Capricorn Personality Traits, Compatibility & More

Updated 3 weeks ago, September 11 2023

Anyone who has ever become close to a Capricorn knows that they are dependable, balanced, and knows how to have a good time.

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If your birthday falls between December 22nd and January 19th, then congratulations, you’re a hardworking, dedicated Capricorn sign. Capricorns are the 10th zodiac sign on the wheel between Sagittarius and Aquarius—and given that placement, they often are stereotyped as “boring” or “traditional” when compared to their more adventurous, out-of-the-box neighbors. Capricorn zodiac signs are often defined as ambitious, grounded, and a little reserved, yet beneath the surface, they also have an excitable, relentless, and humorous nature that others are drawn to. Anyone who has ever become close to a Capricorn knows that they are dependable, balanced, and knows how to have a good time.

Capricorns are exceptionally ambitious, and are determined to do whatever it takes to reach their goals. They are often seen as, visionaries and trailblazers with unwavering laser-focus on their goals.

When Capricorn season rolls around each year, there is a feeling of determination and a “let’s get down to business” vibe that falls over everyone. Sure, a Capricorn birthday may get lost in the mix of so many other holidays taking place, but it’s also a celebratory time of reflecting on the previous year and starting new goals and plans for the next one (New Year’s resolutions, anyone?)— which feels very in tune with the Capricorn zodiac sign.

Capricorn Dates: December 22 – January 19

Capricorn Meaning in One Sentence: a relentless, driven individual with high standards, a dry sense of humor, and a gravitational pull towards success.

Capricorn Personality Traits

When Capricorns have their sights set on something, they aren’t willing to allow anything to distract them—they keep a razor-sharp focus and are dedicated to the higher cause they are working towards.

Capricorns are often misunderstood due to their reserved and ambitious nature, which can be mistaken for coldness or disinterest, while they’re actually just cautious and goal-oriented. Additionally, Capricorns tend to see the worst in situations, usually, as a mechanism to keep their expectations in check — which for many can come off as aloofness.

Capricorns tend to be traditionalists with a respect for rules and structures, but only if they work efficiently.

Capricorn Greatest Strengths

Hardworking: Capricorns are ambitious and dedicated to achieving their goals, often putting in long hours to ensure they reach their desired outcomes.
Visionary: They possess a strong vision for their lives and are full of ideas to help them achieve their aspirations. They can be trailblazers, setting new paths for others to follow.
Reliability: Capricorns are dependable, and when they commit to something, they see it through. Their loyalty and sense of responsibility make them trustworthy companions.
Adaptability: While they may be focused on their goals, Capricorns know how to enjoy life when they feel secure. They possess a dry, sarcastic sense of humor that can surprise others with its wit.

Capricorn Weaknesses

Tunnel vision: Capricorns’ strong focus on their goals can lead them to neglect other important aspects of their lives. This single-mindedness can sometimes cause them to overlook the needs of those around them.
Pessimism: They tend to see the worst in situations as a way to manage their expectations. However, this negativity can sometimes make them difficult to be around for extended periods.
Guardedness: Capricorns are often reserved and cautious about opening up to others, which can make it challenging for them to form deep connections. They require time and trust to reveal their more approachable side.

Capricorn Relationship Compatibility

What does it take to have potential as a Capricorn soulmate? When it comes to compatibility, Capricorn signs are often looking for a few main factors: security, consistency, and groundedness. With such busy schedules and high ambitions, they look for people who understand the importance of loyalty and who have an appreciation for the work they put in to create a great life for themselves—and by extension, anyone else who wants to be part of it.

In that realm, Virgo, Taurus, and Cancer signs tend to make the cut. Virgo and Taurus are fellow Earth signs and come with their own desire for consistency and quality in their lives and relationships. Despite that they may have different views and focuses, there is an innate understanding that often brings a strong connection that everyone can rely on. Cancer signs are on the opposite side of the zodiac wheel from Capricorns, but they have a great foundation. Cancers also desire loyalty and security, and they tend to hold the same values as Capricorns—though they tend to have a different opinion on how to approach them. Cancers provide a nurturing place for Capricorns to open up and share their emotions, and Capricorns create a firm structure for Cancers to feel safe within. It’s also worth noting that Scorpio and Pisces, the other water signs, can also be great compatibility matches as well.

Capricorn Symbol, Animal & Birthstone

Symbol

The symbol, or glyph, that represents Capricorn is depicted as the upper half of a horned goat (or in some perspectives, the hoof of the goat) and the lower half a fishtail, referencing the animal the sign is associated with.

Animal

The sea goat in Capricorn symbolizes a blend of earthy practicality and emotional depth.

The animal that represents Capricorn is the “sea goat” which is exactly as it sounds: a horned goat with a fishtail. This unique creature truly embodies the duality of Capricorn signs, in that they are able to navigate both the material and emotional territories (despite their reserved exterior, Capricorns have deep emotions, they just aren’t going to open up about them to everyone in sight). In mythology, the sea goat possesses the qualities of resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to overcome obstacles, as well as intuitiveness, emotional depth, and a nurturing spirit.

Birthstone

The birthstone most commonly associated with Capricorn signs is the deep red stone garnet. In folklore, garnet stones are often associated with dedicated love and friendship, two things extremely valuable to a Capricorn sign. Garnet is also thought to be associated with meaning wounds between lovers, which is an often overlooked trait of the Earth sign. Capricorns don’t like to give up on relationships easily—they will put in the effort and determination to fix whatever issues arise, much like their birthstone suggests.

