Capricorn

The Goat

Modality: Cardinal
Element: Earth
Ruler: Saturn
Season: Winter
10th Sign of Zodiac

Metal: Lead
Stone: Amber, Onyx
Color: Purple, Brown
Anatomy: The knee, bones, skeleton

Keywords: tenacious, conservative, resourceful, disciplined, wise, ambitious, prudent, constant.

Comparison with its symbol, the Goat: Goats are "agile animals" and "surefooted"(1). They are "gregarious, except for old bucks, which tend to live by themselves" (2) . Goats are considered to be rather hardy animals. Capricorn is most often compared to the mountain goat. Capricorns are thought to be loners at heart, with introverted characters. Mountain goats find security in cliffs and heights--the highest Capricorn Glyph Symbol places that can be climbed. Slowly but surely, a goat climbs the mountain. And, Capricorns are thought to move through life, achieving success slowly but surely. A large measure of strength of character is also associated with Capricorn.

The glyph for Capricorn is a little more intricate than most. The V is thought to depict the goat's beard; and the tail is that of a fish (Capricorn, in ancient times, was associated with the sea-goat).

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Sun in Capricorn

(The Sun is in Capricorn from approximately December 22 to January 19, depending on the year).

Capricorn is a feet-on-the-ground, eye-on-the-prize sign. Those with Sun in Capricorn have a realistic, grounded approach to life that can be seen no matter how dreamy the rest of the birth chart suggests. These people know how to do things, and to get things done.

Some Capricorns naturally turn their backs on things they deem too frivolous. They are very much concerned with things that are worthwhile—and that includes their own lives. Capricorns want to do and be something worthwhile. Like their Earth signs relatives, Taurus and Virgo, they need to feel useful and effective in the real world in order to be satisfied with their lives. But the Capricorn spin on the earth signs is that Capricorn possesses a stronger need for recognition in a worldly sense. They have a strong sense of society and its framework, and they feel most secure when they feel they are doing their part within that framework.

Capricorns like to pare things down, and take pleasure in the simple things in life. However, many are attracted to status symbols and these ones will wear the best clothes (tasteful ones!) and drive quietly impressive cars.

Comparing Capricorns to their symbol, the goat, brings up some interesting analogies. Solar Capricorns can see into the future, and plan for it. They don't mind taking things slowly, but they absolutely aim to get to the top of the mountain in life! They make their way steadily and sure-footedly; and their strength and singleness of purpose are admirable.

Capricorns can sometimes be rather lonely people, although they rarely let it show. They are often a little reserved—even standoffish. This is generally because they value all things practical, and they'll seldom wear their emotions on their sleeves, unless they have a particularly flamboyant Moon sign.

This is a sign that is surely the most resourceful of the zodiac. To some, Capricorns come across as unimaginative, but they can be enormously creative when it comes to the material world. They are generally very capable people with a strong sense of tradition and responsibility.

Many Capricorns have mastered the art of making people laugh. Their sense of humor can be of the deadpan variety—they're generally excellent at keeping a straight face. They can be bitingly sarcastic, too.

Capricorns are not known for taking too many risks in life. They value the beaten track and things "tried and true". This is not to say they are stick-in-the-muds — they simply value the hard work laid down by those who've been around before them.

Turn to your Capricorn friends for help when you need to really get things done. They'll have practical advice, and they'll help you organize and manage your life a little better. Capricorns are generally good with their "word", dependable, and rather loyal people.

Some Famous People with Sun in Capricorn: Dido Armstrong (Sun in Capricorn), David Bowie (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Capricorn), Nicolas Cage (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Capricorn), Jim Carrey (Sun, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn), Kevin Costner, Marlene Dietrich (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Capricorn), Mel Gibson (Sun and Mercury in Capricorn), James Earl Jones (Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Capricorn), Annie Lennox (Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Capricorn), Moliere (Sun and Mercury in Capricorn), Jimmy Page (Sun and Mercury in Capricorn), Howard Stern (Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Capricorn), Tiger Woods (Sun and Mercury in Capricorn)

Moon in Capricorn

Being useful and productive are basic needs for Lunar Capricorns. Because they generally keep their emotions under check, Moon in Capricorn people come across as competent people.

However turbulent their emotions may be under the surface, Lunar Capricorns keep cool-headed—and they come across as steady and reliable people.

This position of the Moon suggests a desire for clear boundaries and realistic goals. Not much for taking risks in life, Lunar Capricorns look for safety and security in most everything they do. Most of them respect authority and tradition, and many are planning well ahead of the rest of us. You likely won't have to remind them to protect their interests, plan for old age, or keep fall-back money in their bank accounts. These things come naturally to them.

Calm, cool, and collected—these words sum up Moon in Capricorn natives well. Messy emotions and "leaky" souls are a bit frightening for most with this position of the Moon. Truth is, they can have plenty of mood swings and some dark emotions now and again. Lunar Capricorns are often quite hard on themselves, and would benefit from letting their guard down once in a while. They quickly garner reputations of being mountains of strength, and they easily hide their sensitivity behind a sarcastic manner.

