Astrology @ Work — Capricorn, The Goat

by Donald Squibb

(Born December 22 through January 20)

     When the sun is in Capricorn, it is the dead of winter. Although the longest night has just been experienced and now the nocturnal sessions begin to shorten, the darkness prevails and signs of vegetation are very rare. The leaves of most trees are fully gone. Animals that have not begun hibernating have to look far and wide for nourishment. To many on the earth, it is a very barren time in which one must be alert and plan just to survive.

     Souls that enter in this period just know instinctively that persevering is the nature of their existence. They must prepare, always be resourceful and have a capacity for endurance just to live. Few have any great expectancy that life will be easy and without major challenges. At times they can be quite humorless and even project a bit of melancholy. Most are not afraid of work and are stable even when they feel inadequate. With their generally strong wills they will strive to maintain what they have gained while advancing their own personal aspirations within society itself.

    Capricorns are found largely in places where they feel they can improve oneself. Involvement with mathematics and money are appealing to many. Internal ambition drives most of them whether they have lofty goals or not. Their profound motivation may be secretive or at least not obvious as they are about doing accomplishing thoroughly whatever is immediately before them. Being noticed is not of great importance while they develop a strategy to succeed in their environment. Some may appear a bit detached and remain largely in the background.

     The Capricorn native will continuously analyze how to best maintain themself. Then each will adopt the conduct which has the potential to improve their role in different circumstances. They will persist for as long as is required to obtain the objectives they have chosen. Largely quiet and careful they rarely profile the capacity to not only prevail but significantly win through accomplishing what each set out for, yet many remarkably do so over time.

     Desire is at most of their core even though it may not be personally understood or identified. They do know internally though that they have the ability to succeed. Not all will aspire to greater heights and major public recognition yet if they have situations and things they really want, most of them do rise from the places where they began.

    The symbol for this earth sign of the Zodiac is the mountain goat which when studied reveals its nature of being a remarkable achiever. Though often heavy and large, its hooves are cushioned with skid proof pads providing an amazing grip which provides remarkable agility as well as sure footedness. It is a beautiful creature with a white coat, formidable black horns, and a chin of long hair. When faced with an almost impossible up-hill climb that they eventually reach the summits to which they aspire. Often they punctuate their climbs with stops along the way that other creatures wouldn’t even attempt.

     By the same token human mountain goats will often accomplish insurmountable tasks. in quiet, unemotional, reserved manner They are very tough inside and prevail where long range planning and careful execution are necessary. Many are noticed later in life to have been remarkable achievers considering what they master in personal challenges during their journeys to maturity.

    The sign of Capricorn is one of the most stable signs in all the Zodiac. Most all are dignified, sensible, solid and thorough. These folks with sterling qualities may not be known for having an outgoing personality or much flair in fashion and lifestyle. They rarely, experiment with fads and current societal interests. As young people most are described as older in their attitudes and conduct. Yet they mature and begin to achieve they are then found youthful, fun and even playful. It can appear as if they seem somewhat to be living their lives backwards.

     Self-discipline is a natural trait for the Capricorn. They are more flexible than they appear and will experiment but do so carefully. If what they undertake turns out to be disastrous, they will often gain from the experience while others may even feel sorry for them and what has happened. They proceed to look through the ashes and find any pearls which can be ingredients leading to fulfillment. Patiently they build on mistakes, failures, and disappointments. In that process the human goats self-correct so a similar result can be averted later on and may well become a benefit in disguise on their ascent.

     Their animal counterparts can eat all kinds of indigestible things likes cans, pieces of glass, and trash yet still not only survive but somehow progress on unimaginable intake for fuel. These human counterparts can likewise digest hardship, insults, and negation in many forms. At times some seem to almost thrive on tough conditions.

    Capricorns are renowned for their keen business sense which is displayed along with their no nonsense attitudes. While their Sagittarian astrological predecessors are searching for philosophical ideas or religious structures in life, the Capricorns are determined to find their individual places within what they find exists. It is their nature to be giving more substance to already revealed major ideas by working them out in society. That endeavor may be expressed through many different professions and in lots of fields.

     Many are role models for the principle; gaining success in life requires a lot of work. This approach is appreciated by those who expect flawless results in the arts, and any service rendered to be the best possible under the circumstances. Their personal pursuit of perfection does not abate even after their seeming noticeable successes. All gains are seen by the Capricorn as simply something accomplished on the way to their sought after goals.

