What To Know About Cancer & Sagittarius Compatibility In Love, Friendship & More

A Cancer and Sagittarius couple might make you do a double-take, but that's because these two seemingly different signs can have an unspoken bond. That is, of course, if they can get over their many differences.

Cancer is the fourth sign of the astrological year, and is a cardinal water sign 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.

Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the astrological year, and is represented by the Archer (or Centaur). It's ruled by Jupiter, its modality is mutable, and its element is fire. Sagittarius is a yang (masculine) sign.

The truth is, Cancer and Sag could not be more different. They're of different elements (water versus fire), modalities (cardinal versus mutable), and polarities (yin versus yang), so where do they find common ground?

While they may be very different, they sit five-signs apart on the zodiac wheel, forming a "quincunx" aspect which can, despite all odds, make for a strange or otherwise unlikely kinship.

As the AstroTwins explain, couples that are five signs apart can form a fascinating, complex combination that defies explanation—the original odd couple. "You'll either feel like you're with your soul mate or the devil incarnate. 'How did those two end up together?' people will wonder. Your bond is intense, unspoken, almost secretive in a way," the twins explain.

A Cancer and Sagittarius friendship might be more likely than a romantic relationship, due to the different natures of these two signs. (It does tend to be easier to accept the differences of our friends than our partners, after all.)

But where these two can connect in a friendship is in their shared curiosity and sense of wonder. Sagittarius is considered the philosopher of the zodiac, while Cancer is closely attuned to the emotions of others. Together, they'll pontificate all of life's greatest quotes.

Cancer can be a bit moody, thanks to being ruled by the quickly-changing moon—but a friendship with a Sagittarius, who are incredibly adaptable and funny people, can be just the ticket for a mood lift and comic relief.

And Sag benefits from Cancer's soothing energy as well. The fire signs have a way of being "on" all the time, but everyone needs to rest, including Sagittarius. With a Cancer friend inviting them over to watch a new nature documentary, Sag can get the break they deserve.

In love, a Cancer and Sagittarius duo might take a while to really heat up. The possibility of friends-to-lovers makes sense with this pair, as Sag can be a commitment-phobe. When they realize just how much Cancer has to offer them, however they start seeing commitment in a new light.

Nevertheless, these signs approach relationships very different—and have different reasons for wanting a relationship in the first place.

Like all the water signs, relationships for Cancer are all about emotional safety, security, and family. For Sag, they're about freedom within the relationship, spontaneity, and adventuring together. Kind of opposing needs, right?

That's why the twins say for this pair to work, they'll both need to have done "the requisite self-awareness work." That might look like Sagittarius learning to be more sensitive with their words and actions, and Cancer learning to go with Sag's flow more often.

And according to the twins, sometimes couples with a quincunx aspect are drawn together for karmic purposes, whether that's having a child, healing a "past life contract" with each other, or even exploring and expanding your sexuality. (Sagittarius will definitely be into that...*wink*)

While they may not have much in common, Sagittarius and Cancer having a quincunx aspect can create the possibility for a stirring connection that defies logic. As the twins note, these couples have a wonderful opportunity to dive deeper into intimacy with each other, learning how to adjust to someone vastly different.

Both signs in this partnership will be cracked open, learning how to develop their selfless sides, as well as serve and give to their partners. In some cases, the twins add, quincunx couples can even feel a soul mate connection!

And as aforementioned, Cancer and Sagittarius are both curious signs. As professional intuitive Tanya Carroll Richardson previously wrote for mindbodygreen, a Sag will feel seen and understood when you engage your philosopher energy with them, which is something Cancer has no problem with.

There is potential for quite a bit of conflict between these two signs, especially as they're getting to know each other and run into power struggles.

As Richardson notes, for a Cancer to feel safe and secure, their partner will need to "engage [their] nurturing energy. Cancer values a cozy home, the comforts of good food, and prioritizes their own emotions and protection—and let's be honest, Sag isn't known for being the most sensitive sign.

In fact, they're more known for being bold and brash—sometimes even tactless—and if you pair that with a moody Cancer, emotions could reach a boiling point. Talk about fire and water, huh?

Not to mention, Sagittarius' reputation for being a commitment-phobe does proceed it, while Cancer really isn't interested in short term flings and games.