How to recognize CAPRICORN

Its anything but a breeze to grasp the Capricorn character. You'll learn to recognize this sun sign, but you'll need some preliminary practice. Study the quire spider in the corner. He hasn't chance against the fast-flying insects. But they get caught in his cleverly spun web- and the spider wins. Remember Aesop's slow tortoise, humorously crawling in that race. He hasn't chance against the quick, bright hare. But the flighty hare goes in all directions, for getting the goal-the tortoise wins. Observe the goat, as he scales the mountainside. He hasn't a chance against the strategy of the smarter humans who pursue him. But the hunters fall behind as the sturdy goat climbs determinedly from crag to crag on his uniquely designed hooves and the goat wins.

Now study a Capricorn. Where will you find him? Just about anywhere he can advance or improve himself. Anywhere he can get ahead and further his secret ambition. Try a social gathering. The Capricorn is not a carefree party type, but the goat we're studying is a social climber as well as a mountain climber. Pick a mixed group, preferably in the upper income level. You can also try the middle income level, but the lower you go beneath that, the smaller your chance of finding a Capricorn. He probably won't be wearing a lamp shade on his head, tap dancing or calling attention to himself in any way; he'll be the admiring spectator in the background. You may not even notice him at first as he quietly and calmly watches all the flashy, pushy, charming, aggressive and brilliant personalities around him. Everyone in the group will seem to have superior equipment for the race-any race. Lots of them are bluffing, some of them are afraid, but they're all highly polished and the Capricorn doesn't seem to have a chance against them. Yet, he will win.

Another confession. As an Aries, I hate to take direction. No Aries writer can stand to have anyone edit his work. Recently, it was suggested that a Capricorn woman go over some material I had written, I was infuriated. Outwardly I agreed, but secretly I decided that she wasn't going to change a single word of the product of my genius. I would only pretend to go along. She made her suggestions quietly, almost timidly, and against my will I saw only too clearly how intelligent they were. Why hadn't I thought of cutting that phrase and changing that word myself? After I had grudgingly followed her instructions to the letter, the improvement in the material was painfully obvious. Capricorn won again.

I've finally made up my aggressive Aries mind that it's no use to fight them; you might as well do the same thing. Pity the high pressure salesman who sizes up his Capricorn pigeon and thinks, "This guy is a pushover. I can sell him the Brooklyn Bridge. "He has a lot to learn.

Since the goat merges into the group so gently, unconsciously camouflaging him self into the background, it's not always easy to recognize the physical characteristics of this sun sign. Capricorn can be stocky and muscular, thin and wiry or plump and soft. But no matter how the body is shaped, the goat will give the impression of being rooted to the spot, until he decides to move to another spot. Generally, Saturn people have straight, lank, dark hair, dark steady eyes, and swarthy olive or tan complexions. You'll see Capricorns with curly blonde hair and blue eyes, but watch them closely. Honestly now, don't they really look as if they should have been born with dark hair, eyes and skin? It's delicate point, but valid. Take Marlene Dietrich, for example. Dresden china complexion, green eyes and corn silk hair. Look again. Observe her calm, deliberate actions. Listen to her deep, throaty voice. Note her legendary tough business head and her earthy ambition. Aren't these more synonymous with steady, reliable image of a brunette? Master this subtlety and you'll never be fooled by the appearance of a Capricorn.

Capricorn have an enormous admiration for those who have preceded them to the top of the mountain. And who have laid down the laws for the journey. They court success; they respect authority and honor tradition. Lots of energetic, impulsive people label them snobbish and stuffy. The goat could conversely label his critics rash and foolish, but usually he's too wise to make unnecessary enemies by indulging in such self-defense. The Saturn-ruled submit. They agree. They adapt. Or do they just appear to do so? Capricorn allows others to walk in front of him, but he often gets there first, against all logic. He's careful to avoid the obstacles, the sharp rocks. No wonder he seldom stumbles. His eyes aren't fastened on the stars. He keeps his gaze fastened ahead, and his feet firmly planted on the ground. Jealousy, passion, impulse, anger frivolity, waste, laziness, carelessness- are all obstacles. Let others trip and fall over them. Not Capricorn. He may glance briefly behind him with pity for the failures, or in grateful tribute for past advice and help, but he'll soon continue his steady upward climb and help, but he'll soon continue his steady upward climb until goal is reached.

