CAPRICORN--THE HOUSE OF THE GOAT
Constellation--Period--Ruling Planet Saturn--Mythology--The
Symbol of the Goat--Characteristics--Constitution
and Health Defects--India under the Rule of
Capricorn--Professions--Marriage--Saturn favourable for the
Elderly--Gems of the House--The Ruby--Spinel--Qualities of the
Gem--Sensitiveness for Good or Evil--The Malachite--Copper as a
Talisman against Colic and Cholera--Black Onyx--Favourable and
Unfavourable Influence of the Stone--Jet--The Afflictions of
Saturn--Effects on other Types.
Capricorn, the tenth sign of the Zodiac, is situated in the Southern
Celestial Hemisphere, the constellation being composed of fifty-one
visible stars known to ancient Oriental nations as the southern gate
of the Sun, because its entry into this sign on December 22nd marks
the shortest day and the commencement of the winter solstice, when the
Sun is farthest south of the Equator, after which its light slowly
increases and correspondingly the days become slightly longer.
The Sun occupies this House until January 19th approximately, and as
its Latin name, _Capricornus_, signifies, is symbolised by a Goat,
as illustrated in No. 10 of the coloured Frontispiece. Saturn is the
ruling planet of this House, and as he is sometimes depicted as an old
man with a scythe (literally Old Father Time familiar to every one),
this may explain the ancient Akkadian name for this month, ABBA-UDDU,
meaning Old Father; and as the Greek words signifying both Time and
Saturn differ only in one letter, in all probability the two may have
been regarded as synonymous.
The Cornucopia, or Horn of Plenty, was also used as a symbol of this
House, as in Ancient Mythology Saturn is believed to have introduced
civilisation and the arts of husbandry, so that, as described by
Virgil--
“With his mild empire peace and plenty came;
And hence the golden Times derived their name,”
the increasing length of the days promising a bountiful future.
Very frequently the Goat is shown with a fish’s body joined to the
shoulders, which is explained in classical literature as the result
of an adventure of the god Pan. This deity, who was considered by the
Greeks to symbolise the House, whilst feasting with other gods on the
banks of the Nile was attacked by the monster Typhon. In order to
escape Pan and his friends plunged into the river, assuming different
shapes, Pan taking the form of a fish for the lower half of his body,
and the head, shoulders, and forelegs of a goat for the other half.
The symbol of the Goat climbing a rocky eminence (as shown in the
illustration), is very appropriate to well-developed subjects born
under the influence of Capricorn who seem for ever persistently and
patiently climbing upwards, and who are capable of great resistance in
overcoming obstacles in the way, their dauntless energy and courage in
facing difficulties reminding us of the goats kept by the owners of the
great cattle ranches in Mexico, on account of their superior courage
and intelligence to sheep, and who, if the latter are in danger of an
attack by wolves, will face the foes, showing fight and fearlessness,
collecting the sheep round them, and thus preventing a stampede, making
their protection easier by the herdsmen.
Capricorn is an earthy sign, and its subjects are apt to exaggerate
the importance of earthly life, and in youth suffer much furtive and
fearful curiosity, regarding the mysteries of birth and death, and, as
children, feel deeply any snub or reproof, and should never be brought
up by coarse-minded people, as they readily take on the conditions of
those around them, and although appreciative of commendation lose heart
when indifferently treated.
This sign is typical of a remarkable continuity of purpose, and those
born under its influence are deep thinkers and insatiable in their
desire for knowledge, assiduous students, quick to seize and take
advantage of any opportunity for self-improvement or advancement,
indefatigable workers, and capable of planning out several schemes and
thoughts at the same time.
The desire to make money is a marked characteristic, not so much
for its own sake in the majority of cases as for the power and
opportunities which wealth brings; but although thrifty and discreet
in financial affairs generally it is difficult for them to economise
in personal matters, and although they work harder and know better
than most how to make both ends meet, yet the proverbial rainy day
occasionally finds them unprepared.
They are generous by fits and starts, giving ungrudgingly of time as
well as money where others bestow little, and nothing where others give
much, and, in contrast to the Sagittarian type who give mostly to large
institutions, the subjects of Capricorn prefer helping the individual.
