In the next installment in a series about Sun signs of the zodiac, we examine what the Sun in Capricorn means natally and in transit. This series makes its premier during my solar profection year as a means to collect thoughts about the Sun’s transits and its influence on the collective.
Keywords
- Ambitious
- Cautious
- Culpable
- Deceptive
- Disciplined
- Enduring
- Hardworking
- Independent
- Loner
- Meticulous
- Mischievous
- Parsimonious
- Practical
- Pretentious
- Pessimistic
- Reserved
- Resolute
- Sarcastic
Natal Meaning
If you were born between December 22 and January 20, your Sun sign is Capricorn. The Sun in Capricorn is often associated with emotionless workaholics who ruthlessly pursue success, yet there is much more to this sign. Capricorn is a yin, or feminine, sign of the earth element. It’s earthiness, or earthliness, lies in the inevitable destruction or decay of all things, the ultimate law of nature. Ruled by the planet Saturn, lord of time, this truth is ever important to the Capricorn Sun. That’s why their creations—whether material or abstract—tend to withstand the test of time better than most.
Represented by the mythical sea goat (half-fish, half-goat, or “mer-goat” if you will), Capricorn’s symbol lends an air of mystery and the unknown. The real mystery is how they can wrangle endless efficiency and productivity with a calm and cool demeanor, to boot!
Transiting Meaning
When the Sun enters Capricorn, we are at a solstice. In the northern hemisphere, it’s the darkest day; in the Southern, it’s the lightest. Capricorn represents a turning point where the extremes of day and night begin to reverse. Signs that succeed a solstice or equinox are called cardinal signs for this reason: they initiate a shift.
As one calendar year switches over to another, we review commitments and set new intentions. This calculus of accomplishments is typical of Capricorn season, along with the impulse buckle down and get back to work as the holidays conclude. Yet, with all this work on the horizon, Capricorn still has a killer, deadpan sense of humor.
Capricorn humor is a bit darker than jovial Sagittarius season gaffes. Just look at some of those famous Capricorn Suns listed below and consider the shocking, crude humor they’re known for. In addition to the mer-goat, Capricorn’s other symbol is the “horned one,” or the devil. Suspend your notion of the Abrahamic devil and consider it a stand-in for temptations that go against our better nature. In Capricorn season, we are greeted by these temptations; namely avarice, pessimism, joy at another’s expense, and pathological ambitions.
By the same token, Capricorn season has the propensity to harden us like seedlings against the reality of things. We must endure the ups and downs, the darkest days and coldest nights, to achieve the pinnacle of success.
Famous Capricorn Suns
Get more comfortable with the keywords and traits associated with Capricorn Suns by reading biographies of these famous and infamous celebrities.
- J. Edgar Hoover
- Michelle Obama
- Ben Franklin
- David Bowie
- Bradley Cooper
- Stephen Hawking
- LeBron James
- Janis Joplin
- J.R.R. Tolkien
- Dave Grohl
- Edgar Allen Poe
- Marilyn Manson
- Elvis Presley
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Jim Carrey
- Muhammad Ali
- Dolly Parton
- Tiger Woods
- Al Capone
- Howard Stern
Remember, every one of us has every single sign somewhere in our chart. So where is Capricorn in your chart? Do the themes of productivity and ambition resonate for you there? Share in the comments below!