If you’re born on the Sagittarius-Capricorn cusp—where Sag season ends and Cap season begins—let me begin with… sorry. We all know that December birthdays, especially those born between December 19 and December 24, get seriously lost in the holiday mix. There is an upside to having a late December birthday, though: Astrologer and author Stefanie Iris Weiss says the Sagittarius-Capricorn cusp is one of the most distinct and powerful of all cusp-crossings.

“It’s marked by the deeply meditative and magical winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere,” Weiss says. “This is when we’re at our darkest moment, but also when the universe reminds us that the light will return in a few months. That’s the perfect blend of Sagittarius and Capricorn energies—where hope and strength are in perfect balance.”

When the pleasant, sage traits of a Sagittarius (November 23 to December 21) meet and blend with expertly-overachieving Capricorns (December 22 to January 19),  inspiration can turn into action (this also has to do with how compatible Capricorn and Sagittarius are).

What is the Sagittarius-Capricorn cusp, and what does it represent?

A reminder: those who are born “on the cusp” of two zodiac signs have a birthday that lies right on the edges of the two signs. People on the Sagittarius-Capricorn cusp have birthdays that lie on the tail end of Sagittarius season and the beginning of Capricorn season.

To understand how cusps occur and what makes cuspers different from others, astrologer and tarot reader Maria Marmanides likes to imagine the zodiac as different stages in a person’s lifetime.

“If you look at the zodiac signs in terms of a journey, it starts at Aries and ends in Pisces,” says Marmanides. “Here’s this baby soul, and it’s picking up lessons along the way. It goes from Aries, to Taurus, to Gemini, and so on.”

The Sagittarius stage, Marmanides says, is all about inspiration and new experiences.

“Sagittarius is about expanding your mind,” says Marmanides. “You’re learning things, you’re traveling around the world, you’re studying different philosophies, you’re practicing different religions, and you’re really getting in touch with your spirituality. It’s about expanding your horizons, both literally and figuratively expanding your mind, and having fun while you’re doing it.”

That Sagittarius stage then shifts to Capricorn, where you take all of the new experiences you’ve collected in Sagittarius and translate them into your life’s work.

“When you get to Capricorn, it’s like, ‘what do I do with all of that information, what do I do with all of that knowledge?’ I’m going to put it to work, I’m going to make it work for me,” says Marmanides.

The magic of the Sag-Cap cusp, then, is this marriage of Sagittarius inspiration and Capricorn practicality. To be clear, though, whatever sun sign you were born under, is in fact your definitive sun sign. You may take on some traits of the neighboring sign in the zodiac, but that doesn’t change what sign you are.

“That’s just not the way astrology works,” adds Marmanides. “Your sign is either in Sagittarius or it’s either in Capricorn, but what makes you ‘different’ is that you are born with a critical degree in your chart.”

In order to best understand how the two signs may merge, we first need to unpack these separate identities.

Sagittarius Traits

Sagittarius Strengths

It’s hard not to get along with a Sagittarius—they’re malleable and easygoing, and the least likely of your friends to be stressed out. Honest and wise, they’re happy sitting quietly, thinking and philosophizing. And when they do speak, everyone listens intently. While these words may not always be the, um, kindest, given that Sags are not about tact, you can expect to hear hard truths that are sharp and often hilarious.

Sagittarius Weaknesses

Impulsivity can follow this sign, especially when they don’t feel mentally stimulated. Rather than see projects through to their end, they may abandon them for something new.

“Inconsistency and restlessness can be an issue for a Sagittarius, which can lead them to jump from one interest to another without committing to anything for an extended time,” astrologer Juliana Rose Teal previously told Well+Good.

Sagittarius Compatibility

Even though Sags don’t command attention in a big, extroverted way, they do seek out adventure. Sagittarius is big on solo travel, and that’s why they’re always imparting information that feels, quite literally, worldly. Curious people with a penchant for travel and learning new skills are often compatible with Sagittarius and bound to catch a Sag’s attention.

