horizon astrology banner image with composite nebula formations

Compatibility
Cancer Pig and Libra Snake

As combative and intense as any relationship under the sun—yet there may be critical benefits here, as firstwest and secondwest offer rare prospects for personal growth, and the firsteast and secondeast can provide extraordinary achievements and social impact.

Western Zodiac sign, Cancer
Western Zodiac sign, Libra

Western Zodiac

Cancer and Libra

Compatibility overview

The match between firstwest and secondwest summons powerful energy that is frequently hard to control, but also deeply rewarding. These two tend to spar like champions, as their instincts on most subjects could hardly be more different. Yet few combinations are able to produce the transformative positive effects that these two signs can bring out in one another.

Cancer and Libra - Relationship Horoscope

Read more about the CANCER and LIBRA zodiac signs...

Read more about the CANCER PIG and LIBRA SNAKE combined zodiac signs...

In Western astrology, an interval of three steps, as there is between Cancer and Libra, is known as a Square aspect. This hard 90° angle brings forth some punishing energy. At times it may feel as if no topic or field of endeavour is safe from disagreement or contestation.

Libra's all-encompassing, deliberative attitude is highly intellectual, and they are keenly interested in social institutions and practices. Cancer's instincts, on the other hand, tend to be much more private and emotional, focusing on empathy, the home, and nurturing a comfortable identity. For Libra, Cancer can therefore seem vague or distracted, whereas Cancer may think Libra is preoccupied with superficial concerns that obscure more foundational elements of life. The intensity of Libra's interest in ideas and society usually produces a highly extroverted and at times harshly critical personality, while Cancer is naturally far more introverted, sensitive, and moody. These tensions can be traced in part to the respective elements. Libra's Air always emphasizes cerebral, social concerns, where Cancer's Water is essentially fluid and abstract. Further, these signs share a Cardinal modality, meaning they both express the pure energy of inception, when any project is at its most inchoate and raw. Without a counterbalancing modality, Cancer and Libra have little choice but to face head-on the differences between them.

In spite of these challenges, however, the true gift of Square energy is that it is highly conducive to growth. For one thing, the sheer power of this connection can be intoxicating or enchanting. Personal or sexual chemistry is strongly indicated. Further, the sparring between Cancer and Libra can provoke extraordinary personal development for both parties. There is a quality of having one's feet held to the fire about interactions between these signs. Few matches in the Western zodiac can so potently crystallize for Cancer and Libra exactly what they most desire in life.

Not all Square matches survive without evolving in form, and strategies for compartmentalization can be helpful in many cases. Yet ultimately this energy can be a blessing for both signs, and if it can be controlled, it may lead to a life-changing and deeply rewarding relationship.

Celebrity Cancer/Libra Pairings*

*Click on the names to see both Western and Chinese zodiac matches for that pairing.

Billy Crudup and Naomi Watts
Billy Crudup and Naomi Watts (click for attribution/s)

Billy Crudup (7/8/1968, Cancer Monkey), Naomi Watts (9/28/1968, Libra Monkey) : The actors became a couple around 2017 and appeared together on the red carpet at the SAG Awards in February 2022. Both have children from previous relationships. In an Instagram post after the Emmy awards, Watts said simply: "What a night... What a dress... What a gent... ❤️✨"

Willem Dafoe (7/22/1955, Cancer Sheep), Giada Colagrande (10/16/1975, Libra Rabbit) : The actor and film-maker have been married since 2005. "I met [Colagrande] on the street in Rome in 2004. I knew of her because I'd seen her films and we had some mutual friends. Getting married was very impulsive and romantic. We were having lunch and I said: 'Do you want to get married tomorrow?' I called up City Hall and they said: 'If you get here in the next couple of hours, you can register and then you can get married tomorrow.' So we ran down there."

Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird
Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird (click for attribution/s)

Megan Rapinoe (7/5/1985, Cancer Ox), Sue Bird (10/16/1980, Libra Monkey) : The basketball and soccer players have been a couple since 2017. Individually and together, they have been credited with "[B]oundary-obliterating levels of achievement on and off the field." Speaking about their lives together after they retire from professional sports, Rapinoe described: "I’m excited. Because there’s like [miming separate boxes with her hands] Megan, and Sue. And then there’s Megan and Sue. And I think that there’s so much to be done in all of those three buckets...I hope [our legacy is that] people see it doesn’t have to be this slog where you’re just a selfless servant. You can have fun, you can be successful. You can do it your own way."

Courtney Love (7/9/1964, Cancer Dragon), Carrie Fisher (10/21/1956, Libra Monkey) : The actor and musician/actor shared a strong friendship after they met at the Oscars ceremony in 1997. In the Foreword to Love's book, Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love, Fisher wrote: "There’s a saying: 'Some of us can’t find heaven without backing away from hell.' Well, it seems to me that that’s been part of Courtney Love’s experience—not that she’s found heaven, but I’m sure she has seen glimpses of the place. How could she not, with all her experience fighting her demons?…After all is said and done—whenever that is—she is a survivor. Unfortunately, the only thing wrong with being a survivor is you have to keep getting in trouble to show off your gift. Getting in trouble and then getting out again, bearing gifts."

Will Smith and Jaden Smith
Will Smith and Jaden Smith (click for attribution/s)

Jaden Smith (7/8/1998, Cancer Tiger), Will Smith (9/25/1968, Libra Monkey) : The father and son actors have appeared together on screen several times. Will Smith's memoir, Will, described: "After Earth was an abysmal box office and critical failure, and what was worse was that Jaden took the hit. Fans and the press were absolutely vicious; they said and printed things about Jaden that I refuse to repeat. Jaden had faithfully done everything that I'd instructed him to do, and I had coached him. We never discussed it, but I know he felt betrayed. He felt misled, and he lost his trust in my leadership. At fifteen years old, when Jaden asked about being an emancipated minor, my heart shattered. He ultimately decided against it, but it sucks to feel like you've hurt your kids."

Paul Schrader (7/22/1946, Cancer Dog), Mary Beth Hurt (9/26/1946, Libra Dog) : The director and actor have been married since 1983 and have two children together. They have rarely spoken in public about their relationship, but in 1989, Mary Beth Hurt said simply, "I have everything I want, everything I need. And more. Paul and the kids are the best thing that ever happened to me."

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield
Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield (click for attribution/s)

Mike Tyson (6/30/1966, Cancer Horse), Evander Holyfield (10/19/1962, Libra Tiger) : The two former world champion boxers fought for the WBA heavyweight title in 1996, with Tyson infamously biting Holyfield's ear. Years later they reconciled, with both speaking warmly about the other. Tyson said, "We're both at a stage in our lives where we can work together and make really a good thing happen. He's a beautiful person. I've known Evander since I was 15." Holyfield commented, "He appreciates that I forgave him. He's forgiven himself. That's how you make adjustments in life."

Cheryl Cole (6/30/1983, Cancer Pig), Simon Cowell (10/7/1959, Libra Pig) : The two media personalities were both judges on The X Factor in the UK. They had a public falling out when Cole was dropped from the US version of the show after one episode, then reconciled and appeared together again in the UK edition. Often described as "frenemies", Cole described one exchange as follows: "[Cowell] said the same thing to my face about me manipulating him. I said: 'Simon, seriously – you've become so cynical that you think people manipulate you, but I'm not one of those people. Maybe what confuses you is that I don't play with you; you can't buy me.' And he said to me: 'When I say you manipulate, I mean it in the sincerest form of a compliment. Meaning: you're highly intelligent, and I don't even think you know you're doing it.'"

Leonardo DiCaprio with decorative starry background

Explore sign profiles for combined Western and Chinese zodiac signs.

Male and female statues embracing with a decorative starry background

Explore the Golden Nine most compatible matches by combined sign, or the challenging energy of the Four Challenges.

