The Tenth Sign

The old goat. That's what Capricorn is. At least that is its symbol. It is not just any old goat, but a goat with the tail of a fish. An odd sort of goat, but, fish-tail notwithstanding, this goat likes to climb mountains. The planetary ruler of Capricorn is Saturn, often pictured as Father Time, and Capricorns are ever aware of the passage of time.

The Sun enters the tenth sign, Capricorn, on December 21st, the shortest day of the year, marking the official beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere. Of course you don't have to be born at this time of year to have Capricorn qualities. Those of you with the Moon or other personal planets in this Cardinal Earth sign will exhibit some of the characteristics associated with it. The same applies to those of you born at the time of day when Capricorn was on the eastern horizon, Capricorn rising. An accurate birthchart will tell you where each of your planets and your Ascendant (rising sign) are located.

Capricorn is practical, conservative, ambitious, cautious, serious, and needs structure and discipline in order to achieve the heights to which they often aspire. These folks may tend to age gracefully, but look into the eyes of a Capricorn child and you may be surprised to see an old man looking back at you. Children of this sign often seem very mature when young. They often are expected to behave as little adults, and do so.

The Capricorn tends to believe that things have to be done the hard way. Like the goat facing the mountain, it looks like an uphill climb. If they stumble in their ascent, they can slide down on their fish-tail right into the depths of depression. In fact, depression and guilt are quite common experiences for this sign. They often set impossibly high standards for themselves (and others) and when they fail to achieve them, it's a downhill slide.

The materialism of this Earth sign and the drive to get ahead, to rise above the crowd, climb the corporate ladder, are all encouraged and regarded as positive qualities in our North American culture. People have to look up to you if you are on top. Not all Capricorns turn their ambitions to making money, but even more spiritually inclined Capricorns like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. usually have ambitions to be successful. Attaining a position of respect and authority is a big part of the Capricorn ambition, even more important than attaining wealth (although wealth is good too, of course).

Life is serious business for Capricorn because it has to be mastered if you want to survive. They have a firm grasp on the rules and regulations of society. Through understanding how it works, they are then able to effect changes, or put themselves in the position to make their own rules. Being in control is often an issue. You will find many politicians with an emphasis on this sign. Richard Nixon and Joseph Stalin are two Capricorns with somewhat different political leanings, but both have assured their place in the history books. Our own Jean Chretien is also Capricorn.

Capricorns often have an interest in history, and an appreciation for tradition. They have a tendency to look to the past. The wise Capricorns learn from history, particularly from their own personal experiences, they become mature, not just older. There is a tendency to rigidity with this sign. Flexibility, both in attitude and in a physical sense, does not come naturally to the old goat and should be cultivated.

With Saturn now in Capricorn's opposite sign during the next eighteen months or so, those of you with planets in Capricorn will be even more time-conscious than usual. The reality you have created is now staring you in the face. You will be held accountable for your actions and will benefit greatly by paying attention to the lessons life is offering you now.