The typical Capricornian takes life earnestly, and is much interested
in the occult side of nature, as well as a great upholder of old
customs and observances that bind the present with the past old-world
traditions and antiquities generally having a great fascination for
these subjects. When adversely aspected, however, this type degenerates
sadly, showing great despondency and dread of failure in all they
undertake, and without some outside stimulus becoming more and more
apprehensive and mistrustful, avaricious and covetous until it is
almost impossible to live with them. When the ruling planet Saturn is
badly aspected by Mars, revolutionary tendencies and a cruel enjoyment
of the sufferings of others is indicated; but so great is the love of
work even amongst the most primitive of these subjects of Capricorn,
that they are too much engaged to have time to be vicious, and when the
malefic side of the Saturnian’s qualities are very noticeable, it is
often the result of too much solitude wherein the subject has brooded
over troubles and anxieties.
The temper is strong and forceful, but generally well under control,
although lasting when roused and bitterly resentful.
The constitution is remarkably strong, and these subjects frequently
live to a good old age, the ailments to which they are liable being
colds, deafness, affections of or accidents to the joints, especially
the knees, which are ruled by this sign (and are often weak), colic,
from flatulence, toothache, spleen, and liver trouble, also severe ear
and headaches caused by nervous prostration, from mental and physical
labour in excess. Endurance, Penetration, Caution, and Prudence being
very noticeable in this type, they excel in all professions requiring
shrewdness and acute discernment rising through personal merit to be
recognised authorities in the various callings to which they are suited.
India, which comes under the rule of Capricorn, aptly illustrates
the qualities and failings, for amongst the Indians we find profound
learning, great power, rank, and a painstaking care of minute
particulars; whilst the lower caste fittingly illustrate the debasement
of the type. Subjects of this House are adapted for most professions
and employments of a public or a governmental character. Being natural
organisers, their concise methods are sought after by the weaker types
they so often serve. Priests, Monks, Occultists, Organists, Statesmen,
Editors, Authors, Designers, Architects, Builders, Mining Speculators,
Land Surveyors, Agriculturists, Gardeners, are all professions and
callings to which this type are attracted; also as Labourers, Miners,
Carpenters, and woodcutters, it being interesting to note that Mr.
Gladstone, who was born during this period, and who was an extremely
good example of the highly intellectual subjects of this House, had
also a fondness for tree-felling.
In marriage and friendship they are slow to form attachments, and are
frequently unmarried; but when once attracted the influence is deep and
lasting, although their love affairs are liable to great and fateful
changes, for living, as a rule, solitary and self-centred lives, they
create ideals beyond human attainment, and failing to realise their
anticipations are often disappointed. Saturn, their ruling planet,
being favourable to old rather than young people, they are advised not
to marry early, the most happy and prosperous times in their lives
being often between middle life and seventy, and they will harmonise
best with those born during the Taurus, Virgo, Pisces, and Scorpio
periods.
The gems of this House are the Ruby, Spinel, Malachite, Black Onyx, and
Jet.
THE RUBY.--The Ruby is one of the most precious of gems, when of a good
size, free from flaws, and of the true pigeons’-blood colour, being
more valuable than a diamond of the same size.
The finest rubies come from Burmah, and they are also found in Ceylon
and Siam; their colour varies from light pink to the richest carmine.
Until modern times the Spinel or Balas Ruby was included with the true
Ruby, but they are quite different in their composition, Spinels being
softer and not so brilliant, though more varied in colour, ranging
from red, orange, green, and blue to violet. Amongst Oriental nations
this stone has ever and still continues to be a great favourite as a
Talisman; and throughout India, Burmah, and Ceylon it is considered to
guard its wearers from the attacks of enemies, reveal the presence of
poison by changing colour, and to attract friends and good fortune.
In China and Japan it is also worn to confer long life, health, and
happiness. Pliny describes it as the Lychnis, and says the Star Rubies
were considered by the Chaldeans to be most powerful in protecting
from evil and attracting the favour of those in authority. Throughout
the whole of the Orient the Ruby was believed to possess the power of
foretelling danger by a loss of brilliancy and colour, a belief also
common throughout Europe as confirmed by Wolfgangus Gabelschoverus,
who writing in the year 1600, says, whilst travelling with his wife:
“I observed by the way that a very fine Ruby (which she had given me)
lost repeatedly and each time almost completely its splendid colour and
assumed a blackish hue.” He goes on to tell that the threatened evil
was fulfilled by the loss of his wife, and that after her death the
stone regained its colour and brilliancy.
