♋︎ Cancer · June 21 – July 22 · Cardinal water
Cancer Zodiac Sign: Traits, Dates & Compatibility
♋︎ Summary
You tend to be caring and quietly determined, noticing what people need before they ask. That loyalty and staying power are your biggest strengths. Your pitfall is holding onto old hurts and worries, which can leave you moody or shy about speaking up. Try telling people what you want early, while the feeling is still small.
Cancer is a cardinal water sign, and its Sun season runs from June 21 to July 22 (2026, US Eastern; the exact days shift by a day from year to year). People born under it tend to feel first and think second, and they often build their lives around home, memory and the people they protect.
Cancer at a glance
- Dates
- June 21 – July 22
- Sun enters
- June 21, 2026 at 4:25 AM EDT
- Sun leaves
- July 22, 2026 at 3:13 PM EDT
- Symbol
- ♋︎ The Crab
- Element
- Water
- Modality
- Cardinal
- Polarity
- Receptive
- Ruler
- ☽︎ Moon
- Exalted here
- ♃ Jupiter
- In detriment here
- ♄ Saturn
- In fall here
- ♂︎ Mars
- Opposite sign
- Capricorn
- Same element
- Scorpio, Pisces
- Natural house
- 4th · home & family
Polarity: active signs (fire, air) reach outward, receptive signs (earth, water) take in. Ruler: the planet tradition links to the sign. Exalted, detriment and fall: by tradition, the planets that are strong, work against the grain, or are weakest in this sign. Natural house: the house this sign matches when the wheel starts at Aries.
Born on the cusp?
The Sun changes sign at a different minute every year, so a birthday near the start or end of Cancer can belong to either sign. Find your birth year below: born on the date shown before the time, you have the earlier sign; at or after it, the later one. Times are Eastern (EST or EDT, as in effect that day); for another time zone, convert your birth time to Eastern first, or get the exact Sun sign from the birth chart calculator.
Gemini → Cancer. From 1950 to 2030 the Sun entered Cancer on June 20 in 14 years, June 21 in 65 years and June 22 in 2 years.
Cancer → Leo. From 1950 to 2030 the Sun entered Leo on July 22 in 56 years and July 23 in 25 years.
✦Sun sign change by year, 1950–2030
| Year | Gemini → Cancer | Cancer → Leo |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Jun 21, 7:36 PM | Jul 23, 6:29 AM |
| 1951 | Jun 22, 1:24 AM | Jul 23, 12:20 PM |
| 1952 | Jun 21, 7:12 AM | Jul 22, 6:07 PM |
| 1953 | Jun 21, 12:59 PM | Jul 22, 11:52 PM |
| 1954 | Jun 21, 6:54 PM | Jul 23, 5:44 AM |
| 1955 | Jun 22, 12:31 AM | Jul 23, 11:24 AM |
| 1956 | Jun 21, 6:24 AM | Jul 22, 5:20 PM |
| 1957 | Jun 21, 12:20 PM | Jul 22, 11:14 PM |
| 1958 | Jun 21, 5:56 PM | Jul 23, 4:50 AM |
| 1959 | Jun 21, 11:49 PM | Jul 23, 10:45 AM |
| 1960 | Jun 21, 5:42 AM | Jul 22, 4:37 PM |
| 1961 | Jun 21, 11:30 AM | Jul 22, 10:23 PM |
| 1962 | Jun 21, 5:24 PM | Jul 23, 4:18 AM |
| 1963 | Jun 21, 11:04 PM | Jul 23, 9:59 AM |
| 1964 | Jun 21, 4:56 AM | Jul 22, 3:52 PM |
| 1965 | Jun 21, 10:55 AM | Jul 22, 9:47 PM |
| 1966 | Jun 21, 4:33 PM | Jul 23, 3:23 AM |
| 1967 | Jun 21, 10:23 PM | Jul 23, 9:16 AM |
| 1968 | Jun 21, 4:13 AM | Jul 22, 3:07 PM |
| 1969 | Jun 21, 9:55 AM | Jul 22, 8:48 PM |
| 1970 | Jun 21, 3:42 PM | Jul 23, 2:36 AM |
| 1971 | Jun 21, 9:19 PM | Jul 23, 8:14 AM |
