Cancerians have a unique taste for tattoos. From big to small, simple to intricate, these Cancer tattoos are tailor-made for the sign.
The Cancer sign is often misunderstood. People think they are crybabies and clingy, which is not always true. While Cancerians can be emotional, they don’t show their feelings to everyone.
Instead, Cancerians turn to other ways to express themselves, especially those more introverted. Art, music, literature, you name it. They are more likely to shed tears when hearing a nostalgia song than just having a bad day. Just like the sign’s symbol, Cancerians have a soft heart underneath their tough ashell.
Being ruled by the moon, the Cancer sign’s aesthetics lean towards the feminine side. Therefore, you can often see the moon and water elements in Cancer tattoos, as they are closely related to the sign. But you can see crabs in those ink as well.
That’s why it’s not always easy to balance the soft and the tough. That’s not just a challenge for Cancer tattoos but also for Cancerians. They want to let it all out while their instincts tell them to stay strong. That’s why not many people understand the sign.
As a Cancerian, you love with all your heart and feel what others can’t feel. And you have every reason to be proud. These gorgeous Cancer tattoos for both men and women will be a proud announcement of who you are.
Disclaimer: This collection of Cancer tattoos is for inspiration only. Please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow artists and show them some support.
Stunning Cancer zodiac tattoos
Table of content
- Cancer symbols and tattoo elements explained
- Cancer zodiac symbol and stars tattoos
- Gorgeous Cancer zodiac tattoos for women
- Bold Cancer zodiac tattoos for men
Cancer symbols and tattoo elements explained
The Crab is not your sole option when getting a Cancer tattoo. Here are the Cancerian elements to give your ink some twists.
The sign’s glyph looks similar to “69”. It depicts women’s breasts as the sign has strong motherly power. Some believe that the glyph is actually the claws of the Crab.
- Cancer sign symbol: the Crab
The word Cancer is the Latin translation of Crab. Just like the crabs, Cancerians protect themselves with a hard shell. But inside, they are vulnerable and soft.
But don’t get fooled. Crabs are protective. They use their claws to pinch without letting go. Similarly, Cancerians tend to latch on places, people, and relationships.
- Cancer constellation
- Cancer birth flower: Delphinium
Delphinium is a symbol of encouragement and open-heartless. Similarly, Cancerians greet people with a sympathetic ear. They absorb emotions and return them with kindness.
- Cancer sign element: Water
Water signs are known to be intuitive and emotional. Like the other two water signs – Scorpio and Pisces, Cancer is guided by feelings and imaginations.
- Cancer ruling planet: the Moon
In astrology, the Moon rules our feelings. It also reflects our emotional needs. With the influence of its ruling planet, Cancer is soft and sensitive. Their mood can change like the moon phases.
Read also: 44 Cancer sign quotes that will make Cancerians feel attacked
Cancer zodiac symbol and stars tattoos
Cancer sign and moon tides
@brunocalabro
This black and grey tattoo says everything about the Cancer sign. You can see the Cancer glyph, the constellation, the moon, and the tides, which are all related to the zodiac sign.
The placement is also well-thought-out. It’s between the hip and the thigh. That means it’s not visible most of the time. But it will capture all the attention when you wear a bikini.
Read also: 54 Feminine and elegant moon tattoos with meaning
Cancer glyph and infinity symbol
@candiceperryart
This neck tattoo for women combines the Cancerian glyph with the music note. It reveals both the wearer’s personality and passion.
Small symbols nape tattoo for Cancer
@trikona.tattoos
Tiny symbols can be a good fit if you want a minimalist tattoo. You can add different symbols to represent different sides of your personality. Take this small nape tattoo, for example. The Cancer glyph reveals the wearer’s softness while the snake shows her feminine side.
A Caner sign ankle tattoo for minimalists
@mr.inkwells
The ankle is not a common placement. But if you want something discreet, ankle tattoos are perfect for you.
A delicate floral Cancer sign symbol
@raphy.brito
Botanical tattoos are so popular for a reason. Not only are they beautiful. You can also modify the shape and size and turn it into a new motif, just like this one here.
Matching Cancer constellation tattoos for couple
@greemtattoo
What are the odds when you and your Significant Other are born under the same sign? If that’s the case for you, matching constellation tattoos like these two will be a token of love.
And what makes these tattoos even more unique are the quotes, one saying “make a wish,” the other saying “wish upon a star.” It’s the detail that makes a tattoo timeless.
