The Zodiac Sign Capricorn

Yours is the tenth sign, an earthy element, which makes you down to earth and matter of fact. Saturn, your ruling planet, gives you an edge of caution and you are sometimes shy and lack self-confidence or self-esteem.

You have great practical skills; material, financial and social resources that can be used to further your ambitions. You are not afraid of hard work in order to achieve what you want to in life and when you find what it is you are aiming for you will keep going until you succeed. Although you like money you prefer to know exactly where your hard earned dollars are going so risky ventures are not for you. You have excellent organizing skills and will work away quietly and surely without creating too much attention to yourself.

For you to be interested in a project it has to have a solid grounding as airy fairy concepts are beyond your understanding. When you are given a job to do you tend to ignore the clock and just work away quietly and without fuss and not wasting any time. Commitment comes naturally to you and you are likely to be successful at whatever you attempt.

Although others may not generally see you as enthusiastic when they first meet you, after a while they will see that side which is humorous and affectionate. You may come across as rather cool but you will thaw out when you get to know them a little better. You like to understand where the other person is coming from with their ideas and they will be regarded with suspicion until they pass your rather stringent character tests.

It is often the case that not all Capricorns are supported early in their lives and so learn from a young age how to be self-sufficient and go it alone. You feel that self-sufficiency adds to your strength and do not ask others to carry you either personally or professionally. Added to this of course, is that you like to take full credit for whatever work you have done and the goals you have achieved.

Capricorns are level-headed but not all that optimistic about life in general and tend to be more of the cup half-empty type than cup half-full. You may even have the phrase "expect the worst, but hope for the best" constantly playing somewhere in the back of your mind.

A typical Capricorn is fearful of being embarrassed in public and although they may tap their toes in time to the music, getting up and being the centre of attention on the dance floor or making a fool of themselves is more than they would even consider.

A lifestyle based on tradition appeals to you because you like things in their place and need to be in control. It would rarely be said that you are the most exciting person to be around, but you are very loyal and will never let anyone down once you have given your word. Adventure is best left to others as far as you are concerned. You would rather live life on your own terms than compromise and live as others would like you to.

You are generous with your time and money and if a worthy cause is presented to you, your generosity knows no bounds. There are few other star signs who are as good a judge of character as you Capricorn. You are not blind to the way that others are manipulative and secretive to get their own way. With your natural built in suspicious nature, you can usually work out what these characters are up to and not get embroiled in their latest 'get rich quick' scheme.

If you give your word in a partnership, whether personal or professional, it is absolutely binding.

You are trustworthy, dependent and punctual and can always be counted on to fulfill that contract you have given your hand on.

You expect people to be just as trustworthy as yourself, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. However you are likely to have success later in life and when it does come to you, you will share what you have achieved with others. Success to you is measured in what worldly goods you have accumulated.

You are resilient and because your childhood has usually been difficult, you are able to weather the storms of life and come out into calm waters with your great strength intact. It is not in your nature to give up easily and you get emotionally stronger as life throws more and more challenges your way.

Your totem is the Goat, the agile animal who can balance on impossibly rocky and almost vertical surfaces and so at times your life seems to mirror this exact territory. But also like the goat, it is highly unlikely that you will fall from that mountain as you are sure-footed in everything you do. Although you are courageous in your own way, there will be no dashing off on some unlikely adventure for you Capricorn and that is just the way you like your world to be.

You're obsessive about control, which is a distinctive part of your personality. Even when you encounter someone new, you're quick to gain their admiration and respect due to your understated sense of authority and confidence.

These traits make you a born leader from an early age. In fact, you may find that your aspirations and ambitions put you ahead of your peers. You have keen insight and an interest in tasks that people your age wouldn't even attempt. Material rewards come knocking at your doorstep while you're still in your youth, and as you grow older, you enjoy even more financial security.

The term 'workaholic' is an epithet reserved for Capricorn men as you're quick to take hours from your personal life and pour them into work. You strive hard to build a standard of life that you'd like to see you and your family enjoy, and you derive immense satisfaction from getting there. However, don't let this tendency impact on your personal relationships.