You may have read that Moon in Capricorn natives are a bit cold and calculating. The fact is, they are unlikely to be any less emotional than the other 11 sign positions of the Moon—they simply aren't comfortable "letting go" when it comes to emotions. They keep their emotions under control. Wherever Capricorn is found in the chart, there is a desire for structure and control. Capricorn is the sign of organization and efficient management; so, when the Moon is found in the sign, the world of emotions are well-managed and handled in an efficient and practical manner.

At the heart of Lunar Capricorns is a powerful need to feel worthwhile in the real world. There's a basic need for respectability and a big attachment to the world of the senses. Lunar Capricorns put a lot of value in all things tangible and real. And, perhaps more than anything, they need to be respected by others in order to feel secure.

Some Famous people with Moon in Capricorn: Benjamin Bratt (Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn), Cher, Matt Damon, Johnny Depp, Adolf Hitler, James Earl Jones (Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Capricorn), David Letterman, Ozzy Osbourne (Moon and Mars in Capricorn), Sarah Jessica Parker, Brad Pitt (Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn).

Mercury in Capricorn

With Mercury in Capricorn, natives have a strong need to compartmentalize the impressions they get from the world. These people often speak and write in a slow and methodical manner. They appreciate structure and order. Although they are resourceful people, Mercury in Capricorn natives easily get frustrated when too much information is thrown at them at once. They break down ideas into manageable parts before arriving at a decision.

Usually quite mentally active, these natives are generally productive people who prefer taking on projects that will yield tangible and practical results.

These natives can have an authoritative air about them. They don't appreciate being taken off guard, and they quickly become impatient with people who don't honor their word. There's a bit of a law-maker in this position of Mercury. These people can seem a little strict and judgmental with others, and they are easily bothered when others don't seem to "get" things that seem extraordinarily obvious to them.

Mercury in Capricorn people can have seemingly crystal-clear judgment, although their thought processes can be skewed to the practical world. They too easily reject what they deem to be frivolous ways of thinking. Not given to much fancy, these natives' minds are oriented toward practical tasks.

There's a bit of a doubting Thomas in Mercury in Capricorn people. Many squint often—not due to poor eyesight, but because their first reaction to information is skepticism! It's more of a furrowing of the eyebrows, and it's often seen in people with a strong Saturn (Capricorn's ruling planet) in their charts as well.

With the Sun in Sagittarius or Aquarius, these people may come across as more hard-nosed, conservative, and practical than they actually are! The reason for this is that they process, and relay, information (Mercury) in a Capricorn way.

The style of communication with this position of Mercury is generally of the no-frills variety. Capricorn is a sign that hates waste and values time. They will generally be rather concise in their presentation, although they do take their time when they make plans—they consider it an investment in the future.

Many natives of Mercury in Capricorn choose their words carefully. They fear coming across as inept, so they may be a little stiff in presentation. Even those who seem quite smooth (and many of them do achieve this) will likely have fretted over their ability to communicate and their intellectual abilities.

Communication difficulties are generally most obvious when Mercury in Capricorn people are relating to those with Mercury in Aries (who find them too deliberate and methodical), Mercury in Cancer (who think they're too cold and practical), and Mercury in Libra (who find them too judgmental). Mercury in Capricorn people have their gripes with them too—Aries seem too hasty, Cancer too emotional, and Libra too argumentative. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in understanding that they are the result of differences in styles of communication.

Some Famous People with Mercury in Capricorn: Benjamin Bratt (Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn), Nicolas Cage (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Capricorn), Ellen DeGeneres, Marlene Dietrich (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Capricorn), Mel Gibson (Sun and Mercury in Capricorn), James Earl Jones (Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Capricorn), Moliere (Sun and Mercury in Capricorn), Brad Pitt (Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn), Tom Selleck (Mercury and Mars in Capricorn), Howard Stern (Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Capricorn), Tiger Woods (Sun and Mercury in Capricorn)

Venus in Capricorn

Venus in Capricorn people will try to win your heart by displaying self-control, presence of mind, and responsible behavior. These lovers want you to know they are goal-oriented, witty, savvy, and controlled. Nobody can get the best of them. They want you to see just how competent they are. They like some measure of predictability in their relationships as they are cautious in love.

Venus in Capricorn men and women project an aura of competency and their loner-like behavior can be attractive, in a cool way. They don't go gaa-gaa over love, or at least they don't express as much. Their lovers may complain that Venus in Capricorns are a little too practical and deliberate. Certainly, they can come across as lacking in warmth and spontaneity. Truth is, they can be rather romantic souls who yearn for a partner to share their lives with. Others' image of their relationship matters to them. They are conservative and willing to commit. Venus in Capricorn people are attracted to serious, goal-oriented lovers. They are a little shy in matters of the heart, but they don't want you to know it. If you like knowing where your relationship is headed, you'll be mighty pleased with Venus in Capricorn. These people plan ahead in love, and, unlike Venus in Pisces, they will let you know exactly where they (and the relationship) are headed.

