According to the astrology books of my youth, Capricorn and the other earth signs (Taurus and Virgo) are less prone than other signs to believe in astrology. Earth signs, the books said, are practical and down-to-earth and must “see it to believe it.”

My own theory differs. If the earth signs are less prone to believe in astrology (I haven’t seen the data), I suspect it’s because the descriptions of earth signs are, how shall we say it, slightly less appealing than the other elements (air, fire and water).

Leo, for example, is a fixed fire sign symbolized by the lion, the king of the jungle, the main character in The Lion King, the animal that when tamed is part of Las Vegas shows. If you were in the ether zone deciding to incarnate and picking a personality, why not pick Leo? The human ego seems more drawn to a personality that likes to be the center of attention than personalities that do not.

Of course, if we all chose Leo, there might not be anyone to do the odd jobs that Leo doesn’t like (according to my early astrology reading) such as dusting the furniture or being club treasurer. The gods made Virgo to help with things like that. And the other ten signs for the rest of the world’s needs.

It does take all signs to have a balanced world and my own draw to astrology was the acknowledgement of my earth-sign personality while experiencing fire-sign parenting.

While some signs read more fun than other signs, each sign has its comfort zone and strategies for living in an ever-changing universe. As we are born into our personality, it feels “right” in that we’ve adapted to the world based on our personality. This sense of “right” is probably what’s most wrong with the humanity as we are all truly unique so will never agree on an external “right.”

Have you ever tried on another’s personality? Actors probably have but the rest of us stay securely in our own lens on the world. Let’s use (Capricorn’s keyword) the sign of Capricorn to experience another’s reality.

December 21 – the Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice, or shortest day of the year, occurs in the sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is the cardinal earth-sign associated with practicality, ambition, authority, shrewdness and a critical and judgmental nature. This year the solstice is December 21 (some years it occurs on the 22nd or 23rd).

Each sign likes being itself in some way (although there also seems a deep-seated and hidden human trend to dislike oneself) so let’s think about what Capricorn enjoys.

Capricorn likes being respected, successful and in a position of authority. In contrast, Capricorn mucho dislikes humiliation and perceived failure. Your unhappy Capricorns are probably holding a sense of failure although you may not recognize it. If you find yourself with an unhappy Capricorn (and it can be difficult to tell because Capricorn isn’t super expressive), try to discover where the sense of failure resides. It’s the hole that Capricorn tries to fill and can feel failure because the standards of success are so high. For example, it might not be enough to be a medical researcher; one must cure cancer.

Act Like a Capricorn Day – December 21

Act Like a Capricorn Day will occur annually now on December 21, 22 or 23 as the sun enters Capricorn. It may take a while for retail to catch up with consumable goods, but here are five ways you can celebrate at low cost (Capricorn is ruled by Saturn which is the contracting principle so we’ll want to save money. Capricorn is frugal which other signs might think of as cheap).

1. Act like authority. Authority comes in many flavors and most have some sort of credential behind them (such as a degree or certification). However, much “authority” comes from simply acting the part. Humans are hard-wired to respond to authority so putting on the airs of authority will get you far. OHA recommends using the word “official” in all communications on this day such as “I officially unsubscribe from your unsolicited emails.” The word “official” gives the appearance of a gaggle of lawyers sitting behind you.
2. Demand respect. Do not let people push you around by saying rude things like “You owe a late fee” and “You’ll have to work this weekend.” Remind those around you that they must treat you as they treat the current president which is (officially) “You can do anything you want and get away with it.” You deserve the same respect.
3. Monetize the day (Carpe moneta). “Monetize” is most likely a word-ism developed by a Capricorn who always looks for the opportunity to succeed, which is commonly measured by wealth. Turn the 21st into a big event with special items, special sales and family and corporate events. Oh wait, someone already did that.
4. Start a long, involved, time-consuming project. While some signs take the path of least resistance, Capricorn tends to take the path of most resistance. The climb is fulfilling if and only if it is truly a climb. So begin a long, involved, time-consuming project like remodeling your entire house by yourself on a limited budget over a number of years. In just a decade or so, the satisfaction of completion will be yours.
5. Balance the checkbook. While not all Capricorns are frugal, they are definitely aware of their assets. I’ve met a few borrowing Capricorns and when they ask for money, they are very specific about the deficit. Go ahead and balance your checkbook and know how much money you truly have, like a Capricorn. Control is another Capricorn trait so understand that your checkbook reflects your values over which you have some control.