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Compatibility
Gemini Rat and Cancer Tiger

The typically slow but steady progress of firstwest and secondwest towards inspiration and dedication may have a double benefit here, helping the respectful but reticent firsteast and secondeast energy develop closeness and dependability.

Western Zodiac sign, Gemini
Western Zodiac sign, Cancer

Western Zodiac

Gemini and Cancer

Compatibility overview

Signs that are next to each other on the Western zodiac wheel are often likened to real-life next door neighbors. Sure, there are similarities, given they occupy similar surrounds. But there is also an instinctual caginess, a sense of needing to protect one's own space. If these two do get to know one another well, however, they may find that their earlier hesitancy was entirely misplaced.

Gemini and Cancer - Relationship Horoscope

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

Read more about the GEMINI RAT and CANCER TIGER combined zodiac signs...

Adjacent signs in the Western zodiac, such as Cancer and Gemini, share a minor Semi-sextile aspect. This is one of only two minor influences (with the Quincunx), which gives this relationship a liberating yet indecisive quality. Hence it may be a challenge—at least in the beginning—for these two to truly relax and be comfortable with each other.

Next-door signs in the Western zodiac (except for Pisces and Aries) share consecutive astrological time-stamps (i.e., the age their sign represents). This can be helpful in understanding why signs such as Cancer and Gemini are often somewhat reticent early in their relationship. Gemini's yearning for freedom and sociability arises in part because their identity is akin to late adolescence. Cancer's contrasting inclination towards interiority and reflection reflects the desire to truly know oneself in the years of early adulthood. Thus these signs not only have less in common than one might imagine, but they can in fact make each other quite uncomfortable, with their pronounced kind of similar-but-different. Early interactions may well be superficial and polite, just like neighbors, but are unlikely to penetrate far below the surface. Gemini may find Cancer somewhat boring and withdrawn, while Cancer can judge Gemini to be flighty and high maintenance. Indeed, the relationship may never progress beyond this initial standoffishness. Gemini's intellectually-oriented element of Air is not usually seen as very compatible with the more emotional Water of Cancer, so for these two to give each other a wide berth is not necessarily surprising.

If they persevere with truly getting to know each other, however, some profound benefits may result for this pair. Gemini's Mutable modality emphasizes consequences and implications, transitional thinking and imagining, which combines perfectly with Cancer's pure, initiating Cardinal energy. After a time, Gemini may come to appreciate how their appetite for ideas can be enriched by Cancer's rich dreamscapes. Cancer may see the variety of Gemini's frequently shifting perspectives and interests as extremely useful in clarifying what is really important to them (and what is not).

Ultimately, though uncertainty and a sluggish start are par for the course, for many Cancer / Gemini combinations, their connection proves a hidden gem of a relationship.

Celebrity Gemini/Cancer Pairings*

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

Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong
Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong (click for attribution/s)

Tommy Chong (5/24/1938, Gemini Tiger), Cheech Marin (7/13/1946, Cancer Dog) : As the duo, "Cheech & Chong", these two comedian/actors enjoyed great success in the 1970s and 1980s, making seven films together and recording eight comedy albums. Cheech has said that their chemistry arose because they were "exactly opposites of each other", and that, "'We were never best friends. We were more like brothers." They had a falling out in the 1980s, reportedly related to creative control and restlessness, but they reconciled in 2008, and have since continued to play shows together. Cheech described: "When we first got back together, there was still a lot of animosity, and it persisted for a while. But eventually it kind of waned. I think when health issues come into play, you do another assessment. [Chong] was sick for a while. He's fine now. But it took awhile to get there."

Kate Magowan (6/1/1975, Gemini Rabbit), John Simm (7/10/1970, Cancer Dog) : The musician/actor and actor have been married since 2004 and have two children. Though they have rarely discussed their relationship publicly, Simms was asked once jokingly if there were any similarities with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. He replied: "Only in the fact that he worships her, and she is the glue that holds everything together."

Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery
Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery (click for attribution/s)

Kate Flannery (6/10/1964, Gemini Dragon), Jane Lynch (7/14/1960, Cancer Rat) : Since 2013, the two actors have toured the US performing musical theater together, in the productions, See Jane Sing, A Swingin’ Little Christmas!, and Two Lost Souls. Lynch has described: "We didn’t bond immediately, but we were in the same group of friends so I knew who [Flannery] was, and she was fun, and we’d be at parties together and do shows together. We weren’t fast friends. But we became closer over the years, and then in 2013 we started doing See Jane Sing together, and we’ve become inseparable."

Gene Wilder (6/11/1933, Gemini Rooster), Mel Brooks (6/28/1926, Cancer Tiger) : The two actor/filmmakers famously worked together on the films, The Producers (1967), Blazing Saddles (1974), and Young Frankenstein (1974). In his memoir, All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Showbusiness (2021), Brooks recalled a disagreement over Wilder's idea to have Frankenstein and his Monster do a song-and-dance routine: "I thought it was a great idea and very funny, but it was too far out...I insisted it was too silly and would tear the continuity of the movie to pieces. Gene disagreed. He said, 'It’s amazing! It’s proof of how incredible Frankenstein’s creation is.' We fought and we fought. Our tempers rose and we almost got into a fistfight over it. Then Gene calmed me down and he said, 'OK. Do me a favor. Film it and we’ll take a look at it. If it doesn’t work, I promise we’ll throw it out.' I have never been so wrong in my life."

Marsha Garces Williams and Robin Williams
Marsha Garces Williams and Robin Williams (click for attribution/s)

Marsha Garces Williams (6/18/1956, Gemini Monkey), Robin Williams (7/21/1951, Cancer Rabbit) : The actor and film producer/philanthropist were married from 1989 to 2010. They had two children together, and shared custody of another child from Williams' previous marriage. Garces had previously worked as a nanny for Williams' family. Williams' co-star in the show, Mork and Mindy (1978-1982), Pam Dawber, described in 1988: "Marsha is Robin’s anchor. She’s reality. Ground zero. She’s very sane, and that’s what he needs. She’s incredibly loving too. And protective. She knows who is bad for him and who is good, and she helps keep the good relationships going." After Williams died in 2014, Garces released a statement, saying: "My heart is split wide open and scattered over the planet with all of you. Please remember the gentle, loving, generous — and yes, brilliant and funny — man that was Robin Williams. My arms are wrapped around our children as we attempt to grapple with celebrating the man we love, while dealing with this immeasurable loss."

Joshua Jackson (6/11/1978, Gemini Horse), Diane Kruger (7/15/1976, Cancer Dragon) : The two actors were together for ten years from 2006. They have both spoken publicly about their unfortunate first date, with Kruger saying, "I thought [Jackson] might say, 'Let's call it a day. I'll bring you home.' And of course not. He talked about himself for an hour and a half. Nonstop. He took me back to my hotel in his car, which was a piece of s**t. Excuse me, but it was. The door was eaten by his dog, it smelled so bad. If you know Josh, you know he was not the tidiest of guys, so trust me, it was not cute. I swear to God, at the end, I was like 'Should I slap him?'" The pair have remained friendly since their break-up—when Kruger won the Best Actress award at Cannes in 2017, Jackson posted: "Having witnessed the integrity and dedication that you bring to every job, I'm over the moon to see you getting the recognition you deserve."

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise (click for attribution/s)

Nicole Kidman (6/20/1967, Gemini Sheep), Tom Cruise (7/3/1962, Cancer Tiger) : The two actors were and remain one of the most famous couples in showbusiness history. They were married from 1990 to 2001, and adopted two children together. Kidman has described: "I was willing to give up everything. I now see that as part of me. I’m willing to do that — I do it when I do a movie too. I’m willing to go, ‘Yeah, bring it on, consume me, intoxicate me.’ I want to feel alive — I want to reel, basically. I was reeling with Tom and I loved it and I would have walked to the end of the earth. That meant giving up a lot of things that were very important to me."

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Chinese Zodiac sign, the Rat
Chinese Zodiac sign, the Tiger

Chinese Zodiac

Rat and Tiger

Compatibility overview

Occupying the gray area between the stars and villains of Chinese astrology, the firsteast and secondeast represents an intriguing, if at times inconsistent, pairing. Some strong affinities may result in plenty of enjoyment and caring support. Underlying tensions are likely to surface from time to time, but on balance there is a strong likelihood of a lasting and fulfilling connection.

