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Cancer Sign Dates & Traits
CRAB | JUN 21 – JUL 22
INTUITIVE, EMOTIONAL, INTELLIGENT, PASSIONATE
Element: Water
Polarity: Negative
Quality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Moon
Ruling House: Fourth
Spirit Color: Violet
Lucky Gem: Ruby, pearl
Flower: Orchid and white rose
Top Love Matches: Taurus & Pisces
PERSONALITY TRAITS
FRIENDSHIP
LOVE
LIFESTYLE
HEALTH
SPIRITUALITY
CAREER
PARENT & CHILD
PERSONALITY TRAITS
Cancer Zodiac Sign
Emotional, intuitive, and practically psychic; ruled by the moon and characterized by the crab, Cancer has so much going on in its watery depths. Cancers may seem prickly and standoffish at first meeting, once they make the decision to become friends with someone, that person has a friend for life.
Most Cancers have been called psychic at some point, and with good reason—Cancer can often intuit relationships, ideas, and motivations before anyone has actually spoken. That can make for challenging interactions with this sign—Cancer hates small talk, especially when it contains white lies (like saying, “How nice to see you!” when it’s clear that both parties would rather avoid each other). That’s why social gatherings can be overwhelming for Cancers. They’d much rather spend time in small groups where everyone is on the same page.
In romance, Cancer is a giving and generous lover and expects the same in return. The Crab is above mind games and hates the thrill of the chase—if you love someone, why not say it now? It’s not uncommon for Cancer to fall into committed love after just a few days or weeks, and even though that decision is sudden, it can easily last a lifetime. Cancers tends to be happiest when they’re part of a pair, and the best relationship brings out their greatest traits. But even though a Cancer thrives in a duo, he or she also has an independent streak, and needs plenty of time to do things solo. This sign has an active internal life, and is often are happy living in the realm of imagination. Sometimes Cancers need help from one of the more grounded signs to make their dreams a reality.
Cancer loves creating and needs some type of creative outlet, whether it’s painting, writing, or even just reading. Cancer also loves connecting to a higher power, and may find comfort in religion or spiritual practices. And even though Crabs can be intense, they also have a funny side with a wry sense of humor, and they’re adept at observing and mimicking people around them.
Finally, Cancer is incredibly loyal, sometimes to a fault. Cancers will go to the ends of the earth and even against their own beliefs to help someone they love. Learning how to step up for what they believe in—even if it means turning down or against a friend—is a lifelong lesson for Cancer. As the emotional heart of the Zodiac, this sign teaches everyone else that, while there’s so much in life that we may not be able to see, we should still pay attention to the unseen because it does exist—and we do need it!
Cancer’s Motto
“I feel, therefore I am.”
Cancers are amazing! Their name says it all:
C for caring
A for ambitious
N for nourishing
C for creative
E for emotionally intelligent
R for resilient
Cancer’s Greatest Gifts
With off-the-charts emotional intelligence, Cancer quickly cuts through the BS and noise to the heart of an issue. Crabs don’t need all the facts and figures to know the right course of action, and their ability to trust intuition without judgment can aid them well. This gift is one that other Zodiac signs can learn from and be inspired by.
Cancer’s Greatest Challenges
While Cancer easily and accurately reads situations when they’re presented, he or she may not share those opinions with others. Speaking up is key, because turning inward with emotions means that those emotions may erupt unexpectedly. Crabs also expect others to know what they’re thinking, which is another source of pent-up frustration. Learning to voice opinions, even if it leads to conflict, is a lifelong lesson for Cancer.
Cancer’s Secret Weapon
Emotions. While many Cancers probably get the message to “be less emotional,” the huge range and depths of Cancers’ emotions may in fact be their secret weapon. When this sign is happy, the world knows it; when they’re unhappy, the world will work to shift their situation. In general, a Cancer’s mercurial moods do a better job than a long speech, and by sharing their emotions with the world, Crabs help other signs tap into theirs as well.
The 5 Top Reasons to Love Being a Cancer
- Practically psychic, Cancers can take the emotional temperature of almost every room they’re in, and can intuit whether a situation is good or bad before anyone says a word.
- Passionate lovers, Cancers are adept at throwing both mind and body into over-the-top relationships. They absolutely adore letting go and totally connecting to their body in bed.
- Ruled by the moon, Cancer is incredibly in tune with the earth’s rhythm, and finds solace and pleasure in nature. More than many signs, Cancers intuitively know that tuning into the natural rhythms of the earth, the moon, and the planets can help when they have a problem.
- Incredibly loyal, once a Cancer chooses to become friends with someone, he or she will have that person’s back for life, and won’t let judgment get in the way of an amazing friendship.
- Creative and resilient, Cancers can always find pleasure in their own company and their own mind, and they can make anything—even jury duty or a trip to the DMV—a fascinating story.
Classic (Famous) Cancers
Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, King Bach, Lionel Messi, Luke Bryan, Kevin Hart
FRIENDSHIP
Cancer Friendship Compatibility
Cancer’s Friendship Style
Cancers may turn down the first invite you give them. They may even turn down the fifth. But once they finally say yes, know that you may have found a real friend. While Cancers, like their spirit animal the Crab, are known for their thick outer shell, trust that the standoffishness is all an act. Get a bit below the surface, and you’ll find that a Cancer is all feelings. Because of that, they tend to protect themselves in public, and until you really get to know them, they’re likely to answer any friendly “How are you?” question with a curt “Fine.”
The good news is once Cancer has your back, you have a friend for life. One of the most nonjudgmental signs of the Zodiac, Cancer will always listen and sympathize with you—even if you did make a pretty big mistake. Cancers aren’t interested in petty drama, either, and they won’t share your business with other people unless you give them explicit instruction that it’s okay.
Cancers love deep conversations, but they also have pretty firm boundaries around “their” time. Don’t be offended if they turn down an invite—chances are, they truly need the downtime. And Crabs can be possessive—especially of the friends they love. If they don’t like your other friends, they may turn prickly. But hear them out. Cancers have an excellent sense of people’s true colors, and there may be a good reason they want you to stay away from someone.
