The final hurrah of one year and first couple of weeks of a new one are often devoted to self-reflection, sharing and making memories with loved ones, and stepping boldly into your next chapter. This tradition-loving, go-getter wintry season is hosted by Capricorn, the pragmatic earth sign ruled by taskmaster Saturn, the planet of commitment. As the sun moves through the sign of the Sea Goat, a grounded, practical, particularly adult vibe sets in, encouraging you to focus on the concrete realities of everyday life, whether that's showing up for your family's annual holiday event, adopting a new wellness habit, or getting organized ahead of tax season. Taking responsibility isn't all Cap cares about, though. The cardinal earth sign's season was also made for initiating big projects — and taking slow, steady, rational steps toward achievement and, ideally, recognition.
Here's what you need to know about Capricorn season in general, and particularly in 2022-2023.
When Is Capricorn Season?
The sun's time in the sign of the Sea Goat happens annually from approximately Dec. 21-22 to Jan. 19-20. This year (at least in US time zones), Capricorn season is from Dec. 21 to Jan. 20.
The Overall Mood and Vibe of Capricorn Season
For an idea of how Capricorn functions in astrology and influences the tone of mid December to mid January, consider the sign's ruler: Saturn, the planet of commitment, limitations, boundaries, rules, organization, and responsibility. It's the tough professor of the solar system, pushing you to step up, grow up, and put your nose to the grindstone to graduate to the next level of whatever challenge it presents you with. In turn, Capricorn is one of the most goal-oriented, coolheaded, and driven signs, intent on developing step-by-step game plans for turning lofty aspirations into their daily reality.
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Desiring recognition, Capricorns tend to put in more than their fair share of hard work. They're the first of any sign to put in overtime and go above and beyond. Anyone with Cap placement (meaning their sun or one of their big three or even big six in the sign) believes that by precisely following a recipe, they'll get that blue-ribbon-winning pie. In other words, steadily sticking to the step-by-step should ultimately translate to the result they've trained their eye on. Associated with the 10th house of career and public image, Capricorns aren't the first to bask in a spotlight, but they do aim to be held in high regard by higher-ups and basically anyone they respect and admire.
That said, while the sun moves through this sign during Capricorn season, we're all a bit more practical and eager to be recognized for our efforts. It's no wonder we share posts that document our achievements of the past year and then resolve to shoot for the stars.
Important Takeaways For Capricorn Season 2022-2023
Although the sun moves through Capricorn every year, the moon and other planets each have their own unique patterns through the sky, making for a unique astrological picture that differs from one year to the next. Here's what's going on astrologically during Capricorn season 2022-2023.
A new moon in Capricorn presents an opportunity to set an ambitious goal.
Although Mars, the planet of action and energy, continues its retrograde through Gemini until Jan. 12, you can harness the driven power of the cardinal earth sign on Dec. 23 when there's a new moon in Capricorn. Sure, you may winding down with work and on your way to holiday festivities, but the driven and down-to-earth vibes of this lunation may be especially motivating, turning your imagination to the many ways you could elevate your ambitions over the course of the next six months. When the full moon in Cap hits on July 3, 2023, whatever seeds you plant now could be blooming beautifully.
Mercury goes retrograde for the fourth and final time this year.
After spending a few weeks in Capricorn (it moves there on Dec. 6), Mercury, the planet of communication, transportation, and technology, will go through its fourth and final retrograde of the year from Dec. 29 to Jan. 18. Cap values the lessons of the past and is often on a mission to do the work to not only tie up loose ends but also to make sure that history doesn't repeat itself. For that reason, this could be an especially productive three weeks in which you're able to finish up old business in an effort to more fully take on new endeavors come mid January.
Venus moves through Aquarius.
Not too long into Capricorn season, Venus moves ahead into the sign of the Water Bearer (aka Aquarius), giving us a sneak peek of the next sun-sign season. Platonic bonds, humanitarian causes, and a quirky sense of beauty will be top of mind while the planet of love moves through the eccentric fixed air sign from Jan. 2-Jan. 26. A day in which connecting should be particularly satisfying: Jan. 9, when Venus in Aquarius trines Mars in fellow air sign Gemini.
Mars goes direct, spurring more energy and action.
On Jan. 12, Mars will finally end its months-long retrograde that kicked off on Oct. 30. Although it'll still be almost a week until Mercury gets back on track (so tech and communication may still be wonky), you might start to feel less like hibernating and more like taking fired-up steps to making your dreams come true. Another bonus: Any underlying anger issues that have been simmering beneath the surface over the past few months can finally be addressed out in the open.
Zodiac Signs Who Might Be Affected Most During Capricorn Season 2022-2023
While we tend to think of each sun-sign season as the moment in which those born during the season get to soak up the spotlight — and that is certainly the case! — people born with their sun in Capricorn aren't the only ones who will be affected by the pragmatic, tradition-embracing vibes of this time of year. Anyone born with their sun or major planetary placements in any of the cardinal signs — Aries (cardinal fire), Cancer (cardinal water), and Libra (cardinal air) — could come away from Capricorn season feeling especially clear on the lessons 2022 brought and prepared to aim even higher as they traverse the road ahead.
