Capricorn (♑) — Cardinal Earth, The Builder

Capricorn occupies 270-300 degrees as the cardinal earth sign, ruled by Saturn. The Sea-Goat — fishtail below, horns above — symbolizes the ascent from depth to summit, governing the tenth house of vocation, public standing, and worldly authority. Ptolemy assigns Capricorn a cold and dry temperament in the Tetrabiblos, marking the winter solstice and the nadir of solar light. Saturn's rulership gives Capricorn its defining qualities: discipline, strategic patience, and the understanding that lasting structures require time; Cafe Astrology identifies the cardinal earth drive as ambition channeled through incremental, methodical effort.