Best Friend Match for Cancer: Pisces
Both water signs, Cancer and Pisces share a deep emotional bond that feels almost psychic at times. Pisces understands Cancer’s need to talk out emotions for hours, and the two of them can have deeply cerebral conversations. Pisces also can help draw Cancer out of his or her shell (at least a bit!), and the two can have their share of adventures exploring the world together. Pisces also recognizes Cancer’s need for alone time, and doesn’t take offense if Cancer doesn’t return calls or texts for a few days.
As a team, Pisces and Cancer can get a bit too intense, but the good news is that both signs excel at drawing out each other’s silly, playful sides. Making sure both signs have plenty of ways to decompress—seeing funny movies, trying aerial yoga classes, exploring a new town—can dial back the intensity.
How to Make Friends with a Cancer
Be persistent. Cancers aren’t interested in filling their contact list with mere acquaintances. Cancer is impressed by people who wear their true colors on their sleeves, and hates anything that seems like networking. If you’re interested in a Cancer only to access his or her social circle, forget about it! Sincerity goes a long way for the Crab. And if a Cancer does agree to have coffee with you, save the date, be on time, and be ready to get honest—this sign hates small talk.
How to Stay Friends with a Cancer
Listen. Still waters run deep with this sign, but they won’t often share what’s going on below the surface. When they do reveal their emotional life, it’s a big deal, and it means they consider you a part of their inner circle. Listen to them, remember key players, and ask questions. Check-ins are also key. Cancer loves the phone (and prefers voice over text), and giving the Crab several chances to share what’s going on in his or her life will ensure that you’ll move beyond that standard “I’m fine” response and get the real deal.
3 Reasons Why Cancer Make Great Friends
- Intelligent Cancer will tell you exactly what’s going on in any situation, providing spot-on analysis of everything in your life, from personal relationships to political developments.
- Creative Cancer always has a unique perspective on the world. This sign is your go-to for book and playlist recommendations, and loves talking through what a work of art actually means, rather than just stopping at “Did you like it?”
- Cancer always has your back. Even if you don’t feel like you have a grip or you’re being hard on yourself for something, Cancer will tell you all the ways that you bring joy and love into the world.
LOVE
Cancer Love Compatibility
Cancer’s Love Style
Sensual, passionate, and super in tune with their bodies, Cancers are highly attuned to love and physical sensation—as long as they can trust enough to let down their barriers and allow another person into their world. Cancer can be cagey about the dating game, and engaging in the getting-to-know-you game, either on text or through conversation, can feel like torture for sensitive Crabs. Cancer much prefers discovering and checking out potential partners in low-stress settings, such as in a class, as neighbors, or at a local coffee shop.
Cancers sometimes get frustrated that their partner doesn’t know everything that’s going on in their internal life, and they can easily put up walls and say it’s all good when everything is clearly the exact opposite. In order to truly connect, Cancers must be patient with their partner and voice their emotional needs—and these lessons can have a steep learning curve for this sign. Crabs want a partner who can bear witness to their emotional ups and downs, yet they can lash out if their partner tries to “fix” things. Sometimes, all Cancer needs to do is vent.
In bed, Cancer is happiest with long, passionate lovemaking. While props, toys, and shower sex can all be fun, Cancer’s absolute favorite is any position that allows plenty of eye contact with his or her lover. Crabs want to cuddle after sex (if they feel trusted and in love), and they’re always up for a lazy day spent entirely under the covers.
This sign plays for keeps, and believes in in his or her partner. Sometimes, Crabs may struggle with letting a relationship end, and their breakups may have to happen several times before they accept that it’s really over. On the flip side, Cancer takes loyalty very seriously, and a breach of loyalty, however small it seems, can be a deal-breaker for a Cancer.
Bottom line: Cancer loves to be loved, and loves love itself—but communication and conversation are what really allow this sign’s bonds to flourish.
Best Zodiac Love Matches for Cancer
Taurus: Steadfast and passionate, Taurus is a fixed sign that can help ground cardinal Cancer. Both Taurus and Cancer are very connected to their physical bodies, and share an intense, almost psychic, sensuality. For Taurus and Cancer, even brushing each other’s hand can create an electric current. Taurus can help inspire Cancer to action, while Cancer can help Taurus tune into deeper emotions.
Pisces: Cardinal Cancer and mutable Pisces both have intense emotional reservoirs, so they both understand that sometimes people need to cry just because, and that an epic fight doesn’t necessarily mean a relationship is over. Imaginative and intuitive, Pisces and Cancer are happy in their collective heads, and they delight in dreaming up many future life scenarios. Taking action is an altogether different matter, but luckily for this couple, Cancer is good at rallying people to make dreams a reality.
Scorpio: When these two water signs meet, the magnetism between them packs the cosmic wallop of a strong electric charge. What holds this couple together is their fierce loyalty and their understanding that emotional eruptions aren’t necessarily a sign of being a bad match, but more likely a sign of their intense connection.
Favorite Date Nights for Cancer
Bring out the reservations, white tablecloths, and red wine, because Cancers love to keep their dates traditional, and having their date pick up the tab signals they’re cared for and loved. Cancer hates surprises and would much rather know about plans weeks in advance. Cancer also hates being thrust into the spotlight, which is why it’s key to keep any engagement plans private.
When it comes to love, Cancers prize any time they have with their significant other. Unexpectedly bringing a friend can hurt a Cancer’s feelings and make him or her feel like the relationship is less of a priority. To the Crab, relationships often come before friendships—and sometimes even family. Showing that they’re number one in your book can go far.
Cancer also loves nights at home. Cuddling on the couch, watching movies, and talking are all key, and this kind of cozy intimacy should be built into every week. What matters to Cancer isn’t so much what you do, but how present you are doing it—darkening the room, lighting candles, and putting phones away to truly connect (preferably with lots of cuddling) are all critical gestures in making a Cancer feel loved.
The Deal with Cancer and Fire Signs
Emotional, intuitive Cancer just can’t help bonding (and bonding fast!) with those intense fire signs: Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo. And when fire and water meet, expect sparks, steam, tears, epic fights—and even more epic makeup sessions.
