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Astrology: Sun Sign Capricorn

by Veronica ChildeLeave a Comment on Astrology: Sun Sign Capricorn
Henri Matisse, L’Odalisque, harmonie bleue, oil on canvas, France, 1937. Matisse was a Capricorn, b. 31 December 1869 – d. 3 November 1954.

“I have found God, but he is insufficient.”

Henry Miller, The Tropic of Cancer, Miller was a Capricorn, b.26 December 1861 – d. 7 June 1980

The Sun moves through Capricorn from approximately 22 December to 20 January, and in the Northern Hemisphere, the ingress of the Sun into Capricorn coincides with Winter Solstice, the shortest day, and the darkest, longest night of the year. We are as far away from the warming light of the Sun as possible, and we must resign ourselves to the cold, dark stillness of winter. Many people associate winter with Death, and indeed to primitive folk, it was often a time of terror, with the bulk of the year spent in preparing for the possibly fatal circumstances that might arise in succumbing to the frigid darkness. Nature displays a chilly, unforgiving face in winter; there is little green to offer us relief, nothing soft or colored, other than perhaps the blood red of holly berry, and cardinals perched on dogwood stems. Nature is at rest, hibernating and reconvening energies for the eventual power and force of spring, and all activity is deep and hidden, as is much with Capricorn. These people are the embodiment of Cardinal Earth, best represented by the slow yet unstoppable evolution of mountains, islands springing from the seas, the rocky cliffs against which crash the ever-churning oceans, the bookends of earthly existence, responsible for outlining our sense of reality. Look at architecture, roadworks, canals and public edifices and you will see the face of Capricorn looking back at you, defining, sustaining and demarcating our sense of space and time. We take for granted how our sense of time is defined by the parameters of space, and yet, as humans, our days are spent going from here to there, from one place to the next. Saturn, ruler of Capricorn, Lord of Time and Matter is the one who defines our movements, ever-building and placing new landmarks for us to absorb into our consciousness, never ceasing. Capricorn is all about the things that stretch above and behind us, above and below, the unassuming, and often unacknowledged backdrops of our society, which we can never do without, and yet we completely take for granted until somehow these things are gone.

Capricorn is steady in the execution of power, for the Saturn-born always take a long view. Plans are meant to be achieved with care and patience, for only in approaching the world with thorough consideration we achieve long-lasting success. Capricorn does not like to redo, let alone undo any already completed work, and so will ensure that accuracy is fundamental to any endeavor. While all this sounds like our Capricorn friends are all business, no pleasure, this is not entirely true. Yes, perhaps they prefer to spend their time in pursuits that allow them improvement, as any expenditure of time is considered a luxury to Capricorn, and had better be a good investment, but who can blame them? These people understand the true preciousness of time, and the fact that our individual time here is cruelly limited. There will never be enough time to do everything that we want, not by a long shot, so Capricorn chooses carefully and wisely. At best, Capricorn is shrewd, dependable, responsible, methodical, ambitious, practical, loyal, disciplined, cautious, patient, humorous, and at worst, Capricorn is snobbish, pessimistic, cold, fearful, rigid, miserly, unfriendly, insecure, and cruel.

Capricorn Tarot Correspondence – Major Arcana XV, The Devil (Rider Waite Smith Tarot)

