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Personality Traits of a Cancerian

By: Libby Pelham BA - Updated: 15 Sep 2021 | comments*Discuss
 
Cancer Cancerians Sensitive Shell Crab

The fourth sign of the zodiac is Cancer (June 22nd-July 22nd) and it is represented by the crab. Appropriately enough, Cancerians can seem easygoing, sympathetic, and patient one minute, then cranky and irritable the next. Because of this ability to make a sudden change, Cancer is the least predictable of all signs.

They are ruled by the moon and have water as their element, so their mood swings can be compared to the turbulence of the shifting tides. If they feel they need to, they will retreat to their own emotional shell to keep others out. However, Cancerians can be very sympathetic to others and readily show their affection. Cancerians are also very emotional and sensitive, which may be why they are so empathetic towards others.

Cancerians need a lot of attention due to their unpredictable character, but if you give them the support they need, they will offer you their undying loyalty and love (see our article Cancer in Love in this section). Once you have won their trust, nothing anyone else can say will sway them against you.

Sidesteppers

Just like a crab, Cancerians are often known for sidestepping. They rarely take the direct approach to what they want, but eventually they get what they are after. Cancerians are better judged by what they do and not what they say. When asked to help, their first response might be no, but in the end, they always come through. They can often be hard on the outside, but soft on the inside. The hard shell they show to the world is only there to protect themselves from being hurt.

Cancer is also the sign of home and family life. They seek out relationships and are happiest when with those they love because it gives them a sense of security.

Psychic

Cancerians are very intuitive, almost to the point of being psychic. They are able to spot even the smallest change in another's behaviour, so it is hard to deceive them. They are very insightful and most have a good memory. The combination of these two skills plus their excellent observation skills makes them very aware of the ulterior motives of others.

Weaknesses

Cancerians are often seen as moody, cranky, and unpredictable. Because of their sensitivity, they can be seen as over-emotional and touchy, almost to the point of being clingy. They tend to be possessive of those they have allowed in their world. Cancerians can shut people out if they feel uncomfortable and "going into their shell" is seen as being introverted.

Parts of the Body Ruled by Cancer

The breasts and stomach - because they love to overeat, Cancerians may have to fight the battle of the bulge their entire lives. They are also prone to digestion problems that may be caused by stress or tension.

Famous Cancerians

Actors/ Entertainers

  • Sylvester Stone
  • Bill Cosby
  • Harrison Ford
  • Milton Berle
  • Tom Cruise
  • Robin Williams
  • Tom Hanks
  • Pamela Anderson

Musicians/ Singers

  • Ringo Starr
  • Courtney Love
  • Huey Lewis
  • Deborah Harry (Blondie)
  • Carlos Santana

Artists/ Writers

  • Rembrandt
  • Ernest Hemingway
  • George Orwell

Politicians/ Leaders

  • Henry VIII
  • Nelson Mandela
  • George W. Bush
  • Prince William
  • Princess Diana
  • John Quincy Adams
  • Gerald Ford
  • Calvin Coolidge

Cancerians may seem hard on the outside, but do not take that to heart. Once you get to know them, they can be very loving and insightful of your feelings. They love to be with family and their families love them despite their turbulent mood changes.