While water signs love to explore, dwell, and pontificate on their emotions, fire signs are all about action. Fire signs want to fix things, which can spell disaster for a water sign like Cancer. Crabs prefer to let their emotions to wash over them and feel their feelings before they commit to action. That’s why Cancer and fire signs often lock into misunderstandings, with each side simply unable—or unwilling—to understand where the other is coming from.
But within this misunderstanding and mystery is exactly where the passion lies. Water signs are excited by fire signs’ get-up-and-go attitude, while fire signs are drawn to Cancer’s seemingly endless reserves of compassion.
So can a Cancer settle down with a fire sign? Yes, but first this watery soul needs to understand the unique communication styles of a fire sign. Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius may not be able to intuit what Cancer needs, and it’s incumbent on the Crab to let his or her fire sign partner in on those Cancerian emotions. If Cancers won’t let a fire sign in, they can’t expect those signs to interpret their actions or read their minds.
Finally, a Cancer and a fire sign have over-the-top magnetism with each other, and they’ll bring each other to the outer reaches of pleasure. Super in tune with their bodies and sensuality, their passionate flings belong in record books, even if the relationship doesn’t stand the test of time.
How to Seduce a Cancer
Falling in love with a Cancer? Join the club. Compassionate, intuitive, and blessed with the ability to make you feel like you’re the only other person in the solar system, a Cancer is a clear choice for a partner. However, this sign is incredibly choosy and wants to make sure that you’re worthy of him or her. Cancers aren’t looking for a fling, and they will hold a grudge if you cross them. Here are a few other things to note as you’re trying to capture a Cancer’s heart:
Be genuine. Cancer hates pick-up lines, and can smell insincerity a mile away. Do some research on your Cancer by checking his or her Instagram profile or Twitter feed—the Crab won’t think you’re a stalker and will appreciate that you took the time for a virtual background check.
Go deep. Even on a first date, don’t be afraid to share favorite childhood memories, most painful moments, and “Why are we really here?” discussions. Cancer loves diving deep into the mysteries of life and will spend hours talking about feelings.
Make time. Cancer thrives when there’s plenty of time to hang out as a couple. Although Cancers treasure their friends and family, they need “just the two of us” time to recharge and reconnect, and a busy schedule filled with other friends can knock Cancer off kilter—and your seduction off track. A relationship with Cancer is a time investment, but you just know that it’ll be worth your while.
How to Make Love to a Cancer
Passionate, intense, and eager for a complete meld of mind and body, Cancer loves head-to-toe pampering and pleasuring, and considers slow, leisurely foreplay just as essential as the main act.
Cancer deeply feels every inch of his or her body, and needs a lover who can sensuously touch every inch of skin. As a water sign, the Crab gladly starts lovemaking in the shower or bath, or trading long, luxurious massages. Cancer may be happy to talk for ages in other situations, but once clothes come off, this sign is more than satisfied communicating in sighs and moans.
To make love to a Cancer, give generously. Endless oral sex, touching everywhere, and uninhibited body worship will pay off—and this generous sign will happily return every favor. Cancer loves trading off roles in the bedroom, and may be dominant or submissive as the mood dictates. Subtly playing with power balances through BDSM exploration can be fun for Crabs, as it engages both their body and mind in the bedroom.
When it comes to positions, Cancer isn’t interested in bells and whistles, and far prefers a position that allows plenty of eye contact, such as the coital alignment technique (CAT), a twist on missionary where the partners are both at eye level. Finally, Cancer can’t get enough of lazy, naked days and mornings in bed, so making sure to allow plenty of skin-on-skin contact and naked cuddling is essential to keep your favorite Cancer as happy as possible.
If You Love a Cancer Woman
Let her feel. Cancer women have deep emotional reserves and use them to lavish love on their partner, but in order to feel safe, Cancer needs permission to feel without sensing that her partner is trying to “fix” them. Crying doesn’t mean that a Cancer is “broken” or weak. Cancer women need their partners to recognize their emotional strength and resilience, and to understand that sharing emotions is their way of sharing love. It can’t be emphasized enough that Cancer women don’t want a partner to “fix” their problems—they want their partner to listen and provide nonjudgmental support.
How to Communicate With a Cancer Woman
Be honest with yourself. Before you can effectively communicate with a Cancer woman, check in with yourself to know how you feel, where you stand, and who you are. A Cancer woman cannot abide dishonesty, especially when people are dishonest with themselves. A Cancer woman will happily stand beside you 100% if you’re fighting for what you believe in, but she feels disengaged if she senses that you’re living your life to make someone else happy (even if it’s her). Honesty goes far in this bond.
If You Love a Cancer Man
A Cancer man may seem cool and aloof, but trust that he’s incredibly emotional under the surface. There’s a reason why Cancer’s spirit animal is the Crab. He needs that tough shell to survive and endure the world around him. If you love a Cancer man, let him come out of that shell on his own, because asking what’s wrong or otherwise prodding him will only make him turn inward. A Cancer man needs his space, and giving it to him—and trusting that he’ll be faithful—will go far in this relationship.
How to Communicate With a Cancer Man
Don’t just talk. Feel. Talk is just one way that Cancers communicate. There’s also touch, listening, and simply being present in the same room. A Cancer man communicates just as much with caresses and hugs as he does with his words. To effectively communicate with a Cancer man, get to know all of his emotional vibrational frequencies. This includes understanding when he’s ready for conversation or when he needs a little more time to digest information on his own.
Should You Marry a Cancer?
Yes! Smart, soulful, and achingly romantic, a Cancer ensures that passion, love, and romance will be hot, hot, hot even when you’re both old and gray. Of course, Cancers have their infamous moods, but learning how to navigate those emotional waters and giving your Crab space when he or she needs it will only make your connection stronger. Cancer will always have your back, even when it feels the whole world is turned against you, and this sign couldn’t care less about material things. Reversals of fortune won’t bother your Cancer mate, and he or she will always buoy you up while helping you stay in tune to the emotional side of life.
