Capricorn
Sign 10 of 12 · 270°–300° of the ecliptic
Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign. Astrologers associate it with ambition, structure, responsibility and endurance. In the tropical zodiac the Sun is in Capricorn from about 22 December to 19 January.
| Symbol | ♑ The Sea-goat |
|---|---|
| Element | Earth |
| Modality | Cardinal |
| Polarity | Feminine (receptive), nocturnal |
| Ruler | Saturn |
| Exaltation | Mars |
| Detriment | Moon |
| Fall | Jupiter |
| Opposite sign | ♋ Cancer |
| Body (traditional melothesia) | Knees and bones |
| Tropical Sun dates (approx.) | 22 December – 19 January |
Capricorn in a chart
Sun in Capricorn: identity expressed through ambition. Moon in Capricorn: emotional needs coloured by earth and a cardinal rhythm. Capricorn rising: a first impression in the style of Capricorn, with Saturn as chart ruler.
Across traditions
| Tradition | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western (tropical) | Capricorn | Measured from the March equinox. The Sun enters around 22 December. |
| Vedic (sidereal) | Makara (मकर) | Lord: Shani (Saturn). With the Lahiri ayanamsa the Sun enters around 14 January. |
| Chinese | No equivalent | Chinese astrology has no Sun signs. The 12 animals count years, months and hours. |
Test yourself
Which element does Capricorn belong to?
Learn it properly in the courseBuilt from the Astrolysis facts table western/signs/capricorn.