Astrid
Cancer constellation
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Cancer

The one who makes a home

Dates
June 21 to July 22
Element
Water
Mode
Cardinal
Ruled by
Moon

The sky right now

Cancer season starts around June 23

In about 224 days. The Sun is in Scorpio, a young waxing Moon in Sagittarius.

No planets are in Cancer right now.

In short

Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac, for birthdays from June 21 to July 22: a cardinal water sign ruled by the Moon, symbolized by the Crab. Cancer feels everything, and remembers it. It usually gets along most easily with Scorpio, Pisces and Taurus.

Dates
June 21 to July 22
Element
Water
Mode
Cardinal
Ruling planet
Moon
Symbol
The Crab
Opposite sign
Capricorn

What is Cancer like?

Cancer feels everything, and remembers it. A Cancer Sun protects the people it loves and builds a home wherever it goes, even in a group chat.

The gift is emotional intelligence. The lesson is letting the shell soften with the right people, and saying what it needs instead of hoping it is noticed.

CaringIntuitiveProtectiveLoyal

In love

Loves deeply and for the long run. Needs reassurance, and gives it back tenfold.

At work

Care, hospitality, family businesses, anything where people feel looked after.

Cancer as your Sun, Moon or Rising

The same sign feels different in each place of your chart.

Sun in Cancer

With Cancer as your Sun sign, you feel things deeply and often notice shifts in mood around you before others do. You have a strong protective instinct, especially toward family or those you call home. You tend to seek comfort in familiar places and traditions. Security matters to you, and you may find yourself nurturing others in ways that feel almost second nature. Your creativity often comes from your emotional experiences, and you rely on your intuition as much as your logic.

Moon in Cancer

When your Moon is in Cancer, your emotional needs revolve around safety and belonging. You feel most comforted by warm gestures and cozy environments. You are sensitive to the moods of others, sometimes absorbing them as your own. Retreating to your private space helps you recharge. You crave genuine affection and reassurance. You may remember every kindness and every wound, storing them in your heart. Emotional honesty is essential for you to feel secure.

Rising in Cancer

With Cancer rising, the world sees you as gentle and approachable, sometimes a bit guarded until trust is built. You often greet new situations with caution, preferring to observe before diving in. You may come across as nurturing, offering support even in small ways. Your expressions are often sincere, and you have a way of making others feel at ease. People may notice your sensitivity and willingness to help, even if you keep some feelings hidden.

Find your Moon and Rising

Who is Cancer most compatible with?

A general tendency between Sun signs, from where the two signs sit on the wheel. Your Moons and your Venus decide much more.

Compare our two full charts

Which famous people are Cancer?

All born with the Sun in Cancer.

All celebrity charts

Planets in Cancer

Even if your Sun is elsewhere, one of these may be in Cancer.

Mercury in Cancer How you think and talk Read Venus in Cancer How you love Read Mars in Cancer How you go after what you want Read

Symbol, myth and facts

Symbol
The Crab
The glyph
The crab's two claws, or two curled circles
Ruling planet
Moon
House
4th, home, family and roots
Opposite sign
Capricorn
Element and mode
Water, cardinal
Traditionally linked to
The chest and stomach

The myth

The myth of Cancer comes from Karkinos, the crab sent by Hera to interfere with Heracles during his battle with the Hydra. Though Karkinos was defeated, Hera honored its loyalty by placing it among the stars. This story speaks to Cancer's devotion and willingness to protect those it cares about, even in difficult situations. The sign carries the spirit of steadfast loyalty, quiet bravery, and the importance of being seen and remembered.

Questions about Cancer

What are Cancer dates?

Cancer Sun usually arrives between June 21 and July 22. The exact dates can shift slightly each year, especially for birthdays on the cusp. If your birthday falls near the beginning or end of this range, I recommend checking your birth chart for confirmation.

Who is Cancer most compatible with?

Cancer tends to feel comfortable with other water signs like Scorpio and Pisces, and earth signs such as Taurus and Virgo. These signs often share Cancer's need for emotional security and connection. Compatibility also depends on the whole chart, so individual differences matter.

What is Cancer like in love?

In love, you are devoted, caring, and attentive. You seek genuine emotional intimacy and want to build a safe space with your partner. You value nurturing gestures and long-term commitment. Once you trust, your loyalty is unwavering, but you need reassurance and understanding.

What are Cancer's weaknesses?

Cancer can be deeply sensitive, which sometimes leads to moodiness or withdrawing when hurt. You may hold onto memories and emotions longer than most. Protectiveness can become clinginess. Recognizing your needs and boundaries helps you stay balanced and avoid overwhelm.

What is Cancer season?

Cancer season is the time when the Sun moves through Cancer, usually from June 21 to July 22. I find this period brings focus to home, family, and emotional connections. It's a time to nurture yourself and others, reflect on what makes you feel safe, and honor your feelings.

Learn more about your chart