Everything You Wanted to Know About the Cancer Zodiac Sign
The Cancer zodiac season kicks off in just a few days, lasting from June 21 to July 22, arriving just as summer officially begins. It's a period associated with contrasting energies of motivation and newfound freedom, as well as introspection and self-discovery, following up the more impulsive and aimless vibes of the Gemini season that preceded it.
Cancer is a water sign recognized for its sensitivity and intuition, and those born under the sign have a tendency to be misunderstood. If you're eager to learn more about Cancer zodiac sign, you've come to the right place, because we have a full breakdown for you below.
Cancer Dates
Cancer season occurs every year when the sun is in Cancer, generally lasting from about June 21 to July 22. It's the fourth sign of the sign, following Gemini and preceding Leo, kicking off the first month of the summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Cancer's Element
Cancer is ruled by the element of water, sharing this quality with the signs Scorpio and Pisces. Together, the water signs are recognized for their emotional natures. They're highly nostalgic and sentimental, with a powerful sense of empathy and a deep care for others. They feel everything strongly and think with their hearts first and their heads second. They're also known for their passion, creativity and artistry.
Cancer's Symbol
Cancer's zodiac symbol is a crab (with "cancer" literally meaning crab in Latin), and is couldn't better suit the sign. Not only does it fit the fact that Cancer is a water sign, but the crab's actual body—a strong, rugged shell hiding a soft and squishy interior—because they act tough on the outside, but are actually quite vulnerable once you get past the facade.
(via Shutterstock)
Cancer's Modality
Cancer is said to be a cardinal sign, joining other signs including Aries, Libra and Capricorn. These signs are known for getting things started, with a strong sense of leadership and a desire to take the reigns on projects—and appropriately, they kick off each season, with Cancer starting the summer. With Cancer, this often manifests as big mom energy, with the sign happy to lead the way and watch over others that might need of a little guidance or assurance.
Also read about: 9 Big Things to Understand About Your Cancer Zodiac Crush
Cancer's Ruling Planet
Cancer is one of the two zodiac signs ruled not by an actual planet, but by another celestial body—in this case, the moon. According to astrology, the moon governs our moods and feelings, which makes sense, given its ever-changing nature and ebbing and waning cycles. It's no wonder that Cancer is known for being a little emotionally unpredictable at times.
(via Unsplash)
Cancer's Ruling House
Cancer is ruled by the 4th house, which falls in the very bottom spot of the zodiac wheel. Appropriately, it serves as the base or foundation of our lives, governing everything from your literal home to a sense of safety and shelter, as well as the parents who brought us into this world, with an emphasis on moms and mother figures.
Cancer Strengths
Because Cancers have a tendency to be guarded and are often slow to open up to others, they can get a bad rap. However, this can also be one of the sign's greatest strengths, as they know themselves well and save their time and energy for the people who truly matter to them. They take their friendships and partnerships extremely seriously once that closeness if established. Cancers are extremely loyal and willing to sacrifice it all for the ones they love. They're also highly sensitive and empathetic, knowing how to care for and protect others, and they have an almost psychic sense of intuition that guides them in everything they do.
(via Unsplash)
Also read about: How to Know If Your Cancer Zodiac Crush Likes You Back
Cancer Weaknesses
Interestingly enough, many of Cancer's biggest "weaknesses" are the flip sides to their strengths. Their choosiness when it comes to selecting their inner circle can be read as being cold or exclusionary, and their sense of loyalty and care for others can veer into clinginess easily. Because they're so picky about who they let in, they can also take it to heart when they're hurt or betrayed, and they do not tend to forgive easily. Their sensitivity can come across as moodiness, and not everyone is adept at navigating the highs and lows of their emotions.
Cancer in Love
When it comes to love, Cancer's symbol, the crab, is especially relevant. Cancers know just how sensitive and vulnerable they can be, and so they tend to hide behind their tough outer shells. They don't open up to others easily, sometimes appearing cold and aloof, because they don't want to be hurt, and their trust must be earned. However, once you can get through to Cancer and they fully let you in, they're as giving, passionate and empathic as partners as can be.
They're often most compatible with their fellow water signs, the equally passionate and emotional Scorpio and Pisces, as well as grounded Taurus. They may struggle in relationships with fiery and aggressive Aries and the flighty and always-moving air signs of Gemini and Aquarius.
Also read about: These Zodiac Signs Are the Most (and Least) Compatible With Cancer
Cancer Season Energy
Even if your astrological chart is free of any Cancer placements, chances are that you'll feel the tug of the sign's energy while the sun is in Cancer from June 21 to July 22. This might usher in a period of introspection and a desire to better understand yourself. The summer may have you feeling more independent, which can result in more solo activities, retreating slightly into your shell to figure things out before you burst back out into the world. You might also be feeling more moody and emotional than usual. Listen to your gut and don't be afraid to take your time and strike only once you feel good and ready.
(via Unsplash)
Cancer Stars
Cancers have a reputation for being highly intuitive, sensitive and creative, making them naturally inclined to artistic careers. Many of our favorite famous Cancerians fall under this category:
- Lana Del Rey – June 21
- Chris Pratt – June 21
- Meryl Streep – June 22
- Benson Boone – June 25
- Mckenna Grace – June 25
- Ariana Grande – June 26
- Jennette McCurdy – June 26
- Jacob Elordi – June 26
- Khloé Kardashian – June 27
- H.E.R. – June 27
- Camila Mendes – June 29
- Tate McRae – July 1
- Margot Robbie – July 2
- Lindsey Lohan – July 2
- Ashley Tisdale – July 2
- Saweetie – July 2
- Tom Cruise – July 3
- Post Malone – July 4
- Sombr – July 5
- Maya Hawke – July 8
- Tom Hanks – July 9
- Isabela Merced – July 10
- Alessia Cara – July 11
- Harrison Ford – July 13
- Kali Uchis – July 17
- Maggie Lindemann – July 21
- Selena Gomez – July 22
Want to make the most of the next month? Click HERE to discover the top things to add to your Cancer zodiac season bucket list.