All this considered, it is an unfortunate thing, that as with the nature of ice, cold and immovable, so we often find Capricorn stuck and withholding. It is often difficult for these folks to really let go and enjoy themselves, as their inner judge never sleeps and is always watching the clock. They can spiral into complete constriction, never moving forward, stubbornly sustaining what they already have, for as well as ruling time, Saturn also rules want, fear and insecurity. To exist in such a place, governed by terror and unable to move forward is indeed a cold and lonely state, and Capricorn is no stranger to this feeling. Loneliness and isolation are regular bedfellows for these people, and they accept this fate rather stoically, as they understand that there is more to life than always having a good time. They prefer to be the ones who leave the party early, knowing there are a few hours left in the evening that could be devoted to working on achieving their accomplishments, but if you really need them to be your safe drive home, they will stay and patiently wait, watching you as you make a fool of yourself stumbling around drunk and ridiculous. Later, they will make you laugh so hard as they recount your buffoonery, you almost want to relive the experience just so you can have that attentive detail bestowed upon you again. And if you are in real trouble – serious life problems – or even if you are just feeling a bit confused about your direction, find your Capricorn friends. They will quickly and dispassionately delineate your situation, and arrive at the most practical and successful plan to get you out of trouble. There will be no fuss, the plan might even involve using an accountant or a lawyer, but you can rest assured that in the long run, it will work splendidly, and you will have learned a valuable lesson that only Capricorn can teach – how to plan, how to be mature, how to take responsibility. They are usually right about these things, so suck it up and move on. While some types will be smug and superior about their executive abilities, most of the time, despite their icy self-discipline, they will more than likely just have a good laugh at your expense, for these people are the masters of dry, sardonic humor. If your ego is not too wounded, you just might learn another thing from Capricorn – sometimes, all you can do is laugh, because life’s a bitch, and then you die.

Capricorn finds polarity in the Cardinal Water sign Cancer, and it is through Cancer that Capricorn can learn some much-needed lessons about how to be a bit more nurturing, gentle, kind and sensitive. With their tough demeanor, Capricorn often forgets that life is tender, people are fragile, and not everybody cares about the bottom line the way they do, and Cancer can show them how to open their hearts and let their guard down a bit. Vulnerability is fine, and between Capricorn and Cancer there are many defenses to be deployed when necessary. Capricorn can find a sense of true fulfillment in opening themselves up to trying a gentler path, as embodied by the Moon-ruled Cancerians.

  • Key words: authoritative, autocratic, reserved, ambitious, responsible, disciplined, austere, conservative, dependable, wry, tenacious, practical, patient, humorous, pessimistic, pedantic, boring, miserly, rigid, negative, cold, dismissive, snobbish, mean-spirited, spoil sport.
  • Rulership: Saturn
  • Modality: Cardinal Earth
  • Polarity: Negative Feminine
  • Gemstone: amethyst, garnet, black diamond, jet, minerals in general (especially those which are black or dark colored), onyx, white onyx, ore, turquoise
  • Metal: lead, silver
  • Tarot: The Devil
  • Colors: indigo, grey, dark grey, black, blue-black, dark brown, flat, dull colors, russet
  • Deities: Set, Pan, Priapus, Vesta, Bacchus, Cronus
  • Flora: comfrey, gardens in general, dock, flax, hemlock, hemp, henbane, ivy, nightshade, pansies, pine, plantain, poplar, poppies (especially black), quince, thorny trees and shrubs, old trees, woods and forests in general, willow, yew
  • Fauna: goats, asses, all animals with cloven hoofs and horns, cattle, pigs
  • Famous Capricorn Personalities: Elvis Presley, Joan of Arc, Isaac Newton, Kim Jong-un, Woodrow Wilson, Al Capone, J. Edgar Hoover, Martin Luther King Jr., Louis Pasteur, Mohammed Ali, Johannes Kepler, David Bowie, Benedict Arnold, Tiger Woods, Henri Matisse, Hermann Goering, Stan Lee, J.R.R. Tolkien, Betty White, LeBron James, Stephen Hawking, Frank Kellogg, Anwar Sadat, Stephenie Meyer, Marlene Dietrich, Mel Gibson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kate Middleton, Dolly Parton, Justin Trudeau, Jeff Bezos, Diane Keaton, Michelle Obama, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Kate Moss, Jimmy Page, Jared Kushner, David Lynch.
art, astrology, Life, Saturn, Signs, Writing

Astrology: Saturn in the Signs

by Veronica Childe
Hendrik Andriessen, “Still-life composition with human skull, globe, books, crown, miter, bubbles, mussel shell with bubble pipe, holly crown on skull, watch on table, candlestick (with reflection of artist’s portrait)“, Flemish, painting, 1650.

