Personality Traits of a Capricorn

Author: Libby Pelham

Capricorn (Dec 22nd-Jan 20th) is the tenth sign of the zodiac and is represented by the goat. Capricorns are very ambitious, driven by the need for success, money, position and authority. Their career and succeeding in it is very important to them, so much so that they often prefer to be in charge. But despite their aspirations, they are also very grounded and practical people. Capricorns are ruled by Saturn, the planet of limitations and it is almost as if Saturn realises that time can be short, therefore they are great organisers and planners.

However, Capricorns are also patient and willing to wait for what they want. Despite their intense focus on their goals, they can be very witty. They are cautious when making decisions, especially decisions that involve money. Not only are they good at saving money, but they also know how to make good investments. Their materialistic drive to amass wealth is due to a Capricorn's need for security. They are very proud people, who usually repay kindness but more because they do not want to feel as if they "owe" anyone anything.

Ambitious

Driven as they are, Capricorns are rarely idle. They have faith in themselves more than in other people and realise if something is going to happen, it is going to be because of their doing. Many see this trait as cold, but Capricorns are merely self-sufficient people. Because they realise time is precious, they are great organisers and capable of paying thorough attention to detail.

Capricorns are the most likely sign to marry someone for their money or status in life. Not that marriage will prevent a Capricorn from continuing to be ambitious in his or her own right - even when their partner is more financially and socially powerful, Capricorns need to be in control.

Loners

Their desire for fame and success, combined with their independent nature and natural inhibition, Capricorns tend to be the loners of the zodiac. Many Capricorns have tunnel vision when it comes to their goals. They disregard everything else - family, friends, even their own emotions - while in pursuit of their goal. They know they have what it takes to complete the job, so the "I don't need you" attitude often turns others off.

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Weaknesses

Capricorns can be seen as odd by others for various reasons. Most do not understand their need for success, their materialistic tendencies, or their perfectionism. They are often focused on one thing at a time, ignoring all others. They can be bossy and domineering and do not quickly forgive those who have crossed them.

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Parts of the Body Ruled by Capricorn

The bones, joints and knees - Capricorns may find they suffer from stiff joints, rheumatism, arthritis and orthopaedic problems.

Famous Capricorns

Actors/Entertainers:

Humphrey Bogart
Sissy Spacek
Kirstie Alley
Faye Dunaway
Cary Grant

Musicians/Singers:

Joan Baez
Annie Lennox
John Denver
David Bowie
Elvis Presley
Rod Stewart

Artists/Writers:

Henry Miller
Rudyard Kipling
J. D. Salinger
J.R. Tolkien
Edgar Allen Poe

Sports Figures:

Muhammed Ali
Steve Garvey
Larry Csonka
Sandy Koufax
Joe Frazier

Entrepreneurs:

Howard Hughes
Conrad Hilton
Helena Rubenstein
Elizabeth Arden

Politicians/Leaders:

Mao Tse Tung
J. Edgar Hoover
Barry Goldwater
Walter Mondale
Richard Nixon
Martin Luther King

Capricorns are very determined to rise to the top. They will exert all their energy into achieving a goal, sacrificing relationships if needed. They often wear masks to prevent people from seeing the real person they are, but those who take the time will find Capricorns to be loyal and affectionate.

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29 questions

Ask Explore Astrology a Question

CRG 25/12/2019 at 6:25 am

I am so glad someone mentioned MLK, Jr., a true American (Capricorn) hero.
My birthday falls between MLK, Jr and Benjamin Franklin, another great American and International (Capricorn) 'Renaissance' amazing person.
I've always felt that I'm challenged and intended for great things to fill in the gap between their birthdays. It's felt like a mandate.
Over time, I understand that it's still the
long road, taking the high road and accepting the successes of the important work that I do that can be enough.
I am a Nurse and I am first, foremost a patient advocate. In this role I have
authority, power, autonomy and respect. I have the final say at the bed side when it comes to my patient's welfare, regardless of what you see on TV. I also have the recognition of being a member of the most trusted profession in America.
I might like to be another Abraham Lincoln or Benjamin Franklin, another
Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa or someone else who did great things.
But I am just me, doing what I know that we all do, which is the best with what we have, and all the while contributing to our fellow men and women.

Nessa 28/10/2019 at 5:46 pm

I am a Capricorn. This article is on point! No doubt about it!

Doedoe 05/09/2019 at 1:29 pm

I have a big crush on somebody and it says a Capricorn will do anything to achieve they goal and I really don't do that so does that mean I'm not a Capricorn because I stay to my self and my goal is to have her as my dream wife and I wanna be famous if you get this plz give me some advice...

rylan 19/07/2019 at 5:16 pm

Everyone avoids me when I'm concentrating on something because they know that I will blow up at them. By blow up, I mean I scream at them until they leave. Then, they approach me slowly when I'm done and normal again.

