What’s your sign? These three words can range from cheesy pick-up lines to relationship-defining questions. Astrological signs and horoscopes remain popular in many cultures, especially when it comes to determining romantic compatibility. If you’re a believer, astrology just may hold the key to your love life.
What is Astrology?
Astrology involves observing the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets. The astrological observations are then used to predict events and outcomes. People who practice astrology believe that the relationships of the Planets and Stars to Earth heavily influence our lives.
The use of astrology dates back thousands of years. Researchers discovered boards engraved with signs of the zodiac and celestial bodies from ancient Mesopotamia, Babylon, Greece, and Rome.
As humans entered the age of science and the age of reason, the practice of astrology waned in some cultures. Other cultures still rely on astrological horoscopes to predict everything from business ventures to marriage.
What are Horoscopes?
A horoscope is an astrological chart that represents the positions of celestial bodies at the time of a set event, often a birthdate. Astrologers use horoscopes to describe personalities and predict outcomes of events (like the success of a marriage).
What are the Astrological Signs?
Understanding the different signs and the celestial bodies they are most commonly associated with helps astrologers make predictions. Most people accept that there are twelve signs of the zodiac that represent 12 constellations linked with each of the twelve lunar cycles. Astrologers further divide the signs of the zodiac into four groups.
The Fire Signs
People born under the Fire signs are usually associated with enthusiasm, courage, and creativity. They are often viewed as the sexiest signs of the zodiac as well.
- Aries (birthdates March 21st through April 19th) is the first sign of the zodiac symbolized by the Ram and associated with the planet Mars.
- Leo (birthdates July 23rd through August 22nd) is the fifth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the Lion, and ruled by the Sun.
- Sagittarius (birthdates November 22nd through December 21st), the ninth sign of the zodiac, is symbolized by the Archer and associated with the planet Jupiter.
The Water Signs
Water signs are known for their big feelings and even greater imaginations. They are often sensitive to the feelings of others, even hidden ones. Water signs tend to be fluid and nurturing.
- Cancer (birthdates June 21st through July 22nd) symbolized by the Crab and associated with the Moon, is the fourth sign of the zodiac.
- Scorpio (birthdates October 23rd through November 21st) is the eighth sign of the zodiac. Symbolized by the Scorpion, Scorpios are associated with two planets, Mars and Pluto.
- Pisces (birthdates February 19th through March 20th), the twelfth sign of the zodiac, is represented by a Pair of Fish and associated with Jupiter and Neptune.
The Air Signs
People born under air signs tend to be intellectual with exceptional communication skills. They appreciate balance and address issues from all angles.
- Gemini (birthdates May 21st to June 20th) is the third sign of the zodiac. Symbolized by Twins, Gemini is associated with the planet Mercury.
- Libra (birthdates September 23rd through October 22nd), symbolized by the Scales, is the seventh sign of the zodiac and associated with the planet Venus.
- Aquarius (birthdates January 20th to February 18th) is the eleventh sign and symbolized by the Water Bearer. It is also associated with two planets, Saturn and Uranus.
The Earth Signs
Earth signs tend to be grounded and take practical, rational approaches to solve problems. They are natural builders and look at the big picture when seeking solutions.
- Capricorn (birthdates December 22nd through January 19th), symbolized by the Goat and associated with Saturn, is the tenth sign of the zodiac.
- Taurus (birthdates April 20th through May 20th) is the second sign of the zodiac. Associated with the planet Venus, the Bull represents Taurus.
- Virgo (birthdates August 23rd to September 22nd), symbolized by the Virgin, is the sixth sign in the zodiac and ruled by the planet Mercury.
Understanding the Cancer Zodiac Sign
People born under the Cancer sign tend to be empathetic and excel at reading other people. They are naturally supportive individuals who care deeply for their family and friends. Cancers are also some of the more generous people who focus on the greatest good.
Don’t let the strong emotions concern you. Cancers tend to have well-developed emotional intelligence. Though they feel deeply and are one of the more emotional signs, Cancers manage and express their emotions in healthy ways.
As a water sign, Cancers find peace near rivers, lakes, and oceans. They are also affected by the Moon, the celestial body they are aligned with, and able to form deep connections with others.
Strengths of the Cancer Sign
Cancers are kind and compassionate, which makes them sensitive to the feelings of others, especially loved ones. They are often private and quieter individuals who take things in stride. Cancers tend to be emotionally strong and resilient.
Challenges for Cancers
Nobody is perfect, and even though Cancers are excellent confidantes, they have a tendency to isolate. Some Cancers may hold grudges for slights, be too clingy, or require constant approval and reassurance in relationships.
Astrology and Your Love Life
One of the most common uses for astrological charts is romance. Some cultures compare the astrological charts of two people before permitting them to marry. Many people seek guidance from their horoscopes before committing to a relationship or even a date.
How to Apply Horoscopes to Your Love Life
Over the years, astrologists have developed detailed personality descriptions for each of the twelve signs. Since horoscopes address personalities, tendencies, and the relationships to celestial bodies, they may predict compatibility and areas of potential turmoil.