Pleasing Venus in Capricorn involves showing them you are practical and realistic. They want to impress you with the things they do. Appreciate their "saving for a rainy day" attitude, and be aware that they want to show you off in a quiet way.

Some Famous People with Venus in Capricorn: Tyra Banks, Ludwig van Beethoven, Benjamin Bratt (Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn), Jim Carrey (Sun, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn), Brad Pitt (Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn), Britney Spears, Howard Stern (Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Capricorn), Ben Stiller (Venus and Mars in Capricorn), Justin Timberlake

Mars in Capricorn

With fiery Mars in the more orderly sign of Capricorn, natives with this position have a subdued and controlled style of approaching life. Most don't come across as particularly enthusiastic; rather, theirs is a low-key but determined energy.

Mars in Capricorn natives like to be on top of things. They are generally goal-oriented and focused people who are not afraid of hard work. Most are achievers by nature, and many possess well-defined ambitions--well-defined to themselves more than anything. They're not particularly flashy people, but their drive to succeed and to make their lives secure is strong, even if it's not right out there for the world to see.

Anger is expressed in a rather cool, level-headed way with this position of Mars. Self-control is strong when it comes to expressing anger, drive, energy, and sexuality. Capricorn is a sign that detests waste of any kind. It also fears disorderliness and "letting go". With Mars in Capricorn, there is generally a powerful need to stay in control.

This is not to say that natives of this position are cold in any sense of the word. Their desires are strong, but they are often centered around the physical and material world -- all that can be seen and held. With Mars in an Earth sign, sensuality is expressed in an earthy way. However, unlike Mars in Taurus, for example, (another earth sign), Mars in Capricorn is not self-indulgent by nature. These people are usually quite disciplined. Capricorn possesses the ability to plan for the future—something that many other signs have difficulty doing.

Mars in Capricorn natives are working toward realistic and attainable goals. They are productive people who get off when they see tangible results from their efforts.

Many natives with this position are a little hard on themselves, and sometimes others. They usually can be relied upon because they have an innate sense of responsibility to both themselves and to those they care about. Most of them are very hard-working, and one of their strategies for anger management is to throw themselves even more energetically into their work!

(See also the Sexuality of Mars in Capricorn).

Some Famous People with Mars in Capricorn: Christina Aguilera, Lisa Bonet, Benjamin Bratt (Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn), Nicolas Cage (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Capricorn), Jim Carrey (Sun, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn), Marlene Dietrich (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Capricorn), Walt Disney, Shannen Doherty, Kirk Douglas, Katie Holmes, Lindsay Lohan, Ozzy Osbourne (Moon and Mars in Capricorn), Brad Pitt (Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn), Julia Roberts, Tom Selleck (Mercury and Mars in Capricorn), Steven Spielberg, Ben Stiller (Venus and Mars in Capricorn)

Capricorn Ascendant

There's a seriousness to Capricorn rising people that is unmistakable. Even when they're joking around, it's of the deadpan variety. In fact, plenty of very humorous people have Capricorn Ascendants. It's all in the timing...and the fact that they don't giggle before the joke is over.

Capricorn Ascendant people project competence. They simply ooze it. They're generally very image-conscious people—the clothes they wear and their manner are a big deal to them. They want to appear successful, and they generally succeed!

Often the Ascendant persona is the one that was forced upon us by family conditioning. For example, parents may label their Libra Ascendant child the "nice" one; their Aries Ascendant child the "independent" one; and their Pisces Ascendant child is generally the space cadet of the family. We adopt these roles as familiar ones, and often carry them with us as our defense mechanisms, in some way or another, for the rest of our lives. In the case of Capricorn Ascendants, these were the children who were considered the responsible ones. Sometimes, it was they themselves who looked around them and felt the need to be the structured, dependable, and responsible members of the family. So, often, Capricorn rising people adopted a strong sense of tradition, family, and responsibility at a very young age.

Capricorn rising people are generally big on family, and forever worry about security—for themselves and their dependents. They come across to others as hard-working, competent, and dependable people. What others may not see under that cool, even suave, exterior, is an inner struggle: they often ask themselves, "Am I doing enough?", "Do I deserve all of this?", "How can I make things better?" They worry a lot about the future.

If success seemed to have come easy to these folks, it hasn't. They just made it look that way with a patient, hard-working, driven personality. Some Capricorn rising people practice some form of self-denial. They know how to do away with the frivolous. Still, they'll spend money on the clothes they really want (the ones with the right labels, that is), and other status symbols. Although they're rarely showy, their quiet air of success is often a result of conscious effort.

More often than not, Capricorn rising individuals are success stories. Their childhoods may have been difficult, but they slowly but surely turn their lives around. Saturn rules this Ascendant, and this generally means a kind of backwards way of living—as children, they are serious and bear a lot of responsibility; and as they grow up, they age beautifully, learning how to loosen up. More on Capricorn Rising.

Celebrity examples of Capricorn Ascendant are George Burns, James Belushi, Paul Newman, and Alan Alda.

Capricorn

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