Compatibility
Cancer Ox and Pisces
Rat
The best of the best! This incredible match unites the most harmonious energy from the Western (firstwest and secondwest) and Eastern (firsteast and secondeast) zodiacs.
The best of the best! This incredible match unites the most harmonious energy from the Western (firstwest and secondwest) and Eastern (firsteast and secondeast) zodiacs.
Western Zodiac
Cancer and Pisces
Compatibility overview
There is a rare and wonderful beauty to the combination of firstwest and secondwest. Trine matches, which occur where signs are four steps apart, are said to be the most harmonious in the Western zodiac. For these two signs, their essential compatibility nurtures qualities of learning, identity formation, and pleasure.
Cancer and Pisces - Relationship Horoscope
Read more about the CANCER and PISCES zodiac signs...
Read more about the CANCER OX and PISCES RAT combined zodiac signs...
Bruce Lee famously preached a "Be Water, My Friend" philosophy, saying, "Be formless, shapeless, like water. You put water into a cup, it becomes the cup." While this may be an eloquent description of mindfulness, it also captures a lot of the challenges the Water signs Cancer and Pisces may face in life, and why a connection between these signs can be so special.
Sharing the most changeable and fluid element, Water, means these two signs can both be highly impressionable and responsive to the needs of others. They are both strongly empathic by nature—Cancer with an emphasis on identity formation, security, and belonging, and Pisces with their inclination towards universally shared concerns rather than individual priorities. This porous energy can make it difficult for these two signs to really know themselves. Cancer in particular has a reputation for being potentially the most variable of all the signs, they are so susceptible to outside influences. But Pisces too often lacks assertiveness—at least about their true nature—which can lead to them being alternately obliging or withdrawn, rather than accepting themselves with greater confidence.
The beauty of a relationship between Cancer and Pisces arises out of this mutual sensitivity. The pure, Cardinal modality of Cancer matches perfectly with Pisces' more transitory Mutable nature, meaning the supple, changeable potential of their shared Water element is free to flow and transform without restriction. Romance is highly favoured, but any connection between these two is likely to attract a special brand of intimacy. Cancer may be encouraged to develop a model of individual identity and home life that resonates with a growing sense of their own uniqueness. Pisces may feel less compelled to hide away (whether in plain sight or darkness) and more inclined to share their gentle aestheticism.
In short, this can be be one of the most promising relationships in the Western zodiac, favouring all kinds of exploration of the self and the outside world, and offering a uniquely close and strong bond to both parties.
Celebrity Cancer/Pisces Pairings*
*Click on the names to see both Western and Chinese zodiac matches for that pairing.
Benedict Cumberbatch (7/19/1976, Cancer Dragon), Sophie Hunter (3/16/1978, Pisces Horse) : The actor and theatre director/playwright married in 2015 and have three children. Though the couple have avoided discussing their relationship publicly, Cumberbatch said in 2016: "Home is always the roots and the safe harbor."
Lionel Messi (6/24/1987, Cancer Rabbit), Antonela Roccuzzo (2/26/1988, Pisces Dragon) : The soccer superstar and model have known each other since their childhood in Rosario, Argentina. Messi confirmed their relationship publicly in 2009, and they have three children together.
Selena Gomez (7/22/1992, Cancer Monkey), Justin Bieber (3/1/1994, Pisces Dog) : The musician and musician/actor formed one of the most high-profile couples in the world when they dated on-and-off between 2010 and 2018. At one time, Gomez explained, "I'll forever support [Bieber] and love him in a way….we grew up together," while Bieber said, "I'm never going to stop loving [Gomez]. I'm never going to stop checking in on her." After Gomez released her commercially and critically acclaimed song, "Lose You to Love Me", which she appeared to acknowledge was about her relationship with Bieber, she described: "I'm very proud of it...It's not a hateful song; it's a song that is saying — I had something beautiful and I would never deny that...now here I am stepping into a whole other chapter."
Mel Brooks (6/28/1926, Cancer Tiger), Carl Reiner (3/20/1922, Pisces Dog) : The two actor/comedian/screenwriters were best friends for over 70 years. They famously collaborated on the 2000 Year Old Man comedy albums in the 1950s/1960s. They were known for spending their evenings together in their 90s, watching Jeopardy and eating together at Reiner's house. In 2021, Brooks recalled: "Any time I could surprise [Reiner] and really break him up, I knew it was funny. He was the greatest audience. Ahhh, I miss him so much...He would call me in the evenings and say, ‘Come over, come over! I got a big stuffed cabbage for us!’ Even at the end he was always Carl: funny, sweet-natured, warm and just the most wonderful friend a person could ever have. People know how good he was, but not how great."
