Cancer
Sign 4 of 12 · 90°–120° of the ecliptic
Cancer is a cardinal water sign. Astrologers associate it with care, memory, home and emotional protection. In the tropical zodiac the Sun is in Cancer from about 21 June to 22 July.
| Symbol | ♋ The Crab |
|---|---|
| Element | Water |
| Modality | Cardinal |
| Polarity | Feminine (receptive), nocturnal |
| Ruler | Moon |
| Exaltation | Jupiter |
| Detriment | Saturn |
| Fall | Mars |
| Opposite sign | ♑ Capricorn |
| Body (traditional melothesia) | Chest and stomach |
| Tropical Sun dates (approx.) | 21 June – 22 July |
Cancer in a chart
Sun in Cancer: identity expressed through care. Moon in Cancer: emotional needs coloured by water and a cardinal rhythm. Cancer rising: a first impression in the style of Cancer, with Moon as chart ruler.
Across traditions
| Tradition | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western (tropical) | Cancer | Measured from the March equinox. The Sun enters around 21 June. |
| Vedic (sidereal) | Karka (कर्क) | Lord: Chandra (Moon). With the Lahiri ayanamsa the Sun enters around 16 July. |
| Chinese | No equivalent | Chinese astrology has no Sun signs. The 12 animals count years, months and hours. |
Test yourself
Which element does Cancer belong to?
Learn it properly in the courseBuilt from the Astrolysis facts table western/signs/cancer.