The Duality of Capricorn Season and the Sea-Goat
Capricorn season begins on December 21st, 2019. This is the day of the Winter Solstice—or Yule—in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Summer Solstice—or Litha—in the South Hemisphere.
It’s a time where we can really take the reigns and march on forward in the direction of our choosing. If you struggle with procrastination and loss of motivation in projects, Capricorn season is a good time to set your goals and see them through. The energy of this time of year is unmatched for self discipline and driving you forward toward your goal with hard work and determination.
A Cardinal Sign - Beginnings
The qualities, also called "modes," or “modalities,” indicate how a sign responds to stimuli, and especially how the energy changes under tension. They indicate how the signs express their element, meaning the mode of behavior they use to express the elements needs. There are three qualities: Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable.
Capricorn is one of the cardinal signs of the zodiac, which are the most assertive, and interested in initiating change of the signs. The mode of activity is to start new projects, and it respond well to new ideas. For Cardinal signs, new things are always happening. This is because the four Cardinal signs initiate the change of the season.
The four Cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, and each one expresses this cardinal energy a little differently because of the element they hold. They achieve control by remaining one step ahead of everyone else. Aries (fire) seeks leadership and control in general; Cancer (water) controls emotions, home, and family; and Libra (air) tries to control partnerships and social interactions.
Then there’s Capricorn (earth), which controls, uses, and exploits the material environment. It carries the energy of leadership, and is one of the most productive and forward-moving points in the year.
The Duality of the Sea Goat
The modern representation of Capricorn is the nimble mountain goat, a creature who can do amazing things balanced on precarious ledges. But traditionally, the symbol of Capricorn was not simply the goat, but the sea-goat: a goat with the backside of a fish. I think it’s important to remember this mythical creature when thinking about Capricorn energy because it helps us better understand the true nature of this sign.
The story of the sea-goat is that a fish grew the front legs of a goat in order to move out of the sea. They kept their tail, but were also able to walk on land and climb mountains in pursuit of their dreams.
Too often, we classify Capricorn as serious, overly ambitious, career-oriented, and too concerned with achievements, But there is more to this energy because of the duality of the sea-goat. The surefooted goat who can climb even the steepest of mountain sides and sets lofty goals is paired with the loopy fish tail that swims to the watery depths of the subconscious mind.
Yes, Capricorn energy is ambitious, but it is also contemplative, intuitive and somewhat secretive. It’s important to remember that the secret to Capricorn success is in the ability to connect with the water energy of the intuition: to set goals that are aligned with our higher purpose and manifest what we actually want out of life. This energy reminds us to not just do, but to also ask why we are doing.
Capricorn walks the earth, climbs from peak to peak, and sees everything they want from the very top with perfect clarity. Capricorn also swims the depths of the ocean, and feels the flow of the current and the effects of the Moon on the tides.
Use this energy to remember your ability to connect with your intuition, your truth, and what is driving you, and let it fuel your motivation to guide you to manifest your wildest dreams.
During Capricorn Season, make long-term goals and list, create schedules, and plan your route to the top of the mountain. But before you do that, dig deeps to figure out what you desire and what calls to your soul. Make sure your goals align with your soul’s purpose and heart’s desire, and create a map for this journey.
Keep in mind that life doesn’t always go according to plan. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth making the plan. Mapping out the path to your dreams and listing the process step-by-step, is how you bring them into your reality. Once it’s on paper, it’s tangible and that makes it possible.
The goat of Capricorn loves the support of a concrete solid plan like the earth beneath it’s hooves. The fish of Capricorn knows how to go with the flow and make a new plan as the plan changes. There is a saying in my family, “The plan is the plan until it isn’t the plan.”
You will find success during Capricorn season if you can master the balance of the sea-goat and allow it to support you.
The Limitations of Saturn
The Planetary Ruler of Capricorn is Saturn. Astrologers of the past regarded Saturn as "evil" and malignant, indicating dire misfortune and misery wherever it was found. Modern astrologers recognize the value of the limitations Saturn places on us. Restrictions, structure, and boundaries keep us safe, practical, and grounded in reality. Even the rings of the planet speak to the boundaries and an appreciation for rules.
Saturn represents the laws and principles set up by society and the universal flow of energy. The hardships Saturn presents us with, compels us to push through the challenges and obstacles with the knowledge that the result will be worth it. Hard work often leads to genuinely earned, long-lasting success.
As the Ruler of Capricorn, the energy of this planet permeates into the energy of the sign. Saturn is named for the Roman god of perseverance and wealth and the honoree of the Christmas-like celebration of Saturnalia. He is the typical father-figure and usually associated with positive paternal energy, so it’s no surprise that the energy of Capricorn is patient and mature.
In Greek mythology, Saturn is Cronus, the God of Time. Time is the ultimate limit we have as humans on the physical plane. But Capricorn energy is efficient, never shying away from a challenge, facing it without hesitation, and forging ahead.
An Earth Sign - Material
The element of a zodiac sign reveals the basic temperament of the sign. The element of your Sun, Moon, or Rising sign are of significant importance, but the overall distribution of elements in your chart is what counts the most. Having more than 4 planets in an element will have an impact on your behavior, even if that element does not correspond to your Sun sign. An abundance (5 or more), or a lack (0-2), of an element has much impact on your temperament.
There are four zodiac elements, with three zodiac signs belonging to each element group. The elements are interchangeably called "triplicities;" this is because there are three (triple) signs per element. The four elements are Fire, Earth, Air, and Water.
Capricorn is an Earth sign, which tends to be more cautious. The energy is practical, realistic, and requires solid footing before going forward. The three Earth signs are Taurus (stubbornly digs in heels to really ponder things); Virgo (analyzes endlessly to find the perfect way forward); and Capricorn, which will climb, but will do it with care, first needing a vision, a plan, an organized structure before starting the ascent.
Earth energy shows up in the Capricorn archetype as commitment to the goal and loyalty to employers. Capricorn energy has clear motivations that are usually physical or material in nature. Desiring money and rewards for effort may seem greedy to some, but in reality, Capricorn energy is about serving others by first serving yourself. If you have more money, you can donate it to causes you care about; if you earn a raise, you can work fewer hours and use the free time volunteering; etc.
Capricorn Season Message
This season, the strong energy of Capricorn will be guiding us all to get grounded and feel the earth supporting us. It invites you to think about why you are climbing the mountain you are climbing.
Does it really serve you and your higher purpose? Is it really the path you want to be on? What is really motivating you to move forward and is it enough to keep momentum up for the long-term success?
Beginning the New Year with Capricorn energy is also a signal from the Universe that you are always supported as you put your plans into action and take responsibility for your dreams and goals.
Now is the time to step up and become the leader of your life. Climb the mountain that is aligned with the greatest purpose of your soul. Create goals that are in line with your spirit, so that you can take tangible, concrete actions in your lives and, ultimately harmonize both your inner and outer worlds.
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