♑ Capricorn

Capricorn is the sea-goat, a goat in front and a fish behind. One story says that when the monster Typhon attacked the gods, Pan leapt into a river to escape, and only the half of him underwater turned into a fish. Another links the sign to Amalthea, the goat who nursed the infant Zeus. The sea-goat image itself is ancient, reaching all the way back to Babylonian skywatchers.

Capricorn begins at the December solstice, the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, after which the days slowly start to lengthen again. The Tropic of Capricorn is named for the fact that, about 2,000 years ago, the Sun stood in Capricorn at the solstice. Thanks to precession, the Sun now sits in front of Sagittarius on these dates.

Capricorn is traditionally described as responsible and patient. Like a mountain goat picking its way up a steep trail, it's said to move steadily toward its goals, with a talent for realistic plans and careful judgment. As an Earth sign ruled by Saturn, it is pictured as someone who only grows sturdier with time.

Just as the days grow longer after the longest night, Capricorn's efforts pay off slowly but surely. Take a moment today to look back at how far you've come and give yourself some credit.

At its best

Responsible, patient, and disciplined. Capricorn is said to reach its goals step by step with realistic plans.

Worth watching

Building rest stops into the climb is a good idea. Every so often, try enjoying the journey as much as the destination.