While every planet will always maintain its fundamental character and function no matter where located, how that character and function is expressed will be modified according to the sign in which they are housed. Saturn is the disciplinarian of the zodiac, and his purpose is to provide a sense of structure and maturity in the personality. As he is the Lord of Karma, working with Saturn’s occasionally oppressive energy becomes easier as time passes, as experience is gained through the various houses of life experience, and a greater sense of self-comprehension is achieved. Saturn’s energy is never easy, nor is it meant to be. Saturn always gives us a sense of insecurity, no matter where he is housed, and this negative effect is pronounced as the contacts to personal planets and points grown more and more complicated.

Consider him as a grandfather figure – older, wiser, stricter and more accomplished than you can ever be. It only makes sense to heed his lessons and warnings, as those who refuse to accept his limitations will often find themselves feeling like Sisyphus, forever pushing that stone up a hill, never achieving their goals, because they are not going about their tasks correctly. Working with Saturn takes a great degree of patience and respect, honoring the spirit of time, discipline and the virtue of hard work and focus.

Saturn in Aries: In Aries, Saturn is at his Fall. The Aries essence of Cardinal Fire is of no interest to dour, paternalistic Saturn. His energy is expressed fitfully, and a sense of suppression is constant, as the impulse to action and accomplishment feels stifled and squelched. Aries is impetuous, bold and courageous. With Saturn breathing down his back, he feels insecure about accomplishment and often second-guesses his actions. Not a comfortable energy. At its best, this energy can be found in the archetpye of the perfect soldier, ever ready to submit to authority, who will direct the individual’s energy as circumstances require. Self expression is subsumed in favor of supporting the Other.

Saturn in Taurus: In Fixed Earth Taurus, Saturn expresses himself comfortably, with a sense of solidity that borders on the stolid. Conservative and patient, insecurity and hindrance may be felt in approaching the topic of enjoyment and sensuality. These things can feel excessive and decadent. Saturn in Taurus wants to accumulate resources, comfort and security, but will never feel that it is quite enough, and frequently finds that however hard one tries, the material realm does not satisfy. At its best, this energy can be found in the well-established, dependable patron or matron of the arts, ever ready to lend a stabilizing force to the needy and underdeveloped, as the structure of acquisition is well understood.

Saturn in Gemini: In Gemini, Saturn expresses himself with careful consideration. At odds with the typical Gemini nature, as Mutable Air is rapidly moving and somewhat superficial in approach, Saturn here will become very focused on details, on accumulation of data, and acquisition of expertise. This Saturn is not satisfied with a superficial approach, and insecurity will center around not knowing enough, not being smart enough, and not feeling confident in self-expression, scholastic or intellectual capability. This basic insecurity can conversely result in complete expertise as the impetus is always to improve on what has already been achieved.

Saturn in Cancer: In Cardinal Water Cancer, Saturn is at his Detriment. The passive, feminine and tender nature of Cancer is at odds with the stern, cold and forbidding nature of Saturn. This is an uncomfortable situation, as the individual will live with a very basic emotional insecurity. Expressing emotion will often be suppressed, though the importance of being emotionally present and responsible in relationships will be given great importance. This individual can often feel a sense of hand-wringing when confronted with an emotional scene, as understanding of the underpinning is there, even if the capacity to participate fully is diminished.

Saturn in Leo: In Fixed Fire Leo, Saturn is at his Detriment. The warm, gregarious, proud and fun-loving nature of Leo is directly at odds with the proper, straight-laced and conservative Saturnian energy. The individual feels insecure about self-confidence, and any sense of pride in accomplishment is undermined by nagging self-doubt and inward self-recrimination. An uncomfortable interplay between the very human need to shine, and the basic essence of self-abnegation makes for a constant feeling of suppression. At its best, this can evolve into a stately sense of social accomplishment, of becoming a proud role-model of upright, socially valued behavior.