Bruce Lee with a decorative starry background

Match a celebrity with any combined sign or birthdate.


Chinese Zodiac sign, the Pig
Chinese Zodiac sign, the Snake

Chinese Zodiac

Pig and Snake

Compatibility overview

In contrast to the usually more equivocal teachings of the Western zodiac, Chinese astrology takes no prisoners when it comes to matches that are considered unfavourable. Sadly, the match between the firsteast and secondeast has a terrible reputation for causing conflict and stress to both parties. There is another side to the coin, however—for, unsettling as it may be, this match is also capable of producing some stunning benefits.

Pig and Snake - Relationship Horoscope

Read more about the PIG and SNAKE zodiac signs...

Read more about the CANCER PIG and LIBRA SNAKE combined zodiac signs...

Facing each other across the Chinese zodiac wheel are six Opposite matches, one of which is the combination of the Pig and Snake. Typically for this oppositional energy, it is hard to imagine two personalities with less in common than the seductive Snake and the pure-hearted Pig.

The Snake, gloriously attractive and profoundly philosophical in outlook, can also be calculating and ethically flexible when it comes to advancing their own interests. The Pig, by contrast, is the most trusting and benevolent of all the signs—any form of guile or subterfuge typically causes them distress. Communications between these two thus tend to become inevitably fraught. The Snake may feel as if their sage advice is being ignored, their cherished talents being belittled or wasted. The Pig, on the other hand, may sense either that they are being humiliated or manipulated, or that they are powerless to protect the Snake from being wounded. The potential weaknesses of both signs may thus be magnified, with the Snake becoming envious, conniving, or judgemental, the Pig turning to self-sabotage, over-indulgence, or belligerence.

A particular site of discord for these two is finances, or really any kind of shared resources. Even when relaxed, the Snake tends to be jealously guarded about expenditure. Faced with the carefree indulgences of the Pig, the Snake may have conniptions! The poor stressed Pig, meanwhile, is apt to lose themselves to extravagance or guilt. As strange as it may seem, however, there are some powerful redeeming features to this relationship. Indeed, in terms of ultimate results, this connection can prove every bit as fruitful as the challenges are disturbing. Because each of these signs is so strong in those character traits where the other is weakest, their combined qualities as a duo forms a complete spectrum of energy. Hence any kind of collaboration or association between these two—as difficult as it may be for the Snake and Pig themselves—can be brilliantly impactful.

Even if these two signs struggle to take as much pleasure in the process as they would with other signs, joint enterprises between the Snake and Pig can prove truly, transformationally, life-changing.

Celebrity Pig/Snake Pairings*

*Click on the names to see both Western and Chinese zodiac matches for that pairing.

David Letterman and Oprah Winfrey
David Letterman and Oprah Winfrey (click for attribution/s)

Oprah Winfrey (1/29/1954, Aquarius Snake), David Letterman (4/12/1947, Aries Pig) : The pair of legendary talk show hosts shared a long-running tension, beginning with Winfrey's appearance on Late Night with David Letterman (1982-1993). After the two later reconciled, and Letterman appeared on Oprah's Next Chapter (2012—),Winfrey described: "You had asked me before to do [your show] in Chicago...and it was a terrible experience for me. The guy in the audience started yelling, ‘Get her, Dave!’ You were sort of baiting the audience, and there were a bunch of drunk guys down the front. I was trying to like, you know, mitigate the whole thing, and it felt so uncomfortable to me. I didn't want to have that experience again." Also reportedly contributing to the unease between them was Letterman leaving Winfrey with the bill at a restaurant they both happened to be visiting at the same time, Oprah refusing to acknowledge Letterman when they were in the same place, Letterman making fun of Oprah's name when he presented the 2010 Academy Awards ("Oprah? Uma [Thurman]. Uma? Oprah.").

