An Expert’s Guide on the Zodiac Sign, Cancer

Discover the spirit of Cancer, the zodiac's sweetest sign♋🦀

Written by Stina Garbis | Edited by Caroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: April 15, 2023 Fact Checked

Cancer, ruled by the moon, is nurturing, gentle, and emotionally intuitive. This sign's heart works on overdrive for the people they love, which sets them apart from the rest of the zodiac. But what lies beneath the surface? What are Cancer's deepest secrets? We're giving you all the details below. From compatibility to personality, this is your guide to the sun sign: Cancer.

Have a specific question you want answered about Cancer or astrology? Jump straight to our list of comprehensive guides here .
This article is based on an interview with our psychic astrologer, Stina Garbis, owner of Psychic Stina. Check out the full interview here.

Section 1 of 5:

Fast Facts

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Dates, Element, Birthstone, & More.
- Dates: June 22nd-July 22nd ^{[1]
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- Element: Water (sensitive, emotional, intuitive)
- Modality: Cardinal (visionary, inspiring, impulsive)
- Birthstones: Pearl, Ruby
- Color: White, silver
- Symbol: Crab
- Ruling Planet: The moon (Deep feelings, instincts, femininity)
- Celebrities: Selena Gomez, Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Solange Knowles, Mindy Kaling, Ariana Grande, Kevin Hart, Jacob Elordi, Khloé Kardashian, Princes Diana, Pamela Anderson, Margot Robbie, Lindsay Lohan, Olivia Munn, Post Malone, Tia & Tamera Mowry, Sofia Vergara, Malala Yousafzai, Will Ferrel, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kristen Bell, Sandra Oh, Larry David

Section 2 of 5:

Personality

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Cancer is the parent figure of the Zodiac. This sign wants to support you, love you, and mold you into the best version of yourself. Cancer’s superpowers are their gentle nature and powerful hearts—their arms were built for bear hugs. When everyone goes home or leaves you high and dry, Cancer waits patiently, with tissues in hand. This water sign will love you to the ends of the Earth.
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As a water sign, Cancer can read emotions flawlessly, even from the subtlest clues. If you’re upset, Cancer knows. If you’re walking on air, Cancer’s aware—and they share in your joy, too. Water signs are thought to be semi-psychic, so in Cancer’s company, you might notice uncanny behavior. They toss you the tissue box before you sniffle. They spot the bad guy 5 minutes into a movie. Sometimes, you wonder if they read your thoughts. Nah, couldn’t be…
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Cancer takes care of everyone. Friends, siblings, even just acquaintances—if you have a Cancer in your life, they’re thinking of you constantly. Cancer packs extra snacks for the hike, and they make the group’s dinner reservations every time. For some Cancers, this might be a subtle strength, as many prefer to work behind the scenes. But one thing’s for sure: Cancer loves you too much to let go of the reins. They need to know that you’re comfortable, happy, and having fun.
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Some Cancers get a rep for being soft—and they are. They’re gentle and kind in nature, because they want others to feel loved. But when the need arises, Cancer will go to battle for the people they love, because this sign is ruthlessly loyal. Cancer might speak in soft tones when you’ve had a bad day, but they’ll spit venom when someone disrespects you. Their sweetness is a Trojan horse—great strength hides under the surface.
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Cancer believes that in life, you must feel things deeply. To hide, repress, or distract from your emotions? What a waste! This water sign experiences big feelings, major highs and lows. And though this can cause pain at times, it also allows Cancer to enjoy happiness like no one else can, and that’s a blessing. This also fuels a rich creative life—Cancer is likely to be talented in music, writing, art, or fashion.
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Ruled by the moon, is it any surprise that Cancer’s a romantic? This sign sees beauty and meaning in everything. And this talent feeds their heart, day in and day out. Cancer believes that life is more lovely when you look for romance in everyday things: a sunset, a wildflower field, a friend, or a partner. If you’re in Cancer’s life, they probably see something unique and gorgeous in you.
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Is it all smooth sailing with this water sign? Not quite. Cancer’s deeply feeling nature can lead to difficulties in love. They care so much for others—sometimes more than they should. Cancer might end up micromanaging their friends, only to feel upset when their efforts go unappreciated. Cancer would do well to remember that nobody’s perfect, and sometimes, lowering your sky-high standards is the kindest thing you can do for a friend.

Section 3 of 5:

Romance & Intimacy

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1
Attracting a Cancer Have your eyes on a dreamy Cancer crush? We’ve got you covered. You’ll want to show your sweet side and appeal to Cancer’s emotional nature. Try these tips:
- Cook a delish meal at home. Make sure your place is clean and light some candles. Tell Cancer that you want them to feel taken care of.
- Ask about Cancer’s family. This is a sign with a close-knit circle—they’ll want to know that you’re interested: “What’s your sister like? Are you and your mom close?”
- Open up to them. Cancer doesn’t want extravagant gestures, they want to see that you’re in touch with your feelings. Get vulnerable, and they’ll be hooked.
- Be an active listener. This is a big one. Let Cancer talk for as long as they like and support them if they get emotional. This will go a long way.
- Get Cancer a homemade gift. A photo album, a bracelet, a baked good, you name it. Give Cancer a sweet present that comes from the heart, and they’ll love it.
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2
Signs that a Cancer likes you Curious about Cancer’s true feelings? Usually, this water sign’s easy to read when they’ve got a crush. Look out for these surefire signs to see whether or not they’re into you:
- They do you favors. Cancer loves to nurture the people they care about. If they’re driving your to airports and cooking big meals, they’re probably into you.
- They ask you how you’re doing constantly. If Cancer likes you, then they’ll worry about how you’re feeling. So to check in, they’ll ask you all the time.
- They never hang up first. Whether it’s an in-person hang, a text convo, or a call, Cancer never seems to get sick of you—you end every conversation.
- They want you to meet their family. If Cancer is dead set on you meeting mom, then it’s because they think that you’re super special.
- They give you the look. Cancer’s feelings live inside their eyes. If you notice them giving you longing, loving glances, they’ve got it bad for you.
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3
What it’s like to date Cancer Dating Cancer is a warm, other-worldly experience. Cuddles, compliments, and candlelit dinners should be expected. Imagine falling in love with someone who only thinks of you: your dreams, your wellbeing, and your feelings. A relationship with Cancer may have its emotional ups and downs, and it requires a careful touch. But one thing's for sure: this sign will love you like nobody else.
- Date night: At-home movie night paired with a sweet sleepover. Game night with friends. Painting and wine night.
- Downside: Cancer is always thinking of you, and they want you to think of them, too. If you're not ultra-sensitive and thoughtful, Cancer might resent it.