capricorn

Everyday

1. A constellation (group of stars) whose name means «goat-horned», pictured as a sea-goat. tree →
2. In astrology, one of the twelve star signs, for people born roughly between late December and mid-January; such a person is called «a Capricorn». tree →
3. (geography) The Tropic of Capricorn is an imaginary line around the Earth south of the equator. tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons the Tropic of Capricorn marks the most southern place where the Sun can be straight overhead at midday; it crosses Australia, Brazil and southern Africa. In science, Capricornus is a real constellation. In astrology the star sign is a belief, not science.

Examples

• The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Australia. tree →
• Capricorn is pictured as a goat with a fish's tail. tree →
• My uncle says he is a Capricorn because his birthday is in January. tree →
• We found the constellation Capricorn in the star chart. tree →
• Rockhampton in Queensland is near the Tropic of Capricorn. tree →
• Astrology says Capricorns are hard-working, but there is no science behind it. tree →

Note

Capital C. The constellation's Latin name is Capricornus. The northern line is the Tropic of Cancer. Star signs are part of astrology, not astronomy.

In Jewish tradition

It is the zodiac sign for the Hebrew month Tevet, called Gedi (the goat or kid).

Interpretation. Sefer Yetzirah links each Hebrew letter with a sign, a month and a part of the body. Here the letter Ayin is joined to Capricorn, Tevet and the rumen, the stomach part of an animal.

Examples

• He made the letter ʽAyin reign, and bound to it a crown, and formed with it Capricorn in the World, and Tevet in the Year, and the rumen in the Person. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Capital C. The constellation's Latin name is Capricornus. The northern line is the Tropic of Cancer. Star signs are part of astrology, not astronomy.