What Are Water Signs? The Only Guide to Cancer, Scorpio, & Pisces You’ll Ever Need

What Is "Water" in Astrology?

Don’t let the presumed gentleness of water fool you. Water is a powerful element that presents an opportunity for connectedness that differs from the sociability of air, the animation of fire, or the grit of earth. Water stands out because it represents a depth that other elements cannot comprehend or offer. By connecting on a soul level, water represents the opportunity for immense empathy, reflection, and transformation. Without water, there may not be an opportunity to understand why we have come together to partake in each other’s spiritual journeys.

What Does it Mean to Be a Water Sign?

Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces make up the water signs because they have similar attributes and energy. Typically, you can expect the water signs to exude these traits:  

• Intuition
• Secrecy
• Depth
• Consciousness 

Intuition is undoubtedly the most well-known water sign trait. Due to their intuitive capabilities, the water signs have a special connection to the waking and spiritual worlds. Cancer’s intuition is ancestral, so this water sign knows the importance of generational lessons and trauma. Scorpio’s intuition is taboo, so this water sign knows why one may try to hide the skeletons in their closet. Pisces’ intuition is transcending, so this water sign knows the greater meaning of why someone or something has happened in their life. Altogether, the intuition of the water signs speaks to their innate understanding of why something may happen, or someone may act a certain way. 

Since the water signs are cosmic mystics, water signs innately understand why there is secrecy and what depth it may hold. Cancer represents the secrecy of the home as this water sign understands that immense spiritual lessons transcend generations. Scorpio serves as a reminder to process shame, guilt, and trauma since Scorpio represents the ability to transcend once everything comes to light. Pisces expresses the need for self-undoing to process their fears, weaknesses, and projections. Without the water signs, we may not truly know what it means to go beyond the surface level.

Once the water signs have reached enlightenment, collective consciousness can occur. Water signs know that we are all connected on some level and that everything happens for some reason. Cancer knows that chosen and biological familial connections have a serious impact on how one creates a comfortable environment. Scorpio knows that loss of power and control gives way to a deeper understanding of how intimacy differs from entanglements. Pisces knows that compassion and empathy do not have to be passive since boundaries can achieve better results. Under the guidance of water signs, there is an opportunity to achieve collective consciousness.

Who are the water signs? It might be initially challenging to tell each of the water signs apart since they share similar elemental traits. But it’s possible to pick Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces apart from one another if you consider other astrological traits. Planetary ruler and modality give the water signs unique traits that set them apart from one another. 

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Identified as the crab, Cancer is the cardinal water sign ruled by the moon. Cancer’s cardinal energy is unique since Cancer likes to lead with an emotional understanding of what would be best for everyone. This sensitive leader is guided by the moon’s intuition and nurturing qualities. Cancers are often perceived as the “mom friend” thanks to being ruled by the moon. However, the lunar influence could also make Cancer moody since Cancer’s feelings will wax and wane. Despite Cancer’s temperamental state, this water sign loves their chosen family deeply and would do anything for them.

Keywords for Cancer: nostalgic, sensitive, caretaker, luminary, intuitive

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Renowned as the scorpion, Scorpio is the fixed water sign is traditionally ruled by Mars and ruled by Pluto in modern astrology. Of all water signs, Scorpio is the most intense. As a fixed water sign, Scorpio is often steadfast in their intuition and emotions. Like a dog with a bone, Scorpio doesn’t let up when they feel strongly about someone or something. Part of this might be due to Scorpio’s planetary influences. Extremity is simply part of Scorpio’s life, so this water sign may always feel like they’re fighting against the current to transcend. Because of this, Scorpio understands that power and control can come from extreme moments of pain. 

Keywords for Scorpio: recluse, hypnotic, psychic, cunning, unshakeable

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Designated as the fish, Pisces is the mutable water sign ruled by Jupiter in traditional astrology and Neptune in modern astrology. As a mutable sign, Pisces’ adaptability is expressed through compassion and empathy. Pisces can swim through an emotional tide with ease. Although Pisces is within and without, this can still take its toll. Pisces needs to learn to anchor themselves to avoid becoming lost. It might be challenging for Pisces to stay grounded since the Neptunian influence could amplify Pisces’ illusive dreaminess. However, the influence of Jupiter will help Pisces expand upon dreams to grow in their spiritual journey. 

