If your birthday falls between June 21 and July 22, congratulations: you are a Cancer (though you probably already knew that!). Cancers are the gentle nurturers of the zodiac, excelling at creating safe spaces and caring for those around them — and Cancer energy can help us connect with our own and others’ feelings.

Whether you’re a Cancer, have a Cancer crush or partner, or just want to learn more about the 12 signs of the zodiac, here’s everything you need to know about Cancer zodiac traits — and what it means if Cancer is a major influence in your astrological birth chart.

Cancer: The Caregiver of the Zodiac

Cancer is symbolized by the crab, which represents their constant desire to retreat into the safety of their outer shells to protect their vulnerable inner core. The moon rules this emotional sign, which speaks to their maternal instincts and nostalgic nature. Cancers are blessed with a deep sentimental strength and a knack for creating environments where feelings can come to the surface and vulnerability can reign supreme because they are cardinal signs, the leaders of the zodiac. Cancer has a water element, so they relate to the world through their hearts and connect with others through their compassion.

Cancers, like crabs, often immerse themselves in the ever-changing tides of the ocean’s waves — they’re keenly perceptive to other people’s feelings and excel at making others feel nurtured and protected. Cancer values comfort and emotional safety, so they will only open up to someone if they feel they are receiving the same level of energetic protection in return.

Love & Relationships and Cancer

Because of their romantic tendencies, Cancers are among the zodiac’s most devoted and nurturing partners. They guard their emotions and find it difficult to open up to others, but once they do, they appreciate giving their all to a deeply emotional connection and attending to their partner’s needs. They have the capacity for intense love commitment. They value a stable and even routine-oriented interpersonal dynamic since they are creatures of habit. Cancers often feel nostalgic for prior relationships long after they have ended because they have a propensity to live in their memories.

Cancer is most compatible with water signs Scorpio and Pisces, as well as earth signs Taurus and Virgo. According to astrologer Clarisse Monahan, Capricorn can also be compatible with Cancer. “When [Capricorns] meet their soulmate, they tend to take a traditional approach to the relationship, following the traditional path of marriage, home, and so on, which aligns with Cancer.” While all zodiac sign pairings can find ways to make it work romantically, according to Monahan, the signs least compatible with Cancer are Leo, Sagittarius, and Aquarius.

If Cancer is your astrological sign…

According to astrologer Ashley Otero, your sun sign represents your vital life force, spirit, intellect, and identity. Tenderness and empathy are two of your greatest gifts if Cancer is your sun sign. Cancers are acutely aware of their emotions, even when they are rapidly shifting from one mood to another. You’re extremely sensitive and perceptive, but you’re easily hurt. If you feel too exposed, you may build a barrier to keep others from hurting you. It is critical to surround yourself with loving people who value life as much as you do.

If your Moon sign is Cancer…

Your moon sign represents your private, emotional, and vulnerable side, as well as what makes you feel cared for. If your moon sign is Cancer, you are likely to be deeply in touch with yourself and easily swept away in memories. Cancer moons can be secretive about their emotions, but their naturally empathic nature indicates that their emotions are strong, even if they don’t always show it. Cancer moons tend to be moody and prone to sudden bursts of melancholy or excitement (as the fast-moving moon changes zodiac signs every few days).

If Cancer is your ascendant sign…

Your rising sign represents your outward appearance and the version of yourself that you present to the world. If Cancer is your rising sign, you are most likely a warm, considerate, and sympathetic individual. You’re romantic and dreamy, and you make people feel at ease in your presence. When it comes to your style, you specialize in sophisticated but comfortable beauty looks.