3 Signs That Cancer is Playing for Keeps
Intense and soulful, Cancer can easily make you feel like the only person in the room. But remember: They can apply that same charm to everyone, from their boss to their neighbor to their barista. Here’s how to tell that you’re truly the only one in their orbit.
- They meet your friends. Cancers far prefer spending time with you rather than anyone else, so if they agree to meet your old friends, especially at a loud bar or house party, it’s a sign that they’re willing to go out of their comfort zone to make you happy.
- They apologize. Cancers can be stubborn, especially when it comes to emotion-driven arguments that aren’t really anyone’s fault. By taking the step of saying they’re sorry, even for something that’s NBD, it’s a sign that they’re willing (and want to!) compromise with you.
- They make something creative for you. Notoriously creative, Crabs are also notoriously private—and you may not even know about their creative streak until months into a relationship. Sharing a drawing, poem, or lines in their journal is a sign that they think of you as someone who belongs in their life.
Cancer Relationship Red Flags
Emotional Crabs aren’t shy about sharing all of their feelings with people they trust—but when they put up walls, it means trouble. Pay attention to when the Cancer you love says “nothing” is wrong—especially if he or she doesn’t explain the full situation later. Passionate Cancers also communicate with their body, so if they begin resisting physical advances or stop initiating sex, it can indicate a larger problem in the relationship.
How Cancer Deals With a Broken Heart
“What? I’m fine.” This is a familiar refrain when Cancer is going through a breakup. To everyone except the people in their innermost circle, Cancer seems like he or she has everything together: following a schedule, hitting the gym, business as usual. But with their closest friends, Cancers will fall apart, expressing their fears and doubts, crying freely. Cancer knows it’s key to let those emotions loose, but fears doing it with people who may judge the waterworks. In general, Cancer always feels the effects of a bad breakup, and even years later will have a tender spot for old what’s-his/her-name. A song, poem, or scent of a favorite shared food can drag Crabs back into a melancholy mood for hours, even if the breakup is ancient history and they’re currently in a good relationship.
LIFESTYLE
The Cancer Lifestyle
For the Cancer in Your Life
Best gifts: Ruled by the heart, nostalgic Cancer loves connecting to the past. Photo albums, heirlooms, and personalized handmade gifts are the best way to a Cancer’s heart. As a domestic creature, the Crab also adores gifts for the home. Home is their haven, so wine, kitchen gadgets, or luxe shower scrubs are ideal.
Best spa package: Sensuous Cancer craves head-to-toe pampering and loves different sensations. First a salt scrub and then a shower followed by a long massage is ideal for Cancers, as it gives them plenty of time to sink into their physical self, forget about their mind, and fully succumb to bodily pleasure.
Best Cocktail: Pinot Grigio. Cancer delights in a glass of wine, preferably in a low-lit wine bar or while watching the sunset. Crabs will happily skip the bar scene, and a glass of wine at home by candle light is the ideal way to unwind with their loved one after a long day.
How Cancer Unwinds
While an intense conversation about the meaning of life may not sound pleasurable for some signs, one of Cancer’s greatest gifts is the ability to unpack the mysteries of life with loved ones. The Crab loves grappling with big issues, and will happily spend a day on the beach with a thick history book. Cancers also need plenty of solo time to unwind, and may find a yoga class or meditation retreat the ideal way to get back to their inner selves. And while plenty of signs might wave off the suggestion to breathe deeply and de-stress, Cancer takes this directive seriously. Even their craziest days, they’ll make it a point to pencil in five minutes for tuning in with themselves.
Cancer’s Social Life
It’s typical for Cancer to have friendships that span decades, and this sign loves nothing more than playing the “remember when” game with old friends. Cancer also cherishes family connections, and it’s not unusual for Crabs to count their siblings, or even their parents, as members of their social circle. Cancers are usually partnered, and their partner tends to show up for all social events. And while Cancers will RSVP ‘yes’ if a party is important for the host, they’re likely to bow out after doing the initial rounds—socializing in large groups just isn’t Cancer’s favorite thing.
Cancer’s Favorite Season
While this cardinal sign may have a birthday at the height of summer, Cancers are drawn the cozied-up feeling of winter. They love sitting by a warm fire, cuddling under the covers, and stepping out into freshly fallen snow. But even though Crabs may love the trappings of winter, they also need a daily dose of sun and may become depressed if they have to spend all day under artificial lights between commuting to and from work in the dark. Making sure to get a dose of sun (or a UV light) can be incredibly beneficial for this sign.
The Best Vacations for Cancer
Water sign Cancer won’t say no to the beach, but they also love exploring different parts of the world, especially if the trip consists of a hike, a swim in a lake, or some other way of communing with nature. And while Cancers don’t mind getting their hair dirty on a roughing-it vacation, they also love luxury. Staying at a five-star beach resort—especially with their lover—is a great way for Cancer to de-stress, lose inhibitions, and succumb purely to pleasure.
Cancer’s Power Colors
Cancer is intense, emotional, and passionate. The colors that best express these traits are:
Light blue: The color of water, light blue can help calm Crabs while reminding them of their true self. This healing color can also feel nurturing, and subtly remind Cancers to take care of themselves, even while caring for the people around them.
Gray: Just like the mysterious and changing color of the moon as we see it from Earth, the many shades of gray signify the normal emotional complexity of Cancer’s everyday life. This color brings out Cancer’s ability to see several sides to the story, and serves as a reminder that not everything is black and white.
Orange: Although Cancer has a rep for being shy, this sign is also passionate, and the bright orange of the sun can bring out that fearless side. The color orange is also connected with the sacral chakra, which controls self-respect and helps Cancers speak up about what concerns them.
Buttery yellow: This calm hue speaks to Cancer’s naturally optimistic side, and reminds Crabs of their glass-half-full attitude.
These are the colors that Cancer should avoid:
Red: This fiery color can be too much for Cancer, whose emotions can already run too hot.
Black: Cancer sees the world in more than black and white, and the stark void of color can be too intense and one-dimensional for this dynamic sign.
