Capricorn Season: Honoring our Foundations
Capricorn is the last of the cardinal signs, meaning that it ushers in the last season of the wheel, the dark Yin of Winter.
Spanning from December 22nd to January 19th, this season is marked by a very noticeable shift in our natural environment—short days and long nights become the norm as we dive deep into Winter.
And this sign's arrival with the Winter Solstice is no coincidence. Capricorn's arrival injects a new sense of purpose and direction.
It prompts us to look ahead, setting in motion plans and ambitions that will carry us through the time of endings, and into the renewal of spring. This period is also ruled by the master planet Saturn, who reminds us that looking ahead begins by honoring and standing upon the heritage of where we’ve come from.
Cardinal Earth
Capricorn, characterized as a Yin, Cardinal, and Earth sign, brings a unique blend of energy to this season. The Yin or feminine nature of Capricorn has us focused on our intuition and receptivity, making sure that we’re marrying our actions with our deeper feelings and senses.
As a Cardinal sign, Capricorn is about initiation, but working within its Earth element, it insists that what we want to work on should be tangible, solid, and meaningful to our legacy.
After the expansive freedom of Autumn, the season of the mountain brings a necessary contraction – a time to organize, structure, and plan for sustainability as the looming season of death enters.
Capricorn's association with structure, boundaries, time, and space, along with self-responsibility and regulation, becomes a huge focus for us during the Winter weeks. It reminds us that introspection, maturity, and commitment to hard work are what actually help us to create structures that will last, and really mean something. And we’ll need to make things- like rituals, jobs, foods- that will last us through the Winters of the year, and our lives; those dark and tough periods that really show us what we’re made of.
Capricorn also exposes parts of us we may be restricting or holding back, often linked to the wounds of our past and feelings of being unseen or emotionally neglected. Alongside its opposite sign, Cancer, Capricorn represents a journey towards emotional maturity and self-regulation, which is a crucial skill for stepping further into adulthood. Our big lessons here involve understanding how our past, especially our childhood experiences and wounds, have shaped who we are today. Capricorn, and its ruler Saturn, often focus on our relationship with authority and authority figures, which is a reflection of our larger relationship with power, responsibility, and often, our mother and father.
The Mythology and Symbols
A Legacy of Perserverance
The Sea-Goat
The mythology of Capricorn is often linked to the figure of the sea-goat, a creature with the body of a goat and the tail of a fish.
This tale originates from the Babylonians and Greeks, where it was associated with the god Pan or the goat Amalthea, who nurtured the infant sky God with her milk.
According to one legend, during a battle between the gods and giants, Amalthea threw herself into the Nile River to escape. The part of her body submerged in water turned into a fish, while the upper part remained a goat.
This image of duality – the goat climbing the mountains and the fish swimming in the depths of the sea – perfectly encapsulates the essence of Capricorn. It represents ambition and practicality (the goat) combined with emotional depth and intuition (the fish).
The Snow Goose
Other Indigenous stories associate this season with the snow goose. This bird, known for its long migratory journeys, symbolizes determination and the quest for warmer lands during harsh winters.
Flocks of thousands are led by one female, who takes the brunt force of the harsh winter winds and leads the pack without obstructing the path or the view.
This mirrors Capricorn’s theme of enduring hardship with resilience and the ability to thrive even in challenging conditions.
This story also aligns with Capricorn’s role as a leader, its cardinal quality initiating the start of winter and setting the tone for the season. The snow goose’s journey is a metaphor for Capricorn’s journey: both are about overcoming obstacles, navigating through difficult phases, and emerging stronger.
Nature’s Patterns as a Guide
In the world around us, this is the time when nature appears to pause, and a hushed stillness takes over the landscape. Trees stand bare, having shed their leaves, and a blanket of snow often covers the ground, muting the usual sounds of the earth.
This quietude and stillness in nature resonate deeply with Capricorn's ask to get introspective, inviting us to slow down and reflect inwardly, much like the world around us seems to be doing.
Our teachers also show us how they adapt to harsh times. Many animals, like bears, bats, and rodents, enter hibernation, a deep sleep that allows them to conserve energy and survive on their gathered resources.
Their body temperatures drop, and metabolic processes slow down significantly, adjusting their body to the changes of Winter.
Other animals, like squirrels and rabbits, adopt a strategy of conserving energy without full hibernation. They may be seen foraging for food on milder winter days but spend most of their time in their burrows or dens.
This period in the animal kingdom is also mirrored in the stillness and quiet of the plant world. The buzzing activity of warmer months gives way to a serenity. Streams may freeze, and the growth of plants slows down or stops. Just as animals conserve their energy, Capricorn season encourages us to look inward, conserve our energies, and focus on what is essential.
Body Astrology
Saturn, known as the Father of the zodiac, governs Capricorn, emphasizing discipline, responsibility, and longevity.
This planetary influence has a direct bearing on how we care for our bodies during this season, particularly in areas ruled by Capricorn: the bones, knees, and skin.
