Cancers have a unique taste for tattoos. From large to small, simple to complex, these Cancer tattoos are tailor-made for the sign.
The sign of cancer is often misunderstood. people think they are weepy and clingy, which is not always true. Although Cancerians can be emotional, they don’t show their feelings to everyone.
Instead, Cancerians resort to other ways of expressing themselves, especially the more introverted. art, music, literature, whatever. they are more likely to shed tears when listening to a nostalgia song than simply when they are having a bad day. Just like the sign symbol, Cancerians have a soft heart beneath their hard shell.
being ruled by the moon, the aesthetics of the cancer sign leans towards the feminine side. therefore, the moon and water elements can often be seen in Cancer tattoos as they are closely related to the sign. but you can also see crabs in that ink.
That’s why it’s not always easy to balance soft and hard. that is not only a challenge for cancer tattoos but also for cancerous ones. they want to give it all up 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 cannot feel. and you have every reason to be proud. These gorgeous cancer tattoos for men and women will be a proud advertisement 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 the artists and show them some support.
awesome cancer zodiac tattoos
table of contents
- cancer symbols and tattoo elements explained
- cancer zodiac symbol and star tattoos
- beautiful cancer zodiac tattoos for women
- bold cancer zodiac tattoos for men
cancer symbols and tattoo elements explained
Crab isn’t your only option when getting a cancer tattoo. here are the cancer elements to give your ink some twists.
- cancer glyph
the sign glyph looks like “69”. represents the breasts of women since the sign has a strong maternal power. some believe the glyph is actually the crab’s claws.
- symbol of the sign of cancer: the crab
The word cancer is the Latin translation of crab. Like crabs, Cancerians protect themselves with a hard shell. but inside, they are vulnerable and soft.
but don’t be fooled. crabs are protective. they use their claws to pinch without letting go. Similarly, Cancerians tend to cling to places, people, and relationships.
- cancer constellation
- cancer birth flower: larkspur
delphinium is a symbol of breath and an open heart. 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 imagination.
- ruling planet of cancer: 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. your mood can change like the phases of the moon.
- moon glyph
Also read: 44 Cancer Signs Quotes That Will Make Cancerians Feel Attacked
cancer zodiac symbol and star tattoos
cancer sign and lunar tides
@brunocalabro
This black and gray tattoo says it all about the sign of cancer. you can see the glyph for cancer, the constellation, the moon and the tides, all related to the zodiac sign.
The location is also well thought out. It is between the hip and the thigh. that means it is not visible most of the time. but it will grab all the attention when you’re wearing a bikini.
Also read: 54 feminine and elegant moon tattoos with meaning
cancer glyph and infinity symbol
@candiceperryart
This neck tattoo for women combines the cancer glyph with the musical note. it reveals both the personality and the passion of the wearer.
small symbol tattoos on the back of the neck for cancer
@trikona.tattoos
Tiny symbols can fit well if you want a minimalist tattoo. you can add different symbols to represent different sides of your personality. take this little tattoo on the back of the neck, for example. the cancer glyph reveals the sweetness of the bearer while the serpent shows its feminine side.
an ankle tattoo with the caner sign for minimalists
@mr.inkwells
The ankle is not a common location. but if you are looking for something discreet, ankle tattoos are perfect for you.
a delicate floral cancer sign symbol
@raphy.brito
Botanical tattoos are so popular for a reason. they are not only beautiful. you can also modify the shape and size and turn it into a new pattern, like this one here.
matching cancer constellation tattoos for couple
@greemtattoo
what are the chances that you and your partner 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” and the other saying “wish on a star”. it’s the detail that makes a tattoo timeless.
a small tattoo on the ankle with the symbol of cancer
@kissa.tattoo
A beautiful tattoo doesn’t have to be complicated or huge. it can be as small as this. the graceful lines, small moons, and tails on either side of the glyph give the tattoo a sense of balance.
cancer and ruby constellation tattoo on chest
@handitrip
One way to add even more personality to a zodiac tattoo is to add birthstones. ruby is the birthstone of the cancer sign. the stone also symbolizes purity, passion and nobility. such a small and delicate tattoo would belong to someone as rare as the gemstone.
cancer diamond constellation
@tatuador_sigak
This black and gray tattoo wins hearts with its intricate details. but the red constellation really brings out the whole design.
cancer word and constellation tattoo
@noul_tattoo
Do you have a word that speaks to you personally? for this tattoo bearer, the word is “young”. the tattoo artist adds a sunflower to the initial, thus giving it vibrant colors. the cancer constellation in the background is a subtle way to show cancer pride.
a floral constellation of cancer
@rakefetattoo
There are so many things you can do with a constellation tattoo. for example, you can change the connection 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 tattoo on the wrist
@emiliana_bombay_tattoo
One thing about zodiac tattoos is that you can scale them up or down to your liking. the crab and the constellation are two basic elements. While both can be an individual tattoo, combining these two makes for a more sophisticated design.
small red crab tattoo on the ankle
@eden_tattoo_
eden tattoo artist has a subtle way of using colors. take this little crab tattoo for example. The main tone of this tattoo is red, quite a vibrant color. but you can also see brown and black.
all these colors are different but they combine well with each other. without highly contrasting color combinations, the tattoo remains elegant and natural.
moon and arrow symbol tattoo
@delicate tattoos
the moon rules the sign cancer. And it makes sense why many Cancerians feel a natural connection to the moon. if you think the same, a moon tattoo with the glyph of cancer will represent you.
