Astrology can help us understand more about ourselves and the people we love/date/hopelessly crush on—no matter their gender. For more deets on Gemini compatibility, check out our guide to dating a Cancer man and our gender-neutral guide to dating a Cancer.

Oh, you have a crush on a sentimental crabby baby? I definitely commend you for having amazing taste! Cancer is one of my favorite zodiac signs (that being said, I’m not exactly impartial, because it’s my Moon sign).

When dating a Cancer woman, you need to understand that like the Moon (their sign’s ruler), their emotions change from day to day. On some days, they may be extremely affectionate and want to have you nearby, and on other days, they may need some solo time and can feel overwhelmed by your presence. Try not to take the flux in their emotions personally—it usually isn’t.

Cancer is a cardinal water sign, so much like a flowing river, Cancer women are always moving, navigating around hard places and other living beings. They’re natural nurturers, which explains why they need to take time for rest so often. They are givers, and it’s important that they keep people around them who understand their need to replenish their cups. Let's talk more about this cute lil crab:

Birthday: June 21 to July 22

Modality: Cardinal

Element: Water sign

Ruling planet: The Moon

Represented by: The crab

Tarot card: The Chariot

Best crystals : Ruby, peridot, sapphire, hematite, pyrite

Keywords: Nurturing, warm, careful, intuitive, joyful

Best traits: Caring, sensitive, creative, emotionally intelligent

Worst traits: Crybaby, passive-aggressive, lazy, moody

Love anthem: “Mother,” by Umi

Famous Cancer women: Solange Knowles, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Princess Diana of Wales, Sofia Vergara, Priyanka Chopra, Tia Mowry, Tamera Mowry, Khloé Kardashian, Meryl Streep, Lana Del Rey, Sandra Oh, Missy Elliott, Mindy Kaling, Camila Mendes, Saweetie

Cancer women are extremely emotionally intelligent. They're experts at reading a situation and their intuition is so strong they can basically read your mind. And if you've earned the honor of being a Cancer's loved one, you know that they will care for you and take care of you no matter what. They're natural givers who love to nurture—and even spoil—their friends, family, and romantic partners.

Cancer is represented by a crab for a reason. These water signs can get moody! They get their feelings hurt easily and they're also a little bit clingy and prone to jealousy. You can't blame them—they're ruled by the Moon and their moods are just as changeable. If you catch a Cancer on a bad day, well, you'll wish you hadn't! On the bright side, tomorrow they'll probably be in a better mood (unlike Scorpio, who will hold a grudge for life).

Cancer and Taurus

Tauruses are natural nurturers who love to love—their affectionate nature makes them a perfect match for a Cancer.

Cancer and Capricorn

Cancer women require a partner who is understanding and willing to be their comforter. Capricorns tend to have a protective and mature front, which helps Cancer feel safe to express her watery self.

Cancer and Pisces

Cancer is also compatible with fellow water signs, particularly Pisces. These two share a sensitive nature and strong sense of creativity.

Cancer and Scorpio

Cancer also vibes with fellow water sign Scorpio. These two speak the same language, emotionally.

Cancer and Cancer

And of course, who's a better match for a Cancer than another Cancer? You can't have too much of a good thing!

Cancer and Gemini

Gemini is a "proceed with caution" sign for Cancer! They might mean well, but their tricky ways and childish antics might end up stressing a Cancer woman all the way out. Gemini falls into Cancer’s house of self-sabotage and secret enemies, so you can see why it’s easy to vote that mercurial sign out of the running. Even though Geminis might want to support their Cancer girlfriend, sometimes Geminis can behave in confusing ways that inevitably hurts Cancers' feelings!

Cancer and Sagittarius

On the other hand, Sagittarius is exceptionally adventurous and excellent company...which may be more literal than one might initially realize. Sagittarius falls into Cancer’s 6th House of work, routine, and health. At their best, they level up together. At worst, they exhaust each other. Either way, always look to the entire birth chart to determine full compatibility—it’s always more complicated than just the Sun signs!

Don’t let your Cancer woman’s sweet and sunny disposition fool you. Just as these crabs have no issue scuttling along the sand, they won’t hesitate to change the vibe and dive into deep waters! That’s right: Sexually, Cancer women are surprisingly freaky. Leaning a bit on the submissive side, they will find excitement if you take control and surprise them.

Consider gently pushing them against walls or holding them close, and you’ll be surprised how receptive they’ll be if they feel comfortable with you. As things become more steamy, talk to your Cancer lover about using restraints. They may be very receptive to the idea of you being caring, nurturing, and dominant. (Just make sure to discuss a safe word first!) As they are in the streets, you’ll find that in the sheets, Cancers will want to service and take care of you.

