Cowboy Bebop: Spike Spiegel’s Zodiac Sign & How It Defines the Bounty Hunter

Spike Spiegel is a pretty reserved man. He constantly tries to look cool and, by extension, aloof. Because of this, he isn't quick to share what he's really feeling about a given situation. While Cowboy Bebop does drop hints to Spike's true self, there's another way to get a reading on the bounty hunter-- his zodiac sign.

Spike Spiegel was born on June 26, making him a Cancer. Contrary to what he likes to show, Cancers are often driven by strong emotions. Here are some of Cancer's traits and how they're reflected in Spike's words and actions.

One of Spike's most significant ways of representing Cancer is one of his most defining traits-- his inability to let go of the past. As an emotional sign, Cancers associates many of their experiences with the strong emotions felt in a moment in time. This can refer to nostalgia, but, in Spike's case, it more likely refers to past trauma. Spike has been deeply affected by his time spent in the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate. More specifically, it's the time he spent working with Vicious and loving Julia that has really stuck with him even after faking his death and leaving the Syndicate. Having to put not only his dark past but also the people he knew and loved must have been one of the hardest things Spike's ever had to do.

Sure enough, Spike's indelible past made several appearances throughout the series. This isn't just about running into Vicious and butting heads with him, either. Spike constantly had nightmares of his past that serve as a cruel reminder of what once was. He also claimed that while his right eye sees the present, his left eye sees the past. This deep-rooted connection to the past is only possible through an intensely emotional association with it. The series finale of Cowboy Bebop was another sign of Spike's emotional connection to the past. It had him finally dealing with all his issues with Julia, the Syndicate, and Vicious, even if it costs him his life. Faye even tried to stop him, but he pressed on anyway. Spike's inability to change for the better ultimately leads to his demise.

Another notable aspect of Cancers is their approach to love. As an emotional sign, Cancers seek deep and meaningful relationships that are built to last. Spike tried to have one of these with Julia and while it didn't work out, he still had feelings for her and never truly stopped loving her even after they were separated.

On a more positive note, Spike can also be seen as a Cancer in terms of the element it's associated with-- water. As Spike mentions, his martial art style of Jeet Kune Do is all about being like water, but there's more to it. Due to its association with water, Cancers are guided by emotion and thus have trouble blending into the world around them. Likewise, Spike is often guided by impulses and doesn't really listen to the advice of even his close friends.

Cancers are also known for picking fights with those bigger and stronger than they could have predicted. Spike is a seasoned fighter, so he doesn't usually have this problem. However, he has had opponents like Pierrot and Edward's father severely outclass him. In both cases, Spike had no idea how powerful his opponent was and received a serious thrashing.

Spike's connection to the Cancer sign can be observed in another important aspect of his life as well, his crew aboard the Bebop. Cancers are known for creating strong, familial connections with the people they've come to trust. As with Vicious and Julia, Spike steadily developed a close, familial bond with his new companions, especially Jet and Faye. This connection was so strong that it got emphasized in the live-action adaptation of Cowboy Bebop. Cancers are deeply sentimental when it comes to family, more so than any other sign, so it's likely that Spike also cherished his crew even if he doesn't always show it.

For how casual and laid-back Spike is, it can be difficult to perceive him as an emotional Cancer. However, there are plenty of undeniable signs sprinkled throughout the Cowboy Narrative that point to this zodiac sign. Spike seems uncaring, but, in reality, he cares deeply about those closest to him and values the time they spend together.

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