CAPRICORN
The Goat…December 22 to January 20

Capricorn you are the mover and pusher of the zodiac, the ‘cardinal’ Earth sign, who likes to be in control of situations and to make your mark on the world. The Earth element means you are a sensate type, driven by practical goals, material ambitions and physical concerns.

As the cardinal Earth sign you lead the push to build powerful structures, which will stand the test of time. You seek security and stability and have a natural respect for social institutions, like the family and government organizations. If you decide you want to change something you seek to work from the inside to create change. You are most happy when you have a meaningful role, have autonomy and can engineer slow progress. Your key phrase: “I build”.

SATURN: Planet of Material Form
Your Planetary Ruler

The power and determination to bring your goals to fruition are the way your Earth is expressed. Ancient Arabic astrology says Capricorn is “of cold and dry nature (earthly). Its angel holds the keys of day and night.” (Mystical Astrology According to Ibn ‘Arabi) This refers to Capricorn’s connection to careful timing, to the regular cycles of growth and decay and ability to persevere regardless. You are the ‘night sign’ of Saturn and the parts of the body Capricorn rules are knees, bones, joints, skin and cutaneous system. Maintaining mental and physical flexibility is your key to good health.

Mythic Saturn holds the story of creation – the middle rung between heaven and earth. Son of the ancient Sky Father and Earthmother, his mother Gaea encouraged him to castrate his over-controlling father and take the throne himself. It was prophesied that he in his turn would be overthrown by one of his children so he swallowed each newborn. This time his wife, the Earthmother Rhea intervened and hid baby Jupiter, prompting him later to overthrow Saturn and take the throne. Saturn continued to wield power from his place of exile. Saturn/Chronos is the representative of Father Time, just as our words chronology and chronometer compute and keep time. Saturn reminds us that no matter how much power and possessions we may amass, time eventually takes it away. As Saturn’s child, Capricorn likes to be in control of time, prepared and ready for what might come. Mythic Saturn swallowed his children to prevent what might come and it came anyway! The inevitable rhythms of life are Saturn’s domain thus he is represented holding a scythe, which cuts people down, when mortal life is done. Because Capricorn carries such a weight of responsibility, you are known as the sign that begins life old and gets younger as time goes on. In other words, as you accept inevitable changes and relax about the things you can’t control, you become younger and more carefree. Originally Saturn ruled the Golden Age, when humans lived in harmony with Nature’s laws. You too can create your own harmony.

Ruled by Saturn, your strengths are patience, responsibility, realism and a persevering attitude that brings eventual success. Strong ambition and the desire to build a safe, secure home are further Saturn gifts.

Saturn represents the primal force of contraction, the energy that holds things together. His special message for Capricorn is to build the foundations well before expecting the golden returns.

CAPRICORN

Metal: Lead, ruled by Saturn.
Colours: Black, indigo blue.
Herbs for Health: Comfrey used topically for sore joints. The powdered root of Solomon’s seal as a poultice for bruising/inflammation or steam the baby shoots and eat.
Foods for Health: Beetroot, eggs, cheese, spinach, prunes, sorrel, almonds, rye bread and fish.
Flower: All black and dark-hued flowers, blooming cereus, black poppy, nightshade.
Scents: Black narcissus and black tulip.

You can find out more about the current planetary influences specific to your sign if you check the Current Planetary Transits Astrological Interpretations.