Angélique Kidjo (7/14/1960, Cancer Rat), Miriam Makeba (3/4/1932, Pisces Monkey) : The two singer/songwriters shared a close mentoring friendship. Kidjo described in 2022: "In 1989, I was asked to be [Makeba's] opening act in Paris. During my soundcheck, she walked onstage, and I was frozen. I was shaking from emotion. She said, 'Hello, little girl! You have a nice voice!' After that, every time she would see me, she’d say, 'You’re doing good!' It was a friendship between a daughter and a musical mother. She said, 'Never accept anyone to put you in the category of "world music." All music is in the world. Everything people listen to comes from Africa. Why are we put in the ghetto of "world music?"' She gave me a lot of advice...I want my music to carry her legacy and to sing to her every time I’m onstage."
Carly Simon (6/25/1945, Cancer Rooster), James Taylor (3/12/1948, Pisces Rat) : The two singer/songwriters were married from 1972 to 1983, and had two children. In her memoir, Boys in the Trees (2015), Simon wrote about their early intimacy: "It was the nicest contact I could ever know, could ever have asked for, or ever remember…James was my muse, my Orpheus, my ‘good night, sweet prince,’ my something-in-the-way-he-moves."
Combined Zodiac
Sign Profiles
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Explore Best and Worst Energy Matches
Explore the Golden Nine most compatible matches by combined sign, or the challenging energy of the Four Challenges.
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Chinese Zodiac
Ox and Rat
Compatibility overview
This is one of the most cherished matches in all of Eastern astrology. There may be no perfection in human relationships, but the combination of the firsteast and the secondeast attracts the most compatible energy there is. In professional, familial, or intimate contexts, these two natural confidants and allies can be expected to forge a powerful and dependable bond.
Ox and Rat - Relationship Horoscope
Read more about the OX and RAT zodiac signs...
Read more about the CANCER OX and PISCES RAT combined zodiac signs...
Compatibility in the Eastern zodiac depends mainly on the four Trine Families. While members of the same family share very harmonious energy, each sign also enjoys a revered Soulmate connection with one sign from their kindred Trine Family. The powerful leader, the Ox, and the clever strategist, the Rat, share this Soulmate connection. In fact, this is probably the most legendary of all the Soulmate matches—after all, in the Jade Emperor's race that decided the order of the signs, the Rat achieved victory by hiding in the ear of the Ox.
Early contacts between these two will likely establish a bedrock of excitement and resolve. The Ox is incredibly strong and determined. Their dominant nature and near-infinite capacity for effective hard work appeal immediately to the strategic and socially-minded Rat. The Rat, meanwhile, is as clever as the day is long. The Ox will likely recognize quickly what sage advice the Rat can provide, while at the same time being hopelessly seduced by the Rat's delightful compliments and winning personality. Soon, these two will discover the secret that lies at the heart of their great compatibility. For these signs are both intensely motivated by social unity, whether in the home or professional contexts. The Ox may be a born leader, but they know in their bones the importance of a trustworthy, dedicated team. The Rat's instinctive command of social dynamics is simply wasted without a community to coordinate towards success.
Hence these two are natural collaborators, a brilliant pairing in business or family. Traits that may infuriate other signs will for the most part not even register as problems. The Rat can usually navigate the Ox's stubborn, opinionated nature with effortless humor and shrewd foresight. The Ox may similarly laugh off the Rat's secretive wiles and occasional manipulation, given an unerring trust that the Rat has their best interests at heart. The only real danger for this match is if life gets in the way. Soulmate energy can be as demanding as it is rich. If either party is unable to devote themselves completely to this alliance, both may suffer grave misery. Fortunately, this combination is capable of extraordinary devotion and patience, and most challenges will prove surmountable. If these two can commit to their shared vision, then in any context their union is likely to prove as strong, rewarding, and effective as any in the Eastern zodiac.
Celebrity Ox/Rat Pairings*
*Click on the names to see both Western and Chinese zodiac matches for that pairing.
Robert Redford (8/18/1936, Leo Rat), Paul Newman (1/26/1925, Aquarius Ox) : The celebrated actors shared memorable on-screen chemistry in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, and they became lifelong friends. Redford has been quoted as saying, "I think what we found out over time was that the things that made us friends were — had a lot to do with values, what we saw as valuable in society."