A tiny Cancer symbol ankle tattoo
@kissa.tattoo
A gorgeous tattoo doesn’t have to be complicated or huge. It can be as small as this one. The sleek lines, the little moons, and tails on both sides of the glyph give the tattoo a balanced feeling.
Cancer constellation and ruby tattoo on the chest
@handitrip
One way to add even more personality to a zodiac tattoo is by adding birthstones. Ruby is the birthstone of the Cancer sign. The stone also symbolizes purity, passion, and nobility. Such a small, dainty tattoo would belong to someone as rare as the gemstone.
Rhombus Cancer constellation
@tattooist_sigak
This black and grey tattoo wins heart with its intricate details. But the red constellation really highlights the entire design.
Word and Cancer constellation tattoo
@noul_tattoo
Do you have a word that speaks to you personally? For this tattoo wearer, the word is “young.” The tattooist adds a sunflower to the initial, thus giving it vibrant colors. The Cancer constellation in the background is a subtle way to showcase the Cancerian pride.
A floral Cancer constellation
@rakefetattoo
There is so much you can do with a constellation tattoo. For example, you can change the connecting points into stars or flowers. Or, in this case, turn the entire shape into a floral pattern.
A geometric crab symbol
@anitart
Not all tattoos have to be intricate and realistic. Geometric tattoos are perfect for those who value simplicity and structure. And this wrist tattoo is proof.
Small crab wrist tattoo
@emiliana_bombay_tattoo
One thing about zodiac tattoos is that you can escalate or de-escalate to your liking. The crab and constellation are two basic elements. While they can both be an individual tattoo, combing these two makes the design more sophisticated.
Small red crab ankle tattoo
@eden_tattoo_
Tattooist Eden has a way of using colors subtly. Take this small crab tattoo, for example. This tattoo’s main tone is red, a pretty vibrant color. But you can also see brown and black.
All these colors are different but go well with each other. Without highly contrasting color combos, the tattoo remains elegant and natural.
Moon and symbol arrow tattoo
@tattoosdelicados
The moon rules the Cancer sign. And it makes sense why many Cancerians feel a natural connection to the moon. If you think the same, a moon tattoo with the Cancer glyph will represent you.
Cancer zodiac and constellation tattoos
@lacedemonart
If you want a tattoo to showcase your zodiac sign, you don’t need to limit yourself to one tattoo. Instead, the wearer has a constellation and a glyph on either thigh above the knee. It’s surprisingly balanced and definitely impressive.
Matching wrist tattoos for friends or siblings
@mindy_shiben
Matching tattoos don’t have to be identical. Just because two friends, twins, or siblings have different personalities doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And wrist tattoos like these two may be a good option for you and your ride-or-die.
Matching Cancer zodiac wrist tattoos
@my_whole_world_2016
The wrist is a placement with high exposure. If you want to hide your tattoo, the wrist is probably not for you. But if you are proud of who you are, and your BFF feels the same, consider wrist tattoos.
Cancer constellation tattoo on back of the shoulder
@ironbunnytattoo
Shoulder tattoos are becoming more popular, partly because of their flexible visibility. Want to show it? Wear a tank top. Or you can wear short or long sleeves to hide it.
An astrology tattoo on the back of neck
@tattooartist_kim_manthey
The neck is another highly visible tattoo placement. And this neck tattoo’s size and thick lines magnify its visual impact.
Gorgeous Cancer zodiac tattoos for women
Lunar and wave forearm tattoo
via Instagram
From afar, this forearm tattoo may look like an intricate moon tat. But look closer, and you will find The waves in the circles below the moon. The moon is Cancer’s ruling planet. And Cancer is a water sign. The combination of both elements makes it perfect for Cancerians.
Small dainty Cancer inner arm tattoo
@evazaniqueli.tattoo
What looks like small, simple tattoos has everything you will typically see in a Cancer tattoo – the crab, the water, the moon, and the Cancer glyph. The tattooist manages to integrate all these elements while keeping the design simple.
Cute wrist tattoo for Cancer sign
@tattooist_ziixuu
How fun and adorable this small wrist tattoo is! The crab seems smiling, and the other elements add just the right amount of details. Together, this tattoo would belong to someone positive, fun, and loving.
The moon child cosmic tattoo
@bunami.ink
The crab is not necessarily the most feminine tattoo motif. But the tattooist draws it with clean lines. And the gradient black also gives the crab a sense of lightness.
