Leo and Cancer aren’t your average zodiac signs–this pair is each ruled by the two luminaries. Ruled by the Sun, Leo wants to shine—and let’s be real, maybe be in the center of attention from time to time. Sensitive Cancer is ruled by the Moon with all its changeable phases, and is associated with comfort, nurturing qualities, and security. Together, the Sun and Moon give us life and represent our external outer world and expression (the Sun) and our internal needs and emotional wellbeing (the Moon). It’s no wonder Leo and Cancer are such a dynamic duo.
The Leo Basics
Dates: July 23 to August 22
Element: Fire
Modality: Fixed
Ruler: The Sun
Represented by: The lion
Famous Leos: Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Meghan Markle, Daniel Radcliffe, Sandra Bullock, Viola Davis, Chris Hemsworth, Jason Momoa, Jennifer Lawrence
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The Cancer Basics
Dates: June 21 to July 22
Element: Water
Modality: Cardinal
Ruler: The Moon
Represented by: The crab
Famous Cancers: Selena Gomez, Post Malone, Ariana Grande, Solange, Chloe Bailey, Khloé Kardashian, Jaden Smith, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Lana Del Rey, Sandra Oh
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Let's talk compatibility!
The Signs You're Most Romantically Compatible With
Getty/Margie Rischiotto
The Signs You're Most Sexually Compatible WIth
Getty/Margie Rischiotto
Think You're Not Compatible? You Might Be Wrong
Getty/Margie RischiottoLeo and Cancer: Personality Traits
Leo and Cancer are different in many ways. As a fire sign, Leo is outgoing, passionate, spontaneous, and loves the spotlight, while water sign Cancer is more introverted and more of a homebody. However, both signs are very creative, generous, and emotionally intelligent. They're both super-supportive of their loved ones and incredibly loyal. Their differences mean they can learn a lot from each other, while their shared values mean they just click.
Leo and Cancer: Friendship Compatibility
As long as lively Leo can respect Cancer’s need to retreat and soak up some solitude from time to time, these two make great friends. As the eternal cheerleader of the zodiac, Leo is the first to lift Cancer’s spirits and encourage them to push outside their comfort zone. Cancer’s thoughtfulness will melt Leo’s heart. They know just the right compliment to give to make Leo’s ego roar.
These two signs are both incredibly nostalgic and have deep ties to the past. For Cancer, that nostalgia often is related to loved ones and those they consider family. Leo’s nostalgia is rooted in their profound connection with their inner child. Both signs will appreciate reminiscing about all of their adventures shared and selfies taken together.
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Leo and Cancer: Sexual Compatibility
Sex between a Leo and Cancer can be a great match. Leo’s domineering attitude works out in the bedroom, as Cancer oftentimes won’t mind taking a more passive role. Both of these zodiac signs lead with their hearts, so their passionate encounters may also lead to a little lovemaking. Cuddling, foreplay, and sensual touch all make Cancer ready to go.
Cancer is also a cardinal sign, an initiator in the zodiac, so even though they sometimes prefer to take the backseat and follow Leo’s lead, they will surprise the lion every now and again when they take charge. Cancer’s heightened intuition means they'll also know exactly what compliments to say to make Leo feel like royalty in the sheets. Leo may play hard to get, but both of these signs get attached quickly. If the sex and connection are good, this duo will be back for more.
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Leo and Cancer: Relationship Compatibility
Leo and Cancer both have big feelings, which can make for a solid relationship when both parties engage in healthy communication habits. Leo won’t be shy in sharing how they feel, and although Cancer may be a bit more guarded at first, their body language will be a dead giveaway. These two fall fast. First date and then wedding planning kind of fast. Don’t be surprised if you see these two moving in together after a few weeks, or introducing one another to their families after a few dates.
When these two are in, they’re in for the long haul. If Cancer can learn to appreciate Leo’s honesty and not take things so personally, this couple can flourish. And if Leo can learn to nurture Cancer as much as Cancer nurtures them and return the favor, well, the stars will align for this pairing.
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Leo and Cancer: Marriage Compatibility
In marriage or a committed long-term relationship, Leo and Cancer make for a healing union. Leo knows how to fuel Cancer’s fire and build up their confidence. Cancer knows how to nurture Leo’s inner child and remind them that they’re safe enough to stay in touch with their inner joys and pleasure. These two can be one another’s biggest cheerleaders in life.
Communication is where they will have to learn to compromise the most. Emotional Cancer can shut down quite easily if they are offended. Leo will want to talk it out and won’t hold back on what they’re really feeling in the moment. These two will need to learn how to communicate effectively and thoughtfully. Both of these zodiac signs are incredibly loyal and loving. They show all the other zodiac signs what depth and devotion really mean!
Leo and Cancer: Communication Compatibility
Communication is one area where these two could struggle. Leo tends to be outspoken and direct, while Cancer has a tendency to internalize their feels and let resentment build up. For these two to make it work, Cancer will need to learn to speak out when they have something to say, rather than waiting for Leo to read their mind. And Leo will have to work to learn to pick up Cancer's more subtle cues.
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Leo and Cancer: Trust Compatibility
Trust is another area that could be a challenge. Leo is naturally flirtatious and outgoing, while Cancer tends to be a bit jealous. It's easy for Cancer to get upset when Leo spends time with other people, even if Leo truly doesn't mean anything by it. For Leo's part, they thrive on attention and might not think twice about where it's coming from. It's important for these two to communicate their needs and boundaries clearly with each other.
Leo and Cancer: Relationship Advice
Leo and Cancer are very different from each other, it's true. Whether these two help each other grow or get on each other's nerves all comes down to their willingness to work on understanding each other and communicating clearly and kindly.
Leo and Cancer: Compatibility Summary
If these two can find a way to communicate well, their differences can be a benefit. As two of the most loyal and supportive signs, Leo and Cancer always have each other's backs. Talk about a power couple!
Famous Leo and Cancer Couples
Still together:
- Jennifer Lawrence (Leo) and Cooke Maroney (Cancer)
- Kevin Bacon (Cancer) and Kyra Sedgwick (Leo)
- Chris Hemsworth (Leo) and Elsa Pataky (Cancer)
- Steve Carell (Leo) and Nancy Carell (Cancer)
Broken up:
- Ariana Grande (Cancer) and Dalton Gomez (Leo)
- Gisele Bündchen (Cancer) and Tom Brady (Leo)
- Solange (Cancer) and Alan Ferguson (Leo)
- Mick Jagger (Leo) and Jerry Hall (Cancer)
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Stephanie is an astrologer, psychic medium, and witch. She's studied the mystical arts for over a decade including the stars, mediumship, palm reading, tarot, curanderismo, and more. She is the author of Seasons of the Zodiac: Love, Magick, and Manifestation Throughout the Astrological Year and host of the podcast Daily Horoscope for Your Zodiac Sign. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Well + Good, Bustle, among other publications, and she has appeared on the Today Show as an astrology expert and modern mystic.
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