The Cancer zodiac sign is a cardinal water sign. Cardinal signs are very emotional people that are often make decisions with their heart.
Anyone who born between the dates of June 21 & July 22 is a Cancer sign. This sign has strong ties to astrology & the Cancer constellation is said to represent a large crab.
Cancers are loving, emotional, nurturing & intuitive people. Their gentle and genuine nature makes them beautiful people loved by their partners, friends, and family. However, they are known to be overly sensitive and insecure at times.
In this post, we'll expand upon the different Cancer personality traits & teach you everything there is to know about the Cancer zodiac sign.
| SYMBOL | The crab |
| DATES | June 21 – July 21 for 2023 |
| ELEMENT | Water |
| MODALITY | Cardinal |
| RULING PLANET | The Moon |
Meaning Of The Cancer Zodiac Sign
The Cancer sign is the fourth astrological zodiac sign and is represented by the crab. Just as the crab is a diverse creature that can exist both at sea & on shore, a Cancer is a complex being.
Cancer season is the time between June 21 and July 22. Anyone born between these date ranges fall under this water sign and often have a unique set of personality traits. Unlike other signs of the zodiac, a Cancer is ruled by the moon and not the planets.
Main Cancer Personality Traits
Here are the main personality traits of a Cancer.
- Emotional
- Nurturing
- Intuitive
1) Can Be Emotional
Cancerians are known for their emotional depth and sensitivity. Unlike many other signs, Cancers are very tapped into their emotions. They take great pride in considering the emotions of themselves & people they care about.
Their unique emotional depth and self-awareness makes them great listeners. This is also a common Sagittarius personality trait as well. If you need a friend to talk to, call up a Cancer for a thoughtful shoulder to cry on.
2) Highly Nurturing People
Cancerians are natural caretakers and derive great joy from supporting and caring for those they love.
- Taking care of a sick neighbor
- Lending care to a family member in need
- Calling a long lost friend that needs help
These are all actions typical of a Cancer. Just like Pisces signs, Cancers get great joy helping those around them. This nurturing nature can extend beyond their personal relationships as well, as they love doing charity work and helping their community.
3) Very Intuitive
A Cancer is usually very attuned to their emotional intuition and have a strong sense of empathy. They have a great feel for the emotions & needs of those around them. You don't have to tell a Cancer how you're feeling...they already know!
- Picking up non-verbal ques & body language
- Attentive to the emotional comfort of others
- Follow their gut feeling about those in their environment
Their strong intuition for people & situations is common Scorpio trait & is a great personality trait that helps them in careers, relationships, and friendships.
What About Bad Personality Traits?
There are also some common negative personality characteristics of a Cancer. Here are the most common.
- Overly Sensitive
- Insecure
- Overthink Situations
1) Can Be Sensitive
As we've already stated, a Cancer is known for their emotional depth, awareness, and sensitivity. This can be their greatest asset but also a liability.
- Getting overwhelmed from light workplace criticism
- Getting defensive over small comments
- Holding grudges for years
These are some common ways a Cancer demonstrates their sensitivity. Just like we saw in our article about the most common Virgo sign traits, their compassion and empathy is a strong asset, it can be a double-edged sword.
2) Tend To Be Insecure
A Cancer can be deeply insecure when it comes to love and relationships. Here are some of the most common ways this is shown in their relationships.
- Overdependence on a partner
- Emotionally withdraw from the slightest criticism
- Feel the need to be in control to avoid being hurt
They often have thoughts that they're not good enough & that creates feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. Being emotionally in touch is just a stones throw from insecurity!
3) Love To Overthink Things
We know that Cancers are highly intuitive people. They spend a lot of time pondering their own thoughts and feelings. When taken too far this can lead to extreme cases of indecisiveness.
- Can't decide where to eat dinner
- Can't decide what to say to their boss
- Won't take action for fear of what others think
Just like the Libra Sign Personality, a Cancer may struggle to make decisions or take action. The quote "paralysis by analysis" perfectly embodies one of the biggest Cancer flaws.
