Capricorn / J.P. Rhea |
Capricorn is the tenth sign of the Zodiac. Many Capricorns don't even know that their sign is a mythical Sea-Goat rather than simply a Goat, for which we can thank drugstore book rack astrology.
One of several glyphs that represent Capricorn. |
According to Maslow's Hierarchy: Having been born (Aries), fulfilled their basic needs (Taurus), evaluated their environment (Gemini), experienced a reaction (Cancer), begun to create something unique (Leo), evaluated that creation (Virgo) and shared its benefits (Libra) while exploring the nature of the Self (Scorpio) and the Other (Sagittarius), the Representational Person of the Zodiac is now both buckling down to work and providing for their community.
Ruled by Saturn from which we derive the adjective "saturnine", Capricorns have a reputation for dourness and gloominess that is not quite earned. Saturn is Chronos (Father Time) in Greek myth, and though Father Time was known to eat his children, he was also a lavish giver of gifts. The chief celebration of the Roman year, Saturnalia, took place at the time of the Winter Solstice. It was a multiweek fire festival, during which the stored provisions of past months were feasted upon. And still are: For when Christianity became the State Religion of Rome, Saturnalia was transformed into Yule, or Christmastide, which of course is still celebrated.
Saturnalia was a time of wild revelry and what some people would call lewdness. Note Pan and a Centaur in the painting. The goat-human hybrid was called a Satyr. |
A Victorian-era Christmas card: Father reading by the fire while mother is at the piano and the children bustle happily about. It's a Capricorn's dream! |
Krampus was the companion of St. Nick. He abducted and beat badly-behaved children and left coal in the stockings of the simply naughty. Another Victorian-era Christmas card, and there we have the goat again as a symbol of negativity. Today, Krampus is barely remembered. |
It is as if, after having explored tested the social limits as Scorpio and Sagittarius, Capricorn steps back to a firmer foundation. Capricorn is an Earth Sign, and a Feminine ("Dark", "Inner" or Introverted) sign, one that decides to stay indoors while the wind howls beyond their snug, well-appointed, fully-provisioned space. When we think of Capricorn we should think of a traditional family-centered Victorian Christmas.
Deneb Algedi ("The Tail of The Goat") is Capricorn's chief star, and because the Sea-Goat has a fishtail, Deneb Algedi is marked as a Behenian star that can be either positive or negative. Cauda Capricornus, as it is known in that branch of astrology, gives favor in lawsuits, improves the homelife, keeps the house secure, and increases all manner of riches. Negatively, it can mark greed and possessiveness and domestic tyranny.
Capricorns are ambitious and driven, but utterly goal-oriented rather than self-oriented. They do not want praise as much as they expect respect for a job well-done, a task completed. Capricorn rules the Tenth House, the House of reputation, social status, work and fatherhood. They can be archly conservative, but their conservatism is literally that --- they are conservationists in the broadest sense, perpetuating what is best and finest about the past. They want to be seen as the wise authority.
Poorly-aspected or unevolved Capricorns can be stuffy and smug and difficult, demanding, unreasonable selfish, grasping, and even cruel. Capricorn is the sign of utilitarianism, and that which they do not see as useful and productive can get tossed aside --- no matter who they hurt in the process.
Capricorns need to learn that everything has its place and time and season and simply because something seems of little worth in the moment its true value may be far greater than they imagine.
Famous Capricorns include Stephen Hawking, Simone de Beauvoir, Michelle Obama, Clara Barton, Kit Carson, Jeff Sessions, J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Lee, Janis Joplin, Al Capone, President Woodrow Wilson, Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin, Rudyard Kipling, Cary Grant, Benedict Arnold, Marilyn Manson, and Howard Hughes.
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