Your friends may be few, but they stand by you through the storms of life, always prepared to go that extra mile to further their association with you. You painstakingly invest emotion and time to foster deep relationships of trust and camaraderie, and you absorb your- self completely in your friendships. It is only with these devoted friends that you let your guard down and reveal the emotional and sensitive side of your character.

Your seemingly strong, frosty and detached exterior is a façade behind which you struggle with the harsh realities of life. Because of these struggles, you value and appreciate all that you work so hard to achieve. You are so accustomed to this attitude that when someone gives you something for free, you don't value its worth as much.

This is why you invest time in building friendships and carefully assessing people before you can call them your own. Also, you don't part easily with money or possessions until the beneficiary proves that your generosity will help them better themselves. You like to see yourself and the things attached to you as being of consequence to others, and you don't like the idea of squandering them.

You're perceptive and intuitive, and you bring along a wealth of experience. As a private individual, you're not likely to share you instinctive awareness with the public at large. You prefer to keep your understanding to yourself rather than have the world dissect it. At the same time, when nudged to share your discerning insights with others, you happily share your wisdom, provided you feel comfortable and trusted and know your knowledge will be of significance to those who solicit it.

Though you hail from a feminine star sign, you do not exhibit a huge degree of womanliness. Instead, you portray a rather tough and hard-nosed disposition. You're an old-school traditionalist at heart, and you can feel self-conscious in the company of people you haven't met before. You prefer to learn about people at your own pace rather than accepting them on other people's terms, and you reveal your true self to a chosen few, and then only after careful assessment and self-review.

Your quiet and self-motivated presence may threaten your male counterparts as you are a hard worker and undaunted in the pursuit of your ambitions. In fact, you may be more competent than many of the men around you, which can result in silent rivalries or fierce competiveness in your workplace. Your totem, the Goat, clearly exemplifies your tendency to obstinately chase your dreams. However, you must remember to work smarter, not harder.

The influence of Saturn makes you fairly cynical and grim about life. You have a tendency to overanalyse the details, and your stress out by imagining the worst. Humour, however, can provide a welcome breather, so it would be a great idea to engage with friends who inspire you positively. I would also recommend incorporating daily relaxation activities, such as yoga, meditation or spirituality, to maintain an emotional equilibrium and sustain your self-confidence.

Your love planet, Venus, rules pleasure and romance, adding an element of vibrancy to your somewhat staid personality. At the same time, you still need to find ways to loosen up. Try and let your guard down and allow others to experience the gentle and cheerful side to your personality.

You're imaginative and ingenious, and indulging in musical, cultural and artistic exploits will help you cultivate a more fulfilling life. You have inherent style and refined taste in clothing and furnishings. Though you never squander money foolishly, you spend unhesitatingly when necessary.

The old and traditional Saturn, your ruling planet, bestows on you a weakness for all that's antique, and you're bound to enjoy traditional and historic furnishings in your home. Only you, a Capricorn woman, can create an eclectic mix of the old and new, infusing life into both.

When it comes to decision-making, you're slower than molasses in January. This is due to your inherently cautious nature. However, once you arrive at a decision, you're very quick to get things moving. With a goal clearly set, you pour all your energy into realising it, supremely confident about the direction you want to take. You're also a harsh taskmaster. Once you're sure of someone's ability to perform a task, you delegate your responsibilities, confident that the final result will be achieved without compromise.

Of all the zodiac signs, you need to be far more discerning of the romantic opportunities that present themselves. Lay your suspicion and cynicism aside to embrace life's possibilities. Unless you make a serious attempt to loosen up a little, joy may elude you forever.

You want your life partner to be reliable, devoted and protective of you. Being hard working yourself, you respect those who work untiringly and value labour. You like your partner to be financially and emotionally savvy, and if you suspect any idleness on their part, you waste no time in putting an end to the association. These traits are rare to find, and you may have to wait a long time before finding someone even remotely suitable.

Your 'wish list' when it comes to a prospective partner may be so staunch and unbending that you may question whether you're in sync with the times. After all, you yearn for both emotional and material appeal. Since you're a die-hard conformist, even in matters of romance, you don't crumble to societal pressures or compromise in any way. You're clearly aware of the qualities you seek, and once you do find that special someone, you pour being into the relationship.