An occasional Capricorn will forget to hide his ambition and refuse to work unless he's at the head of things. Then he becomes a stubborn goat who insists on staring at the top of the ladder, where he feels he belongs. Naturally, such an attitude produces a gloomy, pessimistic, cold and selfish person who's impossible to satisfy. But a couple of hard bumps usually suffice to set him on the right path.

Young Capricorns are typically more contented than older Capricorns, and there's good reason. In almost Chinese-fashion, the Saturn-ruled youngsters idolize ancestors and elders. Respect for the wisdom of age and experience is ingrained in the saturnine nature. When they mature and the "honorable ancestors'' and the old folks are gone, the wild actions of the modern generation can frighten and bewilder the conservative goats. They go about saying, 'Tch, tch! Shaking their heads and murmuring about the good old days. Luckily, however, a fair percentage of them adapt to meet the challenge. It's a warm thing to watch a gray-haired Capricorn cheerfully cavorting with youth, learning for the first time the joys of childhood he missed as a serious youngster. Older Capricorns either behave like frustrated dill pickles, or they happily roll hoops and dance the boogaloo. A few of them, caught in the uncomfortable middle, grin with suppressed excitement as they sit on the sidelines and tap their feet in time to the music, but never quite gather the courage to jump on the carousel.

You may read that Capricorns marry for money or social position. That's an exaggeration, though I will say that it was doubtless a Capricorn who remarked, "It's just as easy to fall in love with the conductor as it is to have a fling with the second violin'. The practice goat rarely leaps into business or marriage unless he's prepared financially for the former and emotionally for the latter. These people will do strange things for security. Old age is constantly on the Saturnine mind. Even the young Capricorns will instinctively enjoy visiting Uncle Jasper or Aunt Minerva. After all, the doting relatives might have a few bonds or some property, besides the fact that they're comfortable and familiar. One certainly wouldn't want to see a fortune willed to a pet canary. You may think such an attitude is cold and calculating, but to the Capricorn, it's sensible. Opportunity never has to knock twice at the goat's door. He'll hear the first knock. In fact, he's been leaning against the door, listening and waiting for it.

In childhood, Capricorns are inclined to be weaker, more sickly than other youngsters, but both strength and resistance to disease increase with age. The sober, temperate nature of the typical goat gives him amazing endurance-and such potential for survival that it's not unusual to find him living past the century mark. Saturn people should be able to avoid doctors and hospitals, but they don't because fear, uncertainly, worry and gloom are deadlier than germs. No amount of practical diet, conservative habits and stubborn resistance to illness can over-come the dangers of pessimism. Capricorns who want to avoid sickness should have plenty of outdoor exercise, and develop a more positive , outgoing personality. The fresh air of the country and the fresh breezes of tolerance will work magic with Saturnine health. Almost all goats of both sexes have sensitive skin. There may be nervous rashes, allergies, roughness and chapping, some peculiarity of perspiration, enlarged pores or acne. Stomach disorders from incompatible foods and mental distress are common. Broken arms and legs may occur. The knee caps, joints and bones are vulnerable areas, and psychosomatic paralysis severe headaches and kidney infections are further fruits of Saturnine melancholy.

He's such a shy, sweet soul, a trifle stubborn perhaps, but gentle about it. He seems so harmless. What a safe person to trust and confide in how pleasantly he builds your ego. Who could hurt him or suspect him of ambition? All the while, Capricorn is using your own weakness, conceits and jealousies to make himself stronger. He's useful and eventually so indispensable that you ask him to take over the reins. Then he'll rule unobtrusively in the corner, modestly pulling the strings of authority. The goat submerges his ego to gain what his ego truly desires-the position of the real leader. With kindly, but stern, cautious wisdom he guards the past from neglect and protects the present from confusion, so you can build tomorrow safely.

He's doesn't have to lead the parade with a big brass band. He gives permission for the parade, and plans its route from behind the scenes. All the