Are Cancer & Leo Compatible? What To Know About This Zodiac Matchup

Some zodiac signs get along instantly, while others have a harder time clicking. In the case of Cancer and Leo, they might seem totally different, but there's something mesmerizing about their connection.

In order to understand the compatibility behind this matchup, let's look at what Cancer and Leo are bringing to the table.

Cancer explained

Cancer is the fourth sign of the astrological year and is associated with the fourth house of home and family on the zodiac wheel. Cancer is a cardinal water sign, and it is ruled by the moon. It's represented by the crab, with cancer being the general word for "crab" in Latin. Cancer is also a yin (feminine) sign.

Leo explained

Leo is the fifth sign of the astrological year and is associated with the fifth house of creativity and expression on the zodiac wheel. Leo is a fixed fire sign, and it is ruled by the sun. It's represented by the lion, and it is also a yang (masculine) sign.

Like the moon and the sun that rule these two signs, Cancer and Leo, respectively, come together in a unique and harmonious way. In terms of their astrological makeup, they have little in common; With different elements, modalities, and polarities, you might think they have no common ground.

But with Cancer's intuitive and caring nature, Leo is charmed by their adoration (which they'll never get enough of), and in turn, Leo's loyal and generous nature touches Cancer's sentimental heart.

Sitting right next to each other on the zodiac wheel, Cancer and Leo form a semi-sextile, which can sometimes cause tension—for better or worse. It wouldn't be unlikely that these two might think they don't like each other at first, only to eventually be drawn together by their subtle yet deep chemistry.

Overall, Cancer and Leo have definite power-couple potential, with both being creative types who are extremely loyal and driven.

Of course, when thinking about compatibility between two people, you need to take both people's full birth charts into account to get the whole picture.

In a friendship, or even as colleagues, Cancer and Leo make a dynamic duo that can get a lot done. As a cardinal sign, Cancer has the vision and the ideas, and Leo is more than happy to back them up with praise and their can-do attitude.

This friendship is akin to the quintessential sit-com besties: one of them is the loud, dramatic, and funny one, and the other is the quieter, cooler, and moodier one. You can probably guess who's who.

But with their shared appreciation for creativity, Cancer and Leo can share a variety of interests, i.e. scoping out the local live music scene, or staying in and watching avant-garde films.

When it comes to love and romance, Cancer and Leo can form an extremely close and intimate bond. Going back to their ruling planets, the moon and sun, there's an inexplicable attraction between these two that always keeps pulling them together. And when done right, this relationship can be very nurturing and fulfilling.

Cancer wants to provide, to take care, and to be sensitive with their lover, but only if they can truly trust and open up. Leo is just the person to offer the warmth, steadfastness, and confidence a Cancer needs to feel safe.

Leo's generosity extends to all aspects of relationships; they're generous with their time, their compliments, and maybe even their money. When a Cancer earns this generosity from Leo, Leo in turn earns Cancers trust, which is of the utmost importance.

Pros

There's something about a Cancer and a Leo together that just makes sense. They play off each other like yin and yang, and they're there for each other in a way that's soft and sentimental, but also direct and unyielding.

As aforementioned, these two form a semi-sextile aspect on the zodiac wheel, which the AstroTwins note can "force you out of your fear-based comfort zone or emotional paralysis."

In other words, they add, this relationship can encourage growth through challenge or contrast. They are very different people, after all, but when their differences are transcended, true wholehearted love is found.

Cons

Anytime you put a fire sign with a water sign, you can either wind up with purifying steam—or dried up water and extinguished fire. 

Cancer can be moody and withdrawn, for instance, which Leo can be quick to take personally. That's something to watch out for, as well as Leo's tendency towards a my-way-or-the-highway attitude. Cancer may need to learn to assert themselves if they don't want to be completely overshadowed by Leo's bright light.

And going back to the topic of growth through contrast and challenges, the harmony this relationship can create will only be found after both people have accepted the other's differences—and even grown as a result. There is, of course, the possibility that differences are not accepted or resolved.

Like any relationship, Cancer and Leo together will need to reconcile their ultimately different natures in order to truly appreciate what they have to offer each other.