For centuries, people have turned to the stars for guidance, preceding the astrology hype we see today. From astrology apps to daily horoscopes to putting our signs in our dating profiles, zodiac signs have become more than just the time of the year we were born.
Of course, not everything about you can be credited to your zodiac sign. There are parts of you that are amazing (or not so amazing) because of the life you live. Star signs and their attributes, however, can be a solid place to start if you’re feeling directionless, confused, or just want to start some good old-fashioned self-reflection.
What is Capricorn Season?
The start of each season is a chance to make a new commitment to yourself and to others. What better sign to start with than Capricorn, whose season brings ample opportunities for growth? From the Winter Solstice to New Year’s, Capricorn season is brimming with potential just waiting for you to harness it. If you’re having trouble picturing what this season means, here’s a quote from Colin Bedell’s A Little Bit of Astrology to help you:
“When we think of the consistency and predictability in nature, it’s exceptional, as opposed to a material world full of uncertainty and chaos… so earth represents a cosmically ordered Universe. And its manifestations represent the safe consistency it operates on.”
Colin Bedell, A Little Bit of Astrology
Capricorns are born from December 22nd to January 19th, also known as Capricorn season. As an Earth sign, Caps have several traits associated with being grounded. Many people associate assets like practicality, mindfulness, and caution with this sign.
Being an Earth sign, it’s no surprise Capricorn’s ruling planet is Saturn. In Roman mythology, Saturn is the god of harvest, civilizations, and social order, among other things. In astrology, the planet Saturn governs a person’s sense of duty, commitment, and physical and emotional endurance. Saturn is also very economical, so if you’ve ever wondered why being driven by money is a traditional Capricorn trait, you can thank Saturn.
Legendary Capricorns
“If you look up to the heavens and find the intersection of where the sky meets mountain, a Capricorn will salute you, next to its mythological creature, Sea goat, both standing tall on a mountain’s peak with winter’s twilight on their shoulders.”
Colin Bedell, A Little Bit of Astrology
Martin Luther King Jr.
There is no better place to start than with one of the most well-known Capricorns in American history. A minister, activist, and leader of the Civil Rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. embodied the sign’s strongest traits. Disciplined and ambitious, MLK had an unshakeable sense of justice that he extended to everybody. Capricorn season also hosts the federal holiday held in his honor, varying from January 15th to the 21st of each year, as a national call to action to keep his legacy alive.
Dolly Parton
Let’s be real, it would take less time to list the titles Dolly Parton doesn’t have. Singer, actress, businesswoman, reading advocate for children — she does it all! Her fame isn’t just from her extensive career; Dolly Parton has made herself a national treasure by being a kind person who wants the best for everybody. People often think of Capricorns as distinctly un-people persons, but the Queen of Country has put that cliché to rest.
Stan Lee
Where would we be without Stan Lee? He was among the great minds behind several of today’s biggest superheroes, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, and Black Panther. Without him, Marvel Comics would only be a fraction of what they are. And the Marvel Cinematic Universe wouldn’t be nearly as fun to watch without being on the lookout for his fun cameos! Capricorns can be mistaken for serious, no-nonsense sticks in the mud, but Stan Lee spent his life proving Caps can do work and have fun.
Betty White
It might surprise some to see America’s Sweetheart Betty White on this list, but she’s everything Capricorns want to be. A veteran of Hollywood and a comedic master, Betty White thrived in show business for nearly 70 years. The only thing bigger than her career was her heart, which she extended to people and animals, using her fame to help others. Some may excuse Capricorns of not caring enough, but some simply care too much.
Muhammad Ali
He was called “the greatest” for a reason! During his professional sports career, Muhammad Ali fought in several historic matches, earning the title of one of the greatest heavyweight boxers ever. And he wasn’t just a fighter in the ring; during the 1960s and 1970s, Ali became an iconic figure in civil rights and counterculture for his work opposing the Vietnam War and advocating for African Americans. Even when his boxing titles were stripped, Ali didn’t stop fighting for what he thought was right. Committing to justice even when others try to knock you down — it doesn’t get more Capricorn than that.
Greta Thunberg
If there’s one thing we can learn from Greta Thunberg, it’s that it’s never too early to start embracing that fierce Capricorn energy. At only 15, Greta Thunberg became an international figure for climate justice, inspiring millions everywhere. Since her first protest, her influence has only grown. Despite the criticism she’s faced for her age and her involvement in politics, she remains steadfast in her work and encourages others to speak up as well.
Do we have control over the people we become, or are we just who the stars dictate us to be?
Even if you’re not quite sold by the idea that the planets influence us (after all, mercury can’t be in retrograde every time something bad happens, right?), astrology is a chance for us to contemplate where we fit in the natural order of things. Who are we to each other? Who are we to ourselves?
As we usher in Capricorn season, summon the indomitable spirit of Capricorn in your efforts to try new things and forge new beginnings.
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