Billy Crystal (3/14/1948, Pisces Rat), Janice Crystal (3/16/1949, Pisces Ox) : Both actors and producers, Billy and Janice Crystal were high school sweethearts who have been married for over 50 years. They have two children and are grandparents. Reflecting on their relationship, Billy Crystal commented: "We’ve grown together, we’ve parented together, we’ve grandparented together. I’m lucky that I found the person when I was 18." On another occasion, he said, "My parents always looked like they loved being together […] that’s how my wife and I are."
Samuel L. Jackson (12/21/1948, Sagittarius Rat), LaTanya Richardson Jackson (10/21/1949, Libra Ox) : The two actors have been married for over 50 years and have a daughter together. Asked in a joint interview about about whether they had ever had to choose between being true to themselves and professional opportunity, Samuel L. Jackson responded, "We don’t compromise who we are to do the things we do. It’s imperative that we be who we are. It’s not like we’ve never heard: 'You’ll never work in this town again.'" To which LaTanya Jackson responded, laughing, "Well you have – I haven’t!"
Kathryn Reed Altman (6/2/1924, Gemini Rat), Robert Altman (2/20/1925, Pisces Ox) : The acclaimed director and actor-turned-archivist were married from 1959 until Altman's death in 2006. They had two children together as well as children from previous marriages. Recounting their first meeting, Reed described, "When we were introduced, [Altman] didn’t say hello. He just said, 'How are your morals?' And I said: 'A little shaky. How are yours?' That was the beginning."
Tracy Pollan (6/22/1960, Cancer Rat), Michael J. Fox (6/9/1961, Gemini Ox) : The two actors met on the set of Family Ties in 1985. They married in 1988 and have four children together. Celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, Pollan was asked what she thought was the key to a successful marriage. She answered, "Just give each other the benefit of the doubt. He assumes I’m doing the best I can."
Marlon Brando (4/3/1924, Aries Rat), Jack Nicholson (4/22/1937, Taurus Ox) : The two actors—both often included among the best Hollywood has ever produced—were real-life neighbours for thirty years. In a tribute after Brando's death in 2004, Nicholson described how the star of On the Waterfront and The Godfather had "been my idol all of my professional life". Nicholson wrote: "I treasured the conversations I had with [Brando]. He’s a brilliant man with a very eclectic mind. He was brutally honest, with very unusual insights into just about everything. He was very funny, too. Brando’s favorite holiday was April Fools’ Day, and, trust me, the guy pulled a couple of real crackerjacks at my expense."
Aubrey Plaza (6/26/1984, Cancer Rat), Anna Kendrick (8/9/1985, Leo Ox) : The two actors met on the set of Scott Pilgrim vs the World and have become close friends who holiday together and exchange affectionate posts online. In an interview, Plaza quipped, "Hmm, hopefully when I’m 70, Anna Kendrick and I will have our multicam sitcom, exactly like The Golden Girls. We’ll just be two fast-talking sexual ladies hitting on younger guys."
Jennie Garth (4/3/1972, Aries Rat), Tori Spelling (5/16/1973, Taurus Ox) : These two actors first met on the set of Beverley Hills 90210 in 1990 and have been best friends ever since. Spelling once described Garth as "one of the most spectacular women and human beings" she knows, and while promoting their short-lived detective series, Mystery Girls, frequently referred to Garth as her "partner in crime for life".
Celebrity News
and Feature Articles
Explore celebrity news and events through a lens of the Western and Chinese zodiacs .
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Combined Relationship Horoscope
Final Words
This is as beneficial as astrological energy can be for a relationship. In the Western zodiac, it has been believed for millenia that the Trine energy between firstwest and secondwest is conducive to mutual happiness and success. For probably even longer, the Soulmate connection between firsteast and secondeast has been prized as one of the most favourable relationships imaginable. This is truly a match for the ages!
Also on Horizon Astrology...
Celebrity News Headlines
Celebrity News
and Feature Articles
Explore celebrity news and events through a lens of the Western and Chinese zodiacs .
Combined Zodiac
Sign Profiles
Explore sign profiles for combined Western and Chinese zodiac signs.
Match Any Celebrity with Anyone
Match a celebrity with any combined sign or birthdate.
Celebrity Combined Signs
Explore the combined Western and Chinese zodiac signs for celebrities from all walks of life.
Match Two Celebrities
Explore relationship horoscopes for any two celebrities.
Your Most Favorable Celebrity Matches
Explore your Golden Nine most compatible combined signs - with celebrity examples.
Your Most Challenging Celebrity Matches
Explore the Four Challenges, your most challenging energy matches - with celebrity examples.