What are the water signs in astrology? All about Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio

Water star signs

Credit: Getty

Astrology


What are the water signs in astrology? All about Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio

By Meg Walters

5 months ago

4 min read

In astrology, the three water signs – Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces – are emotional, intuitive and sensitive, and known for deep feelings and strong connections with others. 


You always cry at the end of a good romcom. Or maybe, you can’t help but get emotional when you see those John Lewis Christmas adverts. Your friends probably describe you as intuitive. If this all sounds like you, chances are, you have a water sign.

In astrology, the 12 signs of the zodiac are all associated with one of the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. The water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, are commonly linked with emotion and intuition. In other words, water signs have a lot of feelings.

But why are these star signs associated with water? And what does it say about you if you were born under a water sign? We spoke to Betty Andrews, an astrologer and founder of The Cosmic Co., to find out. 

What is a water sign?

In astrology, the zodiac is split into triplicities (groups of three signs). Each of the four groups is linked to one of the four elements, and each element is thought to lend specific characteristics to those born under a corresponding sign.

“Water signs are known for their emotional depth, intuition and the ability to flow through life’s ups and downs,” Andrews explains. “The three water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, and they each express the qualities of water in their own unique way.”

Why the connection between these signs and the element of water? According to Andrews, it’s about how these three star signs operate within the world. “Certain signs are connected to water because they navigate life through their emotions and intuition, much like how water flows around obstacles,” she says. “Water can be calm and soothing or powerful and transformative, and these signs reflect that. Water is also tied to healing and empathy, which are strong traits in Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.”

water signs

Credit: Getty

What does it mean if you have a water sign?

If your chart includes a water sign, whether it be your sun, moon or rising sign, you likely have a strong connection to your emotions. “You might be extra sensitive to the emotions of others, have a strong sense of intuition, or, you often pick up on the vibes of a situation without anyone saying a word,” Andrews says. Depending on the situation, this emotionality can be a strength or a weakness. “Water signs are empathetic and creative but can also feel overwhelmed by their emotions, so learning to set boundaries is key.”

Water signs also have a strong connection to spirituality. “You may find you’re drawn to symbolism, dreams or metaphors on a daily basis,” says Andrews. “And, just like water, you can adapt to the emotional landscapes around you. But you’ll need time to recharge after soaking up all those feelings.”

You might be extra sensitive to the emotions of others

Common traits of a water sign include:

  • Emotional depth: water signs feel things deeply. They don’t just observe – they absorb emotions from the people and environments around them.
  • Intuition: these signs often just ‘know’ things without needing concrete evidence. They’re highly intuitive and can pick up on subtle energy shifts.
  • Healing and creativity: water is a life-giving force, and water signs often bring emotional healing to others. They’re very creative, and often drawn to art, music and spirituality.

The three water signs

Let’s explore the traits and qualities of each water sign in detail.

Cancer: the caring homebody (21 June–22 July)

Cancer is known as the cardinal water sign. “Cancer reflects the gentle, nurturing side of water, offering emotional support and creating safe spaces for others,” Andrews says. “Ruled by the Moon, Cancers are nurturing and protective, often putting their loved ones first. They’re the ‘mums’ of the zodiac, always making sure everyone is cared for.” 

The symbol of Cancer is the crab, which is an apt metaphor. She says, “They’ve got a tough shell but are soft and sensitive underneath.”

Typical traits of Cancer:

  • Emotional intelligence and sensitivity
  • A strong need for home and security
  • Nurturing and protective of those they love
  • Moody or defensive when feeling vulnerable
  • Intuitive, often with a strong connection to family

Scorpio: the intense transformer (23 October–21 November)

Scorpio is the fixed water sign, which translates to fierce loyalty and constant transformation. As a water sign, Scorpio channels the movement and transformation of water. “They’re like the deep ocean: full of secrets and mysteries, with a pull that’s hard to resist,” Andrews explains.

“Ruled by Mars and Pluto, Scorpio has a reputation for being mysterious, passionate and deeply emotional,” she adds. “They’re not afraid to dive into the depths of life’s darker aspects and are often drawn to power dynamics and emotional healing.”

Typical traits of Scorpio:

  • Deeply emotional and passionate
  • Magnetic and often mysterious
  • Intuitive and able to read people easily
  • Capable of transformation and rebirth
  • Can be possessive or secretive

Pisces: the dreamer (19 February– 20 March)

Finally, there’s Pisces, the ‘dreamer’ of the three water signs. This is the mutable water sign that imitates water’s adaptability and spiritual side. “Pisces lives in the space between the material and spiritual worlds, bringing healing and creativity wherever they go,” she says.

“Ruled by Neptune, Pisces is the most mystical of the water signs, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy,” she adds. “They’re compassionate and empathetic, always ready to lend a listening ear or dive into their creative world.”

Typical traits of Pisces:

  • Deeply empathetic and compassionate
  • Creative and often drawn to the arts
  • Intuitive, with a strong spiritual connection
  • Can struggle with boundaries or escapism
  • Highly imaginative and connected to others on a soul level
Water sign

Credit: Getty


Images: Getty

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