An Artemis tattoo
@spiritualtattooer
The crab is not the only thing that represents the Cancer sign. If you want something more elegant and feminine, consider the goddess of the sign – Artemis. In Greek mythology, Artemis rules the moon. She is caring but with a temper, which is a lot like a Cancer sign.
Cancer moon phase ribcage tattoo
@tatuagens_deliicadas
Rib tattoos are perfect for those who want them hidden. And with a discreet placement like the rib, you can combine different elements, like this one, and be adventurous.
A between-the-boobs crab tattoo
@palusamimami
The area between the boob is a sexy placement. And if you want to show your feminine side, it’s the place to opt for.
A water sign rib tattoo
@tattooer_nicky
As water signs, many Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces have water-related tattoos. And a wave tattoo not only represents strong emotions. They also symbolize life and power.
Small wave tattoo on the shoulder
@eden_tattoo
This small tattoo from tattooist Eden stands out because of the colors. The way she plays with different shades of blue highlights the entire design. It’s not screaming for attention. But you will not miss a gorgeous tattoo like this one.
A Cancerian tarot tattoo
@whimsical.walnut
Tarot cards are often seen in witchy tattoos. A tarot card tattoo with your zodiac sign will showcase your badass side.
A cute Cancer universe tattoo for girls
@kookiebuhain
If a constellation tattoo is too simple, consider adding decorative elements to your liking. Of course, the most obvious choice will be planets and stars. But you can also think outside the box and choose flowers, gemstones, or even animals.
The Cancerian girl tattoo
@vi.marcondestattoo
A Cancer portrait tattoo doesn’t have to have a crab on it. The headpiece of the girl in this tattoo resembles the crab’s pincers. It shows how you can incorporate Cancer elements subtly.
The moon phase tattoo
@marcelabadolatto
The moon phase depicts how the moon’s positions throughout a lunar cycle. It’s believed that our moon may change accordingly. Therefore, as a sign ruled by the moon, Cancer may feel a stronger moon swing than other signs.
The moon child
@larissawandtattoo
Feeling confident? A sleeve tattoo like this one will complement a courageous soul.
Reaching for the moon
@lemat.tattoos
What makes this upper arm tattoo special is the posture of the crab. It has a branch in its pincer as if it is sending it to the moon.
Bold Cancer zodiac tattoos for mens
A tribal Cancer shoulder tattoo
@dorianink5
A good thing about solid blackwork like this one is that it preserves better. Consider similar designs if you want a tattoo that will stand the test of time.
A complex tattoo combining Cancer, Libra and Leo symbols
@the_devlintattoos
Intricate tattoos have their own charm. In terms of meaning, they carry more information, just like this one here. It shows the complexity of the wearer and will also get people guessing the meaning of each element.
A unique third-eye Hamsa crab tattoo
@deathofcool_
Usually, a hamsa tattoo refers to a palm tattoo with an eye in the center. It’s believed that a hamsa tattoo will bring good fortune, happiness, and health. This crab tattoo mirrors the concept of a hamsa. But it switches the palm with a crab, making it a meaningful tattoo for Cancerians.
A cute little crab
@dziaraptor_novy
Sketch tattoos or ignorant tattoos are widely popular in these recent years. Though they don’t have the perfect lines or shading, they reflect the carefree attitude of the wearers. This small crab tattoo is one of them. It may look like a kid’s drawing. But it’s also a reminder not to take everything too seriously.
A neo-traditional crab tattoo
@espaciokadhabra
Neo-traditional tattoos are those with vibrant, contrasting colors and bold lines, just like this huge thigh tattoo. It’s not just ink but a bold statement.
Two-color Cancer calf tattoo
@nxe_xiner
If you love wearing shorts, consider the calf your next tattoo placement. Calf tattoos don’t cause as much pain as the collarbone or rib. And it has enough flat space for an intricate tattoo like this.
The fine lines in the details of this Cancer tattoo for men and the red also make the tattoo pop out on the skin.
Yin and Yang
@joeysneedle
Yin and Yang refer to dark and light in Chinese. It represents two opposite energies that maintain the balance of the world and life. This creative Cancer tattoo mimics the shape of a Yin Yang symbol. It shows how much the wearer values harmony and balance.
An eye-catching crab tattoo on the leg
via Instagram
We don’t see a lot of realism work in zodiac tattoos. This one, however, is an exception. It requires skills, time, and effort to create a realistic tattoo. And the results are worth it.
Which of these Cancer tattoos is your favorite?
Leave your thoughts in the comment.
