The sign for Capricorn, The Goat, can be traced back at least 3000 years. One of the earliest known representations appears on Babylonian Kuddurus, or boundary stones, from the 10 Century BC.

Zodiac Origins

Traditionally Capricorn (Capricornus) is the 10th sign in the Zodiac cycle, and the 8-starred constellation of Capricorn. Although associations are often made by astrologers between the characteristics suggested by a particular sign, such as strength being associated with both the symbol of the lion and the Leo personality, in the case of The Goat, it is hard to make relevant connections.

The sign for Capricorn, The Goat, can be traced back at least 3000 years. One of the earliest known representations appears on Babylonian Kuddurus, or boundary stones, from the 10 Century BC. A coin minted about 19 centuries BC in Spain, which was then part of the Roman Empire, during the reign of the Emperor Augustus, depicts the Emperor's birth sign, The Goat of Capricorn, who operates a crude rudder attached to a globe of the world. The composition on the coin symbolizes the rule of Augustus and the Roman Empire, over the world.

The Greeks took their myths into the heavens by identifying the constellation with their gods and heroes, and here the rural god, Pan, came to be associated with Capricorn. In the Christian era, Pan was depicted with cloven hoofs and horns. To many Christians, pagan gods were 'devilish' and astrology, a pagan practice, was 'of the devil'. One 16th Century representation of the god Pan depicts him as a devil, with horns and cloven hoofs and playing his pipes. However, the god Pan was a pastoral god and, although associated with sudden panic or fear, he was a lusty and playful god whose principle diversion was sex, befitting a god who was worshipped in connection with fertility. In the context of the Greek religion, he was completely detached from social or moral values, accepted more as the personification of instinct.