Capricorn

Capricorn (♑) is the tenth astrological sign in the zodiac, originating from the constellation of Capricornus. It spans the 270–300th degree of the zodiac, corresponding to celestial longitude. Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn. Under the tropical zodiac, the sun transits this area from December 22 to January 19 each year, and under the sidereal zodiac, the sun currently transits the constellation of Capricorn from approximately January 15 to February 14. Capricorn symbol is represented by the mystical sea-goat or just by a four legged mountain goat. In astrology, Capricorn is considered an earth sign, introvert sign,^[1] and one of the four cardinal signs. It is also tagged as the most ambitious starsign.^[2]

Characteristics

Many astrologers regard Capricorn as the most enigmatic and mysterious of the star signs, as most Capricorns are very confusing and complicated souls. They are very good at hiding their true feelings, but are super emotional on the inside. Many Capricorns are shy and cautious people who take a long time to show their fun side or deepest feelings to others. Some label them as serious and unapproachable individuals with a tough exterior, but beneath the tough exterior lies a warm heart wanting to love and being loved, ready to help and become one of the most loyal and caring friends. They have good memories, an insatiable yet methodical desire for knowledge and a witty sense of humor which may erupt at unexpected moments. Capricorn individuals are often a notch above their counterparts.^[3] Prodigious and confident, they are like the tortoise, which moves slowly and still wins the race. The sea-goats are hard working, sincere, soft-hearted yet sticklers for quality. Most of them are blessed with a deep wisdom, understanding and stability of thought and action from an early age. However, a young Cappy may appear somewhat dull, even lazy and tedious, thinner, shorter or weaker than his/her peers (or fatter, for that matter) – in short, a misfit often underestimated for their cold nature – working most nights, unwilling to go out, guarded and closed. However, as a Capricorn gets to the other side of 30, they have tendency to look younger than their peers of their age.

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn. In ancient Roman mythology, Saturn was the father of many gods. Those born under this sign want to be the top dog, and they're smart enough to know that the title won't simply be handed to them. Caps are happy to work for it, and luckily they possess enough discipline and sense of responsibility to get them there. Capricorns tend to have a mature outlook and are amply blessed with common sense, two more qualities which help their success-driven endeavors. They are rational, logical, intelligent and clearheaded, have good concentration, and delight in debate where they can show off their cleverness by luring their adversaries into traps and confounding them with logic. They like to get the job done.

Capricorns like to be social and feel included. They might try to be outgoing upon first meeting someone, but often come off as shy. They care what people think, and hate being doubted. When they are comfortable with their surroundings, they tend to be more open and feel free to be themselves. They emerge from positive vibes and self-confidence. There is also a tendency to pessimism, melancholy and even unhappiness which many Capricorns are unable to keep to themselves, especially if they fail personally. In the extreme this trait can shape a very depressed individual; ecstatic happiness alternating with dejectedness.^[4]

Capricorn-Sagittarius cusps (those born from December 22 to December 28) are considered to be slightly different from the typical Capricorn, being more outgoing, jovial and less ambitious and money-orientated than the Capricorn who is not born on a cusp.^[5]

Capricorn men

Ambitious, determined, patient, practical, wise and intelligent- these traits sum up the Capricorn personality.^[6] He is happy to tread along a brow-beaten path, overcoming one obstacle after another, as long as he knows that triumph awaits him at the mountain's peak as he wants to get to the top of any game. The benefits of success are fame, prestige, money. His attention to detail and patience stand him in good stead in the process of getting to his goals. He may appear cold and shy but behind his cool exterior, his brain is working overtime. A Capricorn man is known, for good reason, as the overachieving workaholic of the zodiac.

The Sea-Goats are seen slightly cold, detached and emotionally aloof from the rest but deep inside they are a humble heart. It is the Capricorn man’s way of protecting his emotions. They take a long time to open up, express their love and share their experiences and will have to give them enough reasons to trust your sincerity. When young, a Capricorn may be seen as a weak or even a dull person underestimated for their detached nature but as they grow up, they become one of the strong personalities to be around and blessed with an amazing sense of humor which attracts quite a lot of people. Capricorns are also extremely supportive and caring towards their loved ones and the poor.

Capricorns greatest strength is his ability to set goals and pursue them until attained. Nothing and no one gets in the way of a Capricorn's plans and ambitions, and they don't like taking shortcuts or cheating as either devalues their later satisfaction.

They often have an intrinsic need to challenge themselves. Pessimistic by nature they sometimes have a slight inferiority complex or fear of failure, which drives them so hard to both succeed, and stand on their own two feet doing so. Respect, recognition and praise are important to them, as is their public image. They value steady progress over short bursts of activity, and are exceedingly patient. Bad news affects them less than other signs, and rarely holds them back for long. They can beat most other signs at almost anything in a battle of attrition.