     Capricorn is an earth sign grounded in finding what works by meeting immediate needs rather than any imagined ones. Their personal standards require them to be thorough and practical. As they more forward there are usually others dependent on them for leadership to deliver something that is needed. Observing that situation it becomes easier to understand why specifically in their earlier years these human goats don’t find much time for play.
 
     Be careful about judging their personal interests from the seriousness and hardworking nature of Capricorn exhibited while on the job. They do want to participate in the best of the world and possess some of the beauty seen around them. It is just that they are on duty most of the time handling their responsibilities and do not often prioritize entertainment, hobbies and recreation.

     Out of the norm experiences like dining in unusual restaurants, relaxing massages, and continuing education classes in subjects of personal interest are most welcomed when they present themselves. History of all sorts will be particularly fascinating to them so that kind of study at least will be attempted at some point in their adulthood. Learning itself is admired and rational so they always gravitate to knowledge on any level.
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     A sterling trait of the Capricorn which makes many naturally an executive, regardless of where they are is their innate orientation. “Going with the flow” is foreign to their ways of living. Many have strong minds which mainly concentrate on the development of their plans and the execution of them. Many balls in the air can be juggled successfully with few if any being dropped along the way. With great pride in endeavors whether outside the home or within it, they are conscientious and usually exacting as they manage the scene around them.

     Female Capricorns may have the most efficient households of all the zodiac signs when they are focused on homemaking and child raising duties. The unusually effective organizational abilities most have are not expressed in organizational concerns alone. Many non-profit groups are successfully advised and guided by Capricorns. Their motivation in such cases is for the effort to succeed, and in spite of the inevitable challenges in directing, funding, promoting, and staffing these are often loosely organized operations which count on volunteers to function.

    People born with this sun sign have a great reverence for those who have gone before achieving a climb to the summit where the human goat eventually wants to find herself or himself. To find them often prompts the study of the past. The goats are very interested in effective process and find tradition very important in ascertaining what that is. Ancestors can be regarded as heroes by many of them, too.

     Human mountain goats can be quick to decide it is necessary to preserve most anything from before their time if it brought success before as a reference. Moreover, they just feel positive results of such a practice will appear eventually, so they usually do not change much even after criticism of their approach. Others can see them from these patterns too conservative, overly cautious, and not particularly innovative. You don’t see it often as they are mostly on task, but many have a wry sense of humor which you can see glimpses of if you are looking.

     Capricorns can become real workaholics without realizing it is happening to them. They have an amazing capacity to concentrate and in doing so often shut out a favorable personal expression of themselves. Many press on at times without considering the cost of proceeding. Along the way the result can be an extremely dreary individual who without realizing it has drifted into a rather negative image projected to others they encounter. Such developed insular conduct can have a profound impact on their relationships and become a source of alienation, estrangement and even abandonment.

     Some human goats do learn to their detriment that an unbalanced focus on success can result in a severe loss while pursuing achievement and/or tangible gain in the material world. They are capable of comprehending what has happened and then modifying their behaviors, and can do a thorough job of it with their natural ability to self-discipline. Unfortunately that needed transformation may come after a personal price has been paid in order to recognize the need for significant redirection.

     They are devoted to meeting whatever challenges they face and tasks that they decide to engage in along the way. In making those responses they operate from a general belief that time is very precious and should not be wasted. All at their cores just know life requires a lot of dedicated effort in order to make it and certainly to achieve. Still they exhibit dignity while being mostly reserved and have charm although it may be of the quiet variety expressed.

     Capricorns are rarely completely unselfish or soft in nature. They emphasize justice but are often not very involved with mercy. Weakness and indecision are difficult for them to endure and won’t be endured for long if they are in charge. Once they have decided some action must be taken and change accomplished there is not much they cannot accomplish. There is a strong sense of honor present within each of them. They can inspire confidence in others and usually appreciate talents and skills in associates and friends. Always working for something better, each usually does it in shrewd ways which are not necessarily detected as they are being implemented.

    Capricorns generally develop a large number of acquaintances yet very few close associations. Nonetheless, they greatly value those they regard as true friends for life and respect their secrets in the process. Capricorns can be quite good company when they climb a bit out of their naturally reserved nature and decide to enjoy life more. It will take some time for them to laugh much and regularly about funny stories and jokes. Though they love solitude, companionship is necessary for them to make real progress in this direction.