Saturn in Virgo: In Mutable Earth Virgo, Saturn expresses himself with precision, focusing on pursuits of the intellect, reason and rationality. Meticulousness in detail is heightened, as well as an increased interest in duty and performance of those duties which directly assist others. Attention to hygiene, diet, health and welfare of those less capable of managing matters independently is positively enhanced with this placement, as is scholarship, research and domesticity. Insecurities focus on the idea of not being perceived as correct, proper, fastidious, or “good” enough. Being caught in an error can prove immensely embarrassing, and the Saturn in Virgo native will go to great pains to avoid any such circumstances.

Saturn in Libra: In Cardinal Air Libra, Saturn is Exalted. The refined, airy nature of this sign is perfectly in tune with Saturn’s aridity and love of all that is cold and classical. Libra finds joy in the idea of perfection, whether it is aesthetic or ideological, and Saturn revels in assisting the quest for beauty, harmony and balance. The perfect architect, aesthetic or diplomat, Saturn in Libra knows how to actualize what otherwise might remain idealized and conceptual. Insecurity arises from erroneously perceived imperfection, from an inability to strike balance, and from any circumstances which threaten to destabilize the otherwise honed and balanced perspective. Ugliness and sordidness threaten the equilibrium, and all must be maintained just so for effective function to occur.

Saturn in Scorpio: In Fixed Water, Saturn expresses itself with an unsettling coldness. Deep waters are no concern for Saturn, as his natural domain is hidden and subterranean. He is comfortable with the watery depths, as they are merely an extension of his regular habitats, and issues of life and death, sexuality, and deep emotion, while seemingly at odds with Saturn’s nature, in fact have just enough gravitas to warrant respectability. Never one to shy from difficult or unsettling circumstances, Saturn in Scorpio is a natural physician, surgeon, psychotherapist or counselor. Insecurity stems from feeling an inability to connect on a deep level, or from being perceived as superficial or, conversely, from expressing depths with too much intensity or passion. Saturn in Scorpio understands these depths, but can feel shy about exposing them to others.

Saturn in Sagittarius: In Sagittarius, Mutable Fire, Saturn expresses himself by offering a steadying hand to an intellect that desires rapid pursuit of ideals and philosophy. Sagittarius is known to rush headlong on the journey of discovery; Saturn placed here offers the discipline and profundity that may otherwise be lacking by the notoriously inconstant Sagittarius. Once a sense of patience, and an understanding of how rewarding the fruits of sustained labor can be, a practical approach to higher learning, open-mindedness and a profoundly judicial perspective can emerge. Insecurity can be found in feeling threatened by ideas and philosophies that seem overly alien, imposing or which otherwise threaten the jovial camaraderie of the Sagittarius nature. At its best, this energy is used as a highly developed arbiter, one who is capable of sussing out truth and fairness in any situation. Law, justice, therapists, artists and writers can find this placement useful.

Saturn in Capricorn: In Cardinal Earth, Saturn is in his Domicile. He is at home, comfortable, perfectly expressing his modus operandi. Here, he is stern, practical, ambitious, executive and unemotional in dispensing authority and actualizing plans. Saturn in Capricorn is the master builder, the laborer who knows the design better than the architect, because not only was he taught by the architect, his grandfather was a master craftsman. His understanding of the material realm is profound. Pitfalls can arise when considering the less materialistic aspects of life, as it is difficult to separate the practical from that which is more tender and open to interpretation. Realms of emotion and spirit, while responsibly addressed, and faultless in execution, can be regarded with a rather chilly eye, as the ultimate consideration is always how to achieve, perfect and realize the goal. Insecurity comes in the form of feeling that nothing is ever good enough, rich enough, smart enough or well-heeled enough. Humble roots may be an embarrassment, even though “humble” may be defined from an entirely subjective perspective, having nothing to do with material want; it is the fact that any weakness, or tiny flaw is perceived as a vulnerability which cannot be tolerated or exposed.