| 1972 | Jun 21, 3:05 AM | Jul 22, 2:02 PM |
| 1973 | Jun 21, 9:00 AM | Jul 22, 7:55 PM |
| 1974 | Jun 21, 2:37 PM | Jul 23, 1:30 AM |
| 1975 | Jun 21, 8:26 PM | Jul 23, 7:21 AM |
| 1976 | Jun 21, 2:23 AM | Jul 22, 1:18 PM |
| 1977 | Jun 21, 8:13 AM | Jul 22, 7:03 PM |
| 1978 | Jun 21, 2:09 PM | Jul 23, 1:00 AM |
| 1979 | Jun 21, 7:56 PM | Jul 23, 6:49 AM |
| 1980 | Jun 21, 1:46 AM | Jul 22, 12:41 PM |
| 1981 | Jun 21, 7:44 AM | Jul 22, 6:39 PM |
| 1982 | Jun 21, 1:23 PM | Jul 23, 12:15 AM |
| 1983 | Jun 21, 7:08 PM | Jul 23, 6:04 AM |
| 1984 | Jun 21, 1:02 AM | Jul 22, 11:58 AM |
| 1985 | Jun 21, 6:44 AM | Jul 22, 5:36 PM |
| 1986 | Jun 21, 12:30 PM | Jul 22, 11:24 PM |
| 1987 | Jun 21, 6:10 PM | Jul 23, 5:06 AM |
| 1988 | Jun 20, 11:56 PM | Jul 22, 10:51 AM |
| 1989 | Jun 21, 5:52 AM | Jul 22, 4:45 PM |
| 1990 | Jun 21, 11:32 AM | Jul 22, 10:21 PM |
| 1991 | Jun 21, 5:18 PM | Jul 23, 4:11 AM |
| 1992 | Jun 20, 11:14 PM | Jul 22, 10:09 AM |
| 1993 | Jun 21, 4:59 AM | Jul 22, 3:51 PM |
| 1994 | Jun 21, 10:48 AM | Jul 22, 9:41 PM |
| 1995 | Jun 21, 4:34 PM | Jul 23, 3:29 AM |
| 1996 | Jun 20, 10:23 PM | Jul 22, 9:18 AM |
| 1997 | Jun 21, 4:20 AM | Jul 22, 3:15 PM |
| 1998 | Jun 21, 10:02 AM | Jul 22, 8:55 PM |
| 1999 | Jun 21, 3:49 PM | Jul 23, 2:44 AM |
| 2000 | Jun 20, 9:47 PM | Jul 22, 8:42 AM |
| 2001 | Jun 21, 3:37 AM | Jul 22, 2:26 PM |
| 2002 | Jun 21, 9:25 AM | Jul 22, 8:15 PM |
| 2003 | Jun 21, 3:10 PM | Jul 23, 2:04 AM |
| 2004 | Jun 20, 8:56 PM | Jul 22, 7:50 AM |
| 2005 | Jun 21, 2:46 AM | Jul 22, 1:40 PM |
| 2006 | Jun 21, 8:25 AM | Jul 22, 7:17 PM |
| 2007 | Jun 21, 2:06 PM | Jul 23, 1:00 AM |
| 2008 | Jun 20, 7:59 PM | Jul 22, 6:54 AM |
| 2009 | Jun 21, 1:45 AM | Jul 22, 12:36 PM |
| 2010 | Jun 21, 7:28 AM | Jul 22, 6:21 PM |
| 2011 | Jun 21, 1:16 PM | Jul 23, 12:12 AM |
| 2012 | Jun 20, 7:08 PM | Jul 22, 6:00 AM |
| 2013 | Jun 21, 1:04 AM | Jul 22, 11:55 AM |
| 2014 | Jun 21, 6:51 AM | Jul 22, 5:41 PM |
| 2015 | Jun 21, 12:37 PM | Jul 22, 11:30 PM |
| 2016 | Jun 20, 6:34 PM | Jul 22, 5:30 AM |
| 2017 | Jun 21, 12:24 AM | Jul 22, 11:15 AM |
| 2018 | Jun 21, 6:07 AM | Jul 22, 5:00 PM |
| 2019 | Jun 21, 11:54 AM | Jul 22, 10:50 PM |
| 2020 | Jun 20, 5:43 PM | Jul 22, 4:37 AM |
| 2021 | Jun 20, 11:32 PM | Jul 22, 10:26 AM |
| 2022 | Jun 21, 5:13 AM | Jul 22, 4:07 PM |
| 2023 | Jun 21, 10:57 AM | Jul 22, 9:50 PM |
| 2024 | Jun 20, 4:51 PM | Jul 22, 3:44 AM |
| 2025 | Jun 20, 10:42 PM | Jul 22, 9:29 AM |
| 2026 | Jun 21, 4:25 AM | Jul 22, 3:13 PM |
| 2027 | Jun 21, 10:10 AM | Jul 22, 9:04 PM |
| 2028 | Jun 20, 4:01 PM | Jul 22, 2:54 AM |
| 2029 | Jun 20, 9:48 PM | Jul 22, 8:42 AM |
| 2030 | Jun 21, 3:31 AM | Jul 22, 2:25 PM |
Cancer traits
Water is the element of feeling, intuition, memory, loyalty and protectiveness, and Cancer carries all five close to the surface. You may remember small events from years ago, including who said what and how the room felt. That memory is part of why attachments run deep and why old hurts can linger. The sign is also receptive in polarity, which fits a temperament that takes in moods and ideas from people and places nearby before it responds.