Typical Traits of a Cancer Man
Men born under the Cancer sign tend to be quiet and gentle. Though they may come across as moody at times, they usually have a good sense of humor. Cancer men are affectionate, chivalrous, and possibly prone to romantic gestures (large and small).
Patience is a virtue most Cancer men share, and they are willing to wait for women who share their old-fashioned values. However, they also tend to have high expectations and can be judgmental if someone doesn’t measure up.
Cancer men may withdraw from others, especially if they feel overwhelmed, surprised, or uncomfortable with a situation. Remember, Cancer men are great listeners and profoundly aware, so they may pick up on subtleties that others miss. If your Cancer guy wants to skip out of an event, you may want to listen up!
Best Love Matches for a Cancer Man
Compatibility is a big deal when it comes to romance, and some signs match up better than others. For Cancer men, there are a couple of signs to seek out for the best chance at love.
Pair Up with Another Cancer
If you’re a Cancer, sticking with your sign is a recipe for success. Not only do you both manage to balance strong emotions, but you also create an unstoppable force of kindness and compassion. When one of you is down, the other can guide the way out of an emotional funk.
Try Matching with a Taurus
People born under the Taurus sign are steady, laidback, and loyal. Cancer men can flourish in a relationship with a Taurus as their rock. Since a Taurus is keen to snuggle and chill, they don’t mind the homebody spirit of a Cancer man.
Scope Out a Scorpio
When in doubt, give another Water Sign a chance. Scorpios share similar traits with Cancer men, especially regarding trust and loyalty. They are less likely to feel overwhelmed or smothered if their Cancer guy gets a little too clingy.
Be Open to a Pisces
Speaking of Water Signs, people born under the Pisces sign also share several traits with Cancer men. Pairing a Cancer man with a Pisces partner could make for the ideal balance of passion and sweetness.
Possible Love Matches for a Cancer Man
Not every pairing is a match made in heaven, but that doesn’t mean a couple is doomed to misery. Some signs match reasonably well and lead to fulfilling, trusting relationships.
Consider a Capricorn
Capricorns are steady and focused on family life. They may struggle with communication, but Cancer men are excellent communicators. With the right balance and a little effort, Cancer men can find happiness with Capricorns.
A Leo is a Possibility
If a Cancer man likes a bit of fire in his life, a Leo could make an exciting match. Though Leos can be competitive, some Cancer men may appreciate the challenge. As long as the Leo showers the Cancer man with enough affection, the relationship has potential.
Signs a Cancer Man Should Avoid
Since Cancer men are patient, kind, and intuitive, you may think they blend well with any other sign. However, some signs may not appreciate what a Cancer man has to offer.
Be Wary of Aries
If an Aries and Cancer man get together, it can spell trouble if the two parties can’t find balance. They are opposing forces, and the Cancer man may find an Aries partner too aggressive, blunt, or offensive. While the Fire and Water signs could learn from each other, Aries and Cancer together could be trouble.
Stay Away from Gemini
Odd is the only way to describe a relationship between a Gemini and a Cancer man. Both parties could lose themselves in the relationship by falling into specific roles. Though it doesn’t seem like a bad idea, trouble arises when one of them fails to live up to their established role.
Pass Over a Libra
The fun-loving, come-as-it-may perspective of a Libra could easily rub a Cancer man the wrong way. This pairing often leads to power struggles and hurt feelings, which trouble Cancer men. If the pair builds a relationship on their mutual interests and appreciation for beauty and harmony, they may succeed as a couple.
A Word About Cusp Signs
There are definitely cases of opposing signs pairing up to build strong, loving relationships. In some of these instances, one or both of the individuals is a cusp sign, which changes the horoscope a bit.
What is a Cusp Sign?
Cusp signs are people born between two signs. They often feel an inner conflict because they exhibit characteristics of both signs. For Cancers, there are two cusps, the Gemini-Cancer Cusp (June 17th through June 23rd) and the Cancer-Leo Cusp (July 19th through July 25th).
Traits of the Gemini-Cancer Cusp
People born on the Gemini-Cancer Cusp make for interesting and exciting times. They shift from the center of attention to private homebody. Inspiring, patient, attentive, and committed are some of the best qualities of people born on this cusp, but they can also hold a grudge that would make a Scorpio jealous.
Understanding the Cancer-Leo Cusp
Explosive may be the best way to describe people born on the Cancer-Leo Cusp. They may struggle to find balance in every aspect of their lives, but they excel at love and faithfulness. Once these people learn balance, they can be a force of good.
Romantic Compatibility for a Cusp Sign
What happens if you are technically a Cancer, but you feel more like a Gemini? Your compatibility with signs may trend toward those of a Gemini. For Cancer men born on a cusp, it’s important to understand the traits of both signs to determine where they fall.
Cancer men may gravitate toward people born on a cusp because of their strong emotional intelligence. They are understanding and may appreciate partners with blended traits. Likewise, individuals born on a cusp may find peace in the affections of a Cancer man.
Finding Romantic Compatibility for a Cancer Man
Each sign carries a unique set of traits and characteristics, opening the door for exciting romantic matches. Cancer men usually prefer a slow, steady development to establish trust. Committing to a Cancer man means a life of romantic gestures, loyalty, and affection, as long as you mind their feelings.
