Sun Sign Secrets (25 page)

Plants:
pansy, ivy, tulip, lilac

Perfume:
vetiver

Gemstones:
jet, obsidian, smoky quartz, turquoise

Metal:
lead

Personal qualities:
Ambitious, prudent, self-disciplined, thrifty, and traditional

Keywords

We call the following words “keywords” because they can help you unlock the core meaning of the astrological sign of Capricorn. Each keyword represents issues and ideas that are of supreme importance and prominence in the lives of people born with Capricorn as their Sun sign. You will usually find that every Capricorn embodies at least one of these keywords in the way she makes a living:

status quo
•
seriousness and maturity
•
materialism

organization
•
responsibility
•
structure
•
crystallization

permanence
•
tradition
•
conservatism
•
fears

caution
•
leader of the pack
•
realism

definition and understanding of rules and limits

test of time
•
authority figures
•
discipline
•
concern

fulfill obligations
•
test
•
concentration
•
endure restriction

scaling the mountain
•
leadership potential
•
timeline
•
wisdom

Capricorn's Symbolic Meaning

A mountain goat symbolizes Capricorn. The mountain goat is tireless as it makes its way to the tops of mountain after mountain. Most Capricorns are equally tireless in their efforts to get to the top of their respective professions. Most people might think that Capricorns desire above all to attain the respect of the masses. It is more accurate to say that they crave the respect of those whom they, themselves, respect. This is as important to them as is living in wealth and style, yet another way they gain the respect of the “in crowd.”

To get to the top, Capricorns are willing to do what is expected of them. This gets them the reputation of being conservative, when deep inside, they are quite sensual. They are conservative in the best sense of the word. Capricorns conserve what they have so that they will have enough when they need it. This is true practicality. Capricorns make wonderful executives. In fact, it is difficult for them to show their true worth until they are left alone to assume some kind of definite responsibility. When they feel this weight resting on their shoulders and realize that the success of the endeavor is up to them, they rise to the occasion, succeeding where others would give up. Once they make something of themselves, they display a kind of energy that can overcome almost any obstacle.

Capricorns display this personality trait because Capricorn is one of the four Cardinal Sun signs in astrology (the other three are Aries, Libra, and Cancer). Cardinal signs approach life with a great deal of drive. They are enterprising, love to be on the go, and initiate new activities. They accomplish their goals. Capricorn is also one of the three Earth Sun signs in astrology (the other two are Taurus and Virgo). Earth signs respond to the world through their five senses: what they see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. This Earth-element energy gives Capricorns patience, discipline, and a great understanding of how the world works.

Their awareness of how far they have to go to achieve the respect they crave can sometimes make Capricorns pessimistic or, less often, depressed. This tendency actually comes not from the realization of how far they have to go, but from the fact that they rarely allow themselves to become inspired and energized by what they have already accomplished.

Recognizing a Capricorn

A typical Capricorn has a serious look, an “earthy” attractiveness. Capricorns generally do not smile a lot. A Capricorn is quite conscious of appearances, and cares about what other people think. Young Capricorns often look older than their years, and it is also typical for aging Capricorns eventually to become more relaxed and so look younger than their years. They walk with determination and discipline.

Capricorn's Typical Behavior and Personality Traits

• dresses according to convention
  
• is close to family, even distant relatives
  
• is somewhat self-conscious
  
• is quite moody and melancholy
  
• needs to gain recognition for work
  
• runs a well-organized home and office
  
• seems unapproachable
  
• is dignified and very polite
  
• appears self-protective
  
• is cautious when getting to know people
  
• likes to set long-term goals
  
• is very reliable
  
• has strong opinions
  
• seems as steady as a rock
  

What Makes a Capricorn Tick?

The lesson for Capricorns centers on the important reason that their life does not provide them with as many opportunities to enjoy success, wealth, and happiness as they would like. They have come into this world with the astrological sign Capricorn because they want to learn the best way to achieve success, wealth, and happiness! They know in their hearts that there are actual techniques they need to learn and lessons they need to apply in their lives before they can attain their full potential.

The Capricorn Personality Expressed Positively

Surefooted and thoroughly practical, in the end the Capricorn goat always reaches the heights, beating others who are faster but less determined. He knows that substance and endurance will win out over flash and style every time. A Capricorn who is true to himself may appear to be somewhat cold and emotionally detached, yet those born under this sign are also generous and kindhearted.

On a Positive Note

Capricorns displaying the positive characteristics associated with their sign also tend to be:

• good at organizing
  
• respectful of authority
  
• cautious, realistic, and conventional
  
• hardworking and scrupulous
  
• ambitious and good at business
  
• people with high standards
  
• individuals who honor traditions
  
• givers of sound advice
  
• calculating before taking action
  

The Capricorn Personality Expressed Negatively

A Capricorn who is frustrated or unhappy will have trouble getting along with people unless she is the one in authority. Capricorns are emotional but may choose to hide their feelings for fear of appearing weak. They can be a depressing influence on others, due to their rather stoic nature. Because success matters so much to them, they may be opportunistic at times.

