Signs are Seasons

The Sun's entry into Capricorn marks the beginning of winter (the Winter Solstice). It is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, a time when the light will grow as the temperatures fall. The celebration of Christmas (see Rick Levine's The Gift of the Magi) is closely associated with this "return of the light," representing new hope at a time of darkness.

The Capricorn personality reflects this idea of rising from the bottom to arrive at the top. It's a "vertical" or hierarchical sign that's particularly aware of its status or place in the pecking order. Defined rules help Capricorns keep track of where they are and they often excel in situations where there are clear benchmarks to measure their accomplishments.

This Ain't No Ordinary Goat

Capricorn's goat isn't your garden variety can eater with a bell around its neck. This is a free mountain goat, able to scale the great heights under difficult circumstances. Like this animal, most Capricorns aren't afraid of struggle. In fact, they often need a challenge to make their lives interesting.

Capricorn has also been represented as a goat-fish, a goat with the tail of a fish. This can be interpreted as describing the watery sensitivity that lies at the root of Capricorn's ambition. Its often tough exterior masks a more vulnerable person inside. The idea of the goat-fish also suggests that a spiritual base (the fish) is the perfect balance to worldly aspirations.

The Mastery of Saturn

Ruled by (associated with) the planet Saturn, Capricorn's about working within the boundaries of defined limits. Traditional astrologers sometimes viewed those born under this sign as overly serious, even melancholy. However, Saturn's sense of order and necessity correlate perfectly with Capricorn's desires to win within the rules of its particular game. This is a sign of commitment.

Saturn also reminds us of Capricorn's focus which allows high levels of skill to be developed. It's a sign of mastery. Whatever it does, Capricorn wants to be the very best. This intense focus is one reason why Capricorn is such a high achiever. It's been said that Capricorn has one great natural skill: the ability to apply itself and master whatever it chooses to learn.

Capricorn is a cardinal sign, one that initiates one of the four seasons of the year (Aries, Cancer and Libra are the other cardinal signs). It's also an earth sign, thus rooted in pragmatism (Taurus and Virgo are the other earth signs). This unique combination of initiative and realism makes Capricorn the perfect production machine. It sets its sights high, but is always aware of what means it will use to achieve its goals.

The Adult Child

Capricorns often take on adult responsibilities at an early age. This serves them later with a sense of maturity and patience beyond their years. However, this can also shorten the carefree playful time of childhood that's necessary for emotional and creative development.

Many Capricorns have to learn how to have fun, to be free and foolish. A conscious effort to let go of goals and enjoy life for itself can be a difficult task for some born under this sign. Yet when this lesson is learned, it can be a delight to watch these "old" ones grow younger with time.

Rockers, Despots and Healers

A significant number of rock musicians were born in this supposedly serious sign. Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Jimmy Page, Rod Stewart, Patti Smith, Janis Joplin, Michael Stipe, Eddie Vedder, Ricky Martin, Dave Matthews and Kid Rock are all Capricorns.

Discipline and focus are central to Capricorns Tiger Woods and Jeff Bezos. Successful Capricorn performers include Jim Carrey, Andy Kaufman, Denzel Washington, Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson and Nicholas Cage.

The darker side of this sign is represented by Richard Nixon, Mao Tse-tung, Joseph Stalin, J. Edgar Hoover and Dr. Laura Schlessinger. The balance can be found in heriod Capricorns Albert Schweitzer and Martin Luther King, Jr.