Once a Cancer woman is committed to a relationship (and maybe even in the early dating stages too), she'll want to spend all her time with you. Hopefully you are also a cuddly person and are up for nights watching TV together, cooking dinner together, and snuggling up under warm covers... notice something about these dates? Yeah, they're all at home. See, Cancer is very much a homebody, especially once she's in a committed relationship and doesn't feel the pressure to get all dressed up. Hopefully you feel the same way!

My main point: Don’t do anything super out-there. Cancer women are extremely wise, which means they know that a first date is exactly that—a first impression, a first attempt, a new person. At its best, a first date is the first step to going from strangers to potential lovers. There’s no need to do any wild antics or loud proclamations of interest! Keep it low-key and ask them out to a speakeasy or somewhere a little mysterious. If you take the time to find a spot that very few people have actually visited, they’ll thoroughly appreciate you. The key to charming a Cancer woman is to make her look special. Then, as you’re beginning to get to know her more, you’ll be able to show her that she’s special!

Pro tip: Maybe consider checking out the restaurant or venue before you take her there. It’s always exciting to find a highly-rated place, but if the food or the vibes are off, then your boo is going to feel it! The key to winning your Cancerian lover's heart is not to rush things, because they surely won’t. They are keen to vibes and sensing the mood, so be mindful of your Cancer woman’s facial and body expressions. You’ll know exactly how she’s vibing if you pay attention. Good luck!

Cancer isn't the most outgoing sign of the zodiac, so she's more likely to have a close circle of friends than a wide circle of acquaintances. But if you've made it to her inner circle, you know how loving and caring she can be. She's always there with a shoulder to cry on, advice to offer, and ice cream to share.

Although she isn't about to dominate a meeting by talking over everyone like certain signs, Cancer lets her talents shine more quietly. She's incredibly creative and brings brilliant ideas to share with the team when brainstorming. Her emotional intelligence also shines. She makes an amazing mentor and manager to those who are earlier int heir career.

A Cancer woman's home is her favorite place to be! So you bet that it's incredibly cozy, calming, and pretty. It looks like it belongs in an Architectural Digest video, but like one of the videos where you can tell that they actually live in their home and spend time there. Her bed, her sofa, and even her dining room chairs were chosen with comfort in mind. Plus, her place is so cute. It's no wonder she wants to spend all her time there!

Give a Cancer woman something from the heart—a poem you wrote for her, a sweater you knitted for her, a bottle of her favorite wine, a framed photo of the two of you, etc. She's not easily swayed by flashy things, but give her something with a sentimental meaning behind it, and she'll melt.

Cancer women are one of the sweetest signs of the zodiac! They’re known for their round features and cheerful disposition, making them seem very warm and welcoming. These crab women are sure to bring the sunshine and positivity wherever they go.

If you have a crush on a Cancer, the best way to attract them is by being friendly and genuine. There’s a certain certain innocence that Cancer women carry. It’s not that they are naive to the world around them—rather, they recognize that life is much more enjoyable when you let happiness in. For this reason, Cancer ladies have an appreciation for all things cute. Some great first date ideas are a picnic in the park, a visit to a cat café, or signing up for a cooking class. Dates that provide them the opportunity to eat, cut loose, and have fun are always ideal.

More than anything, a Cancer woman is going to feel impressed by the thought that goes into your date ideas. They are wooed by sweet intentions and want to have experiences that they can cherish for months to come. Assuming that your first date with your Cancerian lover goes well, you can keep the flame going by showing your affection.

Remember, Cancer gals like anything cute, so be sure to send sweet text messages and try to match their emoji usage. Their face will light up with the right smiley selection. Even leaving short handwritten notes can fill your crabby crush with glee. A thoughtful present, like their favorite flowers, is even better.

Cancers women are extremely intuitive and in touch with their emotions, so there’s no faking it with them. You present either your true and authentic self or nothing at all. They’ll be able to feel when the vibes are wrong and won’t hesitate to poke holes at what they perceive as a problem. If they’re seeing red flags, they may not leave immediately because they are sentimental and honor attachments, but they aren’t about to ignore things either.

Once you and your Cancer girl feel comfortable, make sure you approach intimacy with the same level of care from start to finish. Cancer women expect a certain type of depth to the intimate encounters they have. They may expect you to confide in them about every emotion you’re feeling. Try not to overthink this—there’s no need to stand outside of the rain with a boombox over your head. Just tell them you’re nervous or, better yet, how happy you are to be with them.