For my definition of what a sign is and an exercise in how to develop an ‘archetypal eye’, please see the entry on Aries .
We have recently experienced the astrological sign of Capricorn (the Sun moved into Aquarius about 4am UTC on 20th Jan). This post features the attributes associated with Capricorn together with the other three signs the sun has traveled through since my last astrological entry; Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Exercise Update: ‘Developing Your Archetypal Eye’.
If you have been trying out the exercises each month, I would, as always, be interested to hear of what you have discovered. Due to the length of time since the last entry, this month I will provide just a short summary of some of the relevant correspondences I noticed in my life.
Mesa Verde. Image attribution below.
While researching for part 2 of my shamanism series I came across a Navajo corn maiden deity and her links with Mesa Verde (left), famous for it’s corn. Virgo is often related to such ‘earth-mother’ figures, the Virgin Mary being a prime example.
After moving into a shared house there were lots of conversations about making sure we all compromised to achieve harmony (my guess is if we moved during Aries we would be talking more about ensuring our own needs were met).
Needles and poison are potent Scorpio themes as is paranoia. My girlfriend received her swine flu vaccine and, as she was having it done, I came across some unsettling conspiracy theories about a plot to reduce the population through compulsory injection. Scorpio’s ruler Pluto has the habit of taking inner psychological issues and projecting them on to the outside world and I decided not to delve too deeply.
I had my first encounter with a Chinese Lantern. Having been previously unaware of their existence, the flaming orange light that flew over me on two occasions got my ‘UFO sighting’ hopes up for all of a nanosecond. At least my astrological archetypal eye was indulged, though, since this sighting corresponds well with Sagittarius and his fiery arrows!
As we move into Aquarius, try keeping a journal again this month, paying attention again to the change in element from earth to air, more ideas and talk at the expense of material progress, for example; and the change in quality (cardinal to fixed), more dogmatic opinions and less enterprise, perhaps.
It is also worth noting that Aquarius is one of the most unpredictable, unconventional and bizarre signs so, as the saying goes, expect the unexpected.
The Attributes of Libra
Justitia carries the Libran scales and Arian sword (Attribution below article)
Libra’s day ruler is Venus and unlike Taurus, where Venus is described as the sign’s ‘night ruler’ (van Wingerden, 2010), Librans experience her in a more ethereal abstract sense, corresponding with the sign’s ‘air’ element. Instead of Taurean earthy and sensual love, we have love of harmony and love of justice. Whether looking at the colours and styles on the catwalk or the small print of a legal document, Librans just seem to know what’s right and fair. Libra is the opposite sign to Aries and where the latter is associated with the ‘law of the jungle’ and the right to self-realisation, the former is aware of the necessity of compromise and the human laws based on equal rights.
Libra is a cardinal sign. This means that Librans like to enforce change. Combined with the element of air we see that this change is in the way people think and is therefore especially suited to the fields of diplomacy and politics. The need to maintain equilibrium sometimes outweighs the necessity to pass sentence which gives rise to the stereotype of Librans as being weak and overly accommodating. This is a little unfair perhaps, since Librans are nevertheless more than capable of achieving success. The sigil is the scales but do not make the mistake of assuming this sign is the epitome of balance. Life is not that simple, and real balance (on the Libra-Aries axis) comes from a position that realises when we need to act and when we need to hold back. In fact, the symbol of Justitia, the Roman goddess with the scales and sword, is a more fitting symbol for real balance.
The rose is a Libran flower. Image attribution below.
Libra is related to the principles of relatedness, harmony, co-operation, deliberation, evaluation, charm and equality. It is the sign of the artist, the poet, the diplomat. The negative side of these qualities include indecision, inconsistency, untidiness, frivolity, sycophancy and lack of confidence.
Physiologically Libra relates to the kidneys, lumbar region and (by reflex with Aries), the head and eyes. Libra also relates to roses, ash trees, most spices, cereals, lizards, Austria and Copenhagen.
Libra is associated with the colours pale blue, green and pink, the stones sapphire and Jade and the metal copper.
Sigil for Libra. Image attribution below.
The Attributes of Scorpio
Pluto, Roman god of the underworld and co-ruler of Scorpio. Image attribution below
Scorpio’s ‘day ruler’ is Pluto and Mars is the sign’s ‘night ruler’ (van Wingerden, 2010). Unsurprisingly then, this sign is the most intense of the twelve with Pluto’s impulse to eliminate that which no longer serves a purpose combined with the aggression and ruthlessness of Mars. Scorpio is a sign of great depth and those with a strong Scorpio element in their chart will often be drawn to delve into the innermost nature of whatever they turn their attention to, ignoring the superficial and illusory and dealing with what is true and real. Scorpio characters are renowned for being silent but deadly, delving secretly in the shadows to find the resources they need before acting quickly, with power and force.
