Capricorn (astrology)

A Capricorn from a 15th century book

Capricorn
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Zodiac symbol	{{{symbol}}}
Duration (tropical, western)	March 20 – April 19 (2024, UT1)
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Zodiac quality	{{{quality}}}
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Capricorn is the tenth astrological sign in the Zodiac, originating from the constellation of Capricornus. In western astrology, this sign is no longer aligned with the constellation as a result of the precession of the equinoxes. In astrology, Capricorn is considered a "feminine", negative sign. It is also considered an earth sign and is one of four cardinal signs. Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn. Being the tenth sign of the zodiac, Capricorn has been associated with the astrological 10th house.

Individuals born when the Sun was in this sign are considered Capricorn individuals. Under the tropical zodiac, the Sun is in Capricorn roughly from December 22 to January 19. Under the sidereal zodiac, it is currently there roughly from January 15 to February 12.

Mythology

Capricorn is associated with the Greek myth of the goat Amalthea, who provided the infant Zeus with milk, or ambrosia in some versions. Zeus placed her in the sky to honor her (Catasterismi). Capricorn is also associated with the god Saturn and the god Aristaeus.

The Babylonian zodiacal sign is called šaxû "ibex." The sun in this month entered the suxûru-fish constellation, called the star of Tashmetum, the wife of Nabu. The goat-fish is known from depictions on Babylonian monuments. Also linked to the Greek God, Pan.

The astrological symbol for Capricorn is said to represent the horns and tail of the goat-fish or sea-goat.

Associated traits

Astrologers broadly agree that the following are the characteristics of Capricorn: The Capricorn person is prudent, responsible, realistic, very wise, formal, patient, methodical, disciplined, traditional, cautious, conventional, hard-working, polite, persevering, ambitious, dedicated, focused, honest, dependable, serious, self-reliant, businesslike, career-oriented, authoritative, conscientious, and competent.

Likes — Romance, loyalty, feeling secure, financial/material stability, ambitious mates, feeling committed, making long term relationship plans, dependability, reliability, perseverance.

Dislikes — Flightiness, being bossed around, crudeness/coarseness, dominance, game playing, ego displays, extravagance, being challenged by a lover, indecisiveness.

Suitable occupations often cited are - any capacity of authority, doctor, lawyer, accountant, politician, teacher, principal, engineer, farmer, anything math related

Physical traits

Many astrologers believe that each sign of the zodiac has identifiable physical traits. Some find that physically, individuals born under the sign of Capricorn tend to have dark hair, steady eyes, a dark complexion, capable hands, and prominent cheekbones.

Correspondences

The following items are traditionally associated with Capricorn:

Birthstones	Garnet, Turquoise
Colours	Dark Green, Brown, Dark brown ; Black
Gemstones	Onyx, Quartz, Beryl, Obsidian, Amethyst
Metal	Lead, Silver
Plant	Ivy, Carnation
Countries	South Asia: India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka

In medical astrology Capricorn governs the knees and skeleton.

The Indian equivalent of Capricorn is 'Makara.'

The Chinese equivalent is thought to be the dependable, methodical Ox, whose lunar month is 6 January - 3 February.

The corresponding month in the Babylonian calendar is Arax Ṭebêtum, dedicated to Pap-sukkal, the messenger of the gods.

Compatibilities

Capricorn is widely thought to be compatible with: Taurus Virgo

There are many variables that determine compatibility in astrology, such as birth dates, birth months, birth years, position of a sign within the Sun, the Moon, Stars, etc. The signs listed as compatible with Capricorn do not reflect an individual profile or individual reading as interpreted within astrology, but rather reflect a general guideline and reference to compatibility as dictated by variables such as Qualities and Elements within the Zodiac.

Pluto in Capricorn

In January 2008, Pluto entered the sign of Capricorn and will not leave it finally until 2023. The last time this took place was in the 18th century. Previously each of the times when Pluto was there the world saw major political changes that substantially rewrote history, mainly to do with changes in empires and powerful institutions such as the ascent of Rome and later its decline, the birth of Christianity and later of the Protestant Church, of the Vikings rising and falling.

Controversy against tropical dates

When the Babylonians first invented the 12 signs of zodiac, a birthday between about July 23 and August 22 meant being born under the constellation Leo. Now, 3,000 years later, the sky has "shifted" due to the effects of precession. The Western astrology dates are known as the conventional sun signs. The constellations are different sizes and shapes, so the Sun spends different lengths of time lined up with each one. The line from Earth through the Sun points to Virgo for 45 days, but it points to Scorpius for only 7 days. To make a tidy match with their 12-month calendar, the Babylonians ignored the fact that the Sun actually moves through 13 constellations, not 12. Then they assigned each of those 12 constellations equal amounts of time. Besides the 12 familiar constellations of the zodiac, the Sun is also aligned with Ophiuchus for about 18 days each year.

External links

• Complete Information on Capricorn
• Capricorn In-Depth
• Capricorn Profile
• Capricorn and India
• IASA