6 Capricorn Personality Traits That Explain Why They're the CEOs of the Zodiac

Some people couldn't care less about their reputation, but Capricorns? Their public image means everything to them. If your birthday falls roughly between Dec. 22 and Jan. 19, that would make you a loyal and dutiful Capricorn. And if this doesn't explain why you may have an authoritative vibe and a pragmatic mindset, I don't know what will.

As a grounded earth sign, some recognized Capricorn traits are being extra practical and craving stability. Represented by the sea goat, Capricorns are all about the journey and refuse to take shortcuts on the path to fulfilling their soul's purpose. However, they owe their Type-A personality to being a cardinal sign, which prompts them to take initiative in everything they do.

According to astrologers Tamerri Ater and Tara Bennet, here's everything you need to know about the characteristics of a Capricorn. Yes, there's a reason why they've earned the reputation as the CEO of the zodiac.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Tamerri Ater is a certified professional astrologer and modern mystic.

Tara Bennet is a professional astrologer for Mediumchat, a spiritual platform where you can connect with psychics, mediums, card readers, and more.

What Is a Capricorn?

Capricorn is the 10th zodiac sign, nestled in between Sagittarius and Aquarius. Represented by a mythical sea goat, Capricorns are people who were born between Dec. 22 to Jan. 19. According to Bennet, the mythical sea goat is a "powerful combination," as they not only have the resilience of a goat, but they can also navigate the mystical underwater world.

According to Ater, Capricorns have an authoritative vibe, and this is in part to their ruling planet. "Capricorn is ruled by the planet of sacrifice, Saturn," Ater tells PS. Saturn is also nicknamed the "Time Lord" since the slow-moving planet takes about 29 years to orbit through the entire zodiac.

What Are Capricorn Personality Traits?

Capricorns are responsible. When it comes to discipline and hard work, Capricorns shine. They're the first to step up to a task and will put in the work to get the job done, typically above and beyond what's expected of them. The mature earth sign isn't one to take any shortcuts, either. They see profit in playing the long game.

Capricorns are ambitious. Capricorns have high expectations for themselves. Whether it's climbing the corporate ladder or tackling a major project for school, they'll tune everything out so they can focus on getting it done. This is probably because they're associated with the 10th house of career and public image, so having a go-getter reputation is important to them. Ater explains that Capricorn's planetary ruler, Saturn, also has a huge impact. "Saturn was once the furthest planet from the sun, which is why it's associated with limits." So when Capricorns feel a sense of purpose in a project, relationship, career, or whatever they find value in, they'll put in the effort and care it takes to manifest their ultimate dreams.

Capricorns are honest and fair. Yes, Capricorns enjoy winning and being the best at, well, everything — but they want to do it fairly. "Ethics and honesty are a big part of their makeup. They'd never lie or cheat to succeed, as it would defeat the sense of achievement," Bennet says.

What Are Capricorn Weaknesses?

Capricorns are workaholics. Capricorns have a hard time managing their work-life boundaries. They're known for prioritizing their career, putting in overtime, covering shifts, and keeping a steady pace at work. Though their diligence proves them to be loyal and responsible, it often comes at the expense of their relationships or personal well-being. Making time for self-care, family, and friends can be a hard skill for the earth signs to master. "Capricorn's symbol as the goat is where their reputation for being status and career-driven comes from," adds Ater.

Capricorns are overly realistic. Capricorns have a tendency to rationalize everything, especially concepts like spirituality that are too abstract to put into words. They're the first to say an idea is foolish if they don't see a clear, linear plan. "Capricorn is an earth sign, so they're the builders of the zodiac and like to see tangible results," says Ater. Earth signs are tethered to the material world, so they try to keep a level head about everything. But while some might consider the Saturnian-ruled sea goat to be certified pessimists, they'd argue that they're simply realists.

Capricorns don't take risks. In other words, they are major traditionalists. "They stick with their strategies and routines that have worked for them rather than trying out something new," Bennet says. "They'll stay within their comfort zone even when it's apparent there is a better solution."

What Is a Capricorn Like in Love?

Fortunately for all of you dating a Capricorn, this zodiac sign is fiercely loyal. Regardless of the challenges thrown at your relationship, Capricorns will remain at your side as long as you want them there. In fact, Bennet says their loyalty is their strongest trait.

Capricorns are also anti-situationship. "If they're in a relationship, it's for the long-haul," says Bennet. This is likely because some key Capricorn personality traits include resisting change and craving stability and security.

Brittany Beringer-Tobing is a freelance writer, mystic, and creator and a full-time Aquarius based in San Diego. She's contributed to PS, Bustle, Well+Good, Frenshe, Thought Catalog, and more. She was an astrology writer at Bustle, where she covered all things mystical — from lunar forecasts and numerology to manifestation rituals and retrograde dos and don'ts. Brittany's work lives in the lifestyle space and includes topics like astrology, wellness, sex, dating, and the intersections between them.