Conscious: Emotional and empathetic. Intuitive and imaginative. Caring and kind-hearted. 

Unconscious: Because of their sensitive nature, Cancers can easily retreat or maintain a defensive posture over any slight – real or perceived – and will nurse a grudge.

Loves: Home-cooked meals. Family and friends. Holidays. Keepsakes and mementos. Giving and receiving gifts.

Hates: Thoughtless people. Being told they’re too sensitive. Being pushed out of their comfort zone.

SENSITIVE

For Cancer, their sensitivity is their superpower. Cancer is keenly aware of what is happening beneath the surface – whether it’s noticing subtle body language shifts, subtext that isn’t being said in a conversation, or mood changes in their environment. It makes them very intuitive and even psychic.

CARING

As one of the more sentimental signs of the zodiac, Cancers are natural nurturers and caretakers, and whatever their gender, can display mothering vibes to the ones they love. Cancers have a sharp memory, and will remember things you like, will express their affection – when they feel safe to do – readily, and want nothing more than to ensure you’re cozy and comfortable in their presence.

PROTECTIVE

Part of their natural nurturing qualities includes a fiercely protective energy towards what they value – and in the case of Cancer, that will often be their emotions and the feelings of those they love. Cancers will protect and support their loved ones, especially in times of difficulty or crisis. When you have a Cancer in your corner, you have them for life, and can count on them to stick with you even during difficult times.

EMOTIONAL

Cancer is ruled by the Moon. In astrology, the Moon is the fast-moving celestial body in the sky, changing signs every two-and-a-half days and going through eight different phases in the span of one calendar month. This is likely the zodiacal explanation as to why Cancers are notorious for their moodiness and constantly changing and shifting emotions. It’s not their fault – they are literally wired that way!

RECLUSIVE

Once a Cancer feels slighted, they will instantly retreat into their crab shell and no amount of pushing, cajoling, or persuasion will convince them to leave the safety of their protective bubble until they are ready. Also because of their constant shifting emotions, Cancers are more insular and introverted, and they need time to gain their energy back, much like a moon waxing and waning from full brightness to no light in the sky and all the way back around again.

AUTHORITATIVE

Yes, Cancers are certainly sweet, but never underestimate that this is a Cardinal sign. There is an innate need for leadership and having authority as well with this energy. For Cancer, that dominance asserts itself in emotional territory, and you can easily find yourself with a Cancer who is ensuring that you feel a certain way that they want you to feel – at the risk of incurring their changing moods should you not comply.

ROMANTIC

Cancers take relationships very seriously and do desire long-term committed partnerships. They may prefer a more traditional model of dating and playing by the rules – they will not want anyone to try to get too close too fast. But once they fall, they fall hard. Cancers love their romantic partners deeply – so much so that their boundaries can be blurred once in the relationship. They may have difficulty distinguishing where their partner’s needs end and their own begin – emotionally, physically and even sexually.

PLATONIC

Cancers can easily assume the role of “The Mom” in their friend group – regardless of gender. Their instinctive care-taking abilities also extend to their friendships. If you’re feeling heartbroken, call Cancer. If you’re feeling hungry, call Cancer. If you’re needing any kind of emotional support, definitely call Cancer, as they will respond to your mood and meet it with the sensitivity that situation currently requires.

PROFESSIONAL

In the workplace, Cancers want everyone to get along, particularly when working together on teams or on group assignments. Fairness is important to them, but they can easily find themselves frustrated by shouldering too much responsibility if other coworkers are not upholding their end of the workload. Cancers are also sensitive to harsh criticism or feedback, so correction should be delivered professionally and respectfully.