cancer Personality Traits
Cancer is the zodiac's heart and home: sensitive, caring and fiercely protective of the people it loves. A tough shell guards a deeply emotional interior.
Cancer needs security, reassurance and emotional honesty, and is turned off by coldness, criticism of their family and emotional unavailability.
Strengths
- Emotionally intelligent
- Loyal and caring
- Intuitive
- Excellent memory
Weaknesses
- Moody
- Holds on to the past
- Can be passive-aggressive when hurt
Cancer in Love
Cancer loves deeply and protectively. They look for emotional safety, family-style closeness and a partner who values home as much as they do.
Cancer as a Friend
As a friend Cancer remembers how you take your tea, checks in after hard days and makes everyone feel like family.
Cancer Career
Cancer thrives in caring professions, hospitality, food, real estate, history, counselling and family businesses.
Cancer Compatibility
Best matches for Cancer: Scorpio (90%), Pisces (90%), Virgo (86%). More challenging: Aries (54%), Sagittarius (51%).
- Cancer and Aries
- Cancer and Taurus
- Cancer and Gemini
- Cancer and Cancer
- Cancer and Leo
- Cancer and Virgo
- Cancer and Libra
- Cancer and Scorpio
- Cancer and Sagittarius
- Cancer and Capricorn
- Cancer and Aquarius
- Cancer and Pisces
Exact Cancer Dates
Between 1950 and 2030 the Sun entered Cancer as early as June 20 (e.g. 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and as late as June 22 (e.g. 1951, 1955, 1959, 1963), in Universal Time. Born on the first or last day of Cancer? Check with the sign finder on the zodiac signs page or read about cusps.
Planets in Cancer
Having the Moon, Venus or Mars in Cancer adds Cancer qualities to that part of you:
- Moon in Cancer — emotions and inner needs
- Mercury in Cancer — mind and communication
- Venus in Cancer — love, beauty and values
- Mars in Cancer — drive, desire and courage
- Jupiter in Cancer — growth, luck and wisdom
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Questions & Answers
What are Cancer's best traits?
Emotionally intelligent, Loyal and caring, Intuitive, Excellent memory.
Who is Cancer most compatible with?
Based on sign angles and elements: Scorpio, Pisces, Virgo.
What are the dates for Cancer?
June 21 – July 22; the exact start varies by a day depending on the year.

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