(TO LISTEN TO A PODCAST VERSION OF "A PROFILE OF CAPRICORN", PLEASE CLICK THE FIRST ENTRY AT THE TOP OF THE RIGHT COLUMN)
The Sun moves into the sign of Capricorn from December 22, 2010 until January 20, 2011. If your birthday does not fall during the Capricorn timeframe for the year you were born, thi
s DOES NOT mean that you do not experience the energy of Capricorn, because somewhere in your natal birth chart, it is present. All twelve signs of the zodiac are expressed in your being, although some signs, and therefore their corresponding energies, may be more emphasized than others.
The Sun sign is about your essence, your vitality (what makes you feel alive), and your self-image. Whatever your Sun sign, you are on a life-long journey to discover and fully embrace this sign's energy. You will be tested in life to experience the meaning of your Sun sign's energy.
It has been said that an astrological sign is a "reaction" to the sign of the zodiac that precedes it. Perhaps another way to say this is that a sign builds upon the antidote for the shortcomings of the previous sign. The sign of Sagittarius precedes Capricorn. Sagittarius is always on a quest to find meaning, exploring with zest various philosophies, cultures, places, and other aspects of life that fascinate this sign of the Archer. The unfamiliar propels this sign into action, relying on faith and an optimistic outlook to continue its exploration. Sagittarius, a sign ruled by the expansive planet Jupiter, would say that "the sky's the limit." Sagittarius seeks new horizons to continually examine different ways of being so that one can make explanatory statements (or conjectures) about the meaning of life. As a fire sign, Sagittarius is led by inspiration, and therefore can inspire others with whatever journey of the mind or body it has chosen. Sagittarius seeks breadth in its experiences.
Capricorn, on the other hand, is intent on providing concentrated focus to whatever it seeks to accomplish. As an earth sign ruled by the planet Saturn, Capricorn goes beyond the processes of Sagittarius to bring something into manifestation. Capricorn wants to achieve in the concrete world. This sign understands boundaries, restrictions, and limitations. Capricorn, perhaps more than any other sign, understands the value of hard work, i.e. reaching one's goals may not come easy. In fact, it is the knowledge that one has applied tremendous energy to attain a goal that gives Capricorns their self-respect. The byproduct of Capricorn's effort is mastery and power.
The sage astrologer Steven Forrest ( a Sun Sign Capricorn) posits that Capricorn's purpose is to be true to one's nature so that he/she can find a role to best serve society, whether that be through a job, volunteer work, or public service. Forrest says that through this arduous process of finding one's proper place in society, Capricorn learns patience and self-discipline. Furthermore, this author contends that solitude is a strategy utilized by Capricorn to learn how to be content with his/her thoughts and projects so as not to rely on the praise and approval of others. In this way, observes Forrest, solitude transforms a burden into an opportunity. This author says that Capricorn's practicality can keep it focused on its intention and can overcome feelings of fear, frustration, and resistance, and that Capricorn's iron will is among its greatest resources. (Forrest, Steven. 1988. The Inner Sky. San Diego: ACS Publications).
When Capricorn fails to find, or loses sight of, his/her true nature and goals, Capricorn can become isolated and alone, and turn to false pursuits such as success for the sake of success, money as a sign of success, and a hoarder of tangible items as validation of self-worth. Hence, as this sign's symbol suggests, the Goat must find the right mountain to climb, so that it is not duty-bound, but instead free to climb heights in alignment with its nature.
Traditional Astrologer and researcher Deborah Houlding's brilliant article on Capricorn the Goatfish cites the following poem "If" by Capricorn poet Rudyard Kipling" as reflecting the true perspective of the Capricorn spirit. (Houlding, Deborah. December/January 2008. "Capricorn the Goatfish." The Mountain Astrologer, #136, pp.40-46).
IF
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream — and not make dreams your master;
If you can think — and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can-talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither-foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And — which is more — you'll be a Man, my son!
— Rudyard Kipling
(first published in Rewards and Fairies, 1910)
