Capricorn
December 22 to January 19 · Cardinal Earth · Ruled by Saturn
- Dates
- December 22 to January 19
- Element
- Earth
- Modality
- Cardinal
- Ruling planet
- Saturn
- Birthstone
- Garnet
- Lucky colors
- Brown, Charcoal
About Capricorn
Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn, associated in tradition with ambition, discipline and the long climb toward a goal. The sea-goat, part mountain climber and part deep-sea creature, is its unusual emblem. Its season opens the year.
Capricorn traits
As a cardinal earth sign, Capricorn is often described with these strengths and challenges. Astrology is a tradition, not a science, so read this as a character sketch rather than a prediction.
Strengths
- Disciplined
- Responsible
- Ambitious
- Patient
Challenges
- Pessimistic
- Rigid
- Work-obsessed
Capricorn dates and cusps
Capricorn runs from December 22 to January 19. Because the sun does not cross the sign boundaries at exactly the same clock time each year, the first and last dates can shift by a day. If your birthday sits right on the edge, the birth profile tool will show the sign for your exact date. Capricorn falls in December and January.
Capricorn birthstone and colors
The traditional Capricorn birthstone is Garnet, and the sign's lucky colors are Brown and Charcoal. These pair naturally with Capricorn in jewelry or a birth profile card.
Capricorn compatibility
Capricorn tends to match most easily with Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio and Pisces. These are the classic element-based matches. See how Capricorn pairs with any sign on the compatibility pages.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Capricorn dates?
Capricorn covers December 22 to January 19. Boundary dates can shift by a day between years, so if you were born right at the edge, check your exact birthday.
What element is Capricorn?
Capricorn is a earth sign, and specifically a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn.
What is the Capricorn birthstone?
The traditional Capricorn birthstone is Garnet.
Who is Capricorn most compatible with?
Capricorn is traditionally most compatible with Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces. Those ratings come from a published formula, not a reading, and you can check the arithmetic on the method page.
Is Capricorn an earth sign?
Yes. Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign. The symbol is often misread: the sea-goat has a fish tail, which leads people to guess water, but Capricorn is an earth sign.
Why is Capricorn ruled by Saturn?
In the classical scheme each planet governs one or two signs, and Saturn was assigned to Capricorn. It is a convention from the tradition, not a physical relationship.
Other zodiac signs
Related guides
Last reviewed . Method: how we work this out.