Capricorn

22 December - 19 January

Negative - Cardinal - Earth

The heavy Saturnine influence on this sign provides Capricorns with a sense of duty and responsibility toward themselves and others. They like to be seen to be doing the right thing, and are rarely able to deal lightly with any problems. Capricorn is the most ambitious and determined of the Earth signs, and they are hard-working, cautious, serious and reserved, intent on understanding and constructively using their wisdom to build a secure future.

Capricorn is not easily discouraged by difficult challenges, having very definite aims, and their powerful will to succeed gives them the ability to grit their teeth and get on with things. Because they work hard at everything they do, they expect everyone else to be the same. They do not understand laziness, apathy, or lack of ambition, and they firmly believe that others must pull their own weight. They place great importance on proving their stamina and ability, and such serious staying power often makes it hard for them to relax and enjoy life, although they do usually possess a droll, dry sense of humour.

Early in life the Capricorn subject seems filled with adult concerns and responsibilities. But as they get older and more secure, Capricorn grows younger and more playful. They need a great deal of respect, recognition, and security in their lives and if they have it, they can develop into greatly loved and revered members of society, but without it they are likely to be miserable, miserly, withdrawn, and calculating.

Dependable, honest, hard-working and loyal, Capricorns keep their promises and make excellent leaders.

Capricorn at Work

The influence of Saturn gives Capricorns the capacity to work long and hard for little reward, which means that many of them reach the highest positions of authority, respect, and prosperity within their chosen profession. However, they are extremely ambitious, and no matter how high they go, or how wealthy they become, Capricorns always strive to achieve more.

The moral attitudes that Capricorns hold in high regard draw them to jobs within the armed forces, civil service, legal profession, and occupations which require discipline, efficiency, and hard work. They might take up work as a judge, police officer, engineer, civil servant, high-ranking military officer, prison guard, lawyer, tax official, secretary or mechanic.

Capricorn at Play

To some people it may be a mystery that anyone can enjoy their leisure pursuits in such a dull, dour manner as a Capricorn, as the slow, serious side of their temperament is carried over into their leisure activities. Capricorns do enjoy themselves, firmly believing that you do not have to throw your arms about or yell in order to have fun. Capricorns enjoy their own company and are quite happy to sit and read for hours on end. They enjoy slow activities such as snooker, bowls, cricket or walking. Their tiny frames are well suited to gymnastics and long-distance running but their weak constitutions sometimes make it hard for them to undertake heavy physical activity.

Capricorn and Health

Born in the depths of winter, Capricorn children need to be well looked after and kept warm as they are more prone to illness than other children. Having said that, they often grow into remarkably healthy adults who not only feel good, but look years younger than their actual age. However, even healthy Capricorns eventually succumb to illness: arthritis is the commonest problem, followed by skin and knee ailments. Those who have not been able to realise their goals or ambitions can suffer from a variety of different problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ME and severe mental depression.