Cancer: Zodiac Sign Traits & Meaning

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 — stained-glass illustration

Cancer Facts

DatesJune 21 – July 22
SymbolThe Crab
ElementWater
ModalityCardinal
Ruling planetthe Moon
BodyChest and stomach
Keywordsnurturing, intuitive, protective
Opposite signCapricorn

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%).

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:

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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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