Catherine of Aragon is reported to have also possessed a ring set with
a ruby that indicated in the same manner the approach of misfortune.
Camillus Leonardus says that the Ruby gave control of the passions,
drove out evil thoughts, secured possessions to their rightful owner,
reconciled quarrels, brought peace and concord, also preserved bodily
strength and health, and that the Balas Ruby (Spinel) possesses the
power of averting danger of hail and tempest.
It was worn by the subjects of this House whose horoscopes were free
from Saturn’s afflictions to protect the body from plague, poison, and
fevers, and to secure love and friendship, preserve health, vitality,
and cheerfulness, against disorders of the liver and spleen, and to
drive away evil dreams and spirits. It was also believed to be a very
active and sensitive stone, and if the horoscope had Saturn badly
afflicted would afford a ready channel for disappointment, bereavement,
and other misfortunes incidental to the influence of this planet when
malefic.
THE MALACHITE.--Malachite is an opaque stone, its principal composition
being carbonate of copper, which gives it a beautiful green colour.
The name is derived from the Greek _Malaku_, signifying the Mallow
plant, as its colouring was thought to resemble that of Mallow leaves.
The finest quality comes from Siberia, and it is also found in
Australia, Africa, and Germany, and it is believed to be the Molochites
of Pliny; it was also used extensively by the Egyptians, both for
talismanic and ornamental purposes.
It is very popular in the East and throughout Russia, where it is
regarded as a safeguard against colic and rheumatism, its benefits
acting through the copper in its composition; and in connection with
this, Dr. Alfred J. Pearce in his text-book of Astrology mentions “that
workers in copper mines have escaped cholera when their neighbours
died of it, also that copper is worn by the Hindus as a Charm against
cholera.”
Marbodus recommends the Malachite as a Talisman for young people
because of its protective qualities and power in attracting sound
sleep; it was also worn for protection from lightning and contagious
diseases and for health, success, and constancy in the affections.
During the Middle Ages it was customary to wear it engraved with a
figure or symbol of the Sun as a preservative to the health and to
avert despondency and depression of spirits to which the Capricorn type
are liable.
BLACK ONYX.--The Onyx generally has been treated in the chapter on Leo
when writing of the Sardonyx; but the stone peculiar to Capricorn is
the black, or dark brown, which is generally marked with a decided
white stripe across it, or the white stripe may appear in the form of a
circle round the centre, in which case it is known as the Lynx-eye Onyx
by the natives of India where the finest stones are found.
From very remote ages, particularly in India, the Black Onyx has been
considered essentially the stone for rosaries, its attributes being to
restrain passion, to give spiritual strength and inspiration, and to
be beneficial in the cure of fits. It should not, however, be worn by
any one born with Saturn unfavourable in their horoscope, which fact
was known to mediæval astrologers who, in such cases, as mentioned by
Marbodus, assert that its wearer would be exposed to the assaults of
demons and bad visions by night, and plagued with quarrels, law-suits,
and melancholy by day; that it would nullify their labours, and even
cause its owners to feel the pinch of poverty (all recognised Saturnian
troubles and afflictions), only to be counteracted by the introduction
of the Sun’s brightening influence in the form of the Sard.
JET.--Jet is of vegetable origin, being fossil wood, a variety of,
but very much harder than ordinary coal, and capable of taking a very
high polish. The finest is the well-known Whitby jet which was first
discovered by the monks of the historical Abbey before the Reformation
brought its ruin. Jet is also found on the coasts of the Baltic,
and in the Middle Ages was known as Black Amber, being worn as a
prophylactic against epilepsy and fits, and to prevent strangulation of
the womb; taken internally, powdered in wine, it was considered good
for the toothache, and mixed with beeswax was used for tumours. It was
also well known and used by all ancient nations, the Greeks dedicating
it to Cybele, the goddess of all things necessary to life produced by
the earth, wearing it for her favours and especially for protection to
travellers by sea and land. Bœtius de Boot recommends it as a specific
against nightmare, witchcraft, and melancholy apprehension.
Neither the Ruby, Malachite, Black Onyx, nor Jet should be worn by the
Libra or Aries type, or indeed by any who have Saturn afflicted in
their birth map.