Saturn in Aquarius: In Fixed Earth, Saturn is in his Domicile. As traditional ruler of Aquarius, Saturn finds comfort in the chilly heights of the Aquarian realm. The spheres of high science, theory, utopianism, modernity and an arms-length love of humanity are worthy realms for Saturn to inhabit, as the technicality and diminished emphasis on emotion of the Aquarian is given structure and credence by Saturn’s love of structure and rules. Saturn is comfortable infusing Aquarius with strong parameters of development, as the sign benefits from a strong structure within to explore and experiment. Aquarius respects that which has longevity and stability, sometimes only for the fact that the bigger they come, the harder they fall, and a rebel loves a good fight. Insecurity can arise when feeling “too different”, or misconceived as weird, stubborn or cold.

Saturn in Pisces: In Mutable Water, Saturn flounders as Pisces attempt to dissolve and universalize all that it touches. Saturn here wants to provide boundaries, hard rock for the ocean to crash against, and it works to a certain degree, as Pisces benefits from some sense of containment. Disillusionment occurs when seeking mystical release within the confines of institutionalized thought, and what seems profound occasionally is realized as merely archaic and fancy. Saturn in Pisces can reach the heights of emotional and social communion, but it is best appreciated when grounded in a life that can benefit from, rather than be focused entirely on such pursuits. Insecurity arises when the individual feels unbounded, diffuse, lost or uncertain, as rising panic can mount and destabilize the personality.

“Time’s glory is to calm contending kings,

To unmask falsehood, and bring truth to light.”

William Shakespeare, The Rape of Lucrece, 1594, l. 939.
astrologer, astrology, Life, metaphysics, philosophy, Writing

Why Astrology?

by Veronica ChildeLeave a Comment on Why Astrology?
Leonardo da Vinci, “Vitruvian Man”, Italy, 1490. Man in perfect proportion.

Like many, my study of astrology began when I was a teenager. I found a paperback copy of an astrology book called “Astrology Interpreted”, by a woman named Charlotte Abell Walker. It was written in 1928. It was unusual in that it seemed to be a ladies’ parlor curiosity, and one could imagine it being read aloud at parties, to the general amusement of the crowd. It also had another anomaly, in that it began the astrological year with the sign of Capricorn, a detail which I would only understand as unique many years later, as most astrologers consider that Aries begins the astrological procession. Despite the strangeness of the volume, I was immediately fascinated. Who wouldn’t like a book that strives to describe the particulars of human personality, specifics of how we interact with the world, and with one another? Intrigued by what I had found, I was hooked.

I found myself looking for astrology books whenever I could, shyly scanning the small occult sections of the local bookstores, seldom finding anything beyond the popular yearly horoscope digests that most people are familiar with, and associate with astrology.  Eventually, I found “Chart Your Own Horoscope” by Ursula Lewis, a slim volume that put into my hands a tool that set me on a path of discovery which has only grown more complex and fascinating over the years.  I was excited about this system of thought, new to me, but apparently as old as the ages, and I was eager to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with people.  I found some who had similar interests, but quite frequently I ran into criticism and scorn, denial and fear, which only spurred me to delving deeper into the study. The appeal of the occult had set its power over me, and I was helpless to deny it. Once I hit university, I bought all the books I could afford, took classes with an experienced, published astrologer, and just kept studying. My degree in Comparative Religious Studies infused my astrology and occult studies with a depth and fullness which I don’t believe I could have achieved otherwise, particularly my studies of the Classics, the foundation of Western archetypes, and the breeding ground for all astrological thought.  A span of Jungian therapy helped too, so richly focused on symbolism and its role in decorating the labyrinths of the human psyche.