Matthew Weiner (6/29/1965, Cancer Snake), Jon Hamm (3/10/1971, Pisces Pig) : The actor and writer/producer/director established a memorable legacy through their collaboration on the acclaimed TV show, Mad Men (2007-2017). Studio executives at AMC were apparently loath to cast Hamm in the lead role, but Weiner was adamant that he was the best choice. Hamm described later, "I auditioned about seven or eight times and I was just thinking, God, at this point, I've pretty much read every single scene in the pilot to somebody. What do I have to do?" A former SVP at AMC, Christina Wayne, described: "We were like, 'Really? This is the guy you want?' Matt [Weiner] was telling us he just knew it in his gut and he could see it."

Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews
Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews (click for attribution/s)

Julie Andrews (10/1/1935, Libra Pig), Christopher Plummer (12/13/1929, Sagittarius Snake) : The two actors memorably appeared together in The Sound of Music (1965). However, Plummer was less than complimentary about both the film—which he famously called, "The Sound of Mucus"—and acting with his co-star, which he described as, "[L]ike getting hit over the head with a Valentine card."

Simon Cowell (10/7/1959, Libra Pig), Howard Stern (1/12/1954, Capricorn Snake) : The two outspoken media personalities became involved in a heated feud, after Cowell replaced Stern as a judge on America's Got Talent (2006- ) in 2015. When hackers subsequently released internal Sony emails, they apparently revealed that Cowell had lobbied to have Stern fired and to replace him. Stern reportedly said on his radio show in 2019, "Personally would I love to see Simon Cowell [expletive] suck one up his [expletive]. In other words, would I love to see him fall flat on his face...My only beef with [Cowell] is he had a campaign behind my back, which I wouldn't have known if the Koreans hadn't hacked Sony. They exposed these emails he had going, 'We can get rid of Stern and I'll work for so much cheaper.' And by the way, if I had really wanted that job, then I would've been pissed. But I just find him sleazy and he is a liar."

Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards
Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards (click for attribution/s)

Denise Richards (2/17/1971, Aquarius Pig), Charlie Sheen (9/3/1965, Virgo Snake) : The two actors were married from 2002 to 2006. They had two children. Their divorce was famously acrimonious, including court proceedings and a custody dispute. Interviewed in 2022, Richards described: "The behind-the-scenes stuff was way worse than what was out there. It was really bad...There is a lot that the public doesn’t know, and you never know what goes on behind closed doors. It was not a good situation...[I asked myself, ] [w]ould I want my daughters to be married to this man? No offense to him, but it’s true. And I think he would take that, he would understand what I’m saying. ... It was very toxic."


Combined Relationship Horoscope

Final Words

The Square combination of firstwest and secondwest may sometimes wonder if there is anything they agree about at all, yet this potent connection also offers rare opportunities for both signs to crystallize who they are and what they want out of life, and to cultivate greater self-awareness, patience and generosity in communicating. On the Chinese zodiac side, the energy between the firsteast and secondeast is similarly powerful and conflictive—though again there are countervailing positives, as few combinations can summon such a spectacular and impactful coalescence of energy. It may take a supreme effort to maintain this ferocious connection over the long term, but for as long as it endures, this is a recipe for a blazing, unforgettable relationship.

Statue of angelic cherub with decorative starry background


Also on Horizon Astrology...

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with decorative starry background

Explore celebrity news and events through a lens of the Western and Chinese zodiacs .

A young Bob Dylan with decorative starry background

Explore sign profiles for combined Western and Chinese zodiac signs.

Young Elizabeth Taylor with decorative starry background

Match a celebrity with any combined sign or birthdate.

Billie Holiday singing with decorative starry background

Explore the combined Western and Chinese zodiac signs for celebrities from all walks of life.

Sonny Bono and Cher with a decorative starry background

Explore relationship horoscopes for any two celebrities.

Pharrell Williams with a decorative starry background

Explore your Golden Nine most compatible combined signs - with celebrity examples.

Princess Diana with decorative starry background

Explore the Four Challenges, your most challenging energy matches - with celebrity examples.