Negative Traits

Capricorns displaying the negative characteristics associated with their sign tend to be:

• melancholy
  
• fatalistic
  
• rarely satisfied
  
• cynical and unforgiving
  
• selfish
  
• plodding
  
• manipulative
  
• egotistical
  
• loners
  

Ask a Capricorn If...

Ask a Capricorn if you want a practical solution to a problem. The people born under this sign pride themselves on their common sense. They may not have a glamorous approach to problems, but they know how to get the job done. You can always depend on Capricorns to make an honest and fair assessment. They manage to tell the truth without sounding critical.

Capricorns As Friends

Capricorns are loyal, kind, dependable, and often very generous to friends. They try to prove their sincerity by showing total devotion to the friendship. Capricorns like a friend who is patient, understanding, good mannered, and not too extroverted. They continue to love friends who are old or disabled. They do not desert or neglect loyal friends, no matter how bad the circumstances.

If a friendship fails because of bad judgment on their part, Capricorns can turn very negative. They will brood for days and weeks, mulling over an argument or a poor decision. Capricorns have an irritating habit of recommending things that they think will be good for a friend, but that the friend does not want. At their very worst, Capricorns may ruthlessly use a friend to further an ambition.

Looking for Love

A Capricorn may find that she is attracted to a person who reminds her of the parent she most respected or was disciplined by. This tendency could also manifest as an older person being her perfect partner. Capricorns often seem wise beyond their years, and for this reason they are likely to draw someone older into their sphere.

If a Capricorn does not have a love relationship, the reason is probably related to how she feels about structure, limits, and discipline. A Capricorn may be so disciplined that she does not leave any room in her life for a relationship, possibly because she thinks it will distract her from more serious, important matters. It could also be that a Capricorn does not want to get involved with anyone who displays either too much or too little selfdiscipline. She must be willing to share the stage with the person she loves and not be adamant about being the one in charge. A Capricorn must be careful not to be too limited in her thinking or unwilling to give people a chance to be human.

If a Capricorn is not in a committed relationship, then one is most likely to come during work hours or through interactions with authority figures. It could come at her place of employment, but not necessarily. Partners could tend to be older, and there might be an element of teacher and student in the relationship. Another way this might manifest is if a Capricorn met someone while she was functioning as an authority figure or working on becoming one.

Finding That Special Someone

Because of their devotion to work, Capricorns are likely to find their true love in the workplace or through a professional association of some sort. Since they have a busy social life, they have the chance to meet eligible singles at parties, at cultural events, or through the help of mutual friends. If they choose to use an online dating service, they are likely to keep it a secret from their friends because of their desire for privacy.

First Dates

Try the standard dinner and a movie for a first date for a Capricorn—an old movie, an Oscar winner, would be appropriate. A Capricorn is sure to appreciate it if the evening fits his idea of what a “good date” is. A concert is also a good choice. Capricorns appreciate good taste, so getting together for coffee and dessert at a posh bistro after an event is a good choice. It is always easier for Capricorns to relax and be themselves in an intimate social setting, and a visit to a jazz club or an elegant eatery conforms to their high standards.

Capricorn in Love

Typical Capricorns do not have casual affairs, and they say “I love you” only when they really mean it. They are realistic and down-to-earth and may worry about the emotional aspect of the relationship. Sometimes they must feel financially secure to enjoy love. It might be a good idea for a Capricorn to investigate working with her romantic partner in some practical way. When a Capricorn is in a relationship where she feels secure, then she is caring, considerate, and committed.

Undying Love

Even though Capricorns can fall in love quickly, they don't like to be the one to say the first “I love you.” Fears of rejection may cause them to act the part of an aloof lover until the one they have set their eyes on speaks his or her intentions first. Despite this appearance of coyness, once they are part of a couple they are loyal to the point of being dogmatic. Romance often takes them by surprise, allowing them to show a sentimental side. Capricorn doesn't usually make great protestations of love, but will show his love in a hundred ways every day.

Expectations in Love

In their love relationships, Capricorns are very serious. They are usually slow to make approaches and almost never flirt just for fun. Capricorns are not inclined to have casual relationships. They desire to make a home and a family, to make a long-term commitment. Both Capricorn and his partner must state the level of commitment clearly before they make any move toward living together. Living together is the same thing as marriage for some, while for others it is an arrangement of convenience.

A Capricorn expects faithfulness and assumes she will be admired by her loved one. Love and relationships are also wrapped up with her work and career. If a partner is not doing well in those areas, there will be problems in the relationship, since the Capricorn partner may feel the need to criticize or be competitive. Capricorn may fear anyone who might try to impose any kind of discipline, limits, or structure. This would limit the number of people she could have a relationship with, but it is a part of the structure of a Capricorn's being and must be honored.

What Capricorns Look For

Capricorns are sensible people who are unlikely to fall for someone they consider flaky or unpredictable. Their traditionalist views are an important part of who they are, so they usually look for someone who is both serious and stable. They appreciate intelligence, as well as a person who is geared to becoming a success. A nonconformist or layabout is not likely to turn their head, even if good looks are a part of the package.