There’s always that one friend who acts as the “mom” in the group—the nurturing presence that always asks, “You okay?” when you’re feeling off. Cancer rising people possess a natural intuition that runs deep with those they love most. This won’t be apparent when you first meet one—in fact, it might be like pulling teeth to get a Cancer rising to open up. A lot of them struggle with a paralyzing shyness when meeting new people or in large social situations.
Typically, this isn’t a rising sign that will steal the spotlight—Cancer rising natives like to transition to a new environment or new person at their own, comfortable pace. Once a Cancer rising opens up, you’ll know it for two reasons: First: You’ve found the most loyal friend or lover, who would go to the ends of the earth for you. Secondly: You’ll experience their daily (and sometimes hourly) mood swings.
Cancer is ruled by the emotional moon, and is known for being one of the most sensitive zodiac signs. This moody, introverted, and nurturing water sign’s symbol and zodiac glyph is the introverted Crab. The crab is an animal that shows its hard shell and intimidating claws to the world, but is actually quite soft and vulnerable on the inside.
Because Cancers like to keep to themselves, they have a reputation for being reserved and sometimes standoffish. You’ll find that this is the case until you get to know them. Once you get on their good side, however, and they accept you into their close circle, get ready to be loved like you’ve never been loved before. Cancer’s capacity to nurture and protect their loved ones is legendary. You won’t forget the “wrapped up in a cozy blanket made of love” feeling that only a Cancer can deliver.
Cancer is the mother and nurturer of the zodiac, and the body parts it rules are closely associated with mothering: the chest and breasts (externally) and stomach (internally). Because of their intense emotions, Cancer natives notoriously have stomach issues and their nervousness results in upset stomach, cramps, gas, ulcers, or severe digestive issues.
Cancers being so highly influenced by their stomachs also stems from the old saying “trust your gut.” They are the most intuitive sign. When their instincts alert them that something’s wrong, they can get immediate stomach aches that don’t go away until they know everyone is safe and the situation has been resolved. This is sometimes called a nervous stomach, and Cancer gets it a lot. They also get butterflies in their stomach—something that can range from mild to severe when they’re happy or excited about something.
Temperamental: Also referred to as moody or unpredictable, this character flaw is a pretty difficult one to deal with when it comes to business. While there are certain careers where this behavior is tolerated more than others, for most of us working normal jobs, moods swings aren’t really encouraged.
Shy: While it might be refreshing that most Cancers don’t like to brag, their shyness can actually be quite detrimental to their careers. Their introverted nature makes it hard for them to speak up for themselves.
Inconsistent: Because of Cancer natives’ imagination and creativity, they’re always coming up with new ways to do things. Which is great in a creative career where they have full license to do whatever they want, but what about in a job where consistency and routine are important?
Gossipy: It might be hard to believe, but that unassuming, quiet Cancer who sits in the corner cubicle is spreading a nasty rumor about a coworker! They might not be the one who started it, but they have no qualms about spreading it.
Overly Competitive: Despite Cancer’s shy, quiet outward appearance, there often lurks a highly competitive spirit on the inside. Their insecurity can bring out a deep-seated need to prove that they’re better than everyone else.
Counselor: When they’re dialed in sans distractions, Cancers make people feel like they’re the only person in the room. Cancer’s unique ability to intuitively guess what’s on someone’s mind is an extremely helpful talent in this field.
Nurse/Caretaker: Of course, Cancers have the chops to be excellent doctors, but their skills are better used in the role of a nurse or caretaker. While they might lack the confidence to make major decisions in a crisis situation, they’re absolute pros at intuitively knowing what other people need.
Interior designer: There are few things more important to a Cancer than making his or her house a home, so they’re more than excited to help others do the same.
Artist: Crabs have art smarts. Artist is one career where Cancer natives’ moodiness actually works to their advantage, and they can use it to create some pretty amazing masterpieces.
Moodiness is a very common Cancer trait. So, how can someone know if their Cancer partner is just being moody or if they’re actually upset to the point of breaking up? When something major is actually about to go down, it isn’t always easy to foresee.
Because of this, how a Cancer might dump their partner is really unpredictable. Cancers might have an emotional outburst, crying uncontrollably, barely able to get the words out. Or, on the opposite side of the spectrum, they might shout. Given their passive-aggressive side, they might just ghost them, too. They act according to their moods, and their moods are completely impossible to calculate.
How does Cancer deal with breakups? In three words: Not. Very. Well.
During: If Cancer isn’t the one who instigates the breakup, they are an extremely heartbroken mess. Remember, Cancers enter relationships for the long haul. Because of their extreme moods, breaking up with a Cancer can result in experiencing a wide range of their emotions. Maybe they’ll be silent (at first). Maybe they’ll yell and throw things. They might try to bargain with you, or make an emotional plea by making you feel guilty about leaving.
After the Breakup: Cancers like to lean on their close circle of friends and family after a breakup. Are they the sitting-on-the-couch-eating-a-tub-of-ice-cream-watching-sappy-movies-and-looking-through-old-photos type? Sometimes. It depends on why the breakup happened, and whether or not deep down they know it’s the best thing.
Long-Term: Cancers are compassionate, understanding, and forgiving. In time, they get over breakups pretty well, but we’re talking time. Cancer natives are one of the most nostalgic zodiac signs, after all. When a Cancer is broken up with, they tend to know why (even if they don’t want to admit it). A Cancer’s keen sense of intuition has him or her expertly dialed into subtle changes in people.
Cancers can fall quickly, so know what you’re getting yourself into first! In order to seduce a Cancer over the long-term, you have to be completely tuned into them. Shut out distractions and focus on them and only them. Look them in the eyes. Make them feel like you’re peering into their soul and that you understand what’s going on in there.
Seducing a Cancer is most successful if you become friends first. This doesn’t mean staying in the friend zone forever, but don’t try to rush them into a romantic relationship right away. Cancers will make it clear or, at the very least, expect that you read their mind when their ready for the next step. Spending time getting to know a Cancer lets him or her know you aren’t just interested in sex. This is important. Going from platonic friends to lovers is a much smoother transition for Cancers. Don’t be discouraged if they “just want to be friends” at first. In time it can turn into more if you’re patient.
In general, Cancer isn’t a one-night-stand kind of sign. Cancers need to feel understood and to trust their partner, and that takes time. A lot, in some cases. Cancers might remain virgins or be celibate for long period of time until they find “the one.” More emotional than sexual, they don’t need sex to feel fulfilled. They do need to be touched, but not necessarily in a sexual way. Cancers love a slow seduction, though, and holding hands, touching, and caressing can all lead to sex in the right setting.
Cancers are natural caregivers, and their sexual style reflects that. More tender than passionate, Cancers view sex as a way to be emotionally close to their partners. They don’t open up freely or lose their inhibitions easily, so it might take a long time for them to get to the point where they’re comfortable experimenting or sharing fantasies. On a scale of one to 10, Cancer is about a -10 when it comes to public sex! Tender PDAs? Yes, please. Having a quickie in the bathroom while they’re at the movies? Hardly ever.
Cancers love to listen. They’re all ears when it comes to hearing about their partner’s day, problems, and complaints. One of the least likely signs to interrupt someone during a conversation, a Crab will thoughtfully listen to everything his or her lover has to say before trying to interject his or her own feelings.
It takes a lot for a Cancer to open up to their partners in return. They have a tough exterior. Cancer natives absolutely must have a trustworthy bond in order to share their innermost thoughts and feelings. Because of their insecurities, they might throw a tiny piece of an idea or thought out into the conversation to see how their partner responds. If they get a positive reaction, they’re more likely to open up.