Cancer
June 21 to July 22 · Cardinal Water · Ruled by The Moon
- Dates
- June 21 to July 22
- Element
- Water
- Modality
- Cardinal
- Ruling planet
- The Moon
- Birthstone
- Ruby
- Lucky colors
- Silver, Sea green
About Cancer
Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the Moon, associated in tradition with home, family and deep feeling. The crab, with its protective shell, mirrors the sign's guarded but caring nature. Cancer season opens summer.
Cancer traits
As a cardinal water sign, Cancer is often described with these strengths and challenges. Astrology is a tradition, not a science, so read this as a character sketch rather than a prediction.
Strengths
- Nurturing
- Loyal
- Intuitive
- Protective
Challenges
- Moody
- Overly sensitive
- Clinging
Cancer dates and cusps
Cancer runs from June 21 to July 22. Because the sun does not cross the sign boundaries at exactly the same clock time each year, the first and last dates can shift by a day. If your birthday sits right on the edge, the birth profile tool will show the sign for your exact date. Cancer falls in June and July.
Cancer birthstone and colors
The traditional Cancer birthstone is Ruby, and the sign's lucky colors are Silver and Sea green. These pair naturally with Cancer in jewelry or a birth profile card.
Cancer compatibility
Cancer tends to match most easily with Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Virgo. These are the classic element-based matches. See how Cancer pairs with any sign on the compatibility pages.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Cancer dates?
Cancer covers June 21 to July 22. Boundary dates can shift by a day between years, so if you were born right at the edge, check your exact birthday.
What element is Cancer?
Cancer is a water sign, and specifically a cardinal water sign ruled by The Moon.
What is the Cancer birthstone?
The traditional Cancer birthstone is Ruby.
Who is Cancer most compatible with?
Cancer is traditionally most compatible with Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus, Virgo. Those ratings come from a published formula, not a reading, and you can check the arithmetic on the method page.
Is Cancer a water sign?
Yes. Cancer is a cardinal water sign. The symbol is often misread: the crab lives in water and Cancer is indeed a water sign, so this is one of the few emblems that matches.
Why is Cancer ruled by The Moon?
In the classical scheme each planet governs one or two signs, and The Moon was assigned to Cancer. It is a convention from the tradition, not a physical relationship.
Other zodiac signs
Related guides
Last reviewed . Method: how we work this out.