Bones and Skeleton
Capricorn’s link to the skeletal system reflects Saturn's themes of structure and durability. To care for the bones and skeleton, we should focus on activities and nutrition that help support bone density and joint health. Calcium-rich foods, Vitamin D, and regular weight-bearing exercises like walking or strength training are great ways to nurture our Capricorn body parts. This is especially important during winter, a time when less sun exposure can lead to Vitamin D deficiency and health disorders.
Knees
The knees, a critical joint that bears much of the body's weight, are especially important to protect under Capricorn’s rule, and Saturn's influence urges us to take a long-term view. Activities like low-impact exercises, yoga, and stretching can maintain knee health. Also, being mindful of not overstraining the knees during winter sports or outdoor activities is essential.
Skin
Capricorn’s connection with the skin, the body's largest organ and protective barrier, aligns with Saturn’s themes of defense and resilience. During the harsh winter months, skin care should focus on hydration and protection. Using moisturizers, avoiding excessive hot water exposure, and staying hydrated can help maintain skin health.
Herbal Recipes for the Season
Mullein: A Symbol of Protection and Strength
Mullein, with its tall, sturdy stalk and radiating leaves, embodies the protective and enduring spirit of Capricorn. This plant often grows in challenging environments, thriving in areas where other plants may struggle.
In herbal medicine, Mullein is known for its protective qualities, particularly for the respiratory system. It has been used traditionally to soothe coughs and colds, reduce inflammation, and protect the lungs – all critical during the cold, harsh months of Capricorn season.
Recipe: Mullein Leaf or Flower Tea
1 to 2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaves or flowers
1 cup of boiling water
Optional: Honey or lemon to taste
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Known for its healing properties, especially in mending bones, bruises, and wounds, comfrey is a perfect match for Capricorn's association with structure and strength. However, it's important to note that comfrey should be used with caution due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloids content, which can be toxic if ingested or used improperly.
One of the safest ways to use comfrey root is topically, as in a poultice, which can be applied to the affected area to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
Recipe: Comfrey Root Poultice
If using fresh comfrey root, wash it thoroughly and chop it into small pieces. If using dried comfrey root, grind it into a coarse powder.
Place the prepared comfrey root in a small pot and add just enough water to cover it.
Gently simmer the mixture for about 10-15 minutes. If the water evaporates too quickly, add a little more to keep the root covered.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool to a safe, warm temperature that can be applied to the skin without causing burns.
Soak a clean cloth or gauze in the warm comfrey mixture. Squeeze out the excess liquid until the cloth is damp but not dripping.
Apply the cloth or gauze directly to the affected area. Secure it with a bandage or wrap to keep it in place if necessary. Leave it on for up to an hour, checking periodically to ensure it's comfortable.
After removing the poultice, gently wash the area with warm water. Dispose of the used comfrey material and cloth.
External Use Only: Comfrey root should only be used externally due to the risks associated with internal use. Do not apply comfrey to broken skin or open wounds. Limit the use of comfrey poultices to a few days and not on a continuous long-term basis.
Root Vegetables: Connecting to the Earth
Root vegetables are deeply connected with the earth element of Capricorn. They are nourishing and grounding, providing sustenance and energy for our body to make it through this season.
The process of growing, harvesting, and preparing these foods also resonates with Capricorn’s appreciation for hard work and the resulting rewards.
These vegetables tend to be in season during the winter months, fruiting under the soil, protected from the harsh winter winds and cold. We must dig for them, often on our knees, asking us to meet the Earth in humility in this time of death.
Root vegetables help us to remember our place in the Earth’s embrace, even when the winds turn cold.
Recipe: Roasted Root Vegetables
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 beet, peeled and cubed
1 turnip, peeled and cubed
1 red onion, peeled and quartered
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
rosemary, thyme, or sage Optional: A sprinkle of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon for a tangy finish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash, peel, and cut all the root vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. In a large bowl, toss the root vegetables with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any herbs you’re using. If you like a hint of sweetness, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar goes well with these earthy flavors. Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure they’re not too crowded, which can cause them to steam rather than roast. Place the tray in the preheated oven. Roast for about 40-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and golden brown, stirring once or twice for even cooking. Once done, you can finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness. Serve warm as a side dish.
Horsetail: The Key to Healthy Tissues
This herb, rich in silica, is excellent for bone health and connective tissues, resonating with Capricorn's skeletal associations.
Horsetail's role in promoting strong, healthy bones reminds us of Capricorn's emphasis on building a strong foundation, whether it's physical health or life goals.
However, Horsetail should be used in moderation. Long-term use or high doses may lead to adverse effects due to its thiaminase activity, which can break down thiamine or vitamin B1 in the body.
Recipe: Horsetail Tea
1 to 2 teaspoons of dried horsetail herb
1 cup of boiling water
Optional: Honey or lemon to taste
Place the dried horsetail in a cup or a tea infuser. Pour boiling water over it, ensuring the herb is fully submerged. Cover the cup and let it steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the tea will be. However, don't steep it for too long as it might become too bitter.Strain the tea to remove the herb particles. You can add honey or a slice of lemon for flavor if desired.Drink the tea warm. It’s recommended to have one to two cups per day.
As always, remember to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication.
