Capricorn - the Goat
12/22 - 1/19
Basic Traits:
Capricorn's are also philosophical signs and are highly intelligent too.
They apply their knowledge to practical matters, and strive to
maintain stability and order. They are good organizers, and they
achieve their goals by purposeful, systematic means. They are very
intuitive, although they don't share this trait with others freely.
They do not deal well with opposition or criticism but a healthy
Capricorn will often shrug off negative comments towards their
character. They are patient and persevering - they know they can
accomplish any task as long as they follow a their plan step-by-step.
Capricorn's have broad shoulders, and typically take on others problems
with aplomb. Ironically, they rarely share their own problems and tend
to go through bouts of inner gloom after a spell of dwelling on these
problems.
The Deeper Meaning:
Capricorn witnesses to the importance of the social order in which
one lives, its proper functioning, and the personal fulfillment which can
be found through finding one's true place within it. Capricorn follows
Sagittarius in the zodiac. Sagittarius is concerned with finding a
philosophical or religious framework in which life makes sense, but is
not necessarily interested in the practical implications. All the earth
signs, of which Capricorn is one, give substance to the ideas of the
preceding fire sign. For Capricorn, it is not enough to have a grand
idea about the meaning of life. The meaning is lost unless it can be
contained within the social order in which people live. Ethical ideas
(Sagittarius) must be worked out in terms of socially responsible behavior (Capricorn).
For all earth signs, it is all too easy to lose sight of the
inspiration whose practical working out it is the task of the earth sign
to witness to. For Capricorn, this can lead to meaningless drudgery
within a conformist setting, and morally upright attitudes divorced from
the spiritual insights which can give them life. You may frequently
encounter, even love, people who challenge you in this area, and
compatibility with such people may seem difficult. Capricorn is ruled by
Saturn, which was the boundary of the known universe in ancient times
(before Uranus, Neptune and Pluto were discovered), and how to deal with
the experience of boundaries is one of the prime issues with which
people with Capricorn or Saturn strong in their charts have to deal. We
live in a world in which it is necessary to live within boundaries - the
issue is, are the boundaries we experience real or imaginary, imposed
or self-imposed? Do we live within the real limitations that being alive
in this world entails, or are we constrained by fear from stepping out
into a larger experience of life?
If you have planets in your birth chart in the signs either side of
Capricorn, Sagittarius or Aquarius, then you might experience a strong
pull away from the limitations implied by Capricorn. The Moon in
Sagittarius, for instance, would indicate a longing for the freedom to
imagine a life without limitation, an inclination to put mundane life
into a mythological or philosophical context which can help lift one out
of the very earthy requirements of Capricorn. This would be a part of
your nature which needs to be honored and a place found for it in your
life.