Capricorn (astrology)

Capricorn
AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibra
ScorpioSagittarius • Capricorn • AquariusPisces
Zodiac Symbol Seagoat
Duration (Tropical, Western) 21 December – 19 January (2012, UTC)
Constellation Capricornus
Zodiac Element Earth
Zodiac Quality Cardinal
Sign ruler Saturn
Detriment Moon
Exaltation Mars
Fall Jupiter
Astrology portal Astrology project

'Capricorn' (, Hindi: मकर) is the tenth astrological sign in the Zodiac, originating from the constellation of Capricornus. In astrology, Capricorn is considered an introvert sign,[1] an earth sign, and one of the four cardinal signs. Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn. 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 20.

Contents

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 not 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, recognized 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 sovereignty."[2]

On the other hand, the constellation of Capricornus is sometimes identified as Amalthea, the goat that suckled the infant Zeus after his mother Rhea saved him from being devoured by his father Cronos (in Greek mythology). The goat's broken horn was transformed into the cornucopia or horn of plenty. Some ancient sources claim that this derives from the sun "taking nourishment" while in the constellation, in preparation for its climb back northward. As such, it is a symbol of sovereignty.

Compatibility

In Synastry, the natives of Capricorn are generally considered to be compatible with the natives of the other earth signs, Taurus and Virgo, and the natives of the water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Aries and Libra are signs of the other nature (masculine/extroverted), but are considered semi-compatible with Capricorn due to them having the same cardinal quality.

Characteristics

Some traditional Capricorn traits are: practical and prudent; ambitious and disciplined; patient and careful; humorous and reserved.

References

  1. ^ Jeff Mayo, Teach Yourself Astrology, pp 38-41, Hodder and Stoughton, London, 1979
  2. ^ Cole, John. A Treatise on the Circular Zodiac of Tentyra, in Egypt. London, Longman and co. 1824.