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[Add a Comment]
I am born on 20th July and reading this post dropped tears down my eyes I can't believe my personality is so easy to understand..everything here written about me is 100% true
leo - 15-Sep-21 @ 3:45 AM
I am very interested in an cancer mab and l am leo woman
Denie - 30-Dec-19 @ 10:31 PM
Not as clingy and needy as some people say, and definitely not as emotional as some other star signs. On the contrary, I really need my own space (June 24). Maybe the stereotypes branded on cancers don't apply to all of us?
:) - 22-Dec-19 @ 2:25 PM
Very unsettledpresently . Need help to make a decision whetherto renovate or notas it is costly.No supportfrom husbandregardingthis. Plse help
Nita - 3-Oct-19 @ 8:50 AM
I love my own company and happy to just be. I dont like big crowds and try to avoid going to celebrations. If i do go Im the one sitting in the corner observing. If its my immediate family then Im shining like a star in the middle of everything. Im a natural born leader from the back, I make sure everything is planned properly, everyone gets looked after and no one gets left behind. Happy to let others take care of the front. Very intuitive and can feel the change in atmospheres and peoples moods in an instant. If my senses tell me not to go to certain places I listen, I can read people a mile off even from a photo. Theres only a hand full of people I fully trust but I can work with that, I just have my radars out and do what i need and get out.
Beks - 14-Sep-19 @ 8:54 PM
I'm an empath, I feel so drained when the people and things around me are in turmoil or maybe even just sick, when people tell me their lives it's as if I feel every pain, happiness etc. I often feel sick even though I'm not truly sick, large crowds make me feel like I can't breath, probably because I'm absorbing everyones energy good or bad that's around me at the time, when I stay happy and make myself be positive, everyone else tends to stay the same way, if I'm sick or I'm angry I notice the atmosphere around me change tremendously, I love too hard often because I always try to put myself in someone else's shoes and can find an excuse for them due to the fact that I can sense their pain and want to nurture them,my family is the most important thing in my life, friends come last , but i always try to help others, I have a soft spot for animals babies and the less fortunate or disabled
Jina - 30-Aug-19 @ 2:03 AM
Most of that is the way i am. I'm also spiritual just the way it says lol
terrystevie15 - 29-Aug-19 @ 9:25 AM
I can spot a phony in a heartbeat! It got me out of some very scary moments! I despise people that take advantage of another person! Money was never the big thing for me. I love engineering from the biggest of projects to the tiniest of them. I love beautiful kind hearted women, and despise phonies! I served in the United States Marine Corps as a bridge engineer. If they ran into a canyon, a ravine, a river, or a mudbog, I was the one that they came to. I am now 58, I struggle with Primary Progressive MS, and most of the time I feel like the south end of a northbound pachyderm---but I'm still tickin'! I raised a family, my wife died of cancer 8 years ago, my kids are all grown up, and moved away, and doing well for themselves. I only have one more item on my bucket list and it will take years to complete: should keep me busy! I love life, and I want to be around for a while!
Shaner - 23-Aug-19 @ 7:13 AM
100% territorial and emotional I find too much I give to others becàuse I feel emotionally happy and connected through giving but leave myself short ...the word love I take very deep and seriouslybut find it'sshallow in others . I've found it hypnotizes me as their puppet to a degree but if I sense distance or fowl play I do not sleep until I find something and thoughts manifest to a sinister place ...all that's needed to defuse my ticking time bomb is purity and reasurance of honest love and affection .... pessimism and faith go hand in hand 50/50
Mr crab - 8-Aug-19 @ 4:43 PM
I lost my virgo friend cant get her back no matter what she says im crazy to emotionaln miss her so much by the way im a cancer
Smile007 - 7-Aug-19 @ 5:04 PM
Fits me perfectly . I need a good partner in my life. Some one who knows how to love me unconditional
Jet - 21-Jul-19 @ 8:13 AM
Am a leo as i was born July 23rd but all the things that were listed as features of Cancerians i have them all.
Imax - 3-Jul-19 @ 8:58 PM
I'm a cancerian being born on the 25th of june but I don't have that great a memory like it says? And when it says, "When asked for help, their first response might be no, but in the end they always come through." I don't say no, instead I say yes when asked t o help. I would only say no a few times but say yes most of the time. Some of it is true though. I'm moody and cranky. But I don't like to overeat (I'm picky and sometimes wouldn't eat) so now I have many questions.
Qkim - 1-Jun-19 @ 7:38 AM
Im cancerian im too emitional and caring. Nurturer ,good listener ,i love the people around me.love my family
Anneinstein - 29-May-19 @ 9:09 AM
Canceriansare beautiful people. Just misunderstood. Betrayal comes to cancers a lot. The greatest joy of the cancer is finding someone who is truly genuine. I feel like cancers can go from 0 to 10 real quick. Cancers do not tolerate disrespect. And cancers will cut anyone off that they feel as though has been disrespectful to them. Ultimately cancers hold friends with a great deal of responsibility. By remaining loyal and honest to them. And betrayal is not tolerated to any degree.
John - 28-May-19 @ 11:03 AM
Iam cancer very caring love to eat love being with my children veryemotional I love me sometimes
Nikki - 20-May-19 @ 9:50 PM
