Capricorn is all about mastery and embodies the instinctual wisdom of the earth. Capricorns are shrewd, cautious and realistic. Everything they do has a purpose, and that purpose can be incredibly subtle. They are hardworking and disciplined, slowly and steadily working towards their ambition. With the patience of the earth, they are capable of initiating deep changes in the structure of their lives, as well as in the world. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn.

Capricorn Myths

Capricorn is represented by the Father myths, in particular the story of Kronos, or Saturn. Kronos is a Titan, an earth god. His father, Ouranos, banishes the Titans to Tartaros, but his mother, Gaia, persuades Kronos to fight back. Armed with a sickle, Kronos overthrows and castrates his father. Later he suffers a similar fate by the hand of one of his own sons, Zeus.

Another symbol for Capricorn is the Bodhisattva, the individual who, on the path to enlightenment, chooses to delay their own liberation from the wheel of rebirth in order to serve others and help bring all sentient beings closer to Buddhahood. The bodhisattva reaches the mountain top then returns to the marketplace to share their hard won wisdom and joy.

Capricorn on Film

For a dark father figure who is ultimately redeemed, you need look no further than Darth Vader in the Star Wars films.

Frankie Dunn, the boxing trainer in Million Dollar Baby.

Bodhi the surfer/bank robber with his bodhisattva philosophising in Point Break.

For a bona fide Buddha, the Dalai Lama in Kundun.

Famous Goats

David Bowie (Sun, Mercury & Mars in Capricorn)

Mel Gibson (Sun & Mercury in Capricorn)

James Earl Jones (Sun, Moon & Mercury in Capricorn)

Tiger Woods (Sun & Mercury in Capricorn)

Who is your favourite Capricorn character? Share your wisdom below…

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