Faithfulness is of paramount importance to you, and your life partner must be happily willing to weather the storms of life with you. They must be disposed to endure the peaks and troughs you experience, and pass some of your severe life tests to prove their love to you. Try not to create an unattainable benchmark that burns people out; you may lose their interest as a result.

Most Capricorn females prefer traditional relationships in which the man assumes the lead. Let's just say that there are some fairly straightforward rules when getting involved with a Capricorn, and unless these rules are adhered to, there's very little chance of the relationship moving to the next level.

The vulnerable and sensitive planet Venus presides over your sign's romantic zone, bringing a high degree of love and warmth in this sector of your life. Since Cancer rules your marriage affairs as well as your sexual drive, you can enjoy a fulfilling future with this star sign.

Though you pulsate with passion and exhilaration, these qualities only shine forth in the presence of a partner you feel comfortable with. You need to have faith in their character and confidence in the longevity of your relationship. For you, Capricorn love and sex are mixed with a sense of responsibility.

The saying 'actions speaks louder than words' best defines your character, approach to life and relationships. In friendships, you prefer to show your feelings rather than playing with big words and glorious promises. You're cautious and discerning when trusting others and you would rather have a few close-knit friends rather than a plethora of acquaintances that don't matter to you.

You're a gifted leader who effortlessly commands respect and authority, especially in adverse situations. In the face of discord or violent friction between friends, you display remarkable poise and self-control, calmly taking everything in your stride and winning everyone over with your clear-thinking, objective solutions. You're a stickler for perfection, which permeates every aspect of your life.

Capricorn women are grace and elegance personified, though their attractiveness may not be apparent at first. Both Capricorn men and women are far too humble to show off their talent and skill, which they're blessed with in bounty. You're upright and honest and play a fair game in the spirit of healthy competitiveness. However, if people start to take you for a ride, they'll be in for a rude shock.

Though you rate social eminence and status as extremely critical to your career path, try not to make this the primary focus of your life. Your obsession for work may cause you to slip into indifference, which will have an adverse impact on your personal relationships.

You're also stringent in matters of finance and monetary sharing, and I'd like to advise you to practice generosity, especially when it is your turn to pay for a round of meals and drinks. Later in life, you'll come to realise that true joy stems from being big-hearted and liberal. Don't waste your energies on the unwanted stress of financial control.

Remember, it is only when you learn to share with others that your own life will open up and be rewarding. This will positively stimulate
your associations and your friendships will prosper as well.

Capricorn: The light side

You are a person of action – not words and prefer to show not tell. Capricorns have razor-sharp minds and take pride in whatever they do. You don't like making errors so practicality gets it right first time around.

You handle pressure better than most and this reflects your wonderful level of self-control. Because of this character traits, you make a great leader. People respect your quiet assertiveness. You're a perfectionist in your life even if you are slower than most in getting to the finishing line.

You're not averse to fashion but prefer the traditional. You have your eye on the longer term benefits rather than superficial trends. You're a graceful person and your elegance and beauty are not at first recognizable. Being down to earth you don't like to show off and your talents are more modest and sensible than most.

You are fascinated by power and depending on the grade of your development you'll to use it justly. Fortunately, most Capricorns mete out judgement and punishment in a reasonable manner. You like competition and play fairly, but if people cross you you're probably not able to let things slide that easily.

Capricorn: The dark side

You regard status and social standing as enormously important but you mustn't make it the main focus in your life. Money and power may ultimately eclipse your personal relationships leaving you feeling empty.

You are a great judge of character and don't usually get caught up in fads. You have a practical intuition about others. Use it! Your demanding nature picks the flaws in others' personalities and you use this as leverage against them. Be careful not to become malicious using human flaws as a weapon against others. You should also try to be as constructive as possible in your criticism of others.

You prefer predictable outcomes in life so taking risks makes you feel uncomfortable. Due to this, you miss precious opportunities at times. You're also a little stingy with money so learn the lesson of generosity. What comes around goes around is an important lesson in your life.

Happiness comes from being bighearted; this is not always apparent to you early in life but as you mature you will get it! Don't be so concerned with issues of control or cash. When you learn to share with others your life will really start to be fulfilling.