written by for Venus Rising Magazine
Capricorn 06 Issue
Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the god Cronus (known to the Romans as Saturn), and its natural element is earth. The energy of Capricorn is serious, responsible, and practical. Capricorns are self-disciplined, have a strong work ethic, and can be very self-effacing. They endeavor to succeed at anything they do and are often their own worst critic. Capricorn is characterized as a wise but stern fatherly figure that looks like the Christian depiction of God.
Watercolor by Philip GaligaThe Greek god Cronus was not a nurturing father. Fearing that his success would be paled by his children’s, he ate them. It was his young and powerful son, Zeus, who overthrew Cronus and rescued the other children. Likewise, the energy of Capricorn does not always mix well with the energy of children. Strict and serious, playfulness does not come easily to Capricorns.
Capricorns are careful, and their lives are well structured. They will not take leaps or be overly daring. Instead they will move slowly and patiently along the rungs of a ladder until they reach their goal. Capricorn rules the bones and the skin that give us structure and hold us together.
Classic Capricorns are very conventional and doubtful of anything that is not proven or solid. They rarely “fool around” and thus are the most reliable sign in the zodiac. Capricorns enjoy time alone and tend to be more concerned about their career and outward success than home and family. However, Capricorn mothers are generally the most dedicated to their children because of their deep sense of responsibility.
When balanced, Capricorn gives us the patience and wisdom to make responsible and appropriate decisions that will enable us to achieve success. Capricorn gives us a mature outlook on life and impels us to take on a great deal of responsibility and to be consistent.
When unbalanced, Capricorn can cause us to be too strict, judgmental, and punishing. We then become too adult and authoritarian and approach others in a way that is cold and un-nurturing. Thus, we forget how to be a child and the importance of play and fun and leave ourselves prone to chronic depression. We also cannot tolerate childish or unconventional behavior in others and can become a curmudgeon.
When the sun is in Capricorn, expect to feel the need to get serious, to be practical, and to actually read an insurance policy or focus on a tax matter. Depending on where Capricorn is in your chart, you may either feel grounded and productive or too serious and depressed.
Saturn is the planetary ruler of Capricorn. The placement of Saturn in the birth chart tells us about our career and our relationship with our father. The placement of Saturn can also reveal where we have had to learn the toughest lessons. The last planet that can be seen with the naked eye, Saturn teaches us about our limitations and the laws of cause and effect. Someone with Saturn in Aries might be a strong leader, but may experience many tough lessons regarding leadership, whereas someone with Saturn in Libra might pursue a career as a relationship counselor or a lawyer, but may experience many tough lessons regarding relationships or the law.
To find out where Capricorn and Saturn reside in your natal chart, go to create your birth chart and enter your birth date, time of birth, and place of birth. 
© 2008 Venus Rising Magazine