CAPRICORN SEASON 2024
Happy Capricorn season! In 2024, the Sun is in the sign of the sea-goat from December 21st until January 19th. This is a fresh new era, as the first Capricorn season since 2007 without Pluto in this sign!
The entry of the Sun into Capricorn always coincides with the winter solstice, connected to this zodiac sign by the symbolism of the Yule goat (which I mentioned in my last post). Additionally, Capricorn is ruled by the ringed planet Saturn (whose corresponding deity was honored in ancient Rome by the winter solstice festival of Saturnalia).
Capricorn is the cardinal earth sign. It’s a self-starter that takes initiative in the material world, providing the perfect energy for the start of a new year. This sign is associated with practical reality, consequences, boundaries and limits - including those of time, aging, and the wisdom of elderhood. After the adventures of Sagittarius (exploring the world, broadening our horizons, expanding our perspectives), it’s time to find priorities to focus on, to grow up and get to work.
I always think of Capricorn energy as doing what you truly believe to be the right thing, even when no one is looking. This is the sign of integrity, which allows you to look yourself directly in the mirror without flinching. Capricorn seeks no difference between its true nature and public identity. It wants to be dependent not on public approval but on self-validation - which often comes from doing great works, and what Steven Forrest calls “the fascination of what’s difficult.” Capricorn has the patience, focus, solitude, determination, and iron will to do hard things.
As the tenth sign, Capricorn corresponds to the tenth house of reputation, career, mission, calling, and our roles in our communities and the wider world. The sea-goat wants to leave a legacy that will endure beyond this lifetime, and in that sense it’s ambitious, serious and hardworking. But like anyone else, Capricorn can have fun and needs a break every once in a while (hence its connections to Saturnalia, the weekday of Saturday, and the merry goat-like figure of Dionysus or Pan).
These breaks for merriment are in fact crucial - because as the sign opposite to Cancer, where Capricorn can go wrong is losing touch with the heart. Caught up in its great works, the sea-goat can forget to nurture the self, to care for its physical, emotional and spiritual needs. And then it loses connection to its roots, its values, and ultimately its self-respect. Capricorn can become cold, calculating and controlling in the pursuit of its goals. That’s where it falls into the evil, manipulative, opportunistic CEO archetype - or just becomes lost and lonely.
With great power comes great responsibility: this is an excellent tagline for the powerful sea-goat, master of the highest mountains and deepest oceans. So Capricorn season is an important time to reflect on the questions of our responsibilities and priorities.
What mountain are you climbing in life?
What are you spending your precious time and energy on - and does it actually reflect your values?
What are you building, brick by brick?
What mark are you leaving on your community and on the world?
We live in wild and challenging times, but Capricorn season reminds us that all you can really control is your own choices and actions. After 16 years of Plutonian lessons in this sign, I’m excited to see how we’ve all matured and will continue to make progress on what’s truly important in life.
