Too many misconceptions exist regarding the fine sign of Capricorn. There are three different levels to the sign of Capricorn, the goat, the crocodile, and the unicorn.
In the Tropical Zodiac primarily used in the U.S., the Sun enters the sign of Capricorn on the first day of winter, the Winter Solstice. The days begin to get longer, bringing a little more light each day. The next season will be spring. This is the rebirth of the Son. The Sun is at it's furthest point to the south and souls are said to exit from the material world by the 'Gate of Capricorn', entering by way of Cancer (associated with birth), Capricorn's polarity, near the time of the Summer Solstice. Upon the exit, the soul re-
enters the Father's home, the spiritual realm.
The Goat level is known to enjoy power, material comforts, status, and needs
security. One can carefully plan the way to the top, each sure step bringing her closer to the goal. The priority is to get all the way up, others who might be in the way will not deter.
The next type of Capricorn is the crocodile. The croc can live in and out of the water, at home in two different worlds. The evolution from goat to crocodile tends to enlarge the focus of his world to include others, he is quite concerned with relationships. Family and community can benefit from the importance of relationships, allowing the Capricorn ability to organize and lead to keep it all stable and secure.
The gifts of the deep sea have been earned and once upon land, a climb to the top of the hill will enable Capricorn to see how those gifts can best be used for the benefit of all of humanity.
Esoteric astrology speaks of the unicorn and it's single-minded focus on the Highest Power. This manifestation of Capricorn has eliminated the need for power over others, trading self-consciousness to awareness of the greater whole and how the Unicorn can lead others into the positive Light. The horn of the unicorn is set between the eyes, the point of the Third Eye. This energy center, or chakra, enables communication with unseen forces. It gives the ability to 'Know' or perceive.
Since antiquity, the sign of Capricorn has been symbolized by a man with the head of an ibis riding on a mountain goal (Egypt), the antelope (early Hindu), and a goat's head on the body of a hippopotamus (amphibious nature).
Traditional Capricorn births include Cicero, born January 3, 106 B.C., and Matthew the tax gatherer, disciple of Jesus.
The rings of Saturn remind us of certain Capricorn traits. Being able to set boundaries will protect us from over-reaching of others into our "space". Setting limits and conserving resources so they last and are available to all is something we are only beginning to appreciate in the West. Capricorn will build a firm foundation on which to build it's home. A firm foundation and good structural support can be associated with the skeleton, a part of the body associated with Capricorn. Without our bones and skin to contain everything, we'd be a blob going all over the place. The previous sign of Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, needs to learn restraint as it over-shoots the mark and expends too much energy burning itself out if not careful.
Although some of the lessons of Saturn and Capricorn can be the most severe of challenges, the success it brings is sure and lasting like no other sign's. The wisdom it gains through experience cannot be bought. It is earned.
