Capricorn
(December 22 - January 19)
Personality Profile
Element: Earth
Mode: Cardinal
Archetypes: The Father, The Hermit, The Prime Minister
Lesson: Integrity
While Capricorns have an affinity to power, that power is not necessarily tied to money. Often Capricorns play a commanding role in society. They are the bosses. While their position brings them power, it may not always bring them wealth. Though professionally they find themselves in a position of power, emotionally they find themselves living as hostages-- bound by the structure of their public roles. They often base their self-identity on their professional life. What they do is who they are.
The trick with them is that they can deceive themselves into thinking that they are not only defined but also controlled by external forces. When actually they have placed themselves in chains and in powerlessness. In turn, they cling to anything that offers them a sense of power or control. It’s important for them to recognize that their self-esteem and self worth is dependent on their interpretation of their level of authority.
As a rule, Capricorns should never attempt to play to the crowd. When their happiness is dependent on social approval they are destined for failure. They need to develop a sense of self validation in order to find both personal and professional success. However, it is important for them to remember that they are programmed to struggle with the desire for social acceptance.
At their best, Capricorns are a role model of integrity. There are often no lies or pretenses with a Capricorn. Their profession and personal life are one in the same. They are straight forward and are the definition of consistency.
Strengths
Capricorns are known to be the epitome of patience and self-discipline. They are simply the most patient of all the zodiac. Like no other, Capricorns can wait. The key is to learn when is the right time to wait and when it's time to take action.
They are not emotionally driven creatures, at all. They are able to make difficult decisions logically in situations where others might fail. They are strong-willed. Iron will. When they make up their mind, nothing can curb their line of thought. They are practical creatures by nature, and stick to what makes sense to them. If something sounds too good to be true, they figure it is. It’s not that they are unimaginative, they are just realists.
Shadow Side
“Ambitious, materialistic, power-hungry - the faceless, gray-flannel Capricorn of popular literature is a sly devil indeed. Calculating, manipulative, quick to exploit any weakness, he is typically represented as the epitome of slick, insidious opportunist”
-Steven Forrest, The Inner Sky
The advice: One of the most impressive strengths of a Capricorn is their ability to lead a life of self-reliant solitude. However, that same strength in time can be a source of loneliness if not balanced with a healthy social life.