Cancer Zodiac Sign

The Crab · Jun 21 – Jul 22

WaterCardinalRuler: MoonNegative (Feminine)

Cancer personality & traits

Cancer is the nurturer of the zodiac — deeply intuitive, emotional and protective. Ruled by the Moon, this water sign feels everything intensely and pours its heart into home, family and the people it loves. Behind the protective shell is one of the most caring and loyal signs of all.

Cancer strengths

  • Loyal
  • Caring and nurturing
  • Intuitive
  • Protective
  • Emotionally deep

Cancer weaknesses

  • Moody
  • Overly sensitive
  • Clingy
  • Holds grudges
  • Retreats into its shell

Cancer in love & relationships

Cancer loves tenderly and totally — they bond deeply and crave emotional security above all. Home-loving and devoted, they nurture their partners and need that care returned. Hurt them and they retreat; love them well and they're devoted for life.

See who Cancer matches with on our compatibility calculator.

Cancer career & money

Cancer thrives in caring, creative or security-focused work — healthcare, teaching, hospitality, real estate and family business. Their empathy and intuition make them wonderful with people, and they value stability and emotional connection at work.

The Cancer man

The Cancer man is sensitive, loyal and deeply devoted to home and family, though he guards his feelings until he trusts you. Protective and romantic, he loves with his whole heart once his shell comes down.

Full Cancer man guide — love & how to attract →

The Cancer woman

The Cancer woman is nurturing, intuitive and emotionally rich, with a fierce protective streak for those she loves. She values security and tenderness, and her caring nature makes her the heart of any family or friendship.

Full Cancer woman guide — love & how to attract →

Explore your Cancer placements

Your sun sign is just the start. If you have any planet in Cancer, here's what it means:

Cancer compatibility with every sign

Frequently asked questions

What are the Cancer dates?

Cancer season runs from Jun 21 – Jul 22. If you were born within a day of those dates (on the "cusp"), use our sun sign calculator to confirm your true sign for your birth year.

What are Cancer known for?

Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by Moon, known for being nurturing, intuitive, protective. Ruled by the Moon, this water sign feels everything intensely and pours its heart into home, family and the people it loves.

Who is Cancer most compatible with?

Cancer tends to match well with fellow water signs and complementary signs. But true compatibility depends on the whole birth chart — compare two full charts with our synastry calculator for an accurate reading.

What is the Cancer symbol and element?

Cancer's symbol is The Crab, its element is Water, its quality is Cardinal, and it's ruled by Moon.

The other zodiac signs