Capricorn horoscope

Myth and constellation

The constellation of Capricorn is one of the most discreet in the zodiac: its stars are faint and form a wide triangle with softened outlines. From the northern hemisphere, it can be seen in the south on late summer and early autumn evenings, under a properly dark sky. Its brightest star, Deneb Algedi, whose Arabic name refers to the kid's tail, marks the end of the figure.

Since Mesopotamian antiquity, Capricorn has been depicted as a creature with the head and forelegs of a goat, ending in a fish's tail. The Greeks linked it to several stories. In one, the god Pan, surprised by the monster Typhon, throws himself into the Nile and is half transformed: the submerged part becomes a fish. In another, it recalls Amalthea, the goat who nursed the infant Zeus in Crete and whom the god honoured with a place in the sky.

Element, modality and planet

An earth sign of the cardinal mode, Capricorn combines a sense of the concrete with the drive that launches undertakings. Saturn, its ruling planet, is traditionally associated with time, limits, structure and maturity. Astrology deduces from this a sign that builds step by step, accepts constraints as supports and measures the value of things by their durability. Its dual nature, mountain goat and fish of the depths, is a reminder that it also draws on a rich inner life.

The tenth sign of the cycle, it occupies the highest position on the zodiac wheel, the one linked to vocation and social standing. In the northern hemisphere, its arrival coincides with the winter solstice: the longest night of the year, after which the light slowly begins to return. Tradition associates it with the knees, the bones and the skeleton, that is, with what supports and holds upright.

The three decans

From around 22 to 31 December, the first decan is ruled by Saturn according to the modern division by triplicity, which entrusts each decan to the ruler of an earth sign. Tradition sees in it the most typical Capricorn: persevering, prudent, devoted to duty and capable of patience in the face of distant goals.

From around 1 to 10 January, the second decan falls under Venus, ruler of Taurus. It is credited with a greater sensitivity to comfort, beauty and simple pleasures. The sign's seriousness softens here, with a taste for achievements that are lasting, solid and pleasant to live with.

From around 11 to 19 January, the third decan is placed under Mercury, ruler of Virgo. Tradition attributes to it a methodical, precise and organised mind. Ambition here readily goes through analysis, technical skill and care over detail, with a particularly well-developed practical sense.

In friendship and family

In friendship, tradition describes Capricorn as discreet at first, but remarkably loyal once trust is established. They would prefer a few strong bonds to a wide circle of acquaintances. They are credited with a dry sense of humour that those close to them come to appreciate, and a constant presence in difficult times: they are the sort who turn up to help with a house move or offer thoughtful advice.

In the family, the Capricorn parent is associated with passing on clear guidelines and a taste for effort, with an affection often expressed through actions more than words. The Capricorn child is described as serious beyond their years, responsible and keen to do well, which invites them to learn carefree ease as well. Among siblings, they readily take the role of the reliable eldest, even when they are not.

The rising sign

The ascendant is the sign rising on the eastern horizon at the time of birth. As it changes roughly every two hours, calculating it requires the exact time and place of birth. According to astrology, it describes how one makes contact with the world and the image one gives at first glance. A Capricorn ascendant would confer a composed, reserved and dignified manner, a certain restraint in first exchanges and real self-control. Tradition sees in it a person who gains in assurance and lightness with the years.