Despite these studies, somehow I just wasn’t convinced. Something rankled me. I would later find this to be a fairly common occurrence among astrologers. I felt I had no choice but to turn away from astrology completely. I couldn’t rightly believe, and yet I couldn’t disbelieve either, and I was at a standstill. Life had bounded beyond my theoretical understanding, and though I had accumulated years of knowledge, I felt unschooled and confused. It worked, but why? I had read so many different theories, and found to my chagrin, that akin to any orthodox religion, a lot of it boils down to simple faith.  It works because you believe in it, you believe in it because it works.  Nothing more, and nothing less. This was not satisfactory to my mind, and I let the practice lie for ten years. I immersed myself in yoga and Vedanta, letting study of the body and spirit take central focus, and I carried on. Eventually growing older, with the ensuing changes one encounters, mostly in the appearance of Death as a real factor to contend with, I felt that old love rekindling, and I dove into the study again with a renewed sense of direction. I decided to approach the practice as if a total beginner, relearning what I already knew, with different perspectives emerging, the concepts reformulating with a new spin.  The decade and ensuing distance that had passed were necessary to give me the experience that comes with age and informs our view on the world. 

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines understanding thus: “ the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories”.  The key word there is “experience”. It is one thing to read about the potential harshness of heavy Pluto transits, sitting isolated with 20 years of life behind us, knees quaking as we review words that include “transformation” “destruction”, “ending”, and other such concepts that weigh so heavily with import.  What will happen to me?  Will I lose everything?  Will I die?  So much fear, so much worry. It is only with time and experience that we can really appreciate these heavy topics for what they really are, and realize meanings that we may have romanticized or obfuscated in haste. It is an old saying that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.  When we are only partially informed, we don’t have the capacity to face situations with full strength, or as any given situation actually requires. We may not have the structural integrity of thought required to correctly inform our choices and actions.  But with time, we have an increased capacity to address circumstances productively, peacefully and in stability. A new way of applying our variously accumulated concepts and categories is achieved, allowing us to comprehend the weakness of our previous foundation.  Is this ageism?  Perhaps. But astrology is after all an occult pursuit, and so by its very definition is the study of that which is hidden from view. It stands to reason, then, that our perceptions of nuance only improve with time and age. And besides, maybe it’s a good idea to practice a little conservative ageism every now and then.  There is a view that youth is the vehicle and source of true passion, achievement and intelligence, and behind that often stands the assumption, also characteristic of youth, that one can freely careen through life, trucking along, picking up, messing up, and dumping whatever and however we choose fit, and that we can sort it all out “later”. As I am Saturn ruled, I refute this, and would prefer to see people approach astrology with a healthy dose of trepidation. Frankly, as a study of life, astrology should scare you a bit, because the fact is – life is frequently quite terrifying. This factor of caution and a healthy “fear of God” seems to be largely missing in our society today, and if the study of astrology can bring it back, then I’m all for it. And, given the current divisions in the astrological world, it would be very fine to see a sense of cohesion and respect rise from the factionalism, born of careful Saturnian consideration. There is currently much attention being paid to labeling, a misuse of “concepts and categories” which ignorantly cuts away truly useful insights in favor of popularity. None of what we know is gospel, yet taken as a whole, the field is an astonishing boon to a society deeply in need of philosophical guardianship.

So then, why astrology? Because it works. Because it is fascinating. Because it is humbling. Because it is fun. And because it’s all about you. Astrology can help you explore that often quoted, rarely enacted Delphic maxim: “Know thyself”. Astrology can help you investigate your idiosyncrasy, your behavioral patterns, capacities, foibles, strengths and weaknesses. Astrology is a great and fine tool. Use it as you will, but use it with caution and respect, for as most great tools, it can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Don’t be greedy, but if you just can’t help yourself, be bloody sure you know it, and why, because ultimately life has a funny way of biting you in the ass when you least expect it – so expect it. Prepare yourself wisely. Drop your facades and open up. Allow yourself to listen, and learn. Shit happens – to you, to me, to us all. So then, use the study of astrology as a map to guide you through this intricate, beautiful life, and may the Light forever illuminate your journey.