Cardinal signs start things, take the initiative and want to lead. In Cancer this shows up quietly. Instead of announcing a plan, you may begin by making a place safe, gathering people or looking after a need nobody mentioned. Leadership here tends to be tenacious rather than loud, like the crab that holds on once it has grabbed something.
The Moon rules Cancer, and it governs feelings, habits, daily needs and the public mood. That is why routine, comfort and family ties matter so much, and why moods can change from one day to the next. Jupiter is exalted here, so growth, generosity and faith tend to show their best side through care for others. Saturn is in detriment, since limits sit awkwardly with a sign that wants warmth and closeness. Mars is in fall: drive and anger are weakened, so direct confrontation may feel costly and frustration often comes out sideways. The opposite sign, Capricorn, is practical. It shows what Cancer can borrow when feelings need structure.
Strengths
Cancer's strengths come from care and staying power. You tend to notice what others need before they say it, and the imaginative streak gives that attention some creativity. Loyalty is real here, and so is protectiveness toward family and friends. A retentive memory can make you the person who recalls the details that matter. Tenacity helps as well: once Cancer commits, it often keeps going long after others lose interest. Thriftiness and respect for tradition add a steady, careful quality.
Weaknesses
The shadow side of Cancer is dwelling on the past and on personal feelings. That can slide into worry and timidity, along with a habit of hoarding, whether objects, grudges or old stories. Shyness may keep you from asking for what you want, while a wish for approval can make criticism sting more than it should. With Mars in fall, anger may go unspoken and then return as moodiness. A grasping, inactive streak can also hold back progress when change feels unsafe.
Cancer in love
In love, Cancer tends to look for a home as much as a partner. You may show affection through meals and remembered dates. Sympathy and approval matter a great deal, so reassurance often counts for more than grand gestures. The same sensitivity can make you pull back when hurt, and then wait for the other person to notice. Water signs Scorpio and Pisces share your emotional language, while Capricorn, the opposite sign, offers the pull of opposites: steadier and more reserved, yet drawn to the same wish for security.
Cancer as a friend
Cancer friends are often the ones who remember birthdays, ask follow-up questions and keep the group connected. You may prefer a few close bonds to a wide circle, and trust can take time. Once it is given, you tend to be dependable and protective. Because the Moon makes you quick to absorb other people's moods, you may need time alone to sort out which feelings are yours.
Cancer at work
At work, Cancer tends to do well where care and steady effort count. The cardinal drive helps you start projects, especially ones that support people or build something lasting. Imagination may suit creative or caring fields, and thrift usually shows up as careful use of resources. You may work best with clear, kind guidance, since the Moon-ruled side picks up the mood of a workplace quickly. Capricorn's practical focus can be a useful model when worry slows decisions.
