Capricorn Traits, Dates & More

Hardworking and goal-oriented, Capricorn is the one zodiac sign you want to be paired up within a group project. Capricorns are no stranger to discipline, and thrive in a challenging work environment. This is one of the more serious zodiac signs, as Capricorn’s planetary ruler is Saturn, which governs rules and responsibility. Although tough on the outside, Capricorns do have a funny streak. No one can deliver a sarcastic quip quite like a Capricorn.

Capricorn Traits

What makes the goat, the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)? Here are some of the defining Capricorn traits:

• Ambitious
• Reserved
• Pragmatic
• Humorous
• Cunning

Ambitious: The most notable trait of Capricorn is their pure ambition. Capricorn wants something: whether its fame, a successful career, or marriage; and they are not afraid to put in the work to get it. Capricorn’s symbol is the Seagoat, who has the hooves to set into the foothold of the mountain and steadily, slowly, climbs its way to the top—and even has the ability to traverse through water. Once a Capricorn decides on what their goals are, they will do anything to achieve it. They have a rock-solid, ten-year plan set up to achieve whatever they desire. They don’t mind working hard, doing back-breaking labor, and the years of waiting for what they want. They believe that all of their effort will be greatly rewarded someday.

Reserved: All earth signs seem shy at first glance, but out of the earthly trio, Capricorn is the hardest to get to know. Reserved and aloof, Capricorns do not open up easily and certainly don’t reveal their true emotions to just anyone. Always plotting and calculating their next move, they have a solid poker face; a mask that they wear for the public. One could be friends with a Capricorn for years, even married to them, and they would never completely know them. They are always holding a part of themselves back, as a way of self-preservation. But once they feel safe enough to be vulnerable, they are loving, protective, and loyal people.

Pragmatic: Capricorn takes a realistic approach to life. They may have lofty ambitions, but they are realistic on what they can actually achieve in this life with their abilities and plan accordingly. Capricorn doesn’t get lost in fantasies, preferring to roll up their sleeves and get to work in the real world. They also don’t get caught up in theories—and can even ignore their own ideals to get the job done. They know that life isn’t always fair and that people don’t get what they deserve, so they operate their lives based on that knowledge.

Humorous: Behind that serious, mature exterior, Capricorns have a wicked sense of humor. They are famous for their dry wit and sarcasm with a few dirty jokes thrown into the mix to keep everyone on their toes and laughing at the same time. However, because of their serious nature and dry humor, some might not be able to tell when they’re joking or not. Some might take Capricorn’s jokes the wrong way, as the goat is likely to take the joke too far. Capricorns should also always keep an eye on their delivery and learn to read a room. Saying “a joke is just a joke” after hurting someone’s feelings isn’t an apology.

Cunning: Because of their drive for success and their intelligence, Capricorn is very cunning. They are the chess players of the zodiac signs, always calculating their next move and the moves of everyone else. They are the master of schemes and always have a trick or two up their sleeves. Cunning is sometimes seen as a bad thing (maybe because it’s the main trait of the Slytherin house in Harry Potter) but that isn’t always a case. Capricorn is willing to do what needs to be done to achieve their desired results, but they have a moral compass. Capricorns are very loyal, kind people. They also know that sometimes you have to crack a few eggs to make an omelet.

Read your Capricorn Horoscope

Capricorn Dates: December 22 – January 19

When you need to get stuff started and want things to go from idea to fruition, there’s no better time than Capricorn season: between the days of December 22 and January 19.

First, we have the Winter Solstice. This is a time to get cozy and go deep within. It’s not a time to worry about what’s going on in the outside world, but instead, put the focus on your inner world. The days are short and the nights are long, so there’s plenty of time for introspection and deep thinking. It’s also a time when we can feel a little stuck inside from the lack of things to do. Capricorn energy helps us stay grounded and rooted in what we can do, as opposed to mourning over what we can’t.

This is a time when we also happen to be on the cusp of a new year. While Capricorn can let loose like everyone else, they’re not going to spend all of the time before the New Year boozing it up. Instead, they’re going to be considering what they want to achieve in the coming year.

This also gives them the perfect excuse to put off that holiday shopping since most Capricorns need a crowbar to open their wallets.

But Capricorns don’t just make resolutions—they make intentions. And each intention comes with their own outline of steps, along with back-up plans B, C, and D. This sign leaves nothing to chance, which gives us all the power to get serious before every New Year starts.