Capricorn (astrology)
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 an introvert sign.[1] It is also considered an earth sign and one of the four cardinal signs. Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn. Being the tenth sign of the zodiac, Capricorn has been associated with the astrological tenth house. Individuals born when the Sun was in this sign are considered Capricorn individuals. Under the tropical zodiac, the Sun enters Capricorn by definition at the moment of winter solstice, or roughly at December 22, and leaves it around January 19. Under the sidereal zodiac, it is currently there roughly from January 15 to February 15.
Mythology
The constellation is usually depicted as a goat with a fish's tail. One myth says that when the goat-god Pan was attacked by the monster Typhon, he dove into the Nile; the parts above the water remained a goat, but those under the water transformed into a fish.
Capricorn is sometimes depicted as a sea-goat, and sometimes as a terrestrial goat. The reasons for this are unknown, but the image of a sea-goat goes back at least to Babylonian times. Furthermore the Sumerian god Enki's symbols included a goat and a fish, which later combined into a single beast, the goat Capricorn, recognised as the Zodiacal constellation Capricornus.
"The symbol of the goat rising from the body of a fish represents with greatest propriety the mountainous buildings of Babylon rising out of its low and marshy situation; the two horns of the goat being emblematic of the two towns, Nineveh and Babylon, the former built on the Tigris, the latter on the Euphrates; but both subjected to one sovereignity."[2]
Compatibility
Generally, those born under the Capricorn sign are considered to be compatible with other signs such as Taurus and Virgo.[3] These signs share an earthy demeanor and are believed to relate with each other on that merit.
There are many variables that determine compatibility in astrology, such as birth dates, birth months, birth years, sign within the Sun, the Moon, Stars. 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. The branch of astrology dealing with interpersonal compatibilities is called Synastry.
References
- ^ Jeff Mayo, Teach Yourself Astrology, pp 38-41, Hodder and Stoughton, London, 1979
- ^ Cole, John. A Treatise on the Circular Zodiac of Tentyra, in Egypt. London, Longman and co. 1824.
- ^ The Diagram Group, The Little Giant Encyclopedia of The Zodiac, p 171, Sterling Publishing Company, New York, 1997