Look, these things are meant to be fun, but some do take it to heart. I'm a cancerian 2nd of July, I get territorial when it comes to my partner, I put myself out there to the point I burn out emotionally, gradually increasing in self confidence I adore knowledge and learning, the first one to stand up for someone I care for I'll gladly dive right in but I've come to learn to ask for both sides of the story before hand since people have a habit of not giving me the full picture and I'm a hot head when someone I care about is hurt. I don't believe there is any excuse to be nasty but at the same time I could understand the emotions and thoughts. I do get emotional and pull away so I don't burden others and I don't get let down, it's a struggle but I try to be strong for others. It is unfortunate to read what some people have experienced and I feel apologetic to them, not every cancerian is like that or at least I hope not and if they are I hope they can grow to become better individuals. There is a lot more to someone then their starsign.
Oceania - 27-Apr-19 @ 2:10 PM
I love a Cancerian. I'm an Aquarius. Even though i find certain idiosyncrasies to be true, and humorous, I feel that no matter what sign your born under makes no excuse for poor communication.Nor does it stand in the way of great communication and understanding that we are all human, and we all have our pros and cons... Have a wonderful rest of your read.
Sincityskinkitty - 14-Apr-19 @ 7:44 AM
Oh my gaaaaaad! All the weirdos that are hating on cancers on here is embarrassing as hell yo! I'm a virgo (the best match for cancer tbh) I love them. You losers complaining about them GET OVER IT, clearly the cancer(s) in your life got the best of you haha! GOOD.obviously you can't move on because you're on here obsessing over how much you dislike crabs. #weirdos.Virgo n cancer 4 life x
Ashleygrice - 9-Apr-19 @ 3:30 AM
alltrue, we'rehardto read andto predict.
wolverine - 4-Apr-19 @ 10:07 PM
Wow is all true, even myself I have struggled being emotional and sensitive etc even I controlled myself being emotional it all happened ????difficult being cancerian specially when you surrounded people not understand you even once ??
Ofelia Coddalig - 5-Feb-19 @ 11:48 PM
As a proud cancerian my confidence comes first anyone that between that get shot out ,people like me a lotbut I don't like backthat much but being able to read other moves is what I love more about cos it help understand and observe the friends Cancerian is fun thou
Chizzy - 15-Jan-19 @ 9:21 AM
I find ppl who belive in this nonsense hilarious! I am a cancer, but nothing like what is described above. I am not moody (my aries hubby is). I am fiercely independent and not a bit clingy. I find others to be clingy.
zoob - 26-Dec-18 @ 10:45 PM
all said about cancerian here are true because me here i was born on 06/july so am not shame of being one
sunday - 21-Oct-18 @ 7:31 PM
Hi, i believe that being a cancerian is a worse thing ever happen in human life. Hell NO, cancer SUCKS!!!. I'm currently in a relationshp with a cancer woman, her mood swing has got me around the neck cause everyday is drama plus.. I'm tired already!
DLB - 15-Sep-18 @ 5:50 AM
I have yet to have a good experience of a cancerian. I find them to be oversensitive, spiteful, argumentative and shouty. Unfortunately I am surrounded by cancerian family members and colleagues. I did date a couple of cancerian men but I soon tired of their 'my way or the highway' attitude and their misconception that they were 'better' than me... So I gladly took the highway and never regretted it. One ex cancerian went as far as to physically assault me... Which was a huge mistake. Even when the police arrested him he was screeching 'do you know who I am' and lashing out. He was the most vindictive person I ever met. If I find out you're a cancerian I am polite.... but I give you a very wide berth.
Princy - 14-Jul-18 @ 3:49 PM
I am a cancerian I would say I am nurturing and empathetic however I am also moody and maybe a bit protective but I love myself to an extend where I sometimes doubt myself but thenI think about what’s wrong and write down all my good traits and bad traits and I always find more good traits I wouldn’t call myself shy when I’m crushing on someone I make jokes and sometimes be sarcastic, even though I dress very fancy I’m one of the guys !!! I find myself funny and loud I lovvvve acting and writing and drawingwow that was a lot of ands anyway bye ????
Tilly - 25-Jun-18 @ 5:46 PM
Hi all. I'm a proud Cancerian, it wasn't always that way though. My birthday is on the 22nd July, I wouldn't say I'm a typical Cancerian because I'm not moody at all in fact I really don't like moody people and I'm not clingy. I am very sensitive though and I always expected people to just know how I'm feeling or at least be mindful of me because I'm always mindful of others. I'm definately an ambivert, I really care about people and I am always ready and waiting to lend an ear and support when ever a situation calls for it but at the same time I don't like being around people and would prefer it if they stayed away from me, I prefer to be by myself or with family, people who i love and know for a fact love me. I have learnt to not let my weaknesses as a Cancerian control me, I know what they are but I take control of them. This has made my life so much easier and I find that people generally gravitate towards me even though I'm not a social butterfly I guess it's because I'm a good listener and this allows me to stay safely tucked away in my shell while I let people pour their hearts out to me and I help where ever I can and learn more about people in general without getting out of my shell.
Themba - 21-Jun-18 @ 7:06 AM
Their are some kpop idols that are cancerians: Wonwoo from SEVENTEEN Jaehyun from N flying Seohyun from SNSD Taemin from SHINee Taeyong from NCT Cheng Xiao from Cosmic Girls Also... k drama actors: Kim Woobin Lee Minho
J Yu - 10-Jun-18 @ 8:03 PM
Cancerians, here is my advice ( I know you guys very well I swear ??) 1. Don't change your mind every 5 minutes. You are losing your credibility by doing that by the way. 2. BE RELIABLE! BE RELIABLE! BE RELIABLE! I mean PLEASE!!!?? 3. Face your problems and DON'T run away thinking they ll "magically" get fixed! 4. Don t anticipate , try to trust people around you. 5. Quit whining for God's sake! 6. No more roundabout tactics. No one likes that from you. BE DIRECT! ???? Thank you !!?? Stay positive ??
LAK - 28-Mar-18 @ 3:17 PM
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