     Most never mix easily with people and can even be envious of those who can do so. While their basic nature is to keep most people at a distance, these are often very private folks who can seem emotionally cold. Keeping some space in relationships many regard as beneficial as one then is less likely to be hurt from having made a major emotional investment in others. Further if and when they function as a manager, each can arrive with more clarity at decisions about associates performing in their jobs and without having to discipline or even terminate someone who might have become a close friend.

    Capricorns gain through developing skills of considerable diplomacy as they work more closely with people throughout their careers Those are difficult skills to learn in any classroom yet these human goats do a significant job of acquiring them. The developed ability to bring people together effectively can empower them to become distinguished leaders in many areas of life beyond their chosen vocations or homes. Remarkably some emerge at the forefront of society handing responses to challenges that they as individuals never even anticipated occurring.

     Most feel a great need to be gaining money and to experience sufficient financial stability in order to live as they desire. Even as youth they are thinking about the future and endeavoring to save for that “rainy” day. They will seize any chance that comes along to achieve solid material gain. It is not a surprise many Capricorns become wealthy from their search for security even though they can frequently become gloomy about their prospects. Such spells often appear after something simple comes as a reversal that they could not have prevented. Losses are particularly difficult since they were already cautious and slow to make any move which might endanger what they have accumulated.

     Conservation is usually in their respective cores though not necessarily revealed in what they say. All goats abhor waste. They are not tolerant of those around them who may carelessly create. They turn away from what they consider speculation as it is not seen as reasonable risk to take. They are very careful when responsible for the affairs and assets of others.

    Marriage often comes later in their lives. Each is very careful in looking for “the right one” and will search over time for the right mate. With such strong ambition, any potential partner must impress and be a good fit and willing in their view to share in the weight of the responsibilities that surely will come while together. It would be good for the Capricorn to let affection and companionship play a larger role in their lives leading perhaps to a more balanced life. After all, simply work without recreation and relaxation leads to dullness, fatigue, and a sense of incompleteness later on in mature years. Both male and female Capricorns do much better with a spouse who can offer a contrast to their various mood swings and a good emotional companion. Their mate should be sympathetic as well as affectionate.

    Their constant compulsion to advance can become tyrannical to a degree at home or in situations where they are just watching things unfold. The attitude “my way is best” is often present with little tolerance for other plans or direction. Wanting their homes and possessions to reflect their desired social status they may well be uncompromising about anything they think might reflect poorly on their image. Some can become quite materialistic, even greedy, selfish, and may resort to using people to attain the standing in the world they want to achieve. Often many need to monitor their own tendencies to become too judgmental, critical or overly cautious.

    HOW TO SUPPORT A CAPRICORN: Be tolerant of their seriousness as there is a very warm heart and a friendly person beneath that restrained exterior. It will often appear the person has no need for compliments or encouragement. The human goat who is always on task does not allow for openness for enjoying the experience of joyous encounters. You can do something very nice and perhaps special for one of them yet be surprised about the lack of a positive reaction in the “poker face” that is witnessed. Just know each one is likely indeed to be pleased yet inside just don’t express such things with ease. Most want to be seen as gracious even if you think their reaction isn’t an appropriate response for your gift, help or positive outreach.

    These people project a steady temperament and although they are subject to mood swings they are seldom outwardly shown. It is just their nature to deal with the impact of the energies of their ruling planet, Saturn, which inflicts spells of gloominess, which for some becomes major depression. Much of this is a result of fear of the future coupled with anxiety about what is going on right now. Many have concerns about inadequacies and being made fun of even if it should surface in casual joking or teasing. They earnestly seek respect and are figuring out how to gain it even as children. Genuine reassurance particularly from superiors and people they admire has the power to uplift their spirits and enhances their lives.

    Capricorns usually prioritize responsibilities ahead of their own personal needs. The families of the human goats are very important to them so any support from others in their lives will be very much appreciated. Most of all, please see this person as more sensitive than you may have detected.

    TIPS ON WORKING WITH A CAPRICORN: These people are often ill at ease in personal relationships so do not expect one to be very gregarious. They believe they are there to get things done. If one has become an authority figure of some sort, they may need to be encouraged to see subordinates more as equals and treatment largely as such.

