CAPRICORN

 

CAPRICORN

23^rd December to 20^th January

Spectrum: Stones Onyx, Jet. Brown-black colours.

CAPRICORN is a Cardinal sign of the negative or receptive element of EARTH. Earth quality gives the ability to deal with life in a practical way so that we may attend to the necessities of functional living. Earth also likes to withdraw from the rush of life at times and wait for the right time to act. In particular, this Earth sign of Capricorn is known for its ambition in the material world, its dedication to duty and ability to make sacrifices in order to achieve these ends. Sometimes the Capricorn influence of industry derived from the Cardinal quality, can turn to a stern and unyielding quality, if the Light of understanding diminishes too far. The planet SATURN is very much associated with this Zodiac Sign and with this time of the year. Saturn, representing the labourer, the administrator, as well as the disciple, is associated with the colour black and the alchemical metal of lead; that lead of too much negativity that needs to be turned into the gold of virtue and tolerance.

Capricorn lives a serious and quiet life as a rule. Such an approach, and qualities of living, influence this time of the year and our place in the cycle of the solar wheel journey. It is time to be organised and attend to routine work whilst seeking the Light of Understanding, which sometimes means taking a philosophical approach to the concept of necessity and karma. This time of year should be one of thoughtful spaces that pay heed to the workings of our governing bodies, to their honesty and conscientiousness. It is also a time for pursuing those external rituals that assist life to run smoothly. Now is a time to feel safe yet to look ahead and prepare for what is to come so that all may be fertile in the future. Meanwhile enjoy quiet times of reflection, reading, music and practical hobbies alongside the more demanding practical employment of your time. What can you build or produce that is useful. Take time to pause though and reflect about past and future like the god Janus who looks both ways, to the year past and the year to come. Preparing for a new calendar year, we are pre-empted by the Solstice of 21^st-22^nd December to regard the coming changes prompted by the Capricorn Solstice, when the Sun appears to ‘standstill’ before moving in the opposite direction, either elevating or descending in altitude according to our hemispheric location. Daylight and warmth will then either gradually increase or start to decrease as we move towards the Aries Equinox.

Woodcut 1878

Capricorn, month of the TENTH LABOUR sees our solar hero Hercules climbing the mountain of the goat as disciple searching for the Light of his inner self. Hercules will now slay Cerberus, guardian of Hades or the inner consciousness. He will free Prometheus, the fire giver, and bring the gift of Light to consciousness. As an extension of this act, fire takes a material form for humanity’s use on Earth, for warmth, cooking and protection. However, such dangerous stuff as fire must be used with wisdom if it is not to get out of control and burn the land and us. Some can find it difficult to deal with the Light of self-discovery. Hercules entrance into the underworld of Hades is guided by the wisdom of the goddess Athene and god Hermes. When Hercules over-comes the 3 headed Cerberus who guards the gate, he transforms sensation, desire and intention into a more refined expression. So Prometheus’ ‘Fire Light’ once again illuminates the darkness of ignorance and brings the comforts of light and warmth to human beings in their daily tasks and living.

Hercules defeats Cerberus

By Rubens 1636

At the foot of the Capricorn mountain, the materialist goat seeks nourishment in arid places, demonstrating its ability to survive on little. Climbing the mountain is the intermediate scapegoat eating the flowers of desire along with the thorns of satiety and disillusionment, as it climbs ever upward to take the burden of humanity. At the top of the mountain the sacred goat achieves the greater vision of the wider vistas and becomes an initiate into another way of living beyond the ordinary. Thus our journey through Capricorn is the gate to the greater cosmic spirit. It is the sign of the disciple dedicated to the development of the individual soul to give greater freedom and wider breadth of consciousness. At this time of the year we can work on freeing ourselves of uncalled for irritability and selfishness. Allow your experiences to bring about a greater understanding of life and your reactions to it and the people around you. What can you do for someone else to make their living kinder, at this turning point of the year. Ponder on the value of the Rose and the Lotus, how beautiful they are and the thought of them brings Light to those in winter and love to those in summer. The Chhandogya Upanishad says: ‘That which is subtle essence in all that exists has its self. My Self within the heart is smaller than a mustard seed and greater than the sky……the city of Brahman is the body whose temple is the heart within which is a small ether…….this either is Heaven and Earth, Fire and Air, the Sun and Moon……..’

The symbols of this time of year are the donkey and the Ox or Bull to remind us of the work ahead through the coming solar year in order to keep the seed of spirit alive and growing. The 3 wise men bring gifts to support this journey with Love, Prayer and Good Intention.