Capricorn Traits

Capricorn Strengths

If you’re a Capricorn, it’s likely that your work is gorgeous and meticulous, your home is minimalist perfection, and you’re a role model to us all. These are the true worker bees of the zodiac who put thought into action and aren’t afraid to get their hands a little dirty.

According to Weiss, Caps are all about “carefully executed ambitions” and have “a five-year plan to rule the world.”

Capricorn Weaknesses

Caps can be stubborn and emotionally aloof, especially when they’re consumed with work. Their intense focus on productivity can keep them from nurturing important relationships, too.

“They always try to keep up walls,” astrologer Olga Verk previously told Well+Good. “It’s hard for them to loosen up and just enjoy life and have fun.”

Capricorn Compatibility

Capricorns are big on a sense of propriety and practicality. They’re disciplined and responsible, and one of the few zodiac signs that can always evolve into a better version of themselves when they make a mistake. Capricorns are most compatible with low-maintenance, ambitious friends who can appreciate an honest day’s work.

What does it mean to be born on the Sagittarius-Capricorn cusp?

Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp Strengths

A sense of power and discipline is prominent: A Sag born in the late degrees of the season will know when and where to shout her beliefs. “She’ll do it with her whole heart, but she may know better than early or mid-season Sagittarians about how to do so without causing drama and chaos,” Weiss says. “She’ll tell you how the world works and what to believe in, but she’ll do it with a plan, likely because she knows she can change people’s minds.”

According to Marmanides, cusp Sags capture the true essence of the free-spirited centaur.

“Somebody who’s born at the 29th degree of Sagittarius is going to embody all that Sagittarius has to offer,” says Marmanides. “You’re going to be someone who cares about philosophy and travel and politics. You’re probably practicing a lot of different religions, and you’re going to taking different classes and you’re into higher ed and you wanted to bake topics and like, you really have like kind of big picture thinking and you’re, you know, adventurous and you’re fun and you want to like you know, appreciate and enjoy all that life has to offer.”

Capricorns born closer to the Sagittarius cusp are freer in self-expression and have, according to Weiss, “a bit of fire in their hearts.” They also go a bit easier on themselves, and are able to embrace a bit of fun when the moment calls for it.

“All Caps grow younger in spirit as they grow older in years, but cusp Caps have a bit of that adventurous youthfulness in them all through their life,” Weiss says. “You can draw a Capricorn born close to the cusp into a spontaneously hatched plan with a bit of convincing, even if she planned to stay home and work. But your Capricorn friend born in January? Forget about it. If she said she’s staying in, she’s staying IN.”

“To have a zero degree, you’re almost like a new moon baby,” says Marmanides of Capricorns born on the cusp. “You are all of the hope and ideals and optimism of that sign, all of that pure energy of what Capricorn can embody. You are on a mission in this life to accomplish this, or achieve that. There’s going to be some newness to you, something maybe revolutionary, or groundbreaking.”

Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp Weaknesses

Cusp Sags, while adventurous and brilliant, have the potential to be a bit stubborn, especially when it comes to their world views.

“You could embody some of the things that are potentially a little bit more challenging when dealing with a Sagittarius,” says Marmanides. “That could be somebody who’s very obstinate, or dogmatic, or only really believes in their own point of view. They can be a little bit combative with their opinion, a little bit aggressive, or passive-aggressive, and maybe a little bit ego-forward.”

Capricorn cuspers tend to be less rigid than fellow Caps, taking on the freedom-loving aspects of Sagittarius. Unfortunately for them, this can make decision-making difficult, a weakness not typically shared amongst other Capricorns.

Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp Compatibility

Cuspers tend to get along the best with other cuspers, specifically those of compatible signs. As a fire sign, Sagittarius is naturally drawn to fellow fire signs Leo and Aries. Air signs tend to pair well with Sag, too. Gemini falls on the opposite side of the zodiac, making it a perfect match for fiery Sag.

Earthy Capricorn naturally gets along with fellow earth signs Virgo and Taurus. While Caps are typically warned against pairings with fire signs, sitting on the cusp could allow for meaningful ties to Leo and Aries.