Rat and Tiger - Relationship Horoscope

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

Read more about the GEMINI RAT and CANCER TIGER combined zodiac signs...

The four Trine Families that determine compatibility in the Chinese zodiac—much like the elements in Western astrology—divide naturally into two streams. The respective families of the Rat (with the Dragon and Monkey) and the Tiger (with the Dog and Horse) belong in different streams. This inter-family tension can cause some jarring clashes—such as with the Rat and Horse, or the Tiger and Monkey—but for the Rat and Tiger, the situation is far less problematic. In fact, these two can often find common ground easily.

The Rat is an abundantly gifted sign, especially in matters of tactics, language, and finances, while the majestic Tiger is a natural leader in thought or action, who tends to be deeply admiring of excellence and achievement. Hence these two are likely to sense quickly that they have a great deal to offer one another, in terms of advancing their respective goals, and to share profoundly meaningful support and encouragement. The synergies here are by no means confined to serious or transactional matters, either. The Rat is, of course, fabulously entertaining and witty, while the Tiger loves to relax as much as they love charging about having adventures, so interactions between these two will frequently bring forth an atmosphere of jovial lightness, even hilarity.

The lurking instability between these signs is perhaps most likely to surface in relation to information or resources. The Tiger is as high-minded and impetuous as any of the Chinese signs, whereas the Rat is instinctively more pragmatic, secretive, and judicious, so disputes around disclosure or strategy would not be unexpected. Also, the Tiger tends to be committed to an inflexible sense of justice and fairness, while the Rat may be more open to prioritizing their own self-interest. Differences of opinion about finances or propriety could therefore be quite stark, and leave both signs feeling wounded. Ultimately, though, this energy is rarely conducive to bearing grudges, and these two are well-equipped to accept their differences matter-of-factly, and move on quickly to areas of consensus.

The Rat and Tiger may find they gravitate naturally to more separate arrangements than living in each other's pockets all the time, but in any context there is terrific potential for lengthy collaboration and warmth between these two talented signs.

Celebrity Rat/Tiger Pairings*

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

Miles Davis and Cicely Tyson
Miles Davis and Cicely Tyson (click for attribution/s)

Cicely Tyson (12/19/1924, Sagittarius Rat), Miles Davis (5/26/1926, Gemini Tiger) : Actor Tyson and legendary jazz trumpeter Davis were married from 1981 to 1989. Tyson acknowledged after 2015 that Davis had once been abusive in the relationship, but described in an interview shortly before she died in 2021: "Listen, let me tell you something. I got to know the soul of a man who is as gentle as a lamb. He covered it up with this ruthless attitude because he was so shy. Shy, you hear me? And in trying to be the kind of tough person that people thought he was, he ruined his life. Yes, gentle as a lamb, you hear me? That’s the Miles Davis I knew."

Robert Redford (8/18/1936, Leo Rat), Shia LaBeouf (6/11/1986, Gemini Tiger) : Actor/director Redford and actor LaBeouf collaborated on the film, The Company You Keep (2012). Redford described in 2013: "Shia, for those of you that know his work, he’s got a fast mind and a fast tongue. And it’s very, very impressive. And it moves rapid fire. I thought it would be interesting to have Shia play a character where he’s got to have some variation in his performance. I wanted him to start out as that kind of character, kind of a bird dog, just relentless and would just roll over anybody, stomp over anybody to get the story. And have him learn something along the road. And give Shia the chance to vary his energy. And that to me was exciting."

Harmony Korine and Chloë Sevigny
Harmony Korine and Chloë Sevigny (click for attribution/s)

Harmony Korine (1/4/1973, Capricorn Rat), Chloë Sevigny (11/18/1974, Scorpio Tiger) : Actor/fashion designer Sevigny and film-maker Korine shared a close friendship and on-off romantic relationship after their first collaboration, the film Kids (1995). They also collaborated on the movies, Gummo (1997), and Julien Donkey-Boy (1999). Sevigny described in 2000: "We just grew up together. I invited [Korine] to my high-school graduation. He was my best friend. He was my university, I never went to college. He taught me almost everything I know about movies and books and music." In 2015, she said, "Harmony has this sort of seductive nature that you can really get wrapped up in. Any little note or letter he’d leave behind for me — from his wording to the little drawing that he’d make in it — every single thing he did was a work of art."

