How the Earth Sign Pairs with Each Zodiac

In astrology, numbers are everything. There are 12 zodiac signs, categorized by four elements (earth, fire, water and air) and divided into three different modalities (cardinal, fixed and mutable). Cardinal signs are the leaders of the zodiac — they’re often described as the big idea people — and each of the four cardinal signs ushers in the start of a new season.

Capricorn, which runs from Dec. 22 to Jan. 19, kicks off the start of the winter season. The earth sign is the tenth in the zodiac, sitting in between Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) and Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18). The tenth house represents social status and career aspirations.

On top of that, Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, author and astrologer Bethany Nicole tells PEOPLE. Known as the “big daddy planet,” Saturn is “the keeper of our karma and protector of our dharma,” she says. It represents authority and governs our responsibilities and obligations.

Because of this, Capricorns can often appear harsh or overly critical of others. However, they are incredibly hard workers who hold themselves to equally high standards. They’re generally focused on finding success, celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas tells PEOPLE.

While that’s especially apparent when it comes to financial and career goals, it also shows up in their personal life. Capricorns want to build a strong, solid life for themselves, Thomas explains, so they tend to value long-term relationships and partnerships.

Capricorns may long for an ideal love, but not every star sign is a good match for them. Read on to learn more about Capricorn's compatibility with other zodiac signs.

What are the key traits of a Capricorn?

The first word that comes to mind when thinking of a Capricorn is hardworking, and for good reason.

“The sign is symbolized by the mountain goat carefully climbing a hill,” Charly King, astrologer and podcaster, tells PEOPLE. Thus, those born under this sign are often ambitious, determined and patient, she says, especially when creating their ideal future.

Capricorns may have lofty ambitions, Thomas says, but they’re not showy. Rather, they tend to be stoic, disciplined and reserved. As an earth sign, they’re naturally pragmatic people, so they’re more practical than emotional.

“They often intellectualize their emotions rather than feel them truly and deeply,” he says. Because of that, they can come across as cold or unemotional, Nicole adds.

Still, they’re relationship-oriented and interested in domesticity. “They tend to pursue monogamy more often than not,” Thomas explains.

Capricorns often make incredibly loyal and devoted partners, Nicole says. “They are the quintessential ‘acts of service’ love language,” she tells PEOPLE. “They express love in the form of a clean home, a steady job, paid bills, clean rain gutters, and all manner of practical matters.”

Which signs are Capricorns most compatible with?

In general, Capricorns will find their best match with fellow earth signs (Taurus and Virgo) or water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), Thomas tells PEOPLE.

“Earth signs share similar traits, such as stamina, practicality, work ethic, a focus on the material world, and loyalty,” he explains. Water signs, on the other hand, are typically known for their emotional depth and nurturing, caring nature, so they can provide a sense of balance.

Virgo 

According to Nicole, Capricorn is most compatible with fellow earth sign, Virgo, which she calls their “soulmate sign.”

“Both like order, boundaries, cleanliness, and regulations,” she says, adding that they each “thrive in relationships that are clearly defined.”

Since Capricorn and Virgo are from the same earth element, there’s a sense of ease and familiarity between them, King tells PEOPLE. They have similar values and desires, especially when it comes to their social image, she says, so they can form an easy connection.

Tom Hardy, a Virgo, and his Capricorn wife, Charlotte Riley, are a perfect example. The pair, who quietly wed in 2014, share two children.

Taurus 

Although Thomas agrees with the strong compatibility between Capricorn and Virgo, there’s one sign he believes may be an even better fit: Taurus. These two can balance each other out, he says, and create a long-lasting romance.

As another earth sign, Taurus is stable and sensual and has the same calm, grounded energy as Capricorn. In addition, Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty, Nicole tells PEOPLE. Capricorns often express their love with gifts or acts of service, she explains, which makes them a fantastic match for luxury-loving Taurus.

But more than that, she says, these two signs are both interested in creating a strong foundation of love. Just look at Zooey Deschanel. The New Girl star is a classic Capricorn, while her fiancé, Jonathan Scott, is a Taurus.

Cancer 

Cancer is a highly sensitive water sign, while Capricorn is a stoic earth sign. At first glance, these two appear to have nothing in common, but in reality, they make an excellent pair.

“Capricorn is attracted to someone who is very nurturing and has a big focus on domesticity and the family,” says Thomas. Cancer fits that description to a T.

Authoritarian Capricorn is often seen as the father of the zodiac, whereas Cancer represents the mother archetype, Nicole tells PEOPLE, so they tend to work well together.

“These two signs are the ultimate patriarch and matriarch of the cosmos,” King adds. Although they are polar opposites, they create harmony in a relationship, representing a “perfect balance between home roots and exploration, achievement and rest,” she explains.

There are plenty of examples of well-matched Capricorn-Cancer couples in the spotlight, including Kate Middleton, a Capricorn, and Prince William, a Cancer. Dax Shepherd and Kristen Bell – who are Capricorn and Cancer, respectively — are another great example.

Scorpio 

Scorpio is another water sign, but they actually have a lot in common with Capricorn. They’re both determined, ambitious and, “highly strategic,” says Thomas. “This is a very supportive connection, especially because both can be lovers as well as friends,” he explains.

Take Capricorn Orlando Bloom and Scorpio Katy Perry. The two have been engaged since 2019 and share one daughter together.

Like Capricorn, Scorpios make loyal and committed relationship partners, Nicole adds. As individuals, they both work hard to achieve their goals, so when they’re together, they can be the ultimate power couple. However, they also both have a tendency to hold grudges. “Capricorns are notorious for having a tough time forgiving,” she cautions, whereas Scorpios can lash out or become vindictive when upset. If they’re not careful, “old hurts can build up over time,” she says.