Capricorn (astrology)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Capricorn
Zodiac symbolSea goat
Duration (tropical, western)December 21 – January 19 (2024, UT1)[1]
ConstellationCapricornus
Zodiac elementEarth
Zodiac qualityCardinal
Sign rulerSaturn
DetrimentMoon
ExaltationMars
FallJupiter
AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces

Capricorn (♑︎) (Greek: Αιγόκερως, romanizedAigókerōs, Latin for "horned goats") is the tenth astrological sign in the zodiac out of twelve total zodiac signs, originating from the constellation of Capricornus, the goat.[2] It spans the 270–300th degree of the zodiac, corresponding to celestial longitude. Under the tropical zodiac, the sun transits this area from around December 22 to January 19.[2] Capricorn is one of the three earth signs alongside Taurus and Virgo,[3] a negative sign,[4][5] and one of the four cardinal signs. Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn Capricorn's opposite sign is Cancer.

Cultural significance[edit]

In India, the zodiac sign of Capricorn is celebrated as the Makara Sankranti festival,[6] also known in Nepal as Maghe Sankranti.[7] The Indian astronomical calendar is not based on the western Gregorian or Julian date keeping system. The Gregorian calendar has fixed days in a year and does not accommodate difference in the actual solar year. Therefore, the festival is celebrated on either of January 14 or 15 every year, when, per the Indian astronomical calendar, the Sun actually enters the Capricorn sign.

Gallery[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ Astronomical Applications Department 2011.
  2. ^ a b dictionary n.d., s.v. Capricorn.
  3. ^ Stardust, Lisa (September 5, 2023). "Everything You Need to Know About Earth Signs". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  4. ^ Mayo 1979, pp. 38–41.
  5. ^ Ciubotaru 2008.
  6. ^ "Happy Makar Sankranti 2020: Makar Sankranti significance, history and why it's celebrated". Hindustan Times. January 15, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  7. ^ "Celebrating the fervour of Maghe Sankranti". The Kathmandu Post. January 10, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2020.

Sources[edit]

External links[edit]