Cancer and Aquarius Compatibility: Love, Sex, and More

Co-authored by Angel Eyedealism and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: March 29, 2023 References

Is it possible for a Cancer and an Aquarius to form a lasting relationship? The Crab and the Water Bearer don’t appear compatible at first glance, but on closer inspection, there’s a possibility these signs can learn to get along and enjoy a fulfilling, genuine connection. Read on to learn the ins and outs of their compatibility and see how a Cancer and an Aquarius can really make it work.

Section 1 of 5:

Why are Cancer and Aquarius considered incompatible?

On the zodiac wheel, Cancer and Aquarius are 5 signs apart. This distance is called an inconjunct or a Quincunx aspect (in other words, the two constellations are far apart and don’t have much in common). This creates tension since quincunx signs struggle to really understand each other. As a result, Cancer and Aquarius don’t make a great match.
- Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the moon and Aquarius is a fixed air sign ruled by Uranus. Cardinal signs are more flexible and intuitive than fixed signs, which can be stuck in their ways.
- Emotional water signs and intellectual air signs can get along if they prioritize communication and work to balance feelings and logic in their relationship.

Section 2 of 5:

Sexual Compatibility

Cancer and Aquarius have different attitudes about sex. Cancers usually enjoy slow and romantic intimacy because they view sex as a way to express an emotional connection. An Aquarius is typically more detached, less affectionate, and needs more variety in bed than Cancer. Cancer will usually find Aquarius cold or think they’re moving too fast, while Aquarius will view Cancer as clingy.^{[1]
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Research source} It’s possible these signs can have great sex if:
- Cancer is willing to experiment to please their partner and partially put aside their need for an emotional connection in bed.
- Aquarius gets curious about their partner’s ticks and is willing to slow things down so Cancer can feel emotionally secure.

Section 3 of 5:

Relationship Compatibility

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Cancer and Aquarius express their emotions very differently. Cancer is very introspective and has no problem expressing their emotions to their partner. Aquarius has a reputation for seeming cold and unemotional, and this can be very hard to understand for Cancer. Aquarius might be overwhelmed by Cancer’s need for emotional intimacy, and Cancer may feel hurt by Aquarius’ lack of affection.^{[2]
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- These signs’ emotional incompatibility can be overcome with compromise if they are dedicated to each other.
- They both have a desire to care for their partner, and this common ground can stabilize their emotional exchange.
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As intellectuals, these signs have a lot to talk about. Both signs will want to learn more about each other’s philosophies on life, especially curious Aquarius.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Angel Eyedealism
Astrologer & Performance Artist
Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.} Cancer will be wowed by Aquarius’s constant flow of new ideas, and Aquarius will appreciate Cancer’s sensitive and detailed communication style. They might struggle to see each other’s point of view initially, but will enjoy exploring a perspective so different from their own.
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Both signs are honest, but will struggle to trust each other. Aquarius is fully open about their quirkiness and oddities, but this deep dive into their inner chaos might cause Cancer to distrust thoughts of a future together. Cancer is also very honest, except when they fear an aggressive reaction from their partner or worry about hurting them. Blunt Aquarius might begin to assume sensitive Cancer is not 100% truthful.
- Neither sign wants to lie to each other. However, they might feel the need to shield some of their thoughts and feelings from the other to maintain harmony.
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Cancer values the home while Aquarius needs to explore. The stability, security, and comfort that Cancer seeks is often at odds with Aquarius’s need for freedom, independence, and frequent change.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Angel Eyedealism
Astrologer & Performance Artist
Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.} These differences can be ignored as friends, but are difficult to overcome in a romantic relationship. Family-wanting Cancer will be unsure of a future with Aquarius.^{[5]
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Research source}
- These opposite signs can bond over travel. If Aquarius and Cancer can agree to build a strong home base, they’ll enjoy learning new things and seeing new places together.

Section 4 of 5:

Cancer and Aquarius Personalities

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Cancer’s Personality: Cancer sun signs are highly emotional people. At times they can seem moody or withdrawn, but are also incredibly affectionate and nurturing. Dependable and caring, Cancers value a traditional home and family life. Security and safety are important to them and Cancers often avoid direct confrontation with others.^{[6]
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Aquarius’ Personality: Aquarius sun signs are logical and intellectual to the point they might appear aloof or standoffish. They value personal freedom and space along with progress and innovation, and rarely follow the beaten path or conventional social norms.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Angel Eyedealism
Astrologer & Performance Artist
Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.} Aquarians are tolerant and curious about others, but can be stubborn in their own beliefs.^{[8]
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Research source}

Section 5 of 5:

Conclusion

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In general, Cancer and Aquarius are a difficult match. Cancer is moody while Aquarius is restrained. Aquarius needs to roam and explore their freedom while Cancer wants to stay home and build a stable life. Under pressure or disagreement, Cancer will withdraw and Aquarius will lash out. Unless there is a deep and true love connection, a long term relationship between these signs is unlikely.
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Compromise is the key to a Cancer-Aquarius relationship. Both signs can grow together if they’re willing to truly listen to their partner. Cancer can learn how to let go and appreciate personal freedom, while Aquarius can learn how to get in touch with their emotions and have fun in an intimate relationship. They both value commitment and are very loyal, so if they can overcome their differences and prioritize communication, they can enjoy a fulfilling relationship like no other.

Expert Q&A

Question

What are the qualities of Aquarius?

Angel Eyedealism
Astrologer & Performance Artist
Angel Eyedealism is an Astrologer and Performance Artist based in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. With nearly three decades of astrology experience, Angel specializes in relocation astrology and astrocartography. Eyedealism has been featured in numerous media outlets such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Refinery29, NBC, MTV, Showtime, and Bravo. Angel aims to help others through a straightforward, kind, and humorous astrological lens, utilizing her entertainment and singing skills for performance art astrology readings.

Angel Eyedealism

Astrologer & Performance Artist

Expert Answer

Aquarius is very independent and intellectual. They need space. They are very definite about how they want to be in society.
Question

Which sign is compatible with Aquarius?

Angel Eyedealism
Astrologer & Performance Artist
Angel Eyedealism is an Astrologer and Performance Artist based in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. With nearly three decades of astrology experience, Angel specializes in relocation astrology and astrocartography. Eyedealism has been featured in numerous media outlets such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Refinery29, NBC, MTV, Showtime, and Bravo. Angel aims to help others through a straightforward, kind, and humorous astrological lens, utilizing her entertainment and singing skills for performance art astrology readings.

Angel Eyedealism

Astrologer & Performance Artist

Expert Answer

Leo goes well with Aquarius. Leo is associated with the body and Aquarius with the mind and the brain. So they make a good match.