Capricorn (Makara)
Capricorn (Makara) is a movable earth sign ruled by Saturn and symbolised by the makara, a sea creature with a deer’s head. It stands for ambition, duty, discipline and long-term achievement.
Also known as: makar rashi, makar
Makara climbs steadily. Its natives tend to be practical, responsible and patient, ready to work hard for results that last, and they often mature late and gather authority over time. They respect tradition and structure. Over-caution and a habit of carrying too much alone are their growth points.
Capricorn is the knees of Kalapurusha, and as the 10th sign it mirrors the house of career. Mars is exalted here, most of all at 28°, and Jupiter is debilitated at 5°. The last three padas of Uttara Ashadha, all of Shravana and the first half of Dhanishta fall in Capricorn.
For Capricorn rising, Venus rules the 5th and 10th houses and is the yogakaraka. As a Moon sign, Capricorn gives a composed, dutiful temperament. The Sun’s entry into sidereal Capricorn, around 14 January, is Makar Sankranti, celebrated across India as Pongal, Uttarayan and Magh Bihu, and the start of Uttarayana in the traditional calendar.