• Cardinal Earth             
• Ruler: Saturn                        
• Exaltation: Mars
• Detriment: Moon 
• Fall: Jupiter

The sign of Capricorn begins at the winter solstice, the darkest time of the year. Capricorn understands the importance of the annual cycles and, as ruler of the coldest, darkest time of the year, is well aware of the necessity for stripping things back to their bare bones, cutting down and pruning, in order that they can grow stronger in the next season. Capricorn is the most mature of the earth signs and, as a cardinal earth sign, is goal oriented, ambitious and effective, with a strong sense of discipline and structure and the ability to plan ahead and wait for the right moment. Self-sufficient, and hardy, the mountain goat is an excellent symbol for this sign.

For Capricorn, time is the yardstick by which everything is measured. There is an ability to prepare, and to plan strategically, to accept responsibility and an ability to wait patiently for the fruit which will be the result of one’s labours, with the knowledge that we will only reap what we have previously sown. For Capricorn, nothing is given for nothing and all things come to those that wait. Capricorn rules the body’s structure and boundaries, the bones, skeleton and skin, as well as the knees, which are an interesting symbol of our flexibility and of our ability to ‘bend the knee’ to a higher authority. Deeply conservative, ambitious and cautious, this Saturn-ruled sign has the determination and patience to take the hard and lonely road to the top, knowing that what it achieves has been hard won and truly deserved and can never be taken away.

The challenge for Capricorn is to integrate the determination and strength of the Saturn ruler and Mars exaltation with the gentle ‘husbandry’ of the opposite sign of Cancer and the caring nature of the Moon, in the knowledge that self-discipline and patience will eventually bring things to their fruition. The positive integration of Jupiter in the sign of Capricorn indicates that, as in the case of many spiritual disciplines such as Tibetan Buddhism, for example, hard work and self-discipline are well recognised paths of faith and dedication to a higher wisdom. Joy and satisfaction for Capricorn comes from knowing that they have conquered all obstacles and achieved their goals in spite of everything, and without having to depend on anything or anybody else.

Planets in Capricorn

David has the Moon in Capricorn, which is traditionally in its detriment here. With strong emotional (Moon) defences (Capricorn), Moon in Capricorn is self-sufficient (Capricorn) and may also need plenty of solitude (Capricorn). People with this placement are often more comfortable looking after others than being looked after themselves. It can describe a traditional (Capricorn) family (Moon), an older or professional (Capricorn) mother (Moon). Certainly this sign is not emotionally effusive or indulgent, and the early experience of mothering will reinforce this. There is often a preference for cold, dry food (Moon) which will be eaten slowly (Capricorn).

Audience:  I have Venus in Capricorn.

Clare:  Venus describes what we value, so I would suggest that you are likely to value (Venus) solitude (Capricorn), your social status and career (Capricorn), and perhaps your relationships (Venus) are chosen carefully (Capricorn). Venus in Capricorn values tradition and history and good quality - anything which has stood the test of time. These are the things which are likely to make you feel happy.