‘Response’ is the root of the words ‘responsible’ and ‘responsibility.’ Responding is taking the initiative to act in a specific way in a situation. Responding is different from reacting to a situation. Reacting is an unconscious, automatic action that comes from ingrained patterns of behavior that are often based on unresolved emotions. Reaction often takes place before we take the time to engage our thinking processes and weigh options. Responding is a conscious act, using our cognitive faculties when engaging with a situation and deciding how best to take action.

Capricorn responds to a situation by autonomously taking action with grounded practicality and a sense of duty. It employs self-discipline to place the needs of a situation above its own wants and desires. Valuing honor and integrity, it is principled. It has a moral commitment to do the right thing, even when it is difficult. 

Capricorn exercises its will over its feelings. Using restraint, it places boundaries, or limits on emotionality. Having a serious nature, it is purposeful in its responses. It is sensible, levelheaded and mature when making decisions.

Enterprising Capricorn defines success as achieving excellence in some area or field. It knows that sometimes hard work and perseverance are needed in order to achieve an ambition. Being pragmatic, it defines goals, crystallizes objectives, develops strategies and sets priorities. Through its determination and grit it overcomes obstacles. In time it reaches its aspirations.

Capricorn has wisdom born of real-world experience. It respects natural laws, cause and effect, and karma. It understands dharma, working with the principles of cosmic order. It respects the limitations and constraints of the physical, material world, space and time. Dedicated to its life’s work, Capricorn is structured and organized, making efficient use of time and conserving resources as it lives its life with purpose.

Capricorn holds itself accountable for its actions. It demands personal integrity in all it does. A constant, reliable figure it procures the respect of others and receives its just rewards. It earns a position of authority in the world based on the skills and wisdom it gains through real-life experience.

Capricorn is grounded in the material world. The key phrase for Capricorn is “I Use.” In order to manifest our visions we need to be prudent, pragmatic and realistic with our resources. We overcome obstacles through diligence, endurance, and careful economy.

Capricorn works within the constraints of time and matter to turn visions into reality. The contracting and crystallizing forces of Capricorn help us define our dreams in concrete ways. We must delineate our objectives, set goals, develop plans and schedules, and do the work. Like the sure footed mountain goat climbing upwards, Capricorn teaches us to use our stamina, drive and ambition carefully and methodically to be successful and reach our goals. In time we achieve our dreams.

Having practical wisdom gained from experience in the real world, Capricorn is a capable and competent business manager. It is focused and productive. It respects boundaries and knows limitations. Hierarchical, it delegates tasks to others in order to make wise use of time and resources. As a business executive Capricorn is principled and has integrity. It is dependable and reputable, accountable for its actions and achievements. Through enterprise and hard work Capricorn builds wealth and earns the respect of others.

Capricorn uses the resources of our material world to build foundations and infrastructures, and to create organizations that provide long-lasting security for society. It honors tradition and the past. Loyal and committed, it is dedicated to family and community, where it demonstrates social responsibility. The International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers is a living example of the essence of Capricorn. A group of highly respected elders, leaders in their own communities, these women have come together to defend the land and protect, heal and teach its peoples and preserve ancestral cultures.

Being self-reliant, self-sufficient, and focused on working its way to the top, Capricorn often feels lonely. It can appear aloof, shy or awkward in social settings. It has difficulty with feelings and can be prone to depression, doubt and pessimism. Like the character Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’s novel, Capricorn can become severe, insensitive, grudging and miserly. Serious, responsible and reserved, Capricorn finds it difficult to relax, have fun and experience joy in life.

The mighty oak, a tree of great strength and longevity, is another representation of Capricorn. Its humble beginning is a small acorn. Like the acorn, the seeds we plant in the depths of winter will rest in the earth, grow roots, and finally sprout and emerge in the spring. If we tend them regularly with our ambition, dedication, diligence and perseverance, they will one day become our achievements.

Archetypes for Capricorn include Wise Elders, the biblical King Solomon, Father Time, CEOs and executives, and all authority figures. Capricorn rules government and business institutions and organizations. Parts of the body ruled by Capricorn include the knees, the skeletal system, ligaments, teeth and skin. The gem for Capricorn is garnet. Lead and pewter are its metals. Oaks, pines and holly are Capricorn trees and plants. The color for Capricorn is brown. Calendars and clocks marking the passage of time are additional Capricorn symbols.

     “You are here to shine your light from every pore of your being. Glorify your own nature, taking your power back and standing in your own spiritual light, a quantum consciousness of awareness. How are you using your gifts? How will you serve the planet? Are you walking your talk?”

                       – Grandmother Agnes Baker Pilgrim

Saturday December 21st the Sun leaves the expansive and visionary fire sign of Sagittarius and enters the realistic and disciplined earth sign of Capricorn. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac builds upon the foundation laid by the previous sign by rectifying or redirecting its energy. Capricorn brings Sagittarius’ vision down to earth with its gravity, and uses material resources to achieve its goals.

Capricorn is grounded in the material world. The key phrase for Capricorn is “I Use.” In order to manifest our visions we need to be prudent, pragmatic and realistic with our resources.  We overcome obstacles through diligence, endurance, and careful economy.

Capricorn works within the constraints of time and the physical world to turn our visions into reality. The contracting and crystallizing forces of Capricorn help us define our dreams in concrete ways. We must delineate our objectives, set goals, develop plans and schedules, and do the work. Like the sure footed mountain goat climbing upwards, Capricorn teaches us to use our stamina, drive and ambition carefully and methodically to be successful and reach our goals. In time we achieve our dreams.

Having practical wisdom gained from experience in the real world, Capricorn is a capable and competent business manager. He is focused and productive. He respects boundaries and knows limitations. Hierarchical, he delegates tasks to others in order to make wise use of time and resources.

As a business executive Capricorn is principled and has integrity. He is dependable and reputable, accountable for his actions and achievements. Through his enterprise, hard work, and economy Capricorn builds wealth and earns the respect of others.

Capricorn uses the resources of our material world to build foundations and infrastructures, and to create organizations that provide long-lasting security for society. He honors tradition and the past. Loyal and committed, he is dedicated to his family and his community, where he demonstrates social responsibility.

Being self-reliant, self-sufficient, and focused on working his way to the top, Capricorn often feels lonely. He can appear aloof, shy or awkward in social settings. He has difficulty with feelings and can be prone to depression, doubt and pessimism. Serious, responsible and reserved, Capricorn finds it difficult to relax, have fun and experience joy in life.

The mighty oak, a tree of great strength and longevity, is another symbol of Capricorn. Its humble beginning is a small acorn. Like the acorn, the seeds we plant now will rest in the earth, grow roots, and finally sprout and emerge in the spring. If we tend them regularly with our ambition, dedication, diligence and perseverance, they will one day become our achievements.

Archetypes for Capricorn include the Wise Father, the biblical King Solomon, Father Time, elders, CEOs and executives, and all authority figures. Parts of the body ruled by Capricorn include the knees, the skeletal system, ligaments, teeth and skin. The gem for Capricorn is garnet. Lead and pewter are its metals. Oaks, pines and holly are Capricorn trees and plants. The color for Capricorn is brown. Calendars and clocks marking the passage of time are additional Capricorn symbols.

“A winter’s day in a deep and dark December –

I am alone, gazing from my window to the street below

On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow.

I am a rock; I am an island.”

                    – Simon and Garfunkel