Are you a June or July Cancer? Here's why it matters

There are a few things people always say about Cancers: they're emotional, nurturing, and tend to feel everything. But those born under this sign knows their personalities are not always so neatly categorised. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which tends to be responsible for their sensitive, gentle touch — but where your birthday falls within the season can shift the expression of those traits entirely.

This is where decans, a lesser-known detail in astrology, come in. Each zodiac sign spans about 30 days — but it doesn’t mean everyone born during that window shares the exact same traits. Decans divide each sign into three parts, with each part spanning roughly around 10 days. Complicating things further, each section (or decan) is ruled by a different planet adding extra depth and nuance to how that sign shows up in someone’s personality.

For Cancers, this means the first part of the season is ruled purely by the Moon, while the later decans are shaped by Pluto and Neptune respectively. That’s why two Cancers can feel so different — one might be soft, open, and nurturing, while another feels more private or emotionally intense.

Below, we break down the differences between a June Cancer and one born in July.

June Cancer

First Decan: June 21 – July 1

Those born in the first decan are ruled solely by the Moon, the planet of emotion, memory, and maternal energy. It’s where all the hallmark Cancer traits live — from sentimentality, to razor-sharp intuition. Just as they're stereotyped, June Cancers are feel deeply, and are natural-born nurturers. They know what’s going on beneath the surface, probably before you do.

They’re also loyal to a fault and highly attuned to the moods of others. But that doesn’t make them passive. June Cancers are quietly powerful. If they seem emotional, it’s because they actually care.

July Cancer

Second Decan: July 2 – July 12

July Cancers born in this window get an edge, thanks to Pluto’s influence. They’re still emotionally rich, but there’s a cool intensity here. This decan is naturally more guarded and strategic, and drawn to transformation. They're the ones with a strong sense of boundaries, a deep emotional life, and a subtle but commanding presence. You won’t always know what’s going on in their heads, but that’s likely by design.

Third Decan: July 13 – July 22

This is the dreamiest decan of them all. With Neptune in the mix, these late Cancers are intuitive, creative, and a little otherworldly. They lead with compassion, often blurring the line between their own emotions and everyone else’s.

Neptunian Cancers tend to be artistic, idealistic and more romantic than they’d ever admit. They’re also escapists, and are drawn to the likes of fantasy novels, love letters, and elaborate playlists. They won’t say much in a group setting, but will remember your coffee order forever.