zodiac tattoos and cancer constellation
@lacedemonart
If you want a tattoo that shows your zodiac sign, you don’t need to limit yourself to just one tattoo. instead, the wearer has a constellation and glyph on each 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. The fact that two friends, twins or brothers have different personalities does not mean that they do not love each other. and wrist tattoos like these two can be a good choice for you and your career or die.
matching cancer zodiac wrist tattoos
@my_whole_world_2016
the doll is a placement with high exposure. if you want to hide your tattoo, the doll is probably not for you. But if you’re proud of who you are and your best friend feels the same way, she considers wrist tattoos.
cancer constellation tattoo on the back of the shoulder
@ironbunnytattoo
Shoulder tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, in part due to their flexible visibility. do you want to show it? wear a sleeveless shirt. or you can wear short or long sleeves to hide it.
an astrology tattoo on the nape
@tattooartist_kim_manthey
The neck is another highly visible tattoo location. and the size and thick lines of this neck tattoo magnify its visual impact.
beautiful cancer zodiac tattoos for women
moon and wave tattoo on the forearm
via instagram
From afar, this forearm tattoo may look like an intricate moon tattoo. but look closer and you will find the waves in the circles below the moon. the moon is the ruling planet of cancer. and cancer is a water sign. the combination of both elements makes it perfect for cancer patients.
small and delicate cancer tattoo on the inside of the arm
@evazaniqueli.tattoo
What looks like small, simple tattoos has everything you’d normally see in a cancer tattoo: the crab, the water, the moon, and the cancer glyph. the tattooist manages to integrate all these elements keeping the design simple.
cute tattoo on the wrist for the sign of cancer
@tattooist_ziixuu
how fun and adorable is this little wrist tattoo! the crab appears to smile, and the other elements add just the right amount of detail. together this tattoo would belong to someone positive, fun and loving.
cosmic moon child 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 light feel.
a mugwort tattoo
@spiritualtattooer
the crab is not the only thing that represents the sign of cancer. If you want something more elegant and feminine, consider the goddess of the sign: Artemis. In Greek mythology, Artemis rules the moon. she is affectionate but temperamental, which is very much like a sign of cancer.
cancer moon phase ribcage tattoo
@tatuagens_delicadas
rib tattoos are perfect for those who want them hidden. And with an understated placement like ribbed, you can mix and match different elements, like this one, and be adventurous.
a crab tattoo between the breasts
@palusamimami
The area between the breasts is a sexy location. and if you want to show your feminine side, this is the place to go.
a water sign rib tattoo
@tattooer_nicky
As water signs, many Cancers, Scorpios, and Pisces have water-related tattoos. And a wave tattoo doesn’t just represent strong emotions. they also symbolize life and power.
small wave tattoo on the shoulder
@eden_tattoo
This small tattoo by tattooist eden stands out for its colors. the way he plays with different shades of blue brings out the whole design. he’s not screaming for attention. but you won’t miss a beautiful tattoo like this.
a cancer tarot tattoo
@whimsical.walnut
tarot cards are often seen in witch tattoos. a tarot card tattoo with your zodiac sign will show 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 the planets and stars. but you can also think outside the box and choose flowers, gemstones, or even animals.
cancer girl tattoo
@vi.marcondetatuaje
A cancer portrait tattoo doesn’t have to have a crab. The headdress of the girl in this tattoo resembles the claws of the crab. shows how you can subtly incorporate cancerous elements.
moon phase tattoo
@marcelabadolatto
The phase of the moon represents the positions of the moon throughout a lunar cycle. it is believed that our moon may change accordingly. therefore, as a moon-ruled sign, Cancer may feel a stronger lunar movement than other signs.
the moon child
@larissawandtattoo
Do you feel confident? A sleeve tattoo like this will complement a brave soul.
reaching for the moon
@lemat.tatuajes
What makes this upper arm tattoo special is the crab pose. it has a branch in its clip as if it were sending it to the moon.
bold cancer zodiac tattoos for mens
a tribal cancer tattoo on the shoulder
@dorianink5
The nice thing about solid black work like this is that it holds up better. consider similar designs if you want a tattoo that will stand the test of time.
a complex tattoo that combines the symbols of cancer, libra and leo
@the_devlintattoos
Complex tattoos have their own charm. in terms of meaning, they carry more information, like this one here. it shows the complexity of the user and will also make people guess the meaning of each element.
a unique hamsa crab tattoo on the third eye
@deathofcool_
A hamsa tattoo usually refers to a tattoo on the palm of the hand with an eye in the center. a hamsa tattoo is believed to bring good fortune, happiness and health. This crab tattoo reflects the concept of hamsa. but it changes the palm with a crab, which makes it a meaningful tattoo for Cancerians.
a cute little crab
@dziaraptor_novy
Sketch tattoos or ignorant tattoos are very popular in recent years. Although they do not have the perfect lines or shading, they reflect the carefree attitude of the users. this little crab tattoo is one of them. It may look like a child’s drawing. but it’s also a reminder not to take everything too seriously.
a neo-traditional crab tattoo
@spacekadhabra
Neo-traditional tattoos are those with vibrant, contrasting colors and bold lines, 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 as your next tattoo. Calf tattoos don’t cause as much pain as collarbones or ribs. and has enough flat space for a complex tattoo like this.
The fine lines in the details of this cancer tattoo for men and the red also make the tattoo stand out on the skin.
yin and yang
@joeysneedle
yin and yang refer to dark and light in Chinese. 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. shows how much the user values harmony and balance.
a striking crab tattoo on the leg
via instagram
We don’t see much realism work in zodiac tattoos. this one, however, is an exception. It takes skills, time and effort to create a realistic tattoo. and the results are worth it.
which of these cancer tattoos is your favourite?
Leave your thoughts in the comments.
