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Compatibility
Capricorn Rat and Cancer Ox

Bringing together two legendary matches—the powerfully synergistic firstwest and secondwest, and the infinite tenderness of the firsteast and secondeast—this is a true gem of a combination, one of the most favorable of any in existence.

Western Zodiac sign, Capricorn
Western Zodiac sign, Cancer

Western Zodiac

Capricorn and Cancer

Compatibility overview

It is not always easy to believe, but the combination of firstwest and secondwest is actually one of the strongest matches in the Western zodiac. Make no mistake, these two are almost as likely to disagree as agree! But where they do see eye to eye, the force of their shared convictions can be astounding. Hence this partnership has rare prospects for collaboration and contentment.

Capricorn and Cancer - Relationship Horoscope

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

Read more about the CAPRICORN RAT and CANCER OX combined zodiac signs...

Facing each other across the Western zodiac wheel are six Opposition matches. One of these is the celebrated combination of Capricorn and Cancer.

To be sure, when these diametrically opposed signs meet, disputes and disagreements are more than likely. Cancer natives are profoundly sensitive, oriented by feelings and internal reflection, where Capricorns tend to be far more grounded, practical, and outward-looking. Cancer's instincts may may thus strike Capricorns as quite wishy-washy, even ineffectual. On the other hand, Capricorn's focus on human affairs and power relations could seem tedious, bordering on irrelevant, to the more abstract-minded Cancer. These are two Cardinal signs, meaning their different instincts both reflect initiating energy, beginnings that are not wholly formed. Hence when these two clash, it could well seem impossible to get anything off the ground.

So why on earth, given all this potential for tension, is this one of the most auspicious pairings in the whole of Western astrology? The answer lies, almost literally, on the other side of the coin. For where these two agree, there is little that can touch the inspiring, motivating force of their consensus. The potential weaknesses of these signs—Cancer's tendency towards being overborne and hypersensitive, Capricorn's occasional dourness and pessimism—can be transformed by their union into collective confidence, leadership, and joy. The respective elements of Earth (Capricorn) and Water (Cancer) are delightfully compatible, helping to turn the conflictive aspects of this energy into pleasure-filled and highly productive outcomes.

Hence, whether duelling or loving or anything in between, these two are usually propelling each other upwards, their individual selves and their relationship growing stronger by the day. The result is one of the most trusted combinations in the zodiac for security, advancement, and happiness.

Celebrity Capricorn/Cancer Pairings*

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

George W. Bush and Michelle Obama
George W. Bush and Michelle Obama (click for attribution/s)

George W. Bush (7/6/1946, Cancer Dog), Michelle Obama (1/17/1964, Capricorn Rabbit) : The 43rd US President and First Lady during the presidency of the 44th President have struck up a popular and for many surprising friendship. Obama described in 2018: "[Bush] is my partner in crime at every major thing where all the formers gather. So we’re together all the time, and I love him to death. He’s a wonderful man. He’s a funny man."

Patrick Stewart (7/13/1940, Cancer Dragon), Sunny Ozell (12/23/1978, Capricorn Horse) : The actor and singer/songwriter have been married since 2013. Responding to a question about the age difference between them, Ozell said, "He is so youthful and I guess I’m kind of an old worrywart, so we bridge the gap. It hasn’t come up much. He’s in better shape than I am, physically, which infuriates me." Stewart added, "I cannot fully understand this age thing. It’s not a matter of affectation, I honestly don’t know what happened, how I got here."

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Prince William and Kate Middleton (click for attribution/s)

Prince William (6/21/1982, Cancer Dog), Kate Middleton (1/9/1982, Capricorn Rooster) : The Prince and Princess of Wales (William is heir to the throne in the UK) first met in 2001 while at university. They have been married since 2011 and have three children together. Speaking about their courtship, William has described: "When I was trying to impress Kate, I was trying to cook these amazing fancy dinners, and all that would happen was, I would burn something, something would overspill, something would catch on fire, and she'd be sitting in the background just trying to help and [then] taking control of the whole situation."

Carl Thomas Dean (7/20/1942, Cancer Horse), Dolly Parton (1/19/1946, Capricorn Rooster) : The country legend and business entrepreneur eloped in 1966 and have been married for over 50 years. Dean has famously avoided the spotlight. To celebrate their 50-year anniversary, the couple renewed their vows, as Parton explained: "It’s been a good 50 years and I don’t know how many more years we'll have left. If I had it to do all over, I'd do it all over again, and we did. I'm dragging him kicking and screaming into the next 50 years."

Dove Cameron and Mitchell Hope
Dove Cameron and Mitchell Hope (click for attribution/s)

Mitchell Hope (6/27/1994, Cancer Dog), Dove Cameron (1/15/1996, Capricorn Pig) : The two actors formed a strong friendship when they co-starred in the Descendants series of movies (2015, 2017, and 2019). Cameron described in 2017: "[Mitchell's] a really sensitive human being and so am I. So when two people recognize a commonality, it’s like looking across the room at someone the first day of school and it’s like I see me in you and you see you in me...Mitchell and I were each others’ rocks in the first film. Then in the second film, we were inseparable. He’s like my best friend, my brother, best friend — which is why it’s so funny that we’re significant others in the film. But it creates this comfort-ability as actors where we get to really go there with each other. And I think that’s why there’s so much chemistry on screen, because I tell him everything! He’s like my best girlfriend, except he’s a guy. I spend every moment with him on set...Yeah, I laugh with him maybe more than anyone else."

Mary Stuart Masterson (6/28/1966, Cancer Horse), Jeremy Davidson (12/24/1971, Capricorn Pig) : The two actors have been married since 2006 and have four children together. They avoid attention and have settled in an unidentified small town, where they grow vegetables and keep bees. Masterson has described: "I had a lot of attention very young. It just became part of my norm to be unfindable, ungettable and private. I’ve always been such an individualist, and learning to have roots is something that’s coming to me later in life."

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Chinese Zodiac sign, the Rat
Chinese Zodiac sign, the Ox

Chinese Zodiac

Rat and Ox

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.

Rat and Ox - Relationship Horoscope

Read more about the RAT and OX zodiac signs...

Read more about the CAPRICORN RAT and CANCER OX 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 Rat/Ox Pairings*

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

Paul Newman and Robert Redford
Paul Newman and Robert Redford (click for attribution/s)

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 and LaTanya Richardson Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson (click for attribution/s)

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."

Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan (click for attribution/s)

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."

Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza
Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza (click for attribution/s)

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".


Combined Relationship Horoscope

Final Words

The revered Opposition energy between Western signs firstwest and secondwest draws strength not only from the intense synergies they share, but from their equally striking differences. Here, this powerful potential is beautifully complemented by a Soulmate connection between firsteast and secondeast, one of the most propitious matches in the Chinese zodiac. If there were any such thing as perfection in relationships, this would be it, with the chance of these two developing a rare and deeply rewarding, lifelong connection written in the stars.

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