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Makara rashi is Capricorn ♑︎मकर · Capricorn in English, Makara in Vedic astrology
Makara rashi, also written Makar, Makaram, is the sign called Capricorn in English. The Sun is in Capricorn from 22 Dec – 19 Jan by Western dates and in Makara from about 14 Jan – 12 Feb by Vedic dates. Names for Makara start with Bho, Ja, Ji, Khi, Khu, Khe, Kho, Ga, Gi.
A cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn, associated with ambition, responsibility and time: the long climb, done steadily, with a dry sense of humour on the way.
Capricorn at a glance
| In English | Capricorn ♑︎ |
|---|---|
| Western dates | 22 Dec – 19 Jan (tropical zodiac) |
| Vedic name | Makara rashi (मकर); also spelt Makar, Makaram |
| Name letters | Bho, Ja, Ji, Khi, Khu, Khe, Kho, Ga, Gi (rashi by name) |
| Sun in Makara (Vedic) | about 14 Jan – 12 Feb (sidereal, Lahiri) |
| Element | Earth |
| Quality | Cardinal |
| Ruling planet | Saturn |
| Opposite sign | Cancer |
| Same element | Taurus, Virgo |
| Nakshatras in Makara |  Uttara Ashadha (padas 2, 3, 4) Shravana (all four padas) Dhanishta (padas 1, 2) |
When the Moon is in Capricorn
The Moon spends about two and a half days in Capricorn each month. The mood people tend to notice: sober and practical. Work gets done; feelings queue politely behind it. Where is the Moon today?
Western Capricorn and Vedic Makara
Western astrology measures signs from the seasons (the tropical zodiac); Vedic astrology measures them from the stars (the sidereal zodiac). The two are about 24° apart now, which is why the Sun is in Capricorn from 22 Dec – 19 Jan but in Makara from about 14 Jan – 12 Feb. Your Moon sign can differ between the two systems for the same reason. Find yours in both.
The Capricorn card
Others stare at the summit while you watch the path under your feet. Do the next dull step well and let that be enough of a plan.
Capricorn has its own birth card in the online deck. It stays face down until you add your birth date to today's reading, then it joins your collection.