Your Essential Guide to the Water Signs of the Zodiac

woman floating in a large pool of water

Who would want to, or could possibly, live a life without water? Water is essential for survival, and it’s one of the most beautiful and necessary gifts that we have on this abundant globe. In astrology, like in life, water is an essential component.

Each zodiac sign in astrology is ruled by an element of the earth, and today we’re going to discuss the fluid, sensitive, intuitive Water signs. Each element is crucial for the balance of Mother Nature, and water is the element that provides creativity and fluidity to our zodiac.

The Water signs include the Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, and each of these signs contains an element of magic and mystery. You might be wondering where Aquarius, the Water Bearer, fits into all of this. While many rightfully confuse this sign as a Water sign – the wave symbol and nickname don’t help this confusion – Aquarians are actually ruled by Air.

Let’s explore the depths of the Water sign waves and see what treasure we find!

What do Water Signs Represent?

While each Water sign is different, there are a few traits that the Water share relatively equally.

Think about how you feel near a calming body of water. Imagine the serene, tranquil feeling that accompanies the lapping waves of a sandy shore or the gentle movements of a languid lake. Water signs can have an equally soothing effect. Water signs seem to have this mystical ability to go with the flow, sailing with the winds of change and not being all too bothered by disruptions.

Yet, Water signs can also have the opposite effect when emotions become intense. Imagine that the same calming wave grows massive and torrential, threatening to rain down upon you like a tsunami. You might feel more intimidated by the once pleasant waters, wouldn’t you?

While Water signs are not prone toward violence or anger, their moods can change quickly, like the swelling of a tide. Water signs can also struggle to find direction, being pulled by the elements surrounding them. Air might shift their focus, while Fire can ignite their passion.

One thing holds true, and that is the expressive, creative, and intuitive elements of Water. Water wants to share itself, to nourish the world with its liquid healing. Water instinctively feels the energy of those around it, backing away from the shores that seem too rocky to approach. When one of these intuits of the zodiac approaches someone who is steaming mad or deeply saddened, they seem to know exactly how to handle the situation.

With these mystifying traits in mind, let’s take a look at the equally mesmerizing characteristics of Cancers, Scorpios, and Pisces individually.

Cancer

The Nurturer

Cancers are the Cardinal Water sign, meaning they are the first Water sign of the astrological calendar.

Some believe that this placement increases their fluid nature. Their ruling planet is the ever-intuitive Moon, which guides them in the right direction. Cancers are represented by the crab, and many can attest to this apt representation as Cancers can be crabby. But their heart is always in the right place.

Cancers want to take care of those around them, and their focus is often more concentrated on the ones they love rather than their own needs.

If you encounter a crabby Cancer, there is a good chance that they have been giving their all to everyone but themselves. Sometimes you have to remind them that self-care is just as important as the love that they share with the world. When Cancer learns to put themselves first, they can truly be there for the people they cherish the most.

Other Cancer traits include:

  • Loyal
  • Sensitive
  • Nostalgic
  • Compassionate
  • Charming
  • Intuitive
  • Generous
  • Resentful
  • Moody
  • Affectionate
  • Deep

Remember, Cancer, self-care is crucial.

Scorpio

The Lover

If Scorpios are known for anything most colloquially, it’s their sensuality. Scorpios are charming, mysterious, and sexual.

Their passion for life knows no bounds, but they might not be drawn towards the same life-affirming activities as the buoyant Leo or the assertive Aries. Scorpios want to know what’s behind the scenes, thanks to their ruling planet Pluto. Pluto wants to draw the curtains back on anything hidden in life, peppering Scorpios with their flair for the unknown. This Water sign is also Fixed, meaning that their watery traits tend to be more stable and focused.

Scorpios are often misunderstood, especially with their representation as the stinging scorpion. Yes, a scorned Scorpio may certainly carry a special kind of wrath for their perpetrator, but it takes an incredibly long time to get under a Scorpio’s skin. They can also be very forgiving as long as apologies sent in their direction are always forthright and genuine.

Scorpios are deeply connected to their desires, with one of their biggest desires being to understand the Universe around them. An intense curiosity lies within the Scorpio’s heart, leading to creativity, exploration, and discovery.

Other Scorpio traits include:

  • Assertive
  • Passionate
  • Focused
  • Courageous
  • Loyal
  • Patient
  • Intuitive
  • Emotional
  • Independent
  • Possessive
  • Secretive
  • Driven

Remember, Scorpio, to follow your curiosity wherever it leads you. Your heart knows the way.

Pisces

The Dreamer

Pisces are associated with fish, the creatures who live in the water and dream of the Sun. Pisces are the natural dreamers of the zodiac, thanks to their ruling planet, Neptune. Neptune is a hazy planet that encourages time spent in the realm of the imagination, conjuring images of futures that will be and those that could have been.

Neptune also encourages compassion. Pisces are sensitive and empathetic, drawn towards the energy of others, and gifted in deciphering their loved ones’ moods.

As a Mutable sign, Pisces is naturally fluid and drawn toward change. They want to move with the currents of the ocean, allowing themselves to be swept up in the tempting and enticing waves that charm them. This flow allows Pisces to get along with others and remain comfortable in the face of transformation. Pisces’ natural spirituality, coupled with their intuition, allows them to understand certain aspects of life that seem to perplex and puzzle the rest of us.

This Water sign is gifted at listening to others and helping them find their way, however they may have difficulty in making decisions for themselves. Pisces would sometimes rather spend time involved in their rich and lively fantasies than commit to turning them into a reality. A boost of confidence helps this fish swim towards their dreams. Pisces are typically gifted artists, musicians, and dancers, with creativity swimming through their veins.

Other Pisces traits include:

  • Compassionate
  • Peaceful
  • Friendly
  • Artistic
  • Emotional
  • Selfless
  • Intuitive/Clairvoyant
  • Introspective
  • Negative
  • Moody
  • Melancholy

Don’t forget to swim out of your head from time to time and join us on dry land, Pisces. Turning your dreams into reality is easier than you might think.

Understanding the Water Signs

Understanding more about Water signs can help you understand more about yourself and the Water signs in your life. Even if you aren’t a Water sign yourself, there’s a good chance that there’s some Water in your natal chart.

While emotionality and intuition may not be naturally celebrated in many societies, these traits are a crucial component to life and understanding our celestial connections. So celebrate the water that flows through you and those you love!

Take the quiz: Which Zodiac Element Matches Your Personality?

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