Capricorn is an earth sign that is governed by the planet Saturn. As one of the cardinal signs, Capricorns are initiators and builders who are practical, ambitious, and disciplined. When it comes to their elemental nature, Capricorns are often described as cold rather than hot.
Capricorn Personality Traits
Capricorns are characterized by the following key personality traits:
- Practical – Capricorns are down-to-earth and focused on the concrete and realistic.
- Disciplined – They are extremely self-controlled, dedicated, and able to work very hard to achieve their goals.
- Ambitious – Capricorns aim high and are determined to succeed.
- Cautious – They take calculated risks after much careful thought and planning.
- Patient – Capricorns understand reaching their goals requires step-by-step effort over time.
- Responsible – They take their duties and obligations very seriously.
- Persistent – Capricorns don’t give up easily and will keep working at something until it’s done right.
- Loyal – Once they commit to something or someone, Capricorns are steadfast and devoted.
- Pessimistic – They tend to focus on the negative possibilities and what could go wrong.
- Stoic – Capricorns are serious, unemotional, and often rigid.
Overall, the Capricorn nature is very calm, controlled, and collected. They are introverted, cautious, and conservative in their approach. Capricorns prefer taking their time, being thorough and pragmatic, and finding effective solutions. Their personality is geared more towards practical reality rather than emotions, optimism, or fantasy.
Capricorn Element: Earth
Capricorn is one of the three zodiac signs ruled by the element of earth. The other two earth signs are Taurus and Virgo.
Earth signs share the following qualities:
- Practical and grounded
- Reliable and dependable
- Productive and hard-working
- Focused on security and stability
- Appreciation of routine and organization
- Oriented toward the physical and material world
- Cautious and conservative in nature
As an earth sign, Capricorn is the most initialized, ambitious, and determined. However, Capricorn shares that strong earth element focus on realism over idealism, on making steady progress towards tangible results. Overall, the earth element contributes to the stoic, pragmatic, and reserved nature of Capricorn.
Saturn: Capricorn’s Planetary Ruler
Each zodiac sign is ruled by a planet and Capricorn’s ruler is Saturn.
Saturn is associated with the following symbols and meanings:
- Structure
- Discipline
- Restriction
- Challenge
- Time
- Wisdom
- Authority
- Lessons
- Karma
- Hard Work
The influence of Saturn makes Capricorns strongly committed to working hard, taking responsibilities seriously, setting ambitious goals, and achieving enduring, meaningful success. However, Saturn can also make Capricorns pessimistic, rigid, and lonely in their dedication to duty and their isolation in reaching for their aims.
Cold Nature of Capricorn
When analyzing the combination of Capricorn’s earth element and Saturn’s planetary rulership, it becomes clear why Capricorn is most often described as ‘cold’ rather than ‘hot’:
- Capricorns are emotionally reserved and uncomfortable with direct expressions of feelings.
- They maintain strict self-control even in turbulent emotional situations.
- Practical realities and objective goals take priority over fantasies, dreams, and wishing.
- Capricorns can be rigid about traditions, rules, and responsibilities.
- They have high standards for themselves and others that must be upheld.
- Capricorns analyze situations logically and realistically.
- They prefer coherent order, structure, and calm over unpredictability.
The sober, somber personality of Capricorn lacks the fiery enthusiasm, passion, and sensation-seeking of the hot and extroverted fire signs like Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. The cool, formal demeanor of Capricorn also contrasts with the flexible, relationship-oriented air signs such as Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
Positive and Negative Qualities of Capricorn’s Cold Nature
The cold quality of Capricorns has both positive and negative effects. On the positive side:
- Capricorns are extremely reliable and can always be counted on to fulfill duties.
- They make careful, pragmatic decisions guided by facts rather than emotions.
- Capricorns take the time to build structures meant to securely last into the future.
- They have remarkable focus, discipline, and organization skills that support great accomplishments.
- Capricorns stay calm under high pressure and think clearly during crises.
However, taken to an extreme, Capricorn’s cold side manifests as:
- Isolation from needing to be self-sufficient and emotionally restrained.
- Pessimism from overly focusing on problems versus possibilities.
- Depression under the weight of responsibility and fear of failure.
- Suppressed creativity and spontaneity from rigid structures.
- Difficulty empathizing with others’ feelings and perspectives.
- Obsession over career success and social status.
Therefore, Capricorns must be mindful that their strengths do not become weaknesses when taken to unhealthy levels. Working to develop their warmer, human side helps Capricorns become more well-rounded.
Warmth Within Capricorn
While Capricorn’s essential nature skews cold, that does not mean Capricorns completely lack warmth. In their own ways, Capricorns can demonstrate caring, loyalty, and vulnerability.
- Capricorns show dedication, hard work, and provision for loved ones.
- They offer wisdom and experienced counsel to help guide others.
- Capricorns provide security and stability for family and community.
- Their commitment and dependability show they value relationships.
- Capricorns make time for relaxation and connection with close friends.
- They give generously to causes aligned with their values.
- Capricorns offer dry, ironic humor to lighten the mood and connect with others.
Growth-oriented Capricorns seek self-improvement, including developing their emotional intelligence and softer side. With maturity Capricorns radiate more wisdom than gloom, more patience than sternness, and more pragmatism than pessimism.
Hot and Cold Capricorn Traits
| Cold Traits | Hot Traits |
|---|---|
| Logical | Passionate |
| Reserved | Ambitious |
| Cautious | Charismatic |
| Rigid | Energetic |
| Pessimistic | Creative |
| Detached | Adventurous |
| Stoic | Enthusiastic |
| Serious | Bold |
| Conservative | Daring |
| Cynical | Confident |
This table summarizes some of the main personality traits that illustrate Capricorn’s cold versus hot qualities. While cold traits are more dominant in Capricorn’s make-up, the hot side can emerge when passion is engaged, ambition fired up, or strong feelings arise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Capricorn’s essential nature tilts towards the cold side – realistic, practical, and restrained – there is also room for hot traits like drive, magnetism, and daring. Capricorns must avoid living too much on the cold extreme and learn to integrate their hot side in a balanced manner. This allows Capricorns to be not just competent and proper, but also audacious trailblazers who achieve greatness. With wisdom and maturity, Capricorns master the art of being cool-headed but warm-hearted leaders we all look up to.