The three decans of Cancer
| Decan | Sun from (2026) | Sub-sign | Ruler |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · 0°–10° | June 21 | ♋︎ Cancer | ☽︎ Moon |
| 2 · 10°–20° | July 2 | ♏︎ Scorpio | ♂︎ Mars / ♇ Pluto |
| 3 · 20°–30° | July 12 | ♓︎ Pisces | ♃ Jupiter / ♆ Neptune |
The first decan, from June 21, is Cancer itself under the Moon. It is the most openly sensitive and home-loving stretch, with moods that follow the people nearby. The second decan, from July 2, takes on Scorpio and is ruled by Mars, with Pluto as its modern ruler. Expect more intensity and determination, along with reserve and an interest in what is hidden. The third decan, from July 12, takes on Pisces and is ruled by Jupiter, with Neptune as its modern ruler. It leans toward compassion and imagination, with a changeable mood, and generosity tends to come easily.
Cancer compatibility
- ♈︎ Cancer & Ariessquare · 3 apart
- ♉︎ Cancer & Taurussextile · 2 apart
- ♊︎ Cancer & Geminisemi-sextile · 1 apart
- ♋︎ Cancer & Cancersame sign
- ♌︎ Cancer & Leosemi-sextile · 1 apart
- ♍︎ Cancer & Virgosextile · 2 apart
- ♎︎ Cancer & Librasquare · 3 apart
- ♏︎ Cancer & Scorpiotrine · 4 apart
- ♐︎ Cancer & Sagittariusquincunx · 5 apart
- ♑︎ Cancer & Capricornopposition · 6 apart
- ♒︎ Cancer & Aquariusquincunx · 5 apart
- ♓︎ Cancer & Piscestrine · 4 apart
Questions
✦What are the dates for Cancer?
The Sun is in Cancer from June 21, 2026 at 4:25 AM EDT to July 22, 2026 at 3:13 PM EDT. The exact day can shift by one from year to year, so people born on June 21 or July 22 should check their birth year in the cusp table on this page.
✦Is June 21 Gemini or Cancer?
It depends on the birth year and, in most years, the birth time. From 1950 to 2030, June 21 was Cancer all day in 14 years (the Sun entered Cancer a day or more earlier), Gemini all day in 2 years (the Sun entered Cancer a day later) and split in 65 years: Gemini until the Sun entered Cancer, Cancer from that minute on. In 2026 the Sun enters Cancer on June 21, 2026 at 4:25 AM EDT. Times are Eastern; the cusp table on this page lists every year.
✦Is July 22 Cancer or Leo?
It depends on the birth year and, in most years, the birth time. From 1950 to 2030, July 22 was Cancer all day in 25 years (the Sun entered Leo a day later) and split in 56 years: Cancer until the Sun entered Leo, Leo from that minute on. In 2026 the Sun enters Leo on July 22, 2026 at 3:13 PM EDT. Times are Eastern; the cusp table on this page lists every year.
✦What element and modality is Cancer?
Cancer is a cardinal water sign (receptive), ruled by Moon.
✦What are Cancer traits?
Cancer is often described as sensitive and protective, with a vivid imagination, a strong memory and a love of home. Shyness and a wish for approval are common too. These are tendencies, and the rest of the chart shapes how they show.
✦What is Cancer's ruling planet?
The Moon rules Cancer. It stands for feelings and daily needs, along with the public mood, which fits the sign's changeable emotions and attachment to routine and family. Jupiter is exalted here, while Saturn is in detriment and Mars is in fall.
✦Who is Cancer most compatible with?
By element, Cancer shares water with Scorpio and Pisces, so feelings tend to feel familiar, and intuition does too. Capricorn, the opposite sign, brings the attraction of opposites, with practicality set against sensitivity. Any pairing depends on the full charts of both people.
✦What is Cancer's weakness?
Cancer's usual shadow is dwelling on the past and on personal feelings. That can bring worry and timidity, and a tendency to hold on too tightly to things or hurts. Awareness of the pattern often helps soften it.
By Dima Tretyak · Updated November 5, 2026 · Sun dates calculated, not copied