CheMoonshine 08/06/2019 at 5:39 pm

To "Happie"
If you minus the tattoos, hair color change, and piercings - I am with you 1,000%. It made us seem cold hearted and hardly touched on the affections and disappointment we do not want to receive. That is what really helps our ambitions to be high because we want to help those closest to us first and then expand to help others. Sure, if others come into play in the meantime that need assistance - sure. I do not expect to be helped in return, but I always hope they will.
I was raised by a libra and a cancer, so that was fun! I stayed as middle ground for a long time and probably why I married a Gemini (Waited a long time for this man and he too doesn't follow the typical personality traits of a Gemini all the time either)
Thank you for helping with expanding a Cap's definition

Z 29/05/2019 at 6:05 am

I am a Capricorn. I don’t know if it is just me, but I have traits of all zodiac signs such as mine. At the young age that I am, I am smater then many people, more mature, responsible, etc. I am very imaginative as well. I am a great lier and manipulator (which I know is very bad), but I would like to use my skills and techniques to achieve great things. My personality is probably like this because my parents are very different people and incompatibile. So, what I am trying to say is, to all the Capricorns out there, use your talents to make great things happen. That is my goal. And, I am wondering if anyone can relate to me or this? Plus, I love cats because they are independent and moody... like me

Dr.Alzeer 16/08/2018 at 10:36 am

I was born January first. Most people seem to avoid me at more social events, but have a complete turnabout once they need help. I am constantly getting asked (and not just by people I like) to help them with their work. I have had a few failed relationships, because mostly, we didn't see eye to eye on certain things(abortion, Trump, and online gaming). I also am an addicted gamer, but I can stop(but it would be almost impossible). My skills are strategy, good reflexes, very sharp long term memory, and excellent short term memory. I don't believe all of this is Capricorn, but could I get some feedback?

Showkat 29/12/2017 at 4:10 pm

Yes.. I'm very ambitious, have very high aspirations, loner(but not always), wanna give everything to my family they desire, wanna help poor people, giver, perfectionist at work, lil bossy (not always), shy at beginning, always prepared (keep multiple plans), softy at heart. I m not patient for lil things, i wanna get almost everything very quickly but i have maintained patience only in one thing since years i. e., still waiting for spending some time vd her..

Fb/showkatg2

Happie 10/12/2017 at 9:46 am

Okay this is Lame. I’m not a loner, I have friends. The only reason i get to be alone is to reflect on things because when I get deep with friends especially on life or spiritual matters, they wonder why I think too deeply on life.
I’m ambitious and I want to be wealthy but it is a means to an end. Meaning I want to change the world, to represent love & spread happiness. The second reason why I want to be wealthy is because I want to have control over my destiny and my life and not have to submit to other people’s demands (because Capricorn’s know money includes control & power, they want to control their life and not have to beg for things) whether it is your spouse, parents or family and that’s why I want it.
Thirdly I want loving relationship more than anything, not the half-ass relationship but fulfilling, fun, Passionate, thrilling and amazing because Capricorn’s are actually givers and not takers and if they cannot have that, they can be alone for awhile and will not give in to society’s pressure or stimatization..

They give to everyone which includes time, money, love, support, warmth and become overwhelmed because they want to please everyone but learn the hard way that life does not work that way. You cannot please everyone and not everyone wants our help that we offer.
For me, I’m a romantic, I want that great fulfilling relationship but don’t want to hurt people to get it. I don’t believe in hurting people.
We are not practical but think of the best solution to a problem or an issue.

They give to everyone around them and they always expect the same in return but are always let down. This also drives their ambition to be rich so that THEY WONT HAVE TO ASK PEOPLE for things.
Capricorn do not wear masks, they compartmentalize.
So they want someone who will treasure them and do all the extravagant stuff.
I’m actually very jovial and not moody, I love every moment of life which is expressed internally.
I’m also very adventurous, spiritual and intuitive. I want to explore everything and when I get bored, I become really spontaneous, getting hair colour changes, tattoos & piercings.
I hate injustice, meanness and maltreatment of people. I dunno if it’s a Capricorn thing but I am a philanthropist and fight inequality.
I can be diplomatic about anything but not my convictions on spirituality.

I love travelling and meeting new people. We are dreamers and the most inspiring people. We are also not pushovers.