Scorpio is a water sign, but unlike the flowing waters of Cancer and Pisces, Scorpio’s realm is in still water, whether pools, ponds, wells or stagnant swamps. Perhaps the latter correspondence somewhat explains the unfair branding that Scorpio receives as ‘the worst sign’ since water which is cut off from its source becomes poisonous to life. This is symbolic of the Scorpio trait to become fixated on painful emotional experiences instead of using their Plutonic gift to effect a cathartic healing. These toxic feelings can then start to poison the personality leading to acts born of spite and resentment. However, the transformative potential of this sign should not be underestimated and, utilised correctly, Scorpio energy can power revolutionary advances.
Scorpio is a fixed sign. This means that intensity and power comes at the expense of movement. As this quality is focused on the water element it equates with strong, honest feelings that are slow to change. Scorpio loves with fervent passion but once slighted, this sign is slow to forgive. The sigil resembles the scorpion with tail raised to sting but it is also clearly related to Virgo and is said to represent the male phallus, although more occult explanations exist. Scorpio is a fascinating sign since it is connected to themes of both death and sex and while its polar opposite, Taurus, builds, saves and conserves, Scorpio tears apart, sacrifices and releases.
Surgery is an occupation associated with Scorpio. Image in public domain.
Scorpio is related to the principles of penetration, intensity, repression, intuition, steadfastness, inner depth and passion. It is the sign of the researcher, surgeon and soldier. The negative side of Scorpio includes resentment, jealousy, extreme destructiveness, suspiciousness, vindictiveness and cruelty.
Physiologically Scorpio relates to the genitals, bladder, urethra, rectum and (by reflex with Taurus), the throat and nasal bones. Scorpio also relates to geraniums, thorny trees, aloes, insects, strong foods, Morocco and Washington DC (the subject of numerous conspiracy theories).
Scorpio is associated with the colours dark red and maroon, the stone opal and the metals steel and iron.
The sigil for Scorpio. Image in public domain.
The Attributes of Sagittarius
Sagittarius is ruled by massive Jupiter. Image in public domain.
Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, planet of expansion and growth. However, the traditional ‘Greater Benefic’ has a major downside; the lure of excess. Correspondingly, Sagittarius is both favoured and challenged with a sense of unrestricted movement, unfettered growth. In its most positive manifestation we notice the expanded vision of the philosopher, the cultured wisdom of the long-distance traveler and the benevolent generosity of the philanthropist. A free-ranging Sagittarius,like a galloping horse in a field, fills us with a sense of joy and youth. Sagittarius is also very passionate and goal-orientated, symbolised with the archer and his bow and arrow (also the sign’s glyph). The less welcome Sagittarian traits manifest themselves when Jupiter’s influence becomes unbalanced and abundance becomes excess. Then we witness irresponsible borrowing (and lending), unwise investments, gambling addiction, drug abuse, joyriding and infidelity. Excess eating can lead to obesity, especially if exercise is denied, and consumerism can be taken to extremes. Even the personality itself can become inflated leading to arrogance, dictatorial behaviour and the tendency to exaggerate.
Sagittarius is a fire sign and therefore activity, enthusiasm and dynamism is present in abundance. It is also a mutable sign, constantly moving, adapting and assimilating. As a consequence, Sagittarius responds negatively to being obstructed or manipulated and frustration and restlessness is a common outcome. The sigil, as already mentioned, is the arrow, symbolic of the archer. However, Sagittarius is depicted as a centaur with the torso and head of a man and the lower body of an animal. This signifies that the Sagittarian wisdom is grounded in instinct. Gemini, sign of the intellect, lies opposite Sagittarius and ideally we should all strive to integrate the logical and linguistic strengths of Gemini with the instinctual, experiential knowing of the Sage. I personally also see Sagittarius as the shaman’s sign, with its desire to transcend boundaries and animal connections. Sage is also used as a purifying herb by many shaman.
The horse corresponds with Sagittarian energy. Image in public domain.
Sagittarius is related to the principles of freedom, expansion, extension, exploration, optimism, sincerity and wisdom. It is the sign of the philosopher, teacher and sportsperson. The negative side of Sagittarius includes extremism, extravagance, tactlessness, boastfulness, lack of consideration and carelessness.
Physiologically Sagittarius relates to the hips, thighs, sciatic nerves and (by reflex with Gemini), the lungs and bronchial region. Sagittarius also relates to dandelions, oak trees, sage, horses, onions, Spain and Sydney.