     They mind their own business so it is not their style to trade in gossip. Capricorns feel and operate at their best “taking care of the store.” They are probably more useful there anyway.

     Although most are not much into job changes, the human mountain goats will not tolerate certain people and situations. Those which they see as impairing the potential of their upward mobility will be left behind. Very long time subordinate roles have almost no appeal to them with their drive to advance what they have chosen to be their cause or causes.

     Don’t attempt to “pigeon hole” them in jobs which they feel they cannot see an eventual opportunity to improve themselves. If such a condition is detected they can leave abruptly. Capricorns revere honesty and will likely depart if they detect deceit and dishonesty.

     Remember, the Capricorn ultimately wants more authority and power in life to function as they wish. An important component of that ambition is to receive growing compensation for what have become their responsibilities. After all, they are looking for is expanding their problem solving abilities. Increasing income is seen by them as absolutely necessary so they can pursue their often unspoken interests. Supporting their families to their standards is most often their constant primary focus along the way.

    The responsibilities of the human goats may appear to encompass the majority of their lives, but they really don’t. They have a creative side you may rarely see if at all. Cultural pursuits and hobbies are important to them but only after they felt have met the perceived needs of their families.

     Know that genders would like to be more free and casual, but duty as they see it calls first. Remember deep down inside each is likely sensitive and a bit shy. All hunger for compliments even though some do not know how to respond when they come their way in any form. Be sure to share gratitude and praise when deserved. It may well increase their effectiveness at work.

    HEALTH MATTERS FOR A CAPRICORN: Often these people begin life as somewhat weak and maybe sickly children but become stronger as they mature. Their nature of being careful and temperate helps build the ability to resist disease. As young adults with a fundamentally practical approach to life usually eat wisely and often do not get overwhelmed by destructive tendencies that overtake some of their peers. Many often live quite lengthy lives.

    They have a tendency to worry often which affects their overall health if it builds in intensity. Much of this comes from fretting about very small concerns in the scheme of things which can drain energy significantly. Gloom and anxiety about the uncertainties of life can impair their well-being. Being pessimistic is harder to deal with internally than many of the deadly germs that surround them in society.

    The best treatment to maintain vitality is to clear themselves of fear and uncertainty as much as possible. Some help is available by merely staying immersed in tasks which crowd out such debilitating thoughts. Professional mental help can make a big difference in their lives if they are willing to invest in it.

    More time spent outdoors by the human goats in the sunshine is a dynamic remedy of nature for them. It is expansive presenting a broader perspective than what they experience daily at home and work that is ever changing with the seasons. Another wonderful help in curing their negative attitude phases is for each to seek out energetic people for companionship and develop the ability to express real hardy laughter regularly.

    When dealing with disease, illness, and injuries most Capricorns with their affinity for proven processes will obtain their needed support through the practitioners of conventional medicine and dentistry. Such choices are reinforced since insurance coverage is available to some degree to pay for a portion of that delivery care. Their chosen individuals to provide assistance are the bulk of professionals who diagnose and treat based on the current conventional thinking that has evolved about what are effective responses to what has been discovered in the patient.

    The human goat’s approach has such strong appeal to the degree that human goats have been known to continue medications and even at times repeat procedures that have not “fixed” their conditions rather than explore alternative healing techniques. Even some reasonably proven methodologies like acupuncture, clinical nutritional counseling, and even some cases of chiropractic care are not often considered for support as they are seen as being outside of mainstream responses to restore health. The Capricorn’s personality is practical about approaches to challenges which can precede some therapies that could be helpful and make a difference in their health.

    Careers for Capricorns are often as ambassadors, organizers, and rulers of sorts in various endeavors. They exhibit industriousness and reliability. They are a real source of support in bad times for others who may be weaker, and they like to help as they can. Their self-control is frequently a significant positive contribution to all around them. It is their nature to organize their surroundings and that includes people that are nearby. They do lots of good for themselves and others.

    They are known for being careful, disciplined, patient, polite, practical, and prudent though reserved. Striving to be efficient is a constant personal concern whatever they are doing. Their usual impressive characteristics include their willingness to work hard, firm dedication to achieve, and fairness. Successes which come their way are earned through their persistent efforts, shrewdness and strength. Many are symbols of true grit during their lives.

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Don Squibb writes a continuing article in The New Era Times called Astrology @ Work. You can communicate with Don via email.