I can’t believe we’ve made it all the way here, dear reader.
The very last stop on this long zodiac journey.
Known as the Sea-Goat, Capricorn is the most unique sign among the zodiac because not only does it represent a creature we cannot point to in the natural world—a hybrid, half goat, half fish—but also because it also has a dual nature that no other sign has.
In the calendar, Capricorn rules from about December 22 to January 19, guiding us into the heart of winter and accompanying us during the festivities. It sits between Sagittarius and Aquarius in an area of the sky called either ‘the Sea’ or ‘the Water’, made of many water-related constellations like Pisces, and it marks our final destination on the zodiac wheel. Now, isn’t Capricorn an earth sign? Why is it related to water?
It is, indeed, dear reader; however, unlike its siblings, Taurus and Virgo—and like I already said—its dual nature of being both mountain and ocean is what makes it incredibly different and special.
In astronomy the constellation of Capricorn is among the oldest recognised by ancient civilisations, and, although it is faint compared to the others and the smallest in the zodiac, its correlation to the winter solstice makes it even more enchanting.
In Greek mythology, Capricorn is often associated with Pan, the god of the wild, shepherds, and music. According to legend, during the battle between the Olympian gods and the monster Typhon, Pan tried to escape by leaping into a river. The part of him that was submerged transformed into a fish, while the part above the water remained a goat, thus creating the half-goat, half-fish creature. Another story, however, links this zodiac to Amalthea, the she-goat who is said to have suckled the infant Zeus after his mother, Rhea, saved him from being devoured by his father, Cronus. Amalthea’s broken horn was then transformed into the Cornucopia, or ‘horn of plenty’, which was placed among the stars and became a symbol of abundance and nourishment.
In Babylonian mythology, Capricorn was instead associated with the god Enki, the deity responsible for the organisation of the world, often depicted as a sea-goat as well. So, let’s just say that no matter the legend or the culture, this peculiar sign is quite frequently linked to both earth and water and often serves as a symbol of traits that are used to describe people born under this zodiac, such as resilience, persistence, and discipline.
Astrologically, Capricorn is a cardinal sign, ruled by Saturn (Cronus in Greek mythology), and the 10th sign of the zodiac wheel. Capricorns are often described as ambitious, disciplined, and pragmatic. It is said that they carry an innate sense of responsibility and structure and are often seen as ‘older than their years’. However, beneath their seriousness lies a soft heart that they show only to those who deserve it, mirroring their dual nature of being both earth and water. While the goat represents their typical drive and determination, climbing the mountain of success, the fish, instead, represents their intuition, creativity, and sweet sensitivity.
I know I shouldn’t have favourites, but Capricorn stole my heart a long time ago and never gave it back. As a little Cancer myself, it feels like no coincidence that the people I cherish the most were born under this sign. Proof that, perhaps, some stars are really meant for each other.
Even if they belong to the opposite side of the sky.
Up, Capricorn Illustration by my amazing twin Soul
Sources:
The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk (2012)
The Library of the Unseen 
Penny for your thoughts…