Capricorn is the cardinal earth sign. The symbol for Capricorn is the sea goat. Its horoscope glyph is a stylized rendering of the hoof of a mountain goat and the tail of a fish.
Like its cardinal cousin Aries, Capricorn is always up for a challenge, figuratively the next mountain to climb. But unlike Aries, Capricorn being an earth sign is interested in challenges that are of a practical nature. Of particular interest are pursuits that are about building a structure or giving form, such as organizations, clubs, and even homes.
Capricorn is ambitious for professional and social status, and they aspire to be the boss. They are a lot more attached to social conventions and protocol than the other earth signs of Taurus and Virgo. In fact in their leaning to be conservative they resemble the cardinal sign of Libra. They are not the kind that would buck protocol, and are leery of making missteps. They like to play by the rules, and expect others to do the same. The buttoned-up shirt, the gray suit, the proper time for the proper action are typically Capricornian.
They understand that the ladder can be climbed one rung at a time if one pays their respect to those above. Authority—its power and its limits—is instinctively understood by Capricorn, and it is an expert at waiting things out patiently. For it knows its time will come, as long as it keeps persevering.
Capricorns are famously self-reliant and do not expect anyone’s charity or benefaction. They are proud to work hard to earn respect, and things that come easy are generally looked up with suspicion. They are champions at planning and organizing, and can always be counted on to put their shoulder to the wheel and getting things done well and on time. Reliable is their middle name.
If at all Capricorn takes risks, they will be calculated for maximum benefit. There is always a sense of prudence, a keen sense of the return on investment in all matters. They are extremely pragmatic by nature, and decisions are made with conscious calculation of pros and cons.
Devotion is important to Capricorn, in the sense of being helpful in a practical, here and now manner. Not for them the tender hand-holding kind of being there. Capricornians will help others solve everyday problems and attain goals, and they expect the same in return. They firmly believe in putting their money where their mouth is.
Keywords for Capricorn: Ambitious, Conventional, Conservative, Risk-averse, Status-conscious, Builder, Boss, Steadfast, Pragmatic, Reliable, Business-like, Self-reliant, Practical Devotion, Satirical
Find out if any of the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, or Mars in your horoscope are in Capricorn. If the Sun or Moon are in Capricorn, understand which of the Capricorn qualities described in this post most resonate with you–the Sun and Moon color the entire personality. If Mercury, Venus, or Mars are in Capricorn, then you need to understand how certain Capricorn qualities might find expression in the way you communicate (Mercury), relate (Venus), or assert yourself (Mars). The post on Earth Signs spells out more specifics for Mercury, Venus, and Mars expressions in the earth signs.
Following are the personality sketches of a few public figures who have the Sun in Capricorn. See how Capricorn qualities permeate their lives.
Jeff Bezos. Founder of Amazon.
Entrepreneur, business chief, media proprietor. Has been referred to as a brilliant but mysterious and cold-blooded corporate titan. Projects a business image of prudence and parsimony, working to get the most bang for buck. Been known to enumerate the criteria, in order of importance, for every decision. Uses what he calls a “regret-minimization framework” for making decisions.
Mel Gibson. Actor, Director, Producer.
Acted in several popular movies. Directed and produced as well. Won academy awards for both acting and directing. Property investor, with multiple properties all over the world. Has been described as ultraconservative. “I’ve never really depended on anyone but myself..”
Christine Lagarde. President of the European Central Bank.
Her career was a steady, patient climb toward the current vaunted position: from Minister of Commerce, to Minister of Agriculture and Fishing, to Minister of Economy, to Finance and Industry, to Chair and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, and finally to the top of the mountain: President of the European Cental Bank. r”Regulation is necessary, particularly in a sector, like the banking sector, which exposes countries and people to a risk.”