Cancer is the fourth astrological sign in the Zodiac, originating from the constellation of Cancer. In western astrology, this sign is no longer aligned with the constellation as a result of the precession of the equinoxes. In astrology, Cancer is considered a yin sign or alternatively feminine or negative sign, meaning it is more introverted.

It is considered a water sign, and is one of four cardinal signs. Cancer is ruled by the Moon. Being the fourth sign in the zodiac, Cancer has been associated with the astrological 4th house.

Individuals born when the Sun was in this sign are considered Cancer individuals. Under the tropical zodiac, the Sun is in Cancer roughly from June 22 to July 22 and under the sidereal zodiac, it is currently roughly from July 16 to August 15.

Mythology

In mythology Cancer is the Greek myth of the Lernaean Hydra, one of The Twelve Labours of Hercules and the mythical figure of Perseus, where Hercules completes all of his tasks, or labours

Compatibilities

Although many mainstream astrology books do not bother with superficial sun-sign compatibilities, Cancer is widely thought to be compatible with the same element signs, Pisces and Scorpio.

There are many variables that determine compatibility in astrology, such as birth dates, birth months, birth years, position of a sign within the Sun, the Moon, Stars, etc. The signs listed as compatible with Cancer do not reflect an individual profile or individual reading as interpreted within astrology, but rather reflect a general guideline and reference to compatibility as dictated by variables such as Qualities and Elements within the Zodiac. The branch in astrology dealing with interpersonal compatibilities is called Synastry.