The sign of Capricorn is the 10th sign of the zodiac (December 22 through January 21). Developmentally from about fifty-six to sixty-eight, Capricorns are considered to be ultra-responsible, relentless and dedicated to their climb to the top of worldly success. This sign is primarily motivated by status, power, and prestige.
They are usually content to work hard, patiently, and conscientiously sacrificing the personal side of life in order to reach their goals. This determination and perseverance eventually pays off so that with time and a conservative respect for tried-and-true traditional values, they steadily advance their ambitions and receive respected positions of the highest authority. The biggest fear is to end up a failure. In this case, a sense of inferiority can ensue when they are do not live up to their distorted reality of perfection which is impossible. Many times, they will appear rigid, coldly calculating, or opportunistic as they are ever ready to rub shoulders with the right people to advance their careers. The bottom line for them is always to climb the success ladder in order to have security and control over their environment.
Rather reserved, a Capricorn needs love and a home base just like their opposite sign of Cancer. A proverbial Rock of Gibraltar, they can make you feel safe, secure, and protected because they do not shy away from making commitments and can remain in a relationship for the long haul.
Now what can be in the Shadow?
The opposite sign of the zodiac is Cancer. This more emotionally sensitive sign can often be described as clingy and strongly dependent, creating parent/child relationships with others well into their adult years. With the Moon as their ruler, their emotions and feelings fluctuate from high to low depending on the environment; tending to become chameleon-like which confuses even them. Possessing a strongly negative imagination, they sometimes overreact emotionally, deciding that others are rejecting them or being aggressive towards them. Going into victim mode and becoming crab-like, they will withdraw emotionally to protect themselves. They can become unconsciously pushy, distant, moody or pouting when they don’t get their way. Their partner ends up feeling like they are walking around on eggshells to adapt to this constant touchiness.
Usually taking on way too much responsibility for family, they can be drained from all the over giving they do. Their biggest challenge is to create boundaries and realize all the giving they do stems from a distinct fear that if no one needs them, they will be abandoned.
“This process of coming to terms with the Other in us is well worthwhile, because in this way we get to know aspects of our nature which we would not allow anybody else to show us and which we ourselves would never have admitted. It is very important to fix this whole procedure in writing at the time of its occurrence, for you then have ocular evidence that will effectively counteract the ever-ready tendency to self-deception. A running commentary is absolutely necessary in dealing with the shadow, because otherwise its actuality cannot be fixed. Only in this painful way is it possible to gain a positive insight into the complex nature of one’s own personality.”
Carl G. Jung, Vol 14, Mysterium Conuinctionis, paragraph 706
When we take this information seriously, we become more of who we are. We change on the inside. This, too, is one of those paradoxes in life. We want to be loved for who we are, and yet we are always growing and changing. No one stays the same for very long. Going into ourselves to discover what is in our unconscious is the way we will bring forth the light. Light being synonymous with conscious awareness. Only those who can see both sides can make ethical choices without extremes in their personality taking over. Then, when confrontations and problems occur, as they inevitably will, we can find balance in the middle, which is the holy place.
To be continued …
Rebeca Eigen
Rebeca Eigen, an astrologer for 25+ years and author of The Shadow Dance & the Astrological 7th House Workbook specializes in relationships. From every day decisions, to critical life-altering moments, Rebeca shares with you her practical wisdom and guidance for your life’s journey in becoming who you are meant to be.
https://www.shadowdance.com/
