Signs of the Zodiac: The Capricorn

Encompassing December 22 to January 20, The Capricorn is an earth sign and resides beneath the influence of Saturn. Capricorns tend to be intelligent, but stubborn. The Capricorn also exhibits the greatest endurance and stamina of all the signs, both physically and mentally. At times furtive and secretly vain, the Capricorn is a realist and generally possesses an exceptional work ethic. Fame and success provide an enormous temptation for Capricorn. Step by step, the Capricorn goes after its goals, overcoming all obstacles in the way with enormous patience and perseverance. Nothing can turn the Capricorn from its chosen path.

Even in youth, the Capricorn sets goals and is prepared to go after them. Those born under this sign are almost always respected by others, but it is difficult to get close to them, as they put up enormous defense barriers and shy away from intimacy. Capricorns have a penchant for tradition, respectability, and stability. They do not make decisions impulsively, but tend to think things through and remain risk averse. Despite the Capricorns' supercilious nature, internally they often suffer from their isolationist nature and look for ways to secure the approbation of others. Often, the Capricorn is in actuality sensitive and shy, but goes to great lengths to hide these characteristics. The Capricorn's pride can become a source of great suffering.

The Capricorn often has a brilliant mind and a terrific memory, but must be wary of being unduly influenced by conservatism and pedantry.

The second half of the Capricorn's life tends to be more comfortable than the first. Marriage will often come late for the Capricorn, if at all. There are a great number of Capricorn bachelors.

Women born under this sign often retain and grow their beauty and charm through the years, much like a fine wine. Women Capricorns are often more beautiful and appealing at 35 than they were at 18. However, it is not easy to have a relationship with a woman born under this sign, as she will often create impediments to true intimacy. The Capricorn loves and values her independence. She tends to go into the administrative, managerial, educational, and medical professions. Like the male Capricorns, the females are serious and never forgive or forget an insult or a betrayal.

In general, Capricorns do not spend a great deal of time or effort on their physical appearance. They rarely talk about themselves and shy away from using social tactics to get the upper hand in a situation. They love soft lighting. Inside many Capricorns is an on-going battle between self-indulgence and self-discipline. Capricorns are simple, reserved, calm, balanced, modest, economical, and unimaginative. Capricorns often eschew fashion trends; many disdain expenditures on clothing. Ascetic in their youth, Capricorns can become extravagant in their later years. The one reason which does push them to pay attention to their clothing and appearance is their ambition.

Some Capricorns are a rock, steadfast in the face of the greatest challenges; some are worker bees, knowing neither tiredness nor discomfort in the pursuit of goals; and some are medieval knights, persistent and dogged on their chosen quests. Capricorns can be unemotional business leaders or politicians, stalwart in the face of uncertainty. As fathers, they are patient, fair, and loving, but also strict and emotionally reserved.