Collection: Zodiac - Capricornus Constellation and Astrological Sign

Capricorn, in astrology, the 10th sign of the zodiac, considered as governing the period from about December 22 to about January 19. One explanation of the fishtail with which the goat is often represented is found in the Greek myth of Pan, who, to avoid the monster Typhon, jumped into the water just as he was changing into animal shape. The half above water assumed the shape of a goat while the lower half, the tail, assumed the shape of a fish.

Capricornus
Capricornus Astronomical chart showing a goat forming the constellation Capricornus; hand-colored etching by Sidney Hall from Urania's Mirror, 1825.

In astronomy, Capricornus is a zodiacal constellation lying in the southern sky between Aquarius and Sagittarius, at about 21 hours right ascension and 20° south declination. Its stars are faint; Deneb Algedi (Arabic for “kid’s tail”) is the brightest star, with a magnitude of 2.9. Capricornus usually refers to the constellation, and Capricorn usually refers to the astrological sign.

 Aries (Ram): March 21–April 19

 Taurus (Bull): April 20–May 20

 Gemini (Twins): May 21–June 21

 Cancer (Crab): June 22–July 22

 Leo (Lion): July 23–August 22

 Virgo (Virgin): August 23–September 22

 Libra (Balance): September 23–October 23

 Scorpius (Scorpion): October 24–November 21

 Sagittarius (Archer): November 22–December 21

 Capricornus (Goat): December 22–January 19

 Aquarius (Water Bearer): January 20–February 18

 Pisces (Fish): February 19–March 20