Cancer and Libra can be a challenging relationship to make work. The very low scores represent the initial compatibility of this match. However, if you can both adapt to the others style this is a relationship which will improve steadily over time, and eventually rival any other match. The low scores then represent a high initial challenge, and not a long term pessimistic view.
These scores show the averages for data collected from my clients over the past 20 years. It's important to note however that individual relationships vary enormously. This is a summarized picture, a real compatibility reading is needed to judge a real relationship. It's also worth noting that Soulmates can be found in any sun sign match, even those which are statistically likely to have low compatibility.
This article is in two halves, the first is written from the viewpoint of the Cancer man or Cancer woman, and the second is written from the viewpoint of the Libra man or Libra woman.
Libra is a charming and sophisticated partner, and on a first date this may seem like a match made in heaven. Based only on sun signs however this is often a difficult match to make work in the long term.
The root of the problem is that you're ultimately looking for an emotional connection with a lover first and foremost, while your Libra is looking for a mental connection.
You tend to be moody sometimes, while your Libra wants harmony in a relationship. This can make for a vicious circle whenever you're feeling down. Instead of empathy or affection you're more likely to receive a (well intentioned) analysis. You'll react to this by withdrawing, and your Libra (who is very sensitive to the needs of a partner, but not emotionally intuitive) will be confused as to how to fix this. End result, you'll both be upset and confused.
Other differences also exist, for example, your social life expectations are very different. Your Libra 'needs' to socialize with friends and contacts constantly, while you often prefer to stay home with a loved one. Libras also often 'need' to feel attractive, often being flirtatious. While they're actually very loyal this is almost guaranteed to annoy or offend you at times.
This is a partner who tends to be very open and forward in conversation. If they're upset they tell everyone (even strangers!) about it. This often horrifies some Cancers, who tend to be much more reserved and private when it comes to their personal life. Don't be surprised if your Libra is soliciting opinions on how to make you happy...
These fundamental differences can make the relationship unsatisfying for both of you unless you each take the time to understand your partner and respect each others needs and viewpoints. Doing so will often expose you to new experiences you'll enjoy, so it's not nearly as self sacrificing as it might sound.
Money may also be an issue in this relationship; you like to plan for a rainy day, while Libras can be fairly extravagant, especially when it comes to their wardrobe. This is a sophisticated and classy dresser, and while you may initially admire that about them the novelty may fade fast if you're the one attempting to budget for them!
Initially this may be the redeeming facet of the relationship. However, soon you'll notice a marked difference in your styles. Your Libra likes a mentally romantic partner, to get carried away with prior to making love. They like everything to be perfect - mood, candles, romantic meals, etc.
While you certainly don't object to that type of thing, ultimately it's the emotional connection which you value, and such peripheral activities won't compensate for any shortfall in that direction - you'd be happier with a partner who just wants to just hold your hand prior to making love etc.
It's important to note however that we're looking only at sun signs here. There are many other planets which can have an equal or greater effect on someone's personality. Makes sense, as ultimately everyone is of course unique. Generalizing too far based just on sun signs can therefore be misleading.
To fully understand someone or how compatible you are with them we need to calculate those other planet placements from their date of birth, and compare them to your own, and then interpret the results.
This unlocks the real power of astrology, and gives much more useful and specific information: everything from how they view you, how to turn them on, how to avoid arguments with them etc. If you would like to explore this further please see the compatibility readings page.
There are two main problem areas in this relationship. The first is that you're looking for a mental connection with a lover first and foremost, while your Cancer is looking for an emotional connection.
The second area of problems arises because Cancer tends to be fairly moody and volatile, often withdrawing into themselves when upset. Meanwhile you value harmony in a relationship more than most, making this a particularly frustrating match. You want to make your partner happy, yet in this instance it's very unlikely that you'll have the emotional empathy or patience to do so without some practice.
Other differences also exist, for example, your social life expectations. You like socializing with friends and contacts, while your Cancer often prefers to stay home with a loved one. Go out too much and many Cancers will see it as a form of betrayal. Throw in any level of flirting, no matter how harmless, and you have one very ticked off partner.
Above all, this is a partner who values intimacy, commitment and constant affection. While you certainly enjoy all those things too, you don't have the patience for them 24/7. This lack of constant affection tends to make Cancer withdrawn, which often creates a vicious circle of 'neglect' and argument.
It will be very hard for you to give your Cancer the level of emotional response or empathy which they seek, which in turn will make you dissatisfied with the relationship, while the lack of harmony this creates may also wear on you.
Other less critical differences include your relative ideas on privacy. This is a partner who tends to be very private. While you're open about your feelings, Cancer is far more reserved and often hides their feelings, even from people they love.
If a partner doesn't have a high level of patience and intuition this can be very frustrating for both parties. Ask a friends opinion on what the problem is and your Cancer may again feel betrayed.
You like spending time with friends, Cancer prefers to spend time with family. You're an optimist while your Cancer tends towards being a pessimist. Money may also be an issue in this relationship, you like to shop, and enjoy the occasional expensive or extravagant bauble, while your Cancer is more inclined towards saving.
Chemistry in this match is often very good, however you may soon notice a marked difference in your styles. You like a mentally romantic partner, to get carried away with prior to making love. Your Cancer is far more interested in the emotional connection - as with the other areas of this relationship you're likely to feel like two cars traveling in opposite directions sometimes, unless you take the time to fully understand each others needs and viewpoints.
So is this article conclusive? No! This article is based only on sun sign interaction. In order to provide a lot of people with information it's a convenient and fast way to generalize, but it's far from conclusive at this broad level. To get a complete picture we need to take all the other planets and their interactions into account for each of you, with a real astrology reading...
Libra man
Libra woman
Cancer man
Cancer woman
For details of the most common pros and cons of relationships with each of the other signs I have a separate index of articles on Cancer compatibility and Libra compatibility
I specialize in providing fast and accurate relationship readings delivered by email. These are designed to show exactly how compatible you are with a given partner and explore everything about your relationship, including a detailed analysis of your personality and your partner's personality.