a dispatch from capricorn season 🐐
recognizing the superpowers of the sea goat
Hi friends! I’m working on making my way back to this platform in a more intentional manner, but while I put the finishing touches on a new offering, I wanted to pop in to share some thoughts on capricorn season: I have a capricorn sun, moon, mercury, and neptune, so it plays a significant role in my natal chart and in my everyday life. Over the past few years, I’ve developed an intimate relationship with the sign of the sea goat — and I’ve learned that it has a lot of wisdom to offer us, especially during this dark time of the year.
First, let’s get the capricorn stereotypes out of the way: while I love a playful astrology meme as much as the next person, simplifying the zodiac down to generalizations and trendy keywords is a slippery slope. When it comes to capricorns, the general consensus is that we’re cold and unfeeling workaholics, only concerned with making money or climbing the metaphorical ladder: an assessment that’s rooted entirely in capitalism.
What if capricorn energy has nothing to do with work in the sense of income, hustle, or meaningless titles, but work in the sense of purpose?
I can see where the stereotype comes from: capricorns tend to be especially skillful at staying laser-focused on goals, maintaining a fierce sense of determination, and making things happen, even in the face of adversity. Capricorn energy helps us to see the big picture, tackle challenges with unwavering motivation, and commit to things for the long haul. I don’t necessarily think that the no-nonsense, goal-oriented characterization of capricorns is incorrect — it’s maybe just a bit misplaced. Capricorn energy is relentless, but it’s not ruthless. It’s persistent, determined, and enduring, but not cruel or detached. It’s not about getting ahead at any cost, but about carefully and methodically working to close the gap between where we are and where we want to be.
The archetype of the sea goat illustrates the depth of capricorn energy: the goat is able to navigate even the rockiest terrain with precision and dexterity, but also swim in the watery depths of emotion, intuition, and heart-centered action. The goals and achievements that capricorns dedicate themselves to aren’t chosen for merit or clout, but because they’re full of personal meaning. Capricorn energy asks us what legacy we want to leave and urges us to get honest about the reasons why. It knows that if we’re going to commit to something, it has to be something that comes straight from the heart — because it’s passion, care, and deep longing that will act as fuel for the long road ahead.
Another part of capricorn’s signature is that it’s concerned with longevity — it’s not interested in shortcuts, temporary solutions, or get-rich-quick schemes. Capricorns are in it for the long haul, aiming to build things that will stand the test of time. It chooses to operate with intention and integrity, even when others take the easy road for a quick-earned moment in the spotlight. Ruled by Saturn, capricorn is closely connected to themes of time, structure, and discipline, reminding us that slow and steady wins the race. Capricorns may not move through the world with the flashy, explosive energy of fire signs, but they’re still fueled by their own inner flame.
As an earth sign, capricorn is all about developing a sturdy foundation and putting down strong roots, something that can serve us well during the dark days of winter. While the beginning of capricorn season marks the start of longer days and shorter nights, there’s still a long way to go before the sun fully returns and the earth thaws — and for many, this time of year can feel like a real test of strength and endurance. Capricorn season invites us to look at the world around us and notice the evergreens standing tall, unshakeable in the midst of so much decay and dormancy. It’s their deep root system that allows them to survive when everything else dies back for the season, and we can develop our own strong roots with the right tools and resources. Whether it’s devotion to a seasonal practice, implementing more (or less) structure in our daily routines, or carving out more space for rest and down time, we can turn to personal practices to sustain us through the winter.
The start of capricorn season coinciding with the winter solstice also reminds us to hold onto hope in the darkness: the darkest night of the year means that longer hours of daylight are just around the corner. This speaks to capricorn’s ability to hold space for both light and dark; to brace for the cold months ahead while also acknowledging the sun’s return. Winter is a season that often requires us to be practical and rooted in reality — in order to conserve our energy and our resources — but there needs to be room for dreaming, too. The solstice provides a glimmer of optimism and an important reminder that there’s something for us to look forward to.
Above all, I view capricorn as a sign of resilience. Committing to the long journey ahead — with all of its inevitable challenges — isn’t for the faint of heart. Pledging to to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going isn’t easy. Capricorn energy asks us to construct our lives one brick at a time, holding ourselves to the highest standards each step of the way. It asks us to take our goals and dreams seriously, choosing quality and longevity over instant gratification. It knows the importance of rest and joy and pleasure, but won’t hesitate to let you know when it’s time to get down to business.
As with any sign, it’s important to seek balance and to avoid getting wrapped up in too much of any singular energy. Capricorn (and its season) brings a seriousness that can weigh us down if we’re not careful. Being fiercely committed to our goals can lead to exhaustion and burnout. Sticking it out when others give up or change course is a capricorn superpower, but it can come with feelings of frustration or grief. When it comes to working towards even our biggest dreams, we need to make time for breaks and for play — there needs to be some lightness to balance out all of the work. Even the most committed among us deserves to do things in the name of fun. The work will still be there when you return, and you can pick up right where you left off. ✷