Capricorn, child of the winter solstice, represents power, the use of power, and humankind's will to achieve the highest good for the largest unit -- the country, state and world. Why? For security. For order. For the predictable. For a stable platform on which to launch a working society without threat of need -- or greed. Saturn ruled Capricorn's lot can be difficult, even dangerous if the right use of power and authority are not developed. Hitler and Goebbels had Capricorn moons. Conversely, such power can be used to foster new worlds. Joan of Arc, Ben Franklin, Martin Luther King, and Paramahansa Yoganada were all born under the sign of Capricorn. It is interesting to note that few astrologers align Capricorn with sacrifice. Most see Capricorn as the banker, stock broker, or CEO of a powerful organization. What is missed are the myths. Capricorn was the scapegoat to the ancient jews who ritualistically drove a goat off a cliff in order to cleanse themselves of sin. Capricorn (earth) was associated with water, as in the seagoat. The Christ was baptized in water and undertook a saturnian journey of scapegoat upon the cross.
Modern Capricorns need not fear such extremes! However, a definition of modern sacrifice is the Capricornian workaholic who sacrifices friends, family, and martial happiness for the sake of amassing security vis a vis wealth. Cardinal earth must DO. And Capricorn DOES in the most patient manner. Able to defer short-term pleasures for distant gratification, it is no wonder that they succeed mightily in business. Capricorns who look so worried and so old in youth get younger, and younger as the years progress. Saturn has it's rewards! I recall writer Henry Miller, who lived to the ripe old age of 86. He was still interested in love, sex, joy, creativity, and capturing the essence of perfect moments. Randy as he was, and as controversial as his writing is now vis a vis feminism, Henry Miller was a genius who did not write his first book until the age of 42.
Modern Capricorns need the gentle nurturing of their polar opposite, Cancer, more than ever. The staunch saturn ruled goat needs the fullness of the moon to illuminate the value of play, recreation, rest and relaxation. Nurturing and gentleness are what Capricorn needs, and the capacity to give and receive it must be cultivated in the psyche. It seems a rule that we cannot receive what we do not understand or are incapable of giving. The internal work for the goat rests with the gentleness of the moon.
Masters of diligence and patience, the foundations of society would fall apart were it not for Capricorn's careful, perfect eyes which are set upon values that endure. The kindness of the moon assuages the high strung nervous system so that Capricorn can cease to build before he/she is so exhausted that they cease to be.