Cancer Zodiac Symbol Explained
The Cancer zodiac sign is represented by the crab. The crab dates back to Ancient Greek mythology where Heracles was thought to have crushed it & placed it up in the heavens. This symbol makes sense for a few different reasons.
- Crabs are known for their hard outer shells. At first, a Cancer has a hard outer shell before they open up emotionally in a relationship.
- Crabs are creatures of the water, and Cancer is one of the three water signs.
- Crabs walk sideways & never in a straight line. This is symbolic for how a Cancer would approach life's challenges from a unique angle.
Which Signs Are Most Compatible With A Cancer?
Now that we've explored the key traits associated with this astrological sign, it's time to talk about Cancer sign compatibility. As with any relationship, finding the right match can be a challenge, but astrology can offer some insights into potential matches and challenges.
But who are the best matches for this sign, you ask? Well, some of the most compatible signs include:
- Taurus: This earth sign shares the love of comfort, security, and stability, making for a strong and enduring relationship. Astrology Taurus signs are the perfect match for a Cancer.
- Pisces: This water sign is highly intuitive and emotional, like this sign, and can provide a deep and meaningful connection.
- Scorpio: This intense water sign shares the loyalty and dedication and can offer a powerful and transformative relationship.
But what about the worst matches? Well, some signs that may clash with this sign include:
- Aries: This fire sign can be too impulsive and aggressive for the sensitive and emotional sign. The average Aries personality can be too much for a Cancer.
- Libra: This air sign's love of balance and diplomacy can clash with the sign's moodiness and emotional intensity.
- Aquarius: This independent and unconventional sign may be too unpredictable and detached for the nurturing and protective sign.
For the right zodiac sign, dating a cancer man can be a great experience. Their emotional & loving nature pairs well with certain signs & clashes with others!
Cancer Zodiac History and Background
This sign has a rich and complex history that goes beyond its basic symbolism. The crab has been used as a symbol of the sign for thousands of years, but the origin of the sign itself is shrouded in mystery.
According to astrologers, the Cancer sign is ruled by the moon, which is said to influence emotions and intuition. The sign is also associated with the element of water, which is known for its fluidity and adaptability. These factors are believed to contribute to the unique personality traits of those born under this sign.
List Of Famous Cancers
If you don't know any Cancers personally, I'm sure you've heard of a few of these celebrities!
- Chris Pratt: Famous for his roles in popular movies such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World.
- Meryl Streep: Famous for her illustrious career as an award-winning actress, known for her versatility and ability to inhabit a wide range of characters.
- Busy Philipps: Famous for her roles in popular TV shows such as Dawson's Creek, Freaks and Geeks, and Cougar Town.
- Nick Offerman: Famous for his role as Ron Swanson on the TV show Parks and Rec.
- Ariana Grande: Famous for her career as a pop singer & international superstar
We already discussed how Cancers tend to be emotional people. But maybe those emotions are what make them into such great actors & TV personalities!
Best Career For A Cancer
It goes without saying that any zodiac sign could have just about any job. And perform well! However, here are some of the career choices most suited for a Cancer personality.
- Realtor: Cancerians are highly intuitive and empathetic, which can be an asset in a career where interpersonal skills are key.
- Interior Designer: Cancerians are known for their love of home and family, as well as their appreciation for beauty and aesthetics. They have an excellent creative touch.
- Private Chef: Cancerians are highly nurturing and may be well-suited to a career in food service, particularly as a private chef.
- Nurse: Cancerians are highly empathetic and caring, and may be well-suited to a career in healthcare, such as nursing.
- Therapist: Cancerians are highly attuned to their own emotions and may be able to use this sensitivity to help others as a therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the personality of a Cancer?
Who would a Cancer marry?
What zodiac sign means Cancer?
Do Cancers tend to fall in love easily?
Do Cancers express their love?
The Bottom Line
By now you should have a firm understand of what makes a Cancer personality. A Cancer is the fourth astrological sign & is most commonly know for their emotional intelligence & depth. They are in touch with what they feel & the emotions of those around them. Cancers are highly nurturing people and give what they can to help loved ones. If you're a Cancer & want to check your compatibility, download our Zodiac Dating Site and find your perfect match!