Sagittarius is associated with the colours dark blue and purple (though I associate Turquoise with this sign as well), the stone topaz and the metal tin.
The sigil for Sagittarius. Image attribution below.
The Attributes of Capricorn
Death is one of Capricorn's less popular associations...Image attribution below
With Pluto and the moon’s north node in this most austere of signs, Capricorn’s attributes and challenges are being felt particularly strongly at the moment and this is likely to continue for a number of years to come. If Jupiter is the planet of expansion and growth then Capricorn’s ruler, Saturn, is its complete opposite. Traditionally, this most formidable of planets is known as the ‘Greater Malefic’. This label is clear to appreciate when we understand that restriction, hardship, limitation and death are among this planet’s associations. Capricorn’s material associations appear paradoxical at first glance since on the one hand it is a sign of plentiful resources while on the other hand it embodies notions of prudence and even deprivation. The reasons for this become clear when we realise that Saturn represents the conditional parent who expects good behaviour before providing a reward. If we behave badly (for example by spending lots of money we don’t have or overusing the resources available to us) we will suffer famine. If we show restraint and prudence, this dispenser of Karma will provide us with feast. Whether we associate Capricorn with the cornucopia and Saturnalia or with hardship and loss might largely depend on how we respect the wisdom of this most serious of signs.
Capricorn is an earth sign and therefore a focus on practical matters and material status is present. In fact, it seems to me that the recent astrological activity in Capricorn has coincided with a focus on material wealth and history, from the discovery of Anglo-Saxon gold in Staffordshire to documentaries on national treasures and ancient kingdoms in Zimbabwe that once flowed with gold. Capricorn is also a cardinal sign, concerned with initiating material growth and climbing the career mountain. The symbols of the goat and the mountain represent the austerity and scarcity associated with this most independent of signs but the sigil is very unusual, supposedly depicting a goats head and fish’s tail, the Chaldean character known as Capricornus. Cancer, sign of maternal dependence, lies opposite Capricorn and reminds us that no matter how high we climb on our own, we need the support and nourishment of others to give our existence strength and meaning. The ultimate lesson of Capricorn/Cancer is that neither sheltering beneath the mountain nor scaling its heights is enough to fulfill us. For true integration we need to become the mountain itself.
...and the cornucopea is one of Capricorn's more palatable correspondences. Image attribution below.
Capricorn is related to the principles of restriction, contraction, retention, conservatism, realism, passivity and enterprise. It is the sign of the manager, head teacher and civil servant. The negative side of Capricorn includes fearfulness, miserliness, repression, lack of confidence, pessimism and coldness.
Physiologically Capricorn relates to the knees, skin, teeth,bones and (by reflex with Cancer), the digestive system. Capricorn also relates to time, karma, ivy, hemp, meat, India and Brussels.
Capricorn is associated with the colours dark grey, dark brown and black, the stones turquoise and amethyst and the metal silver (though I also think gold is a candidate along with Leo).
The sigil for Capricorn. Image attribution below.
Do you have any personal experiences with any of the themes above, or with Astrology in general that you would like to share? If so, please leave a comment below.
References/Sources used (please use my bookstore if you want to order the books):
Parker, D. and Parker, J. (2001) ‘Parker’s astrology: New edition’, DK, London
Mayo, J. (1964) ‘Astrology’, Teach Yourself Books, London
van Wingerden, B. (2010), ‘The cosmic law of seven’, The Astrological Journal, 52:1, pp 42-43.
Image attributions
Mesa Verde image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. It was originally posted to Wikipedia by AFBorchert
Justitia image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. It was originally posted to Flickr by belgianchocolate
Rose image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. It was created by Atoma
Libra, Sagittarius and Capricorn sigil images are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 License. It was created by SeLarin (link not active at time of post)
Pluto image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 License. It was created by Rufus
Death image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported licence. It was created by Jbuzbi (link not active at time of post)
Cornucopea image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 License. It was created by Jina Lee
Are you a Dream Spirit? Sign up for free!
On August 2nd 2009 I launched a members site for those of you who are interested in dreams. It’s called Dream Spirit and has lots of free content, including a searchable dream dictionary and forum. To join, please click
here. There are options to upgrade at a reasonable cost to access extra benefits, and even an affiliate program giving 50% instant pay commission.
Now on radio!
Finally, I am now on radio, once a month, here in the UK. The radio station is ‘Magic 999′,part of the ‘Rock FM’ group and I take calls for about 40 minutes from 0830 on Jude’s Breakfast Show. The show broadcasts to Lancashire but non-Lancastrians can listen online on www.magic999.co.uk. Go on, bookmark it!
Coming next: Shamanism: Part 3
Great post. I will read your posts frequently. Added you to the RSS reader.