Bright green: Cancer does well in pastels and muted blends—strong colors are too one-note for the Crab, and don’t necessarily match the myriad emotions swirling below his or her surface.
HEALTH
Cancer Health & Wellness
Cancer’s Ailments: Stomach and digestive system ailments
Cancer’s Strengths: Fortitude
Cancer’s Weaknesses: When things don’t feel right in Cancers’ life, they can feel it in their gut—literally. When Crabs feel that they can’t express their emotions, or that it’s not safe to do so, they develop stomach pains, digestive ailments, and other GI troubles.
The Best Fitness Routines for Cancer
More than any other sign, Cancer intuitively feels the mind-body connection and sees fitness as essential to calming the mind and finding space in the day for tuning into his or her body. Cancer sees fitness as an almost spiritual practice—a time to commune uninterrupted with mind and body—and tends to shy away from group fitness classes where an instructor can interfere with the flow. Cancer has a reserve of self-discipline, doesn’t have any problem DIY-ing a routine, and may find yoga, running, or Pilates to be great ways to simultaneously move and meditate.
About Those Cancer Stomach Aches
Ruled primarily by the chest and stomach, this sensitive water sign feels everything physically. Whether it’s a tightening of the chest when something feels emotionally off or stomach butterflies, Cancers feel physically sick when they’re not emotionally in tune with their life. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away, and rich foods can make the issue worse. For Cancer, tummy-calming foods like oatmeal, steamed veggies, and rice can help make them feel better, but in general, a rollercoaster tummy or major abdominal cramps is a sign that something external needs to be fixed, ASAP.
The Top 10 Ways Cancer Can Beat the Blues
Emotionally intuitive and sensitive, Cancer doesn’t shy away from blue moods, and actually loves diving into all of life’s emotional intricacies—even the bad ones. Because of this, Cancers may have a tendency to wallow a little too much in their own bad mood. Want to snap out of it? Here’s how:
- Sing. Creative Cancer might not sing in front of an audience, but belting out a song in the shower can help beat the blues.
- Engage in talk therapy. Cancer believes in talk therapy, and may be intrigued by psychoanalytic processes. Engaging with a professional—even when life is going well—can help Crabs maximize their emotions as a powerful life tool.
- People watch. This sign loves watching people and figuring out what makes them tick. Sitting at a cafe and watching the world go by can get Cancers out of their own thoughts.
- Get outdoors. Intellectual Cancer can sometimes get too caught up indoors. Getting outside and getting dirty, whether it’s starting a garden, taking a hike, or even just feeling breeze on skin, can remind Crabs to put their problems in perspective.
- Get lost in a book. Cancer loves reading and can get swept away by a story. The only thing is that Cancer sometimes feels reading is too self-indulgent. But regularly getting out of their head with a book is essential.
- Swim. Water signs like Cancer are drawn to any body of water, and feeling water on their skin can help them get out of their head.
- Have sex. Cancer loves physical passion. Indulging in the communion of sex—or even solo pleasure—is essential to keep Cancer happy.
- Watch a favorite movie. To Cancer, characters in movies feel like friends. Revisiting a well-loved movie can help get their mood back on track.
- Help others. The best way for a Cancer to get out of his or her head is to help other people with their problems.
- Journal. Cancer’s rational side sometimes needs to see words on paper to determine next steps.
Healing Herbs for Cancer’s roller coaster emotions:
Eucalyptus: This fresh, all-purpose healing plant can help Cancer heal psychic and physical scars.
Fenugreek: This maple syrup-scented herb can help cure Cancer’s notoriously sensitive tummy.
Parsley: This herb, an excellent digestive aid can help Cancer figure out what’s really causing their gastrointestinal distress.
Jasmine: The heavenly-scented flower can help with this sign’s subconscious thoughts, allowing them to let go of the past, focus on the future, and tap into their optimism.
SPIRITUALITY
Cancer Spirituality
The Best Crystals for Cancer: Moonstone, as the name suggests, is connected directly to the moon and harnesses its energy. Connecting to moonstone calls upon Cancers’ free spirit to carry them through their journey. Red jasper is very beneficial for building Cancer’s stamina, helping the Crab overcome adversity to become a stable support for their loved ones. Abalone shell connects Cancer to the changing tides and emotions of the sea, making this sign more perceptive to what others are feeling.
Cancer’s Healing Mantra: “Feelings manifest change.”
Cancer’s Spirit Color: Violet, a deep purple aligned with the crown chakra, taps into Cancer’s amazing powers of intuition. Violet can help Cancers manifest their dreams into reality, and reminds them that even though some things (like their emotions) may not be “seen,” they are absolutely real. Violet connects Cancer’s spirit, body, and mind, and reminds Crabs that all three are one, that the self has many parts, and that all these parts need to be heard and honored for Cancer to live his or her best, most positive life.
Cancer’s Spiritual Side
Intellectual, emotional, and loyal, this water sign runs deep. Cancer loves the mystery and questions surrounding spirituality, and is content to explore that mystery even if there are no “answers.” Cancer bristles at dogma, and feels like every voice is valid when it comes to exploring spirituality. Although intellectual, Cancer places more weight on emotions than rational thought—”just because” is a completely valid reason to believe in something.
Cancers can find spirituality anywhere and are especially adept at tuning inward and communing with their deepest self, even during the most crowded, hectic, busy day. Cancer can be a spiritual leader, and many people look to Crabs because of the way that they can incorporate emotions and beliefs into everyday life. This sign has a live-and-let-live approach, and while Cancers will happily share their own thoughts on spirituality (if you know them well enough), they won’t instruct anyone to follow their example.
Cancers may not share their spirituality with many people, though. That’s because spirituality feels very personal, so if this sign does share their beliefs, it means that you’re in their inner circle. Cancers also find communing with nature necessary for connecting to their spiritual side (though they rarely make the time for it).
