Capricorn is one of the most stable and (mostly) serious of the zodiacal types. These independent, rocklike characters have many sterling qualities. They are normally confident, strong willed and calm. These hardworking, unemotional, shrewd, practical, responsible, persevering, and cautious to the extreme persons, are capable of persisting for as long as is necessary to accomplish a goal they have set for themselves. They are reliable workers in almost any profession they undertake. They are the major finishers of most projects started by the 'pioneering' signs; with firm stick-to-it-ness they quickly become the backbone of any company they work for.

Capricornians make of themselves, resourceful, determined managers; setting high standards for themselves and others. They strive always for honesty in their criticism of self, they respect discipline from above and demand it from those beneath them. In their methodical, tough, stubborn, unyielding way, they persist against personal hardship, putting their families and/or their work before their own needs and welfare to reach their objectives long after others have given up and fallen by the wayside. In fact when practical ability allied with the drive of ambition are required in employees to make a project succeed, Capricornians are the people to hire. They plan carefully to fulfill their ambitions (which often include becoming wealthy), they are economical without meanness, and able to achieve great results with minimum effort and expense. Because of their organizing ability they are able to work on several projects simultaneously.

They have a great respect for authority but may not, if they reach high rank, be willing to listen to other opinions on things they are directly responsible for. As the ranking authority figure in a given situation they expect their underlings to be as self disciplined as they themselves are, and to perform every task undertaken to the highest standard. They are, nevertheless, fair as well as demanding. Among their equals they are not always the most pleasant of work fellows for they are reserved and too conservative, valuing tradition more than innovation, however valuable the latter, and they are often humorless. There is also a tendency to pessimism, melancholy and even unhappiness which many Capricornians are unable to keep to themselves, especially if they fail personally. In the extreme this trait can make them a very depressed individual; ecstatic happiness alternating with the most wretched kind of misery which is so subconsciously buried that he or she should seek help if such emotions become frequent. For the above reason, capable Capricorn should spend many hours in meditation, gathering the strength to control such inner emotions.

The swings in mood are not the only reason some Capricornians deserve the adjective based on their name - capricious. They can be surprisingly and suddenly witty and subtle for the quiet, reserved individuals they seem to be, and they also have a tendency to ruin things by unexpected and utterly irresponsible bouts of flippancy. In certain individuals in whom the characteristic is strong, the temptation to do this has to be resisted with iron self-control. Another unexpected quality in some Capricornians is an interest in the occult which persists in spite of their naturally skeptical turn of mind.

Their intellects are sometimes very subtle. They think profoundly and deeply, throughly exploring all possibilities before deciding on a 'safe' alternative. They have good memories and an insatiable yet methodical desire for knowledge. They are rational, logical and clearheaded, have good concentration, delight in debate in which they can show off their cleverness by luring their adversaries into traps and confounding them with logic.

In their personal relationships they are often ill-at-ease, if not downright unhappy. They are somewhat self-centered but not excessively so, wary and cautious around people they do not know very well, preferring not to meddle with others and in turn not to allow interference with themselves, thus they tend to attract people who do not understand them. Casual acquaintances they will treat with diplomacy, tact and, above all, reticence. They make few good friends but are intensely loyal to those they do make, and they can become bitter, and powerful enemies. They sometimes dislike the opposite sex and test the waters of affection gingerly before judging the temperature right for marriage. Once married, however, they are faithful, though inclined to jealousy. Most Capricornians marry for life.

Their occupations can include most professions that have to do with math or money and they are strongly attracted to music. They can be economists, financiers, bankers, speculators, contractors, managers and real estate brokers. They excel as bureaucrats, especially where projects demanding long-term planning and working are concerned, and their skill in debate and love of dialectic make them good politicians. They are excellent teachers, especially as principals of educational establishments where they have the authority to manage and organize without too much intimacy with the staff members. If working with their hands, they can become practical scientists, engineers, farmers and builders. The wit and flippancy which is characteristic of certain Capricornians may make some turn to entertainment as a career.

On your birthday, the Sun (symbolising your essential individuality) was in the feminine sign, Capricorn. The tenth sign of the Zodiac, Capricorn, a dual sign, is ruled by powerful Saturn, the planet of structure and responsibility, but it is the exaltation of Mars, the planet of action and desire! A cardinal (creative and original) sign, Capricorn governs public life and organisation, combined with personal ambition and will to succeed. It is an earth sign, so Capricornian people are loyal associates and make faithful friends, although they are quite possessive and can be rather jealous.