Keywords for Pisces: nebulous, spiritual, dreamy, escapist, imaginative

Who Are Water Signs Compatible With?

Through love and dedication, any zodiacal pairing could make it. However, water signs may find easier relationships with some zodiac signs over others. When two water signs get together, there will be a feeling of innate empathy. So, water sign relationships are usually very manageable. Meanwhile, an earth and water sign duo could be more stable yet compassionate. Earth signs may bring the level of steadiness that water signs need. However, water signs may experience more difficulties in a partnership with an air or fire sign. Air signs might be too detached and logical for the emotional water sign. Fire signs might be too hot to handle, which could scorch the gentle water sign. While it might be tempting to date an air or fire sign, water signs might have more easygoing relationships with other water and earth signs.  

Which zodiac signs are the most compatible companions for the water signs? Keep reading to see who Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are most compatible with:

Cancer Is Compatible With:

• Capricorn: Talk about major “mom and dad” vibes! When Cancer and Capricorn get together, it feels like anything could happen. Cancer has the nurturing qualities that stoic Capricorn secretly craves in a romantic relationship. Meanwhile, Capricorn brings a level of authority and structure that Cancer can’t help but respect. Both zodiac signs are also highly family-oriented, so these two can handle the highs and lows of building a life and family together. As long as they can work together, this is an unstoppable duo.
• Taurus: If Cancer is looking for a Sunday morning type of love, then look no further. As a romantic partner, Taurus is all that and a bag of chips. Cancer will never have to worry because Taurus is so dependable and steady. Plus, Taurus shares Cancer’s desire to live comfortably. These two can work together to create their dream home and to support one another’s desire for a soft lifestyle. However, there might be times when these two have to spice it up to avoid feeling like an old married couple. If Cancer and Taurus can do that, their relationships will surely stand the test of time.

Scorpio Is Compatible With:

• Taurus: No other zodiacal pairing has the romantic or sexual connection that Taurus and Scorpio have together. Sparks fly when these two are together! Scorpio’s emotional depth compliments Taurus’ unwavering strength. Both zodiac signs also share an enduring desire for loyalty, which creates a feeling of safety in their relationship. Although Taurus and Scorpio share a profound love for one another, they can also be a little stubborn. If they can learn to pick and choose their battles, then Scorpio and Taurus could be each other’s soulmates. 
• Pisces: The depth of a water sign connection is unlike any other, which is why Scorpio is drawn to Pisces. Scorpio and Pisces can create a psychic love affair. Both water signs would be highly attuned to each other’s thoughts, feelings, and needs. Scorpio may appreciate Pisces’ ability to go deep without fearing what lies underneath the surface. Meanwhile, Pisces may love Scorpio’s desire for spiritual, mental, and sexual intimacy. Together, these two could be a match made in heaven as long as they remember to create healthy emotional boundaries in their relationship.

Pisces Is Compatible With:

• Virgo: Nobody quite understands Pisces the way that Virgo does. Virgo is careful and detail-oriented when getting to know Pisces. Learning everything about Pisces will become Virgo’s number one job in their relationship. Pisces will also take the time to intuit how Virgo is feeling so that Pisces can create a safe, emotional space. Both zodiac signs share the innate desire to serve one another. As long as there are healthy boundaries, neither one should feel like they’re being taken advantage of. If anything, Virgo and Pisces can create a hopeful yet realistic life together. 
• Capricorn: There’s nothing sexier than being taken care of, and Capricorn is the right earth sign for the job. Pisces may crave a stable, responsible partner who gets things done. Luckily, Capricorn can offer that and so much more in love! Capricorn is a leader, so this earth sign has no problem taking over. Pisces may enjoy this since Capricorn is more than capable of handling plans, dilemmas, and more. In return, Pisces offers an unconditional love that Capricorn deeply craves and needs. Together, these two can forge a lasting relationship built upon a stable foundation of sympathy and structure.