Cancer ♋: The Crab
Cancer is caring, protective and intuitive. Here is everything about Cancer as a Sun, Moon or Rising sign: its element, ruling planet, personality, love, work and more.
The full deep dive
Cancer at a glance
| Dates (Sun sign) | 21 June to 22 July |
| Symbol | The Crab ♋ |
| Element | Water |
| Mode | Cardinal |
| Ruling planet | The Moon |
| Opposite sign | Capricorn |
Personality
Cancer is the sign of home and belonging. Cancerians are warm, sensitive and deeply loyal to family and friends. Like the crab, they can seem tough on the outside, but inside they are tender and caring.
In love
In love, Cancer is nurturing and devoted, creating a safe, loving home and remembering every special date.
At work
Cancer flourishes in caring roles, teaching, cooking, hospitality, history and property.
Something to watch
Cancer can retreat into its shell or hold on to hurt. Saying what they feel, gently and early, keeps them close to people.
Cancer as your Moon or Rising sign
- Cancer Moon: you need what Cancer needs to feel safe, and your feelings show in a Cancer way.
- Cancer Rising: people first meet you as caring, protective and intuitive, even if your Sun sign is quite different.
Element and mode
Cancer shares the Water element with Scorpio and Pisces, and they usually understand each other easily. As a cardinal sign, Cancer starts things and takes the initiative. Read more in Fire, Earth, Air and Water and Cardinal, fixed and mutable.
Sources and perspectives
- Linda Goodman, Sun Signs
- Stephen Arroyo, Astrology, Psychology and the Four Elements