Cancer’s Karma Boosters
Every sign has unfinished business to deal with. For Cancers, the biggest life lesson is taking things much less personally and looking outside themselves and their immediate circle. Seeing the big picture can help detach them from their water-sign tendency toward over-emotionality, which helps them roll with the punches. Here are a few strategies:
- Hang out in groups. While Cancer prefers time spent alone or with trusted friends, being around new people can offer a diverse set of experiences and opinions, and can help Cancer conquer self-consciousness.
- Forgive. Like an elephant, loyal Cancer never forgets, especially when it’s a slight. But moving on from small issues (like being left off a text or overhearing a friend talk behind their back) can help this sign become more resilient.
- Volunteer. Cancers have a huge capacity for love and caring, but tend to be protective about how much energy they expend on others. Volunteering and giving back can help get them out of their heads.
- Share their feelings. With people whom they don’t know well, Cancers can act like martyrs, saying everything is fine when it clearly isn’t. Learning to speak up is a truly valuable lifelong lesson for the Crab.
- Let go. Cancer is the king or queen of ruminating, reliving, and regretting. That’s why letting go of the past in a healthy way—maybe via a ritual—is key for moving on and moving forward.
CAREER
Cancer Career, Money & Success
Cancer’s Career Mantra: “I’m successful because I care.”
Cancer’s greatest career strength: Intuition. Affiliated with Artemis, goddess of the hunt, Cancer knows which way the wind will blow, work-wise, before there’s a memo or email. Cancer is adept at reading people, and, as the Zodiac sign most closely associated with mothers and wombs, the Crab is intuitively respected as the manager who will fix things, guide colleagues, and nurture their careers. Cancer’s amazing people skills lets him or her choose people who will flourish in their careers.
Cancer’s greatest career challenge: Taking emotion out of the equation. In some ways, Cancers’ emotional connection to their work is an asset. When they feel passion, they will pull countless all-nighters to finish a project. But there’s a flip side: When Cancers don’t care about something or disagree with their higher-ups about how a project should be handled, they may lash out passive-aggressively by delivering sloppy work. Learning how to divest their emotions from assignments (particularly the less-than-inspiring ones) can help Cancer get ahead.
Cancer’s Work Style
Did someone say “burning the midnight oil?” Independent Cancer doesn’t necessarily love the structure of office life, and this sign may produce their best work on their own time—especially in the wee hours. Crabs love working hard and knowing that a job is well done, but they may bristle at becoming part of a team with all its time-consuming interpersonal issues. Cancers hate the feeling of a manager breathing down their neck, and in order to succeed, they need to feel like their schedule and work product are their own.
While definitely good management material, Cancer can also become exasperated by colleagues who don’t share his or her vision—and may also hold career-long grudges. This sign isn’t especially driven by fortune and fame, but they do want a great life, and they may compromise a career track in favor of a satisfying work-life balance.
Blessed with a strong sense of self, this water sign cannot stand interoffice jockeying, and often feels that work drama distracts from work. This is despite the fact sometimes Cancer unwittingly takes part in work drama—when Crabs experience hurt feelings or think they’ve been overlooked, their inability to let go manifests in an attitude than can earn them the label “difficult.” The only way to fix this is confronting the issue head on.
Cancer’s Dream Careers
Intellectual, creative, and incredibly good at reading people and knowing what they need, Cancer excels at careers that combine those three talents. Crabs prefer to make their own hours (or be the boss!) and excel in environments where they can help drive their own schedule and agenda. Here are a few career suggestions for Cancer:
Startup entrepreneur: With their awareness of where and how an industry needs to be “disrupted”—without relying on data and analysis—and their willingness to put in the elbow grease, Cancers are the ideal visionaries and motivators to start a business. They can excel in the tech sphere with their blend of rationality and intuition.
HR executive: Cancer can tell within the first conversation whether someone is “good people.” This sign can save companies thousands of dollars by guiding them to the best person for the job, not the person with the most impressive resume.
Social Worker, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist: Willing to listen without judgment, gifted with a deep capacity for understanding and appreciating emotions, Cancer excels at helping others untangle their emotional difficulties and questions.
Marketing analyst: Adept at science and math, Cancer loves marketing because it combines intuition with hard facts. Crabs can be virtually unstoppable in this industry.
Architect: Cancers truly believe that home is where the heart is, and they’re adept at imagining, designing, and creating homey spaces for a variety of clients. Crabs use their intuition to help guide a client to what they need, and their meticulous sense of detail to make that home a reality.
Cancer and Money
Cancer places a great deal of importance on comfort, especially in the home. To that end, this sign feels it’s imperative to have a job that covers the bills, with enough of a financial cushion in case the worst happens. Crabs love well-made products, which are usually more expensive. They see consumerism as a way to enact change in their world, so they often buy with their heart. But Cancer doesn’t care about becoming the richest or wealthiest. Once their needs are provided for, they’re happy to dial back work if it means spending more time with the people they love.
If You Work for a Cancer Boss
Intelligent and emotional, a Cancer boss can seem like an enigma. What do they want? How do you get them to like you? Instead of seeking those answers, focus on your work. Your Cancer boss isn’t in the office to make friends or connections. They’re here to get the job done by the people who’ll do it best. Here’s how to excel in your career by making the most of working with a Cancer boss:
Be honest. Cancer hates lies, and will hold a grudge for years against the employee who tells even a white lie. Want to shield your Cancer boss from bad news? Don’t. Keep any info as fact-based as possible.
Be creative. Cancer is always up for doing things in new and different ways. The old ways and routines are fine, but a Cancer boss appreciates a fresh approach. Boldly offering to helm a new project or try a different strategy will impress the Crab.
Go deep. Cancer always wants to know why, particularly when it comes to human behavior and opinion. Think something is worth doing? Explain why—a passionate explanation will be rewarded.
Get to know their moods. Emotional Cancer may sometimes be, well, crabby at the office. Don’t take it personally. Knowing when to stay out of their way is key. Cancers don’t want subordinates asking them, “What’s wrong?” So if their office door is closed or they seem curt, steer clear!
Keep boundaries. When your Cancer boss asks how you are, don’t get into your dog’s illness or that fight with your friend—especially if you haven’t worked together very long. To Cancer, boundaries are essential for optimal work relationships.
