Wendy Cicchetti

Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac and represents the tenth stage of human evolution. In Sagittarius, we begin to explore our roles as individuals within the greater arena of the universe and the microcosms of society. Sagittarius seeks an understanding of universal truth. Capricorn begins to take this understanding of truth and uses it as a foundation to create laws and structures that will help protect the integrity of society. Capricorn is where we begin to take on a sense of personal responsibility to the group. Sagittarius explores the philosophical ideas of our relationship to society; Capricorn takes these theories and creates governing laws and guidelines from them, bringing them into tangible manifestation.

Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign. As a cardinal sign, Capricorn is involved in the initial creative process and is concerned with initiating and with taking action. As a cardinal sign, Capricorn is also fundamentally concerned with the question of identity. As an earth sign, Capricorn operates in the realm of the physical, the material, and the practical. Capricorn, then, is concerned with creating a tangible, durable, and concrete representation of it's individual identity, ideally one that will show how Capricorn contributed to the overall health and safety of society. Capricorn defines itself in terms of what it has accomplished. Ruled by Saturn, the planet of limitations, structure, and responsibility, Capricorn can be a very serious sign. Capricorn has a fundamental respect for authority, and a need to both understand the rules and boundaries in any given situation, and to support, uphold, and enforce them. This is not to imply that Capricorn necessarily responds to traditional authority figures; quite the contrary. However, Capricorn will respond to and obey whatever it chooses to recognize as an authority (and Capricorn always has some perception of authority). These boundaries, rules, regulations, and limitations are how Capricorn is able to define it's sense of individual identity. Saturn defines things by what they are not rather than by what they are; Capricorn looks at the boundaries and structures that surround it, and knows that these define who Capricorn is.

Capricorn is without a doubt one of the hardest working signs of the zodiac. This comes both from the Saturn influence, which says that everything we have must be earned, and also from the influence of Mars. Mars is exalted in the sign of Capricorn. This demonstrates Capricorn's ability to focus on a goal and to pursue that goal with a single-minded determination. The Mars influence also means that Capricorn can easily become ego-involved, which can lead to ruthlessly ambitious behavior at times.

The hardest lesson for Capricorn is learning how to let go and relax. It has been said that Capricorns have to learn how to play, and that they frequently grow younger as they grow older. The reason for this is that Capricorn is very susceptible to the ego-based fear that it will not be able to survive without clearly defined rules and boundaries. Ideally, the understanding of what is practical and acceptable behavior gives Capricorn the freedom to create, explore, and fully express itself within these parameters. When the ego becomes too active, however, Capricorn can become attached to the rules, laws, and boundaries, and can even identify with them. Any attempt to change these rules, any attempt to shift or expand the boundaries, even if they no longer serve their original purpose, may be viewed as a threat to Capricorn's very existence. Capricorn's tendency to pursue power and control comes from this fear. Capricorn must learn how to experience perfect freedom and grace within the accepted boundaries.

Planets in Capricorn become more focused, practical, and ambitious. They carry a strong awareness of their burdens and responsibilities, and generally try to live up to what they perceive to be their highest potential. Planets in Capricorn also become very independent and self-reliant, and tend to resist forming strong connections to others. Obviously, the planets that rely on being able to form emotional connections, such as the Moon, Venus, and to some extent, Jupiter, are not very comfortable in Capricorn. They don't lose their fundamental need for these connections, they just have a difficult time initiating and maintaining them. Mars and Saturn are both extremely well placed in Capricorn; Mars in particular is channeled quite well by the structured and restrictive energy of Capricorn.