Capricorn traits: the essentials
| Dates | December 22 – January 19 | Symbol | ♑︎ the Sea-Goat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Earth | Modality | Cardinal |
| Ruling planet | Saturn | Opposite sign | Cancer |
| Lucky day | Saturday | Colours | brown and charcoal |
| Tarot card | The Devil | Body (traditional) | knees, bones and skin |
Capricorn is the builder of the zodiac. Ruled by Saturn, the planet of discipline and time, it plays the long game: steady effort, clear goals and earned respect.
As a cardinal earth sign, Capricorn leads through responsibility. People with strong Capricorn placements are ambitious, practical and reliable, with a dry sense of humour — and they often grow more relaxed and playful with age.
Earth signs build, ground and protect, and cardinal signs start things and lead — so Capricorn combines earth energy with a cardinal style.
Capricorn strengths and challenges
Strengths
- Ambitious and disciplined
- Responsible and reliable
- Practical and strategic
- Patient
- Dry, clever humour
Challenges
- Workaholism
- Pessimism
- Rigidity
- Difficulty showing emotion
Capricorn in love
Capricorn approaches love seriously. They're loyal, protective and show love by building a secure future together. They may seem reserved at first, but beneath the composure is a deeply committed and sensual partner.
Best matches: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces. Most challenging: Aries, Libra. Your opposite sign, Cancer, often brings strong attraction. Remember that Sun signs are only the start — Moon, Venus and Mars contacts matter more. Compare two full charts with our compatibility calculator.
Capricorn compatibility with every sign
| Sign | Relationship | Score | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| ♈︎ Aries | Square | 50% | Spark and friction — strong attraction, frequent clashes; growth through compromise. |
| ♉︎ Taurus | Trine | 90% | Natural harmony — the same element and an effortless flow. |
| ♊︎ Gemini | Quincunx | 45% | Mismatched rhythms — needs constant adjustment, but can be fascinating. |
| ♋︎ Cancer | Opposites | 70% | Magnetic opposites — you complete each other if you meet in the middle. |
| ♌︎ Leo | Quincunx | 45% | Mismatched rhythms — needs constant adjustment, but can be fascinating. |
| ♍︎ Virgo | Trine | 90% | Natural harmony — the same element and an effortless flow. |
| ♎︎ Libra | Square | 50% | Spark and friction — strong attraction, frequent clashes; growth through compromise. |
| ♏︎ Scorpio | Sextile | 80% | Friendly and easy — compatible elements and lots of mutual support. |
| ♐︎ Sagittarius | Neighbours | 55% | Different styles that can teach each other; it takes effort. |
| ♑︎ Capricorn | Same sign | 75% | Mirror match — instant understanding, but you share the same blind spots. |
| ♒︎ Aquarius | Neighbours | 55% | Different styles that can teach each other; it takes effort. |
| ♓︎ Pisces | Sextile | 80% | Friendly and easy — compatible elements and lots of mutual support. |
Scores describe the geometric relationship between Sun signs and are for entertainment only.
Capricorn at work and in career
At work Capricorn is at home. They climb steadily, manage resources well and thrive in structures where hard work leads to authority.
Careers that often suit Capricorn:
- Management and executive roles
- Finance and accounting
- Engineering and architecture
- Government and law
- Entrepreneurship
Your Midheaven matters even more than your Sun sign for career — check it with our career chart calculator.
How to get along with a Capricorn
- Respect their goals
- Be reliable and punctual
- Help them rest and play
- Show your commitment over time
Capricorn horoscope today, this week and this month
Read the Capricorn horoscope today on PsychicBook, plus the weekly and monthly horoscopes. A Sun-sign horoscope is written for everyone born December 22 – January 19; for a forecast built on your own chart, try a forecast reading or talk to an astrologer on PsychicBook.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dates for Capricorn?
Capricorn runs from December 22 – January 19. Exact dates shift by a day in some years — use the cusp checker above to confirm.
What are Capricorn's main traits?
Ambitious and disciplined, responsible and reliable and practical and strategic; challenges include workaholism and pessimism.
Who is Capricorn most compatible with?
Traditionally Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces — signs of the same or a complementary element.
What is Capricorn's ruling planet?
Saturn.
What element is Capricorn?
Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign.
What tarot card is Capricorn?
The Devil, in the Golden Dawn tradition.