We are also masterminds and get along with everyone apart from saggitaurus.
We are Ambiverts, positive, supportive. I personally don’t like being told what to do because I’m fiercely independent but enjoy being pampered.
I’m very resilient, perseverance but I struggle with commitment & consistency.
Detail oriented, leader and disciplined with health. I am great at many things and very skilled which can be hard cause it causes be to spread myself too thing.
We are not the most gregarious people because we don’t l

Bret 28/11/2017 at 10:28 am

Everything here truly defines capricorns. I was born on December 31, and I'm left-handed.
As per being fake--capricorns can actually fake things--but it's always a make-believe strategy to show they're in control. Capricorns are self-sufficient, and would prefer learning things on their own, rather than being taught.
Capricorns are pretty impatient, too--but they rarely regret their decisions. What's inside of capricorns is bigger than their imaginations--I Believe.
They rarely stay long at a job that reduces their value. A capricorn could resign after a week into their newly-found job. Their ego and knowledge overwhelms them. They are pretty reticent, too.

Missvicious 09/11/2017 at 11:06 am

I feel like this is pretty freakin on point its creepy. And to the person who said the comment about capricorn being fake. Really bad words to you. Im so blunt it hurts almost impossible not to be real as they come.

GG 23/09/2017 at 2:43 am

as a capricorn this true only thing we don't have is patience I have big problem with that speaking for myself I can say that I met a wonderful guy who completed me in such a wonderful way he a scorpio we are unstoppable I can say ???? he change me in such a good way I thank god for putting this men in my life I want greatness within myself I have a lot to learn being a capricorn is a great thing only if you find the inner of yourself.

Pinksupersec 08/09/2017 at 12:22 pm

I've been married to a Capricorn man for 41 years and boy do I understand him because I'm a Virgo and we share the same aspirations and goals. Thank god. !! Because my other half worked so hard we've been able to semi retire at 53. The only annoying thing with capricorns is they won't make decisions easily and mull things over so much in their mind that whatever you wanted to buy has gone!!! Good job I make the decisions otherwise we would get nowhere. They are such hard workers and make themselves ill which he has done in the past so I am making him ease off the reins a bit...

Tasha 17/04/2017 at 4:59 pm

im a capricorn and this truly gets me and im deff a loner and gloomy and all that im always like that but my friends have always told me that i need to stop being bossy like im the leader of the group ofc i dont agree but i am capricorn so i guess i do fall under that but anyway im not really patient and all but i can be sometimes so yea anyway i just want to thank you guys for truly captriing the true meaning of beigning a capricorn

Torre Alta 04/03/2017 at 6:24 am

Not quite accurate. Loner, but get lonely. To lonely loner, don't be scared of searching for your mate. Confidence. #1. Don't worry about being rejected. Just keep on keeping on. It WILL happen. Are all of us Capricorns kinda weird ?

lonley loner 07/01/2017 at 9:29 pm

This article left some traits out and mentions some traits that I definitely do NOT have. But with that said, if I am a loner, how can I go meet girls?

jd 09/10/2016 at 8:31 pm

I am barely discovering the meaning and origin of my sign and I am in awe and obsessed because it is helping me in ways that I know are not entirely clear to me but the and accurate depth assessment of my peresonality traits and ability to grasp a continuous effort of seeking my success standards and goals and dreams are I have most certainly lived a backwards life burdened and responsible as a child and I am in a point of transition my inner quest for success led me to my astrology immediately things that have been said by others about my natural leadership, talent anda humor are the most intriguing I aspire to make music and have always felt a kinship and a overwhelming sense of clarity of enjoying and being inspired by David Bowie I am left handed as well and have taught myself to play right handed I recently realized Bowie was a Capricorn as well I amore driven than ever to find what awaits in my nearing transition I have always felt that my next step will yield results that I currently unable to wrap my mind around thank you

Brenda 03/02/2016 at 8:51 am

Oops didn't realize that I posted the first before I got to edit it.

By the way I'm into a cap. what causes a Capricorn to quit his job and get another one.

Brenda 03/02/2016 at 8:49 am

violaine....your statement was about me an Aries female take away the day..today is 3th feb.2016,3: 47am and i am the only one awake in this house and waiting for the the sun to shine to do a lot of things, i tried finding my traits as a capricorn... i love music so much, i love to do a lot of things, but i find it interesting to be an architect or an interior designer, i love photography but i am hooked right now to woodworking and got a couple of tools for this and that job which i have accumulated for the last few decades...i feel i am organized but i need more time to do these organizing tasks, i am meticuolus with details (thats why i love art and music, music with good lyrics), yes i am a pessimist but that is a defense mechanism i guess so when i fail in something then the impact would not be so great unlike if i am all too positive with the outcome...i love to write more about me but time is running out..i gotta to do something..yes we are never idle..my mind is never settled and now at mid forties, my average sleep is 6 hours in a day..i am tremendously immensed in work..but in my free time (if i have) id like to discover new things..i can be very indepedendent but i can be overly dependent on others on some occasion when all else fails..wishing to write more but i gotta go..take out Dr. & I have a Few tools this is me.WOW! I love taking pics so much I a made a wall paper app. Still under construction. It got excepted on Google play store. Things you left out... I love making money to help my family, fishing,camping,sports,violin,piano and playing (billiard) pool.

