Diplomatic, self-contained, practical, reserved, pessimistic, sluggish, grudging. Click here for your personal reading

December 22 - January 20

Basic Personality

The classic Capricorn individual is often described as innately conservative or traditional, and yet they are not so much strictly formal as they are society's natural diplomats. It is true that they tend to be ruffled by something they consider inappropriate, especially speaking out of place or being inappropriately dressed, but they value 'keeping the peace' and the space each day to nurture their own peace of mind. Although they value their own self-possession, and generally do not like to make waves, they are quite capable of speaking out when they see something they don't like, or more accurately, when they see something as 'inappropriate'.

Some astrologers describe Capricorns as mean with money, and although ambition can be very strong, they are more prudent than greedy. They are often self-made people, something achieved with the help of their natural patience, caution and shrewd judgment of a situation, proclivities inspired by Saturn, the Capricorn's ruling planet. There seems to be an innate tendency to be methodical in most Capricorns, an inexorable, processional approach to the attainment of their goals that is echoed in their love of ceremony, order and duty. Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain is widely regarded as a classic Capricorn, performing her duties with dignity and determination. Capricorns usually enjoy the ceremonies associated with civil life or the life of religious institutions, where they are well represented, and indeed many have a proclivity for the deeper things of religion. Often natural leaders, theirs is a style that enables them to bide their time when a stronger will than their own tries to dictate the state of play, either in business or their private lives. They usually have a strong sense of duty, staying with the conventional and orthodox, and preferring to improve the status quo rather than entertain radical change. Plodders rather than innovators, they often defend this position with rigor, and although tending to be somewhat self-centered, can make extraordinary sacrifices in the name of duty, in public and private life. Many have a dry sense of humor that can surprise those who do not know them well, especially if it appears in a formal setting.

Although average Capricorns are self-possessed, appearing to be 'cool, calm and collected', they nevertheless have a proclivity to be melancholy. Here again is the influence of Saturn, who strengthens resolve and encourages caution, but in adverse circumstances may exert an inhibiting influence that manifests in lack of confidence. They can struggle with black moods and to stay above feelings of discontent, despite the head generally ruling the heart. Many harbor a lack of confidence, perhaps in part because they tend to underestimate their own achievements and to over-value people they regard as intellectually superior, which adds to this struggle. Others have a tendency to badger or nag, and can often be heard grumbling their discontent or pessimism, or they can be stubborn and unforgiving.

In intimate, and of course, committed, relationships, Capricorn women, who usually have their fair share of morals and rigidity here as elsewhere, often move beyond their notions of what is proper, and express strong passion, tending to love whole-heartedly. Male Capricorns find it particularly difficult to express their emotions and can be reserved in intimate and sexual encounters. This may cause problems if the partner perceives this reserve as indifference, or worse, as rejection. Capricorns may marry to gain a stable and secure place in society, or work at establishing themselves financially and materially before they commit to a relationship, so that commitment to a permanent emotional relationship may be delayed for many years. As breadwinners, Capricorns need to guard against spending too much time away from family life in the quest to establish a career. As parents Capricorns can be rather distant from their children, especially if they see little of them, and trouble may come when older children rebel against the strict moral proclivities of a Capricorn parent. The greatest challenge for the Capricorn individual is to rise above their tendency towards negativity, accept that their achievements are up there with the best, and take advantage of the influence of the solar forces that can help them to greater optimism and openness to a less cautious enjoyment of life.