Capricorn Element

Capricorns are an Earth sign, along with Taurus and Virgo. Earth signs are described as practical, pragmatic, and grounded, and have a preference for things in life to be consistent. They are the zodiac signs that many feel they can depend on when it comes to practical advice or to show up as a shoulder to lean on. If you need a person to come through for you, you’ll usually reach out to an Earth sign.

Capricorn Modality

The modality for Capricorns is Cardinal, along with Aries, Libra, and Cancer. Cardinal signs are described as those with a strong “go-getter” attitude and tend to naturally carry some influence on those around them. These signs are great at starting a project or rallying up others behind a cause, though when it comes to their end goal, they are usually able to have it benefit them in some way. They are fantastic initiators, as each of these signs are the first of each season. Capricorn ushers in the season of winter, a time of allowing past inclinations to wither away in order to grow something new once spring rolls around. Capricorns often are the brains behind this team, fixing the kinks with practical solutions and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Capricorn Planetary Ruler

Each zodiac sign is ruled by a particular planet in the solar system—for Capricorn, this would be Saturn. In astrology, Saturn represents boundaries, restrictions, lessons learned over time, and even karma. It’s a planet that isn’t afraid to take its time, as it wants to ensure a lesson is fully absorbed and understood before moving forward. Saturn specifically gifts Capricorn with its desire for rules and stability—though don’t be fooled into thinking this translates to rigidness. Capricorn signs want to understand and honor current structures, but they aren’t afraid to try to improve them if they could be working better.

Capricorn House Ruler

Capricorn signs are typically ruled by the 10th House on the astrological wheel, which represents Career, Public Image, and a person’s ambition (pretty on par for the Cap sign). It’s also a house that involves relationships with your parental figures or those in authority over you. This house is often considered extremely important as it deals with the power and influence a person can potentially have over people, and can even involve roles of leadership.

Tarot Card

The tarot card associated with Capricorn signs is the “Devil” card—though it isn’t as ominous as it sounds.

The card depicts Pan, a god that is half man, half goat. This particular card is often linked to temptation and sexuality, as well as feeling stuck or restricted. Capricorns often struggle with desiring more and striving for only the best, often leaving them unsatisfied. Like its ruling planet Saturn, Capricorns often feel limited or stuck, not able to move as quickly as those around them. Yet, like the loose chains depicted on the card, Capricorns are often the source of their own limitations and can break free if they can loosen up and go easier on themselves.

Part of The Body

The part of the body ruled by Capricorn is the knees, as well as joints, the skeletal system, and even the teeth. Given the sign’s desire for structure and creating a strong foundation, this isn’t all that surprising. It’s often noticeably a Capricorn’s knees that may experience aches as they age, or if they are overworking themselves. They may also be prone to sore joints if they don’t care for themselves.

Capricorn Aesthetic/Style

When it comes to the personal style and aesthetic of Capricorn signs, a little goes a long way. Capricorn’s power color (or the color that embodies and highlights a sign’s personality) is gray, which makes sense as a sensible, versatile neutral that can work in a variety of styles. They often stick to neutral tones and sophisticated basics in their outfit choices—capsule wardrobes are a perfect depiction of their views on clothing. They would rather invest in quality clothing that’s durable and lasts than buy a large number of trendy choices that won’t be in style the next day. Capricorns enjoy a classic approach, and it embodies everything in their lives. They tend to radiate a polished, put-together vibe that projects a certain level of confidence to the world—Capricorns want to be taken seriously, and believe in making a great first impression.

Capricorn Rising/Moon Sign

Capricorns certainly have distinct character traits in relation to their sun sign. However, some of these traits become more personalized when they are reflected through the rising and moon signs.

Capricorn Rising

The rising sign in astrology is defined as the version of yourself that you present to the world—the side of you that others see. This is also the aspect of yourself that most closely ties into your identity and your appearance. Capricorn risings often give off a stoic, almost deadpan reception when interacting with others who don’t know them. They may come across as reserved as they prefer to observe their surroundings before deciding to engage. That being said, these rising signs are also well-known self-starters and aren’t afraid to take on a new project, and can make great leaders—they have a vibe that people deem as trustworthy and reliable. They often have immense patience as they prefer to play the long game in life, as they know most things worth acquiring are worth sticking around for.

When it comes to appearance, Capricorn Risings often have aspects that are defined, even chiseled in some ways. Some may have more pronounced bone structures and have a mature appearance in their younger years. However, as they age, they may appear more youthful (thanks to their ruling planet of Saturn, which tends to be associated with delays and time). The sign is also usually known for their smiles, as their sign rules over teeth and the skeletal system. The sign often comes across as poised and even chic in their dress and presentation, as they want to be taken seriously by those around them.

Capricorn Moon

The moon sign in astrology is most closely associated with a person’s emotions and inner world. Capricorn moons often struggle to fully engage with and express their emotions the way others do, but it isn’t because they don’t have them. Emotionally, Capricorn moons often have high standards, especially for themselves. They tend to carry a significant amount of responsibility, which can weigh heavily on their shoulders. They have a tendency to be quite hard on themselves, and a tendency to withdraw away from highly erratic or emotionally charged situations in order to assess them in a practical, level-headed way. However, this process is typically the reason why Capricorn Moon signs are stereotyped as cold or emotionless.

In many cases, a Capricorn moon may best show their emotions through acts of service or some sort of tangible, practical form. They believe love and dedication are best presented in a way that is straightforward and useful, though they also believe in getting straight to the point. Capricorn moons will take feedback effectively—they will work tirelessly to create solutions to fix whatever problems are presented to them.