Do Aries and Cancer form a compatible sign match regarding zodiac sign compatibility? Expert astrologers reveal all the details. Both cardinal signs, born at the beginning of their respective seasons, Aries and Cancer share initiative and a take-charge attitude about what matters most to them. Their values are strong and central to their decisions, big or small.
Aries marks the Spring Equinox and the astrological new year. As the first zodiac sign, they tend to focus on their journey, self-preservation, and transforming their passionate desires into tangible reality—meanwhile, Cancer heralds the Summer solstice. The dramatic summer romances we crave are always on this Water sign’s mind as they long to create everlasting memories and ideal moments with loved ones. While Aries aims to realize their individuality, Cancer believes they are incomplete without their community, family, or the environments that shaped them. Together, Aries and Cancer experience deep emotions and passionate interactions. They evoke strong feelings in each other, for better or worse.
The Aries Basics
Modality: Cardinal
Element: Fire
Associated With: The Ram
Dates: March 21 to April 19 (may vary by a day, depending on year)
Tarot Card: The Emporer
Worst Traits: bossy, headstrong, prideful, argumentative, intense, hotheaded
Best Traits: Independent, confident, lively, inspirational, driven, courageous, authentic
Planetary Ruler: Mars
Famous Aries celebrities: Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Paul Rudd, Emma Watson, Halle Bailey, Kristen Stewart, Alec Baldwin, Robert Downey Jr.
The Cancer Basics
Modality: Cardinal
Element: Water
Associated With: The Crab
Dates: June 21 to July 22 (may vary by a day, depending on year)
Tarot Card: The Chariot
Worst Traits: Moody, melancholy, cynical, codependent, clingy
Best Traits: Compassionate, empathetic, relationship-oriented, intuitive
Planetary Ruler: the Moon
Famous Cancer celebrities: Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Solange Knowles, Margot Robbie, Khloé Kardashian, Elon Musk, Tom Cruise
Aries and Cancer Personalities
Aries Personality
Aries is known as a confident Fire sign. As pioneers and leaders, they don’t beat around the bush. They say what they mean and mean what they say! You’ll never have to worry about how an Aries feels about you. They make their love, desires, and intentions clear, visible, and known. Whether in love, work, friendship, or family, they protect their loved ones and defend their honor at all costs.
Cancer Personality
As a Water sign, Cancers are intuitive and spiritually gifted. They tend to be nurturing once you’ve earned their trust, bringing you into their soft inner world. Their sensitivity runs deep, and like a psychic sponge, they absorb the emotions of others. Nostalgic and tender-hearted, a Cancer always holds love for those in their life, whether present or past. Therefore, they’ll never forget you once you enter their heart.
Aries and Cancer: Overall Compatibility
Aries and Cancer mesh well on some fronts and struggle on others. As cardinal signs, both take initiative toward who and what matters most. Both wear their heart on their sleeve with loved ones. However, Cancer may be more inclined to remain associated with their roots, traditions, family, or upbringing, as Aries desires to be on the cutting edge. This can lead to clashes where Cancer craves more sentimentality or sensitivity from the Ram. Additionally, Aries may wish the Crab could be more assertive, set boundaries, and get themselves out of moody ruts.
Aries and Cancer Overall Compatibility Percentage: 55%
Aries and Cancer: Romantic Compatibility
Aries and Cancer make for emotional, passionate lovers. Aries tends to dive in, and Cancer adores their unapologetic love style. However, while Aries craves excitement, adventure, and adrenaline, Cancer prefers a cozy, homebody, introverted vibe. It may feel like the Ram is constantly pulling the Crab out of their comfort zone, pushing them to be more daring. Conversely, Cancer may be frustrated that Aries get prideful or restless instead of sitting with their sensitivities for longer durations. Overall, they can make it work but must compromise on how one another processes emotion, not pushing one another to conform.
Aries and Cancer Overall Romantic Percentage: 45%
Aries and Cancer: Friendship Compatibility
Friendship is vital to both Aries and Cancer, but in differing ways. Aries values someone who hypes them up to smash their goals, progress, and improve in life. Meanwhile, the Crab seeks friends who are emotionally validating, empathetic, and nurturing above all else. While both are passionate about those they adore, they show it in different ways. Cancer may feel Aries is too pushy about getting them out of their comfort zone. Aries may feel Cancer’s moodiness tiring.
Aries and Cancer Friendship Compatibility Percentage: 50%
Aries and Cancer: Work Compatibility
Work compatibility between Aries and Cancer is iffy. Aries and Cancer love a challenge as cardinal signs, with a bit of healthy competition. However, they can clash at times. Cancer likely values more supportive teamwork dynamics, bringing a work community together through harmony. Aries prefer to put their head down, finish the task, and work best on their terms. Sometimes, Cancer may feel Aries is aloof, standoffish, or bossy. Aries may feel nagged by Cancer’s approach.
Aries and Cancer Overall Work Percentage: 45%
Aries and Cancer: Family Compatibility
Aries and Cancer are often very different. While Cancer prioritizes harmony within their unit, Aries demands to be their individual. They usually don’t see eye to eye on how to handle conflicts or emotional concerns with other family members. However, their shared passionate approach makes them far from indifferent. They will admire one another’s determination to fulfill their decided role.
Aries and Cancer Overall Family Percentage: 55%
Aries and Cancer: Marriage Compatibility
Marriage between Aries and Cancer can be tricky. Aries wants to trailblaze, while Cancer craves creature comforts at home. The Ram charges headfirst, following their instincts, while the Crab retreats into their shell in unfamiliar settings. They may clash when making decisions, as they have different values and goals out of life.
Aries and Cancer Marriage Compatibility Percentage: 40%
Aries and Cancer: Relationship & Communication Advice
For their relationship to thrive, Aries and Cancer must agree to disagree at times. They often approach situations from very different perspectives. Aries desires autonomy, while Cancer seeks connection. Therefore, Aries should be sensitive and reframe “I” statements to “we” during important conversations. Cancer will benefit from maintaining independence, as Aries may feel suffocated by codependency. By setting boundaries, Cancer can help the Ram open up more, as they will feel they are relating to an empowered individual.
Celebrity Aries-Cancer Couples
- Blake Lively (Cancer) and Ryan Reynolds (Aries)
- Lady Gaga (Aries) and Taylor Kinney (Cancer)
- Lady Gaga (Aries) and Taylor Kinney (Cancer)
- Jackie Chan (Cancer) and Joan Lin Feng-jiao (Aries)
Related: How Each Zodiac Sign Attracts or Manifests Their Soulmate
