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 21 to July 22 and under the sidereal zodiac, it is currently roughly from July 16 to August 15.

Mythology
In mythology Cancer is often associated with 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

Associated traits
Astrologers are in broad agreement that a person born under the sign of Cancer share the following characteristics:

• Tenacious
• Retentive
• Resourceful
• Home-loving
• Loyal
• Intuitive
• Generous
• Conservative
• Emotional
• Loving
• Shrewd
• Sensitive
• Protective
• Introverted
• Cautious
• Purposeful
• Wise
• Easily flattered
• Romantic
• Imaginative
• Security-oriented
• Warm
• Sympathetic
• Patriotic
• Sentimental
• Caring
• Maternal instincts
• Sincere
• Kind

Characteristics considered negative
The same person, however, is prone to being:

• Changeable
• Moody
• Gloomy at times
• Devious
• Clinging
• Indecisive
• Insecure
• Over-protective
• Defensive
• Excess emotionality
• Timidity

Physical traits
Some astrologers choose to associate Cancer's physical characteristics with being average or below average height, having a slender small-boned body, short legs and an inclination to gain weight. They see Cancers as usually having brown hair, a round well-defined face, a tan or pale complexion, a prominent forehead, large, soft eyes of green or blue, a shortish nose that curves straight or slightly up, and a full mouth with full lips and a wide smile, as well as long arms and fingers resting on defined hands. In essence, the upper body is proportionally well balanced in proportion to the lower, which may make for a rather smooth-going, attractive appearance.

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. Cancer is also often considered to be good with Taurus.
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.

Correspondences
The following items are traditionally associated with Cancer:

• The Indian equivalent of Cancer is Kataka;
• The Chinese equivalent is thought to be the sincere, sympathetic Sheep, whose lunar month is 7 July - 7 August.
• The corresponding month in the Babylonian calendar is Arax Du'uzu, dedicated to Adar