Capricorn (astrology)
| Capricorn | |
|---|---|
 | |
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| Zodiac symbol | Goat |
| Duration (tropical, western) | December 21 – January 19 (2016, UT1)[1] |
| Constellation | Capricornus |
| Zodiac element | Earth |
| Zodiac quality | Cardinal |
| Sign ruler | Saturn |
| Detriment | Moon |
| Exaltation | Mars |
| Fall | Jupiter |
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Capricorn (♑) (English pronunciation: /kæp.rɪ.kɔːn/) is the tenth astrological sign in the zodiac, originating from the constellation of Capricornus. It spans the 270–300th degree of the zodiac, corresponding to celestial longitude. Under the tropical zodiac, the sun transits this area from December 22 to January 19 each year, and under the sidereal zodiac, the sun currently transits the constellation of Capricorn from approximately January 14 to February 14. In astrology, Capricorn is considered an earth sign, introvert sign,[2] a power sign[3] and one of the four cardinal signs. Capricorn is said to be ruled by the planet Saturn. Its symbol is based on the Sumerians primordial god of wisdom and waters, Enki[4] with the head and upper body of a mountain goat, and the lower body and tail of a fish.[5] Later known as Ea in Akkadian and Babylonian mythology, Enki was the god of intelligence (gestú, literally "ear"), creation, crafts; magic; water, seawater and lakewater (a, aba, ab).[6]
The mountain goat part of the symbol depicts ambition, resolute, intelligence, curiosity but also steadiness, and ability to thrive in inhospitable environments while the fish represents passion, spirituality, intuition, connection with soul.[5] Individuals born between December 21 to January 19 may be called Capricornian.[7]
Capricorn is third and last of the earth signs in the zodiac. The other two earth signs are Taurus and Virgo but, as Capricorn take place around January. Its numerology for January is 1, and certain astrology experts chose Capricorn to be the starting sign than Aries hence the month and year which meant Capricorn is associated with the construction career, in a reference to Janus. Who was the one named for January and is associated with things that can open like doors.
Cultural significance
In India, the day when the Sun enters the sidereal zodiac sign of Capricorn is celebrated as the Makara Sankranti festival.[8] The Indian astronomical calendar is not based on the Western Gregorian or Julian date keeping system but has a differential lag. Hence, the festival is celebrated on either of 14 or 15 January every year, when, as per the Indian astronomical calendar, the Sun enters the Capricorn sign.
References
Citations
Sources
- Astronomical Applications Department (2011). Multiyear Computer Interactive Almanac. 2.2.2. Washington DC: US Naval Observatory. Longitude of Sun, apparent geocentric ecliptic of date, interpolated to find time of crossing 0°, 30°....
- Adams, Leeuba Leshia (2014). "Astrology Vocation".
- Augustin, M. (n.d.). "Capricorn Mythology, what is it about?".
- "Capricornian". dictionary.com.
- Ciubotaru, Dan (February 1, 2008). "Capricorn, Scorpio, Leo: In search of power".
- "Enki". n.d.
- Heindel, Max (1919). Simplified Scientific Astrology: A Complete Textbook on the Art of Erecting a Horoscope, with Philosophic Encyclopedia and Tables of Planetary Hours (4 ed.). Rosicrucian Fellowship. OCLC 36106074.
- "Makar sankranti festival".
- Mayo, Jeff (1979). Teach Yourself Astrology. London: Hodder and Stoughton.
External links
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The dictionary definition of Capricorn at Wiktionary -
Media related to Capricorn at Wikimedia Commons - Warburg Institute Iconographic Database (over 300 medieval and early modern images of Capricorn)
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