Your Guide to Cancer: Personality Traits, Compatibility, and More

People born between June 21 and July 22 fall under the Cancer sun sign. In astrology, Cancer is ruled by the moon, representing our intuition and emotions. Astrologers say that Cancerians are typically intuitive, emotional, and sensitive—but they don't always show these traits publicly. Let's learn more about this interesting zodiac sign and its astrological meaning.

Cancer Zodiac Symbol

The crab is the zodiac symbol for Cancer. The mythology behind this symbol is that a giant crab, Crios, was sent by the goddess Hera, who was jealous, to attack Hercules. At the time, Hercules was performing the 12 labors which was punishment for killing his family. During the second labor, Hercules had to fight Hydra of Lerna, a water serpent with nine heads. During this fight, Crios was sent by Hera to aid Hydra and attack Hercules. Crios was killed during this battle when Hercules crushed him with his foot, and in return, the goddess Hera placed Crios as a constellation in the sky.

The crab symbol represents the self-protective nature of Cancerians. They are also sensitive, shy, and watchful. They have good grip and don't let go of things easily. Although their hard shell is an outward sign of protection, they are soft and sensitive on the inside. All of these characteristics of a crab portray themselves in the characteristics of Cancer personalities.

Cancer Zodiac Sign

Of the four signs fire, earth, air, and water, Cancer is a water sign. Water signs are known for being sensitive, intuitive, and emotional. They focus on intellectual and personal pursuits and are very giving people. Cancereans usually give all of themselves towards a specific outlet. They are loyal and compassionate, whether in a romantic or platonic relationship. Not only do they feel their own emotions strongly, but their intuition allows them to feel others strongly as well.

Cancer Personality Traits

Because of their hard external shell, many see Cancereans as hard to reach or emotionally unavailable, when in fact they are the exact opposite. Although they can be distant, once you gain the trust of a Cancer, you'll see they are very compassionate, genuine, and loving. They have a lot to offer as long as they feel they are in a safe space.

Because Cancer is ruled by the moon, this zodiac sign has maternal instincts. Cancerians care deeply for all their loved ones and can often adopt caregiver characteristics. Many people are attracted to Cancerians because of their loyalty. But, they can be home-bodies. Cancerians like to create a sanctuary, a cozy place that has all the things they love where they can spend a lot of their time and feel safe.

Cancer Compatibility

In general, those with the sign same are most compatible. Cancerians are very compatible with Scorpios and Pisceans who are also water signs. These water signs can understand each other better than other signs can understand them. This makes for peaceful relationships whether it be friendships or romantic relationships.

Cancerians also get along well with Earth signs. Capricorns, Virgos, and Taureans make for good compatibility with Cancerians. These signs typically offer stability which is something that Cancerians value and appreciate. Fire and air signs are looked at as the least compatible for Cancerians; Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, Libra, Aquarius. If a Cancerian is especially emotional, Cancerians can view the fire and air signs as aggressive.

Careers for Cancerians

Because of their personality traits, Cancerians are loyal, diligent, and hardworking employees. When they commit themselves to something, they give it everything they've got. They will work hard to achieve all their goals in their professional life. And since they are natural caregivers, careers where they get to work with people are usually a good fit. Here are some careers that can be suitable for Cancerians.