On the negative side, they might fall into depression and become loners who tend to suffer alone if they fail to achieve their goals. These natives tend to hide their pain and sorrows with a tough or funny exterior and usually feel disconnected from friends and family. They might also become a very vengeful and unforgiving character if betrayed or insulted.^[7]

Capricorn women

Ambitious, resourceful, wise, patient and determined, a Capricorn women set high standards for themselves and others. They appreciate honest criticism. Those who want to cut corners or compromise on quality may have a difficult time adjusting to the nature of these meticulous and determined women.^[8]

The women born under the Sign Capricorn are simple, goal-oriented and pursue their tasks aggressively. Besides, they are meticulous women who have full knowledge about their strengths and weaknesses. They are very outgoing as compared to the male capricorns who are least outgoing. These women do not get carried away by fantasies, but when they set their hearts on something, they will go after it with determination.^[9]

The women of this Sign crave for security, power and progress, and will not shy away from experimenting with new things. They are both conservative and outgoing. Moreover, these optimistic women have a dynamic way of dealing with challenges. They succeed in managing both domestic and professional work easily.

These women are fair and have a strong sense of justice. They give and demand respect. They believe that everyone should get equal opportunities to build a secure future.

The Capricorn women think deeply, use their logic and explore all, plus and minus points before deciding on anything. They will never take impulsive decisions just for the sake of excitement. Their security is too precious for them to take such risks. These practical women are very concerned with family values. They mostly will not defy their family’s wishes to get what they want. Friends also play a significant role in their lives. Despite having quite a large social circle, they prefer the company of a select few with whom they are on the same wavelength.^[10]

On the negative side, they are prone to pessimism and depression if they suffer setbacks. Same as the male counterparts, they too try to hide their feelings by wearing different masks in infront of others.

Capricorn Decans

Born between December 22 and December 31-

When a person is born between December 22 and December 31, the ruling planet is Saturn. The person born under this Decan is generally very strong. Philosophical and sometimes totally unaffected by pain or pleasure, the people under this Decan are just, idealistic and faithful. They make good industrialists, contractors, engineers, builders, statesmen and politicians, because they have good intelligence, leadership skills and communication abilities. Those born under this influence are also patient, firm and hard working. They also have the energy, enthusiasm and determination to see any project through to the end. They are rather faithful and affectionate to the people they care for, and work hard to provide them with all the comforts of life. However, the minus points of these people are that they can become temperamental and sometimes even go into depression. They need someone to nurture them with love.^[11]

Born between January 1 and January 10-

For the person born between January 1 and January 10, the ruling planet is Venus. They usually have most things going in their favour. They enjoy both pleasure and profit. Sometimes, though, some Capricorn people born in this Decan have to encounter emotional or marriage problems, which is because they tend to be too preoccupied with themselves. Still, these Goats are very reliable, make good businessmen and do well in the fields of mass production, communications and top management. The Capricorns in this Decan have a stable head on their shoulders. These people are charming, imaginative and flexible. They love to mix with people, and others also enjoy being in their company. When all their qualities are channelised properly, these people can reach to the very top in their respective fields. Soft and affectionate towards their loved ones, they may be hard taskmasters for others. The negative qualities of these people are that they can sometimes be pessimistic and temperamental.^[12]

Born between January 11 and January 20-

For the person born between January 11 and January 20, the planetary ruler is Mercury. They are good at communications and media-related fields. Sales, franchises, commission businesses are the fields that come directly under this Decan. These people should use their contacts and influences fully. Those born under this influence are intelligent, faithful and well-disciplined. They are practical in nature and down to earth in everything. They are highly intelligent, and combined with their ambitious and enthusiastic traits, can rise to the top position in any area of work they choose. They are very faithful in their relationships with loved ones. However, they can spend too much time thinking about the past and hold grudges.^[13]

Associations

In astrology, a planet's domicile is the zodiac sign over which it has rulership. The planet said to be ruler of Capricorn is Saturn.^[14]

Modern astrological figure for Capricorn as a fish-tailed goat derives from the depictions of the Sumerian god of water Enki, who was associated with semen and amniotic fluid, and hence with fertility, and commonly represented as a half-goat, half-fish creature.^[15]

Cultural significance

In India, the day when the Sun enters the sidereal zodiac sign of Capricorn is celebrated as the Makara Sankranti festival. It should be noted here that the Indian astronomical calendar is not based on the Western sidereal system but has a differential lag. Hence, the festival is celebrated on either of 14 or 15 Jan every year, when, as per the Indian astronomical calendar, the Sun enters the Capricorn sign.

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