Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac. It is also known as the sign of the makara, a creature believed to be half-deer, half-crocodile. If Capricorn is your lunar sign, then this guide is for you.
The horoscope presented here is based on the ancient science of Vedic astrology, also known as the Sidereal or star-based system of astrology. It is a moon-based approach rather than the sun-based approach common to western astrology.
Basic Traits
Capricorn is known as मकर (makara) in Sanskrit, or “crocodile.” Each sign of the zodiac is characterized by certain basic traits. This includes Symbol, Planetary Ruler, Element, Nature, and Gender. The general make-up of the Capricorn sign is below:
Sign of the Makara. Capricorn natives are peculiar and powerful. They are very intelligent, but they often have a mean streak.
Ruled by Saturn. Saturn is the planet of karma, poverty, disease, austerity, and mysticism. Saturnine individuals are somber and mysterious.
An earth sign. Those with a Capricorn moon are grounded, thoughtful, and practical.
A movable sign. Persons born under this sign are fluid, spontaneous, and fond of change.
A feminine sign. This makes the native receptive, sensitive, and empathetic.
Capricorn Strengths
As Saturn is the slowest of the planets, Capricorns do not act rashly. They are very deliberate and thoughtful about everything they do. They take great care to consider the potential consequences of their actions before making a decision. This contemplative nature gives them a developed foresight by which they can accurately predict future events.
Capricorn-natives have a philosophical mind. They understand that life is not all fun and games, but requires hard work and self-discipline. You are firm in character. You can live out your values with integrity. You are not afraid of pain or difficulty, and you have a practical approach to your responsibilities.
As an earth-sign, you are a grounded person capable of one-pointed focus. However, this quality can make you somewhat stubborn. Be sure to keep an open mind to the good advice from those who care about you.
Capricorn Careers
Capricorn-natives are hard workers who can be found in a wide variety of professions.
Recommended careers: Anything stimulating to the intellect. Capricorns make good lawyers, writers, scientists, philosophers, professors, detectives, financial advisors, administrators, or industrialists.
Careers to avoid: You may want to avoid careers that require negotiation or compromise. For example, sales, diplomacy, or sports management.
Capricorn Weaknesses
Saturn is known as the planet of philosophers and ascetics. His influence on this sign of Capricorn can cause natives to be somewhat cold toward others. They are not naturally compassionate. You may come off as selfish due to being absorbed in your own world, contemplating personal matters. You mind your own business, and expect others to do the same.
A Capricorn’s calculating nature can cause them to act shamelessly if they can profit by doing so. You have a unique moral compass that is informed by your own sense of right and wrong. You refuse to play by others’ rules, even if it means losing a job or friendship in the process. At times you display excessive obstinance even when it would be wiser to be more flexible.
You have a skeptical outlook towards life, and you’re slow to place your trust in others. You may have difficulty remaining in one city or one relationship for a long time. Though you are an adaptable person, you would rather change circumstances than let go of long-cherished beliefs or habits.
Growth Opportunities
You can balance your natural strengths and offset your weak tendencies by putting some effort into the following areas:
- Exercise daily. You have a lot of strength and endurance. Daily exercise keeps the mind and body fit, and helps ward off lethargy, depression, and physical illness.
- Do community service. Volunteering to help individuals in need is one of the best ways to develop a deeper sense of compassion and humility.
- Study the lives of great people. With the many opportunities that come along in life, it is difficult to know how to best use one’s precious time and energy. Studying the lives of great men and women can provide a valuable perspective on what makes a good life.
Capricorn Relationships
Though Capricorns stay aloof from people in general, they can be very attached to family members, especially their spouse and children.
Friends
Capricorns prefer to keep a few close friends. They generally don’t enjoy large social gatherings. You are a reliable and valuable comrade, but you don’t like lending money or doing many favors.
Family
Capricorns can be attached to their family to a fault. They may be overbearing spouses and parents. You have an affectionate relationship with your mother and father, though they may not get along very well with one another. You will have few children, but you will be a devoted parent.
Romance
Your spouse will likely be a stay-at-home parent or a teacher. They prefer to keep a relatively private life. You are attracted to creative and loving individuals who have a maternal quality about them.
Compatibility
In Vedic astrology, compatibility in relationships is a complex science that takes many different factors into account. It’s always helpful to consult with an experienced astrologer who can carefully consider yours and your partner’s individual charts.
Nonetheless, there are general patterns of compatibility across signs. These signs are usually a good match for Capricorn:
- Taurus
- Virgo
- Libra
- Capricorn
The Sexes at a Glance
The Capricorn Man
- Detail-oriented
- Dutiful
- Long-lived
- Family-man
- Secular
- Cold
The Capricorn Woman
- Smart
- Confident
- Honest
- Frugal
- Lover of music
- Rigid
Saturn’s Grind
Each planet oversees different areas of life. Saturn is the slowest-moving of the planets, and his influence is often accompanied by hard lessons.
When Saturn passes through the native’s moon sign, as well as the one before and after it, this is known as sade sati, or “Saturn’s Grind.” During this period, one experiences heavy karmic reactions. However, by adopting the right attitude, this can be a period of tremendous personal growth.
For Capricorns, the periods of sade sati are as follows:
- February 7, 1958 — April 8, 1966
- December 16, 1987 — June 1, 1995
- June 23, 2020 — March 29, 2025
- March 6, 2049 — May 14, 2054
- June 16, 2076 — March 19, 2084
Famous Capricorns
Politicians
Robert F. Kennedy
Prince Edward
Tony Blair
Sarah Palin
Rick Santorum
Actors / Actresses
Christopher Walken
Bill Murray
John Malkovich
Bruce Willis
Val Kilmer
Viggo Mortensen
Russell Crowe
Ashley Judd
Ice-T
Amanda Bynes
Kevin Pollak
Sinbad
Musicians
John Lennon
Brother Ali
Cat Stevens
Joan Jett
Britney Spears
Robin Gibb
Carrie Underwood
Amit Trivedi
Bill Berry
Spiritualists
Pope Francis
Guru Nanak
Deepak Chopra
Writers / Directors
Arthur Conan Doyle
Seamus Heaney
Anne Bronte
Gene Wilder
George Eliot
W.B. Yeats
Tennessee Williams
Philosophers / Scientists
Michel Foucault
Isaac Newton
Entrepreneurs
Henry Ford
Michael Bloomberg
Seth Godin
Oleg Deripaska
Athletes
Jesse Owens
Jackie Robinson
Joe Girardi
The 12 Signs of the Zodiac
Learn about each of the twelve signs of the zodiac.
| Aries | Taurus | Gemini |
| Cancer | Leo | Virgo |
| Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius |
| Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces |
The 27 Nakshatras
Learn about the 27 Nakshatras or “Lunar Mansions” of Vedic astrology.
Sources
Barbara Pijan Lama’s Vedic Astrology
What is Your Rashi? — Miles Davis
Saturn Transit Dates
Astro-Charts
