Water Signs Can See Right Through A Fake Smile, So Don't Even Try It (2024)

You may think you know everything about your Sun sign (a.k.a. your main zodiac sign) by reading your horoscope, but that only skims the surface of astrology's influence on your life. If you look at your birth chart, you'll notice that every zodiac sign is ruled by one of four elements: air, fire, earth, and water. Each of these natural forces controls three zodiac signs, and the qualities of that element further influence why you are the way you are.

The three water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces—known for being intuitive and emotionally fluid, says astrologer Valerie Mesa. Much like water itself, which ebbs and flows, water signs can easily adapt to any situation and, as a result, have pretty reliable gut feelings, high emotional intelligence, and are not easily fooled.

What are the personality traits of water signs?

These signs don’t shy away from deep and heavy conversations and can typically suss out what someone’s got going on beneath the surface, says Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer at Astrology.com. “They see right through people and know their real intentions. Signs of this element are also very prone to be in relationships, as their need to merge with another means they function better when they feel safe and protected,” she explains. “Plus, the sensitivity that comes from the water element also translates into great creativity.”

If you’re starting to make connections between your sign and this ruling element, water might have more of an influence on your temperament than you’ve previously given it credit for. But it’s never too late to take a deep dive (pun intended) into the power of water and what it means for your zodiac sign.

What to know about Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces:

Ahead, astrologers explain the traits of each water sign, how these three signs embody the traits they’ve inherited, and if water signs are truly the psychics of the Zodiac.

Cancer

Dates: June 21 - July 22

Ruling Planet: The moon

Modality: Cardinal

Symbol: The crab

Meet the most sentimental sign of the Zodiac. “Those born under this cardinal water sign could struggle with someone who isn’t in touch with their emotions, or perhaps a bit apathetic to another person’s needs,” says Mesa. “They strive to make the people around them feel as safe as possible, and they expect the same in return.”

If they get that from you, you’ll get passionate loyalty in return. A Cancer sign will shower you with affection and nurture your relationship with everything they have. But be careful, if they feel betrayed or crossed, Cancers will retreat into their shell and snatch that loving energy right back, says Mesa.

Because they’re so empathetic, Cancers hate rigidity and won’t tolerate mistreatment of themselves and the people they care about, adds Montúfar. Once a Cancer determines they can trust you, they’ll open up to you and you’ll have a friend for life.

Scorpio

Dates: October 23 - November 21

Ruling Planet: Mars

Modality: Fixed

Symbol: The scorpion

This sign is often misunderstood, says Montúfar. But that may simply be “Scorpio is the most dynamic of all the [water] signs,” explains Megan Michelena, an astrologer, certified holistic nutritionist, and co-founder of Zenchronicity. “Its traditional ruler is Mars, making this sign very odd. Though it is a water sign, Mars is ruled by fire. It’s also a feminine sign, but Mars is a masculine planet.”

While a Scorpio's enigmatic nature can come across as “shady” or “unapproachable” to other signs, “in reality, this is how Scorpios protect their heart,” Mesa explains. This sign has tons of emotional depth—it just might take a while to see that. Because Scorpio is a fixed sign, the water that rules it is also fixed, making them guarded, she adds. This is why a Scorpio would rather have a few deep connections than a ton of shallow ones: “They’re either a ride-or-die or not in the least bit interested,” says Mesa.

In a ride-or-die situation, you can expect honesty, support, and commitment. And should you ever find yourself in a jam, it’s the Scorpio in your life who will help you come up with a solution or find someone who’ll have the answer, says Montúfar. But the second they sense superficiality or deceit, they’ll consider that a betrayal. They want the whole truth and nothing but...even though Scorpios are the type to take their secrets to the grave, Mesa points out.

Word to the wise: Don't mess with a Scorpio since “the combined power of masculine and feminine energy [makes them] by far the leader of the water signs and possibly the rest of the Zodiac,” according to Michelena. Known for being intense, often mysterious, and some of the most sexually powerful people, dynamic Scorpios energetically take charge when it comes to their element. (Rightfully earning them the title of leader, TBH.)

Pisces

Dates: February 19 - March 20

Ruling Planet: Neptune

Modality: Mutable

Symbol: The fish

Since Pisces is “governed by the elusive Neptune—the planet of dreams, fantasy, illusions, and universal love,” chances are, there’ll be something about them that you can’t quite put your finger on, explains Mesa.

“Pisces struggles when it comes to setting boundaries, as they are innately preoccupied with saving the underdog,” she adds. As a result, those born into this sign are usually social workers, healers, artists, and empaths.

They’re deeply connected to the world around them, constantly dishing out unconditional love, which is awesome for those around them. But what is a blessing to others can sometimes be a curse for Pisces, since people will likely burden them with their problems. In the end, though, a Pisces sign might say it’s worth it because they ultimately want the world to be a better place, says Montúfar.

Which signs are most compatible with water signs?

While water flows easily, it’s also one of the most difficult elements to manipulate. Because these signs feel so deeply and are often in tune with what everyone else is feeling, it can be pretty tough to convince a Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces they’re wrong. For this reason, water signs can come off as a bit intense to some of the other elements, says Montúfar. Namely fire signs and air signs. “Fire signs can sometimes feel that water signs ruin their ‘high’,” she explains. “After all, water dissipates fire. And air signs are just too logical and fact-driven for water signs, as water signs know that feelings can’t be intellectualized.”

Earth signs, on the other hand, love a water sign. “Water nurtures the earth, and the earth holds the water in all her depths,” says Michelena. In other words, water signs and earth signs just get each other.

And ICYDK, each water sign has an opposing earth sign, or “sister sign,” a.k.a their most compatible counterpart, too. “Cancer is opposed by Capricorn, representing the mother and father energies. Virgo opposes Pisces, so Virgo brings logic and understanding to the limitless Pisces. [While] Taurus opposes Scorpio, bringing light and love to the deep depths of a Scorpio’s emotional world,” says Michelena.

Well, water you waiting for? Time to put all your new astrology knowledge to use!

Meet the Experts: Narayana Montúfar is the senior astrologer at Astrology.com and author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power. Valerie Mesa is a clairvoyant astrologer and writer based in Miami, Florida. Megan Michelena is an astrologer, certified holistic nutritionist, and co-founder of Zenchronicity.