Cancer Zodiac Sign Traits

Emotional, intuitive, and practically psychic; ruled by the moon and characterized by the crab, Cancer has so much going on in its watery depths. Cancer signs may seem prickly and standoffish at first meeting, once they make the decision to become friends with someone, that person has a friend for life. Most Cancer signs have been called psychic at some point, and with good reason—Cancer can often intuit relationships, ideas, and motivations before anyone has actually spoken. That can make for challenging interactions with this sign—Cancer hates small talk, especially when it contains white lies (like saying, "How nice to see you!" when it's clear that both parties would rather avoid each other). That's why social gatherings can be overwhelming for Cancers. They'd much rather spend time in small groups where everyone is on the same page.

Cancer's Friendship Style

Cancers may turn down the first invite you give them. They may even turn down the fifth. But once they finally say yes, know that you may have found a real friend. While Cancers, like their spirit animal the Crab, are known for their thick outer shell, trust that the standoffishness is all an act. Get a bit below the surface, and you'll find that a Cancer is all feelings. Because of that, they tend to protect themselves in public, and until you really get to know them, they're likely to answer any friendly "How are you?" question with a curt "Fine."
The good news is once Cancer has your back, you have a friend for life. One of the most nonjudgmental signs of the Zodiac, Cancer will always listen and sympathize with you—even if you did make a pretty big mistake. Cancers aren't interested in petty drama, either, and they won't share your business with other people unless you give them explicit instruction that it's okay.

Cancer's Love Style

Sensual, passionate, and super in tune with their bodies, Cancers are highly attuned to love and physical sensation—as long as they can trust enough to let down their barriers and allow another person into their world. Cancer can be cagey about the dating game, and engaging in the getting-to-know-you game, either on text or through conversation, can feel like torture for sensitive Crabs. Cancer much prefers discovering and checking out potential partners in low-stress settings, such as in a class, as neighbors, or at a local coffee shop.
Cancers sometimes get frustrated that their partner doesn't know everything that's going on in their internal life, and they can easily put up walls and say it's all good when everything is clearly the exact opposite. In order to truly connect, Cancers must be patient with their partner and voice their emotional needs—and these lessons can have a steep learning curve for this sign. Crabs want a partner who can bear witness to their emotional ups and downs, yet they can lash out if their partner tries to "fix" things. Sometimes, all Cancer needs to do is vent.

For the Cancer in Your Life

Best gifts: Ruled by the heart, nostalgic Cancer loves connecting to the past. Photo albums, heirlooms, and personalized handmade gifts are the best way to a Cancer's heart. As a domestic creature, the Crab also adores gifts for the home. Home is their haven, so wine, kitchen gadgets, or luxe shower scrubs are ideal.
Best spa package: Sensuous Cancer craves head-to-toe pampering and loves different sensations. First a salt scrub and then a shower followed by a long massage is ideal for Cancers, as it gives them plenty of time to sink into their physical self, forget about their mind, and fully succumb to bodily pleasure.
Best Cocktail: Pinot Grigio. Cancer delights in a glass of wine, preferably in a low-lit wine bar or while watching the sunset. Crabs will happily skip the bar scene, and a glass of wine at home by candle light is the ideal way to unwind with their loved one after a long day.

The Best Fitness Routines for Cancer

More than any other sign, Cancer intuitively feels the mind-body connection and sees fitness as essential to calming the mind and finding space in the day for tuning into his or her body. Cancer sees fitness as an almost spiritual practice—a time to commune uninterrupted with mind and body—and tends to shy away from group fitness classes where an instructor can interfere with the flow. Cancer has a reserve of self-discipline, doesn't have any problem DIY-ing a routine, and may find yoga, running, or Pilates to be great ways to simultaneously move and meditate.

Cancer Spiritual Traits

The Best Crystals for Cancer: Moonstone, as the name suggests, is connected directly to the moon and harnesses its energy. Connecting to moonstone calls upon Cancers' free spirit to carry them through their journey. Red jasperÂ is very beneficial for building Cancer's stamina, helping the Crab overcome adversity to become a stable support for their loved ones. Abalone shell connects Cancer to the changing tides and emotions of the sea, making this sign more perceptive to what others are feeling. Cancer's Healing Mantra: "Feelings manifest change."

In romance, Cancer is a giving and generous lover and expects the same in return. The Crab is above mind games and hates the thrill of the chase—if you love someone, why not say it now? It's not uncommon for Cancer to fall into committed love after just a few days or weeks, and even though that decision is sudden, it can easily last a lifetime. Cancers tends to be happiest when they're part of a pair, and the best relationship brings out their greatest traits. But even though a Cancer thrives in a duo, he or she also has an independent streak, and needs plenty of time to do things solo. This sign has an active internal life, and is often are happy living in the realm of imagination. Sometimes Cancers need help from one of the more grounded signs to make their dreams a reality.