What Success Means to a Cancer
To a Cancer, nothing feels better than the internal satisfaction of doing a good job. Cancer truly doesn’t care about career accolades, and feels that work should support a well-lived life. To this end, Cancers guard their free time obsessively. A job that they love and a life that they love go hand in hand. Of course, they’ll burn the midnight oil if essential, but not for years on end. They need to see a clear reward for their hard work.
Awakening the Inner Cancer Woodpecker
While the Crab represents Cancer in western astrology, Native American astrology associates early summer birth dates with the woodpecker. Smart, caring, hardworking and always willing to provide for loved ones, the woodpecker is a strong spirit animal and guide for Cancer—especially those Crabs who may want to ditch their metaphorical shells and find connection with the larger world. Here’s how to connect with this animal totem:
DIY things. Resourceful Cancers love working with their hands, even if they don’t often get a chance. Gardening or making something with tools can be restorative to Cancer.
Talk to a stranger. Speaking to an elderly neighbor, even if this pushes Cancer past his or her comfort zone, is key for a sign that thrives on connection to others but tends to focus inward.
Try feng shui. For Cancer, a happy home is essential. If they’re living somewhere temporary, it’s key to make the place “theirs” with a few candles or a crystal altar.
Create something. Even a journal entry can help Cancer synthesize those deep or confusing emotions and move forward.
Honor the past. Hanging photographs of cherished loved ones or favorite memories can help Cancer savor the past while driving forward to manifest their present.
PARENT & CHILD
Cancer Parent & Child
The Best Toys for a Cancer Child
Dolls, stuffed animals, and action figures. With a rich imagination, Cancer children see “best friends” in their toy chest, and they might carry around a stuffed animal lovey for years. If a Cancer child loves something, parents should consider buying backups—Cancer children have intense emotional attachments to objects and will be crushed if a lovey goes missing.
The Best Activities for a Cancer Child
Imaginative and creative, Cancer kids have a rich internal life. They may be content watching from the sidelines on the playground, but don’t assume that they aren’t “playing.” Little Crabs may be telling themselves a fanciful story about what they’re observing. That said, Cancer children can be shy and may need Mom and Dad to help them make friends on the playground. Even introducing your little Cancer to other kids can be a big first step.
Books Every Cancer Child Must Read
Cancer children use stories to understand the world around them, and stories about complex emotional events can help put their big feelings into words. As Cancers get older, they don’t shy away from the hard stuff, and reading “gritty” books can help you connect with your Cancer teen.
Llama, Llama, Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney. Part of a classic series about a little llama learning to understand the world, this story centers on Little Llama’s temper tantrum—and how you can be mad but still love someone, too.
Ida, Always by Caron Levis and Charles Santuso. A picture book about what happens when a polar bear’s BFF dies allows little Cancers to ask and grapple with the big questions about life and death in an age-appropriate way.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. A contemporary classic, the story about teenage love in the face of certain death appeals to Cancer’s emotional core, while the smart, edgy voice simultaneously appeals to their intellectual side.
The Best Names for a Cancer Child
Empathetic, deeply intuitive, and almost psychic, Cancers are well suited to names inspired by art or literature, or names that have a personal meaning in your life. Think about naming your child after a favorite artist or the place where you got engaged.
Names for Cancer Boys: Your Cancerian will be very much in tune with his emotions, and may grow up to be a poet, author, or songwriter. Shakespearian names provide a treasure trove of inspiration: Think Romeo, Henry, or Duncan. Or get inspired by famous authors: William (Blake), Percy (Bysshe Shelley), William (Wordsworth), August (Wilson), or Lin-Manuel (Miranda).
Names for Cancer Girls: Again, Shakespeare provides endless inspiration for Cancer children. Diana, Miranda, Katherine, and Juliet all nod to a Cancer girl’s lyrical nature. Poets and authors can also be great inspiration: Zora (Neale Hurston), Virginia (Woolf), Chinua (Achebe), Jhumpa (Lahiri), or Jane (Austen) can perfectly fit this sign’s literary personality.
How to Parent the Cancer Child
Emotional and intense, parenting a Cancer child can feel like you’re giving everything you’ve got. Well, you are—and it will pay off. As infants, Cancer children may seem needier than other signs of the Zodiac, and those infamous Cancer tummy troubles may put them at greater risk of colic than their other peers. Cancer children also have an intense need for physical touch, and a Cancer infant may seem like they’re never happy—unless they’re in your arms. Normal! Cancer craves love and affection and can almost never have enough, so “baby wearing” (holding baby close to you as you go about your day) can help you both stay sane and happy!
As your little Cancer gets older, he or she still needs the physical connection to Mom and Dad. Plenty of cuddles can help ease transitions. Meanwhile, being aware of your little Crabs’ big emotions and letting them know that they’re not “good” or “bad,” is key. Cancers cry but they aren’t crybabies, and shaming them will make them less likely to share what’s going on in their life. Always let them know that you’re there to listen, but don’t pry. Knowing they can come to you is key, and trust that they will—eventually.
Here are more tips for parenting a Cancer child:
Give them space. While Cancer kids can be emotional and clingy, they also need their independence. Give them the time and physical space to quietly sit with their own thoughts and emotions. Let them recharge and they’ll be snuggling up to you again in no time.
Nourish them with healthy food. Cancer babies love food and may some day grow into emotional eaters. Provide them with the best possible nutrition from the very beginning. That way, when they reach for comfort food, they’ll be nourishing body and soul.
Make family time fun time. Family connections are important to little Crabs. Try to be intentional about the way your family spends time together, and include extended family, too!
All About the Cancer Teenager
The Cancer teenager is an enigma. These adolescents crave closeness and push you away. Some days, they’ll be cuddly and open; other days, they’ll slam their door in your face. Their emotions, always a rollercoaster, are on hyperdrive during the teenage years. Worse, a parent’s well-meaning check-ins may backfire, making a Cancer teen even more secretive.