The Sun, our inner nature, is placed in Capricorn where Saturn, the lord of karma and emblem of structure, is strong. Tenacious, logical and endowed with the capacity to work hard and long, you rarely hesitate to grasp opportunities for advancement or promotion. You are quite well-grounded, especially later in life (over 40), once you have learnt to overcome those early insecurities. More ambitious than you appear on the surface and a natural executive or manager, you set out to accomplish and are determined to succeed one way or another. Pragmatic and goal-oriented, you soon learn how to get things done, for you aspire to positions of power and authority and admire others who attain such positions.

Initiative and willingness to accept responsibilities are keys to your success, but a false pride makes it hard for you to admit when you are wrong, or to ask others for help. Though you compete aggressively for what you want, you harbour an inner lack of confidence which can make you defensive. Viewing insecurity and fear as weakness, you attempt to hide such feelings, making it hard for others to get close to you.

Hard-nosed Capricorn reacts by assessing the possible worth of any given situation. The goat is a sure-footed, methodical climber. You are heading for the top of the rock, so you'll gladly work long and hard if it means getting what (or who) you want. The energy and randiness of the goat is proverbial, but you can be very lazy if you see no sense in working, or if you can achieve the same high goals in a less strenuous manner. Your sense of humor is generally impeccable, although you fail to see the point of personal jokes at your expense. You hold grudges and will take revenge for perceived slights.

Saturn, structure and reality, teaches an understanding of limits in all areas of life. You respond to traditional values, rules and regulations, and proper thought and behavior at an early age, even if you reject these things later. Without a coherent structure to guide you toward your goals, you risk losing your way. Ambition and enthusiasm fade without such a structure on which to hang them. Once the reality of something is understood, it is much easier to handle and manipulate. You can be a good builder, engineer, politician, lawyer, or business executive.

Lean Capricorn develops good eating habits early, which stand you in good stead as an adult. An innate spirit of competition makes you keen on sports, although you can be so aggressively determined to win, you can be less than gracious when you lose. Jogging, running (especially cross-country), golf, skating, hunting, wrestling, boxing, martial arts, and body-building are favorite activities. Although you probably looked older or more mature when you were young, you seem to defy the aging process, and retain a remarkably youthful appearance from your middle years well into old age.

Your colors are chocolate brown, royal and navy blue, dark green, charcoal gray, and red. Capricorn rules metallic lead, while the red garnet is your birthstone, which protects against accidents and falls. In some ancient societies, garnets were worn only by royalty. Capricorn flowers include the camellia, orange blossom, carnation (red), baby's breath, and magnolia.

Reserved and dignified you do not give your favours lightly, but when you feel sure enough of your ground, you delight in living up to the randy reputation of the Goat.

Conservative Capricorn, a feminine (yin) sign ruled by staid Saturn remember, heady Mars), makes you cautious and calculating in the early stages, but dynamic and voracious when properly roused. The conflict between the feminine elemental power of the sign and the masculine energies of the planetary forces generates enough steam to run a power station. So in a relationship, Capricorn is a slow starter, but proves to be an explosive performer and a long-lasting and loyal companion. You are quite skilled with people, once you overcome your initial reserve. Painfully shy as a youngster, you grow out of this as you approach middle age, when your careful cultivation of social skills and control begins to bear fruit.

Ambitious Capricorn, while somewhat risk-averse, has an appetite for life and all its pleasures. Your need to climb the social ladder and obtain material recognition can interfere to some degree with your relationships, but with the right person (who shares your interests and is not put off by your fears and insecurities) you blossom into a remarkably fine companion - and a satisfying sexual partner.

You learn to conceal your vulnerability beneath a confident veneer of career fixation and material success, but passionate Mars is always bubbling just below the surface. When the veneer is pierced, the passion flows like lava from a volcano.

In the art of lovemaking, Capricorn is enthusiastic and adventurous when aroused, but can be possessive and jealous when threatened. Partners can sometimes be overwhelmed by the intensity of your passion, coming as it does from beneath such a cool exterior. In marriage you are loyal, a good provider and develop a strong home environment, although you should allow yourself the pleasure of a more relaxed and informal relationship with the children.