Avril Lavigne (9/27/1984, Libra Rat), Chad Kroeger (11/15/1974, Scorpio Tiger) : Singer/songwriter Lavigne and Nickelback singer/guitarist Kroeger began dating in 2012, and were married from 2013 to 2015. They collaborated extensively on Lavigne's fifth album, Avril Lavigne (2013), including the track, "Let Me Go" (2013). Lavigne described in 2019: "[Chad and I are] actually really close...He was with me through a lot and is a really protective person in my life. He's still like family. I didn't know that it would be that way, and I'm really glad it is because we were friends and we made music together. We've just kept the friendship and continued having a working relationship, as well...He was a really great soundboard. I would call him and send him songs to get his opinion, and if I was ever stuck on something, he'd help me out, which is super [expletive] cool, if you think about it. I'd play him songs on FaceTime and he'd be like, 'I'm so proud of you, you did such a good job.' So he just cares about me and wants to see me do well, which is really nice."

Eminem and Skylar Grey
Eminem and Skylar Grey (click for attribution/s)

Eminem (10/17/1972, Libra Rat), Skylar Grey (2/23/1986, Pisces Tiger) : Rap music icon Eminem and singer/songwriter Grey have collaborated extensivery for over ten years, beginning with the song, "Love the Way You Lie" (2010, featuring Rihanna). Grey described in 2020: "I credit a lot of my success to Marshall. Cause ["Love the Way You Lie"] was my biggest break to date. It’s the biggest song I’ve ever been a part of. I’m so grateful for that opportunity that came into my life at a moment in time I was very unsure about my career path. I’ve always been very grateful for it. When I finally met him and started working with him in person it felt very natural. There was good musical chemistry there, so we continued to work together. Since that song came out, it’s been like, ten years now?...I can’t believe it. I’ve been working with him ever since."

Notorious B.I.G. (5/21/1972, Gemini Rat), Lil' Kim (7/11/1974, Cancer Tiger) : The two legendary hip-hop artists shared a supportive and romantic relationship, with Notorious BIG credited with discovering Lil' Kim in the 1990s. They collaborated together as part of the rap group, Junior M.A.F.I.A., recording the album Conspiracy (1995). While Kim has acknowledged problems and power imbalances in the relationship, she described in 2016: "[Notorious BIG] became my friend, my lover, my everything. I was his biggest fan. He knew I would be the biggest female rapper. I think I inspired him to want to do different things and be different. We were a match made in heaven, like Sonny and Cher or Ashford and Simpson."

Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell
Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell (click for attribution/s)

Rebecca Romijn (11/6/1972, Scorpio Rat), Jerry O'Connell (2/17/1974, Aquarius Tiger) : The actors married in 2007 and share twin daughters. Referencing one of their early interactions, O'Connell described in a joint interview in 2019: "Rebecca was in the VIP section of [a pool] party and I was not. I saw you in the VIP section and you were newly single and I was like, ‘I got to get some of that, right there.’ It was a pool party, so I took my shirt off, I did some pushups right there and got some oil. I was super flexing. I had met my wife once before that at the time. But through the rope I was like, ‘Hey, Rebecca!’...We started hanging out. I came for a sleepover … and I never left. That’s the truth. We just clicked."


Combined Relationship Horoscope

Final Words

The minor semi-Sextile aspect often needs a head start to find its feet, so it may take a while for firstwest and secondwest to progress beyond initial nervousness to the impactful and nourishing bond they are capable of. The influence of the firsteast and secondeast on the Chinese zodiac side will likely both aid and hinder this process, contributing a blend of caring admiration with respectful distance. Given sensitivity and perseverance, however, on balance the synergies here could lead to a bond that grows ever closer over time, yielding impressive impacts and an enjoyable, reliable bond.

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