But despite the emotional overload, a Cancer teen is passionate, motivated, and truly wants to make the world a better place. Idealistic Cancer teens are ravenous about the news and may become local activists for causes in which they believe. This sign also maintains strong family bonds, even if they do seem to create a wall around themselves, and they’ll never, ever lie to you.
Cancer needs space, and teenage Crabs intuitively feel like they need to grow up on their own. In other words, they don’t want you helicoptering over them and their decisions. But they also need to know that you care about them and are ready to help when they’re ready to ask.
A Cancer teen likes:
Responsibilities: Giving Cancer teens a job, like carpooling their younger siblings or making dinner, is key to making them feel like an active and helpful part of the family.
Self-expression: Allow creative Cancers to decorate their own room or come up with a color palette. Where Cancer lives is important, and learning that they can feel comfortable in their own space is key.
A long leash: Responsible Cancer doesn’t need a bedtime—trust them to know what’s best for them. It’s the same with curfews. Rules for rules/ sake can make Cancer pull away.
A Cancer teen dislikes:
Pestering: They may have tears streaming down their face, but if a Cancer teen says they’re fine, trust them to deal with the problem or come to you when they’re ready. The more you ask, the more they’ll shut down.
Snooping: Reading their journal is pretty much the most disrespectful thing you can do to your Cancer teen. If you’re truly worried about something, ask them directly. They’re much more likely to tell the truth.
Injustice: Whether it’s in the world at large or inside the house, Cancer hates injustice. Even shy Cancers will speak out when they think something is unfair.
The Cancer Parent
Intuitive and fiercely loving, a Cancer parent will do anything for their kid. Occasionally, this can backfire when the parent becomes a martyr to their child’s whims. This means it’s important for Cancer parents to realize that their own best option is often their child’s best option, as a happy, well-adjusted parent will lead to a happier child.
Cancer parents truly want to know their children, and sometimes get frustrated when a child doesn’t take a step or action that they would have taken. It can also be tough for Crabs to step back. Fiercely protective Cancer will do anything to shield their child from pain, when allowing children to make mistakes can actually pave the way for growth. Cuddly and always there for their child, Cancer has an open, happy, “anyone is welcome” home. Even though they aren’t wholly comfortable with a ton of people around, they’d prefer their child to hang out with friends under their roof than under someone else’s.
Emotional and mercurial, Cancer can sometimes seem a little too intense for their child (hello, tears on the first day of school). The trick for Cancer parents is talking through their emotions so that their little ones, whatever their sign, will learn how emotions are a powerful and essential part of everyday life.
How a Cancer Can Be a Great Parent to Any Kid in the Zodiac
How does Cancer’s personality mesh (or clash) with their offspring’s? Here’s how!
Cancer Parent, Aries Child
Intensely passionate, this water and fire sign can be a great combination if both parties respect the other for who they are. Cancer can help an Aries kid tune into their emotions; Aries can teach Cancer parents the power of action rather than rumination.
Cancer Parent, Taurus Child
A Cancer parent and Taurus child have a tight emotional bond and love spending time together. As little Taurus grows, a Cancer parent may cling too tightly to the past, so learning to let go and grow is key!
Cancer Parent, Gemini Child
Although both of these signs are emotional, they express their emotions in different ways. Gemini voice their opinions and Cancers turn inward. Finding language to communicate and share emotions is key for these signs to remain harmonious.
Cancer Parent, Cancer Child
These two water signs are almost psychically in tune with each other, creating pros and cons. Cancer parents need to realize that even though their Cancer child seems similar to them, they’re a different person. And Cancer children need to learn how to forgive and forget the occasional parent-child arguments and head butts.
Cancer Parent, Leo Child
Cancer parents are sometimes mystified by their little Leo’s bold confidence, which can border on brashness by Cancer’s standards. Crab parents and Lion kids connect over a shared love of creativity and a deep imagination, and the more they see and admire each other’s gifts, the more in tune and harmonious they will be.
Cancer Parent, Virgo Child
Both sensitive, intelligent, and lovers of the world’s beauty, this can be a great combination between water sign Cancer and earth sign Virgo. Cancer can help guide little Virgo to be more in tune with their emotions, while even Cancer parents can learn lessons from pragmatic Virgo.
Cancer Parent, Libra Child
Both signs are creative and intelligent, yet Cancer parents may find it hard to connect emotionally with Libra. Little Libras, not wanting to cause harm or pain, may bottle up their feelings to create harmony with their Cancer parent.
Cancer Parent, Scorpio Child
These two water signs love and protect each other fiercely—and they’ll fight fiercely, too. The Crab and the Scorpion innately understand each other, though, and even though both typically hold grudges, this pair has the capacity to forgive and move on.
Cancer Parent, Sagittarius Child
Fiery Sagittarius impresses watery Cancer, who loves the way their tiny Archer will always speak his or her mind. Cancer parents and Sagittarius kids love hugs, cuddles, and connecting, although Cancer parents can have a hard time when Sagittarius inevitably wants to explore away from home, whether it’s an overnight at a friend’s or choosing a college across the country.
Cancer Parent, Capricorn Child
Cancer parents love their diligent, intelligent Capricorn kids, but their little Goat’s logical side can sometimes be frustrating. Cancer believes that emotion is healthy, and having such a pragmatic kid can make them a little crazy. Both signs are homebodies, so parent and child will find closeness in the everyday routine of life.
Cancer Parent, Aquarius Child
Idealistic and intense, this water and air team bond over a strong sense of social justice and what is “right” in the world. Both creative and artistic, Cancer parents and Aquarius kids can spend hours drawing, building towers, and creating imaginary worlds. But while Crabs like to anchor themselves in the world, Water Bearers are free spirits. A Cancer parent needs to allow an Aquarian child to adventure and trust wherever they travel, because that parent will always be close to that child’s heart.
Cancer Parent, Pisces Child
Intense and intuitive, these two water signs both are in touch with their emotional depths, which can cause incredible closeness as well as stormy fights—especially in adolescence. Both sides need to keep their emotions in check. While honesty is key, those parent-teenager fights are prime opportunities for saying something that both Crab and Fish may regret.
ZODIAC SIGN QUERY