Brenda 03/02/2016 at 8:44 am

violaine....your statement was about me an Aries female take away the...today is 20th jan 2013, 4am and i am the only one awake in this house and waiting for the the sun to shine to do a lot of things, i tried finding my traits as a capricorn... i love music so much, i love to do a lot of things, but i find it interesting to be an architect or an interior designer, i love photography but i am hooked right now to woodworking and got a couple of tools for this and that job which i have accumulated for the last few decades...i feel i am organized but i need more time to do these organizing tasks, i am meticuolus with details (thats why i love art and music, music with good lyrics), yes i am a pessimist but that is a defense mechanism i guess so when i fail in something then the impact would not be so great unlike if i am all too positive with the outcome...i love to write more about me but time is running out..i gotta to do something..yes we are never idle..my mind is never settled and now at mid forties, my average sleep is 6 hours in a day..i am tremendously immensed in work..but in my free time (if i have) id like to discover new things..i can be very indepedendent but i can be overly dependent on others on some occasion when all else fails..wishing to write more but i gotta go..take out Dr. & I have a Few tools this is me.WOW! I love taking pics so much I a made a wall paper app. Still under construction. It got excepted on Google play store. One thing you left out... I love fishing,camping,sports,violin,piano and playing (billiard) pool.

sexy 12/08/2015 at 5:19 am

I think that's almost true because I'm a Capricorn and I want to become a vet ever since I remember and that's my goal and I've been working towards that alot and yes I would sacrifice a relationship to get to my goal and I believe that we Capricorn are determined because I am

Jessie 24/03/2015 at 12:21 am

i'm a Capricorn and most of this explains how i am

Csortiz 03/03/2015 at 5:10 am

I'm a Capricorn and you just described me I've been having the same goal sence I was seven to play professional baseball and be one of the best I'm 18 now and I'm not stopping to nothing until I get to the top.!

Tammy 10/08/2013 at 6:19 pm

Some of these traits are true but I think this article is slightly biased. Nowhere does it mention that Capricorns are one of the most loyal and devoted signs of the zodiac. Loyalty and devotion are wonderful traits and are often more than enough to compensate for some of the more negative qualities associated with Capricorn. Also, there is nothing wrong with being power-hungry, if you genuinely want to use your power for the good of society.

violaine 19/01/2013 at 7:53 pm

today is 20th jan 2013, 4am and i am the only one awake in this house and waiting for the the sun to shine to do a lot of things, i tried finding my traits as a capricorn...

i love music so much, i love to do a lot of things, i am a doctor but i find it interesting to be an architect or an interior designer, i love photography but i am hooked right now to woodworking and got an a hundred of tools for this and that job which i have accumulated for the last 2 decades...i feel i am organized but i need more time to do these organizing tasks, i am meticuolus with details (thats why i love art and music, music with good lyrics), yes i am a pessimist but that is a defense mechanism i guess so when i fail in something then the impact would not be so great unlike if i am all too positive with the outcome...i love to write more about me but time is running out..i gotta to do something..yes we are never idle..my mind is never settled and now at mid forties, my average sleep is 6 hours in a day..i am tremendously immensed in work..but in my free time (if i have) id like to discover new things..i can be very indepedendent but i can be overly dependent on others on some occasion when all else fails..wishing to write more but i gotta go..

pam 30/01/2012 at 8:17 pm

I'm a Capricorn and this definity me to the T! I've been working hard since i was 15, dont get me wrong I HATE WORKING!, but i gotta do what needs done and i work hard always doing OverTime!

Miss_mara84 21/08/2011 at 12:46 pm

This is so funny & also true - my son is almost 2 years old and everything I read sounds just like him. Obviously his goals at the moment are silly to us but if we get in his way all hell breaks loose. When he wants to play with a certain toy no one will stop him & he will completely ignore everything else around him!!

tiffy lynn 12/05/2011 at 8:56 am

I'm a capricorn and I'm so far from these traits it's not even funny. I hate work, I'm very messy, and I can be very easy to read. It just doesn't suit me at all.

em 02/04/2011 at 3:14 am

My boyfriend is a capricorn,and those traits are true. Sometimes I find him hard to understand.but now I have an idea why he is like that. thank you.

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