Cancer: Traits, Dating, Friendships And More Explained

Cancers are those born between June 21 and July 22 (via Allure). Cancer is ruled by the moon, which is known for its changeable nature (via i.TheHoroscope.co). While we know that the moon itself actually doesn't change its size and shape, astrology, unlike astronomy, is all about perception, and from our perspective here on planet Earth, the moon never seems to look the same from one day to the next.

Cancers are also a water sign, which makes sense, since most crabs do live in the water. Being a water sign means Cancers likely have an affinity for oceans, lakes, and rivers, or at least a fondness for the occasional dip in a pool. Water as a ruling element also means Cancers tend to be more emotional in nature than the zodiac signs ruled by earth, air, and fire. While this sign has many wonderful, positive traits associated with it, there are times Cancers can be a bit crabby or even downright "shellfish."

While Cancers are more apt to base their thoughts and actions on feelings rather than logic, they are also very imaginative and can be highly creative in their approach to looking at the world. If you're able to engage with a Cancer openly and honestly, you'll also find them to be very accepting of your ideas, as well (via Zodiac Fire). Their imagination and empathy allow them to see things from others' points of view, while their caring nature makes them  less inclined to be judgmental. 

According to Astromix, Cancers are the most loyal, true-blue folks you can find. They are loyal where it comes to family, friends, lovers, and even colleagues and careers if they've established trust. Cancers are perhaps the most empathetic of signs, so they truly will feel your pain, and they will move heaven and earth to take that pain away from you (via PrepScholar).

The downside of Cancer's sensitive nature is this sign's ability to feel deeply hurt by even unintended slights. If you get on the wrong side of a Cancer, whether accidentally or on purpose, they will tend to show their crab-like nature in one of two ways. Cancers who've had their feelings stepped on may tend to want to retreat into their shell and cut everybody off, a process that My Astrology refers to as nursing "imaginary wounds." Zodiac Fire notes that this tendency to retreat from the world can be particularly pronounced when a Cancer feels disappointed in love. You know those people who seem to have a new bf/gf a week after a breakup? Yeah, probably not Cancers.

On the other hand, Cancers don't always retreat. Instead, from time to time, they remember they've got claws, and they know how to use them. The one way to bring out a Cancer's mean side is to do anything that threatens their loved ones. Cancers are incredibly protective, and they will pinch you HARD if you try to mess with their little crabbies.

If you're in a relationship with a Cancer, you are in luck. It may not be all that easy to get close to a Cancer at first, as they aren't the most gregarious of signs, but once you gain their trust, there's nothing they won't do for you. Cancers just aren't the cheating kind — it's not in their nature. So once they've chosen you, you can be assured that they will be loyal, loving, and true. 

Romance, for a Cancer, means a deep emotional tie that cannot easily be broken. Cancers have an amazing capacity for generosity, although they often like to bestow their gifts "just because" rather than for any particular occasion (via Zodiac Fire). Cancers also make incredibly understanding and loving partners and parents, and they may want families, too. For them, there's no happier feeling than being at home surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

Cancers are so strongly intuitive that they may, at times, almost appear to be psychic (via i.TheHoroscope.co). This trait can serve you well, as they will always be in tune with how you are feeling. However, though they are sensitive souls, they are anything but gullible. If you try to pull something over on a Cancer, you're unlikely to succeed, because they have a "sixth sense" will alert them to deception. If you can't be as loyal and loving to them as they are to you, they will have to let you go.

Cancers are loyal, loving friends who tend to have lifelong friendships with a few chosen people. If you are let into their inner circle, you are very, very special, and you have a confidante you can always trust to listen non-judgmentally (via The Power of Positivity). They will be a steadfast force of love and support in your life, and they will always be happy to join you on an adventure or stay at home and watch movies. They are generous with their time and their resources, and you will never be left out in the cold, literally or figuritively. 

Being water signs, Cancer's occasional moodiness may stem from their emotional nature (via Zodiac Fire). If you're on the receiving end of a crabby mood –- or a moody crab -– perhaps the best thing you can do is just ride it out. If they are open to discussing what's wrong, be a listening ear or maybe try to help them figure out how to express what they need from you. If your Cancer doesn't want to talk it out, though, just give them their space, but don't go too far away. The last thing you want is for them to feel as if you've abandoned them in their time of need.

Just know if you haven't wronged them, you don't need to take their mood personally, and they still love you dearly. 

Since Cancers are such sensitive, caring individuals, it makes sense that in order to feel fulfilled in a career, it needs to be one they care about (via Monster). They are loyal and helpful people, and so building business relationships is important to them. They are not ever likely to "step on someone" to get where they want to go, and they are never going to cheat or swindle someone. They often excel at jobs where they can be in charge of themselves, as they have a great work ethic and high standards for themselves (in other words, they don't need or want someone looking over their shoulder to ensure they do a good job). 

Some jobs where Cancers' strengths might help them excel include working as business owners, editors, lawyers, writers, physical therapists or mental wellness therapists, IT professionals, or designers. The most important thing for a Cancer in the workplace is for them to feel that there is purpose to their work, that it doesn't offend their morals or sensibilities, and that they are valued and treated well in an honest place.  

There are several famous celebrities who have made wonderful careers out of the best traits of the crab (via Insider). It makes sense that people with high empathy and emotional depth would make great performers, as they are able to get their emotions across in their work. 

Legendary actress Meryl Streep claims Cancer as her sign, and her empathy and sensitivity have allowed her to embody countless powerful roles. Comedian Nick Offerman is also a Cancer, and one only need read his book "Paddle Your Own Canoe" to understand how deeply he embodies Cancer's famous loyalty, humor, independence, and non-judgement. 

Two huge stars in the music industry who are known for their kindness as well as their music also claim the crab as their symbol: Ariana Grande and Post Malone. Comedian Kevin Hart and everyone's favorite leading man Tom Hanks are both Cancers as well. Other famous crabs include Sofia Vergara, Will Ferrell, Luke Bryan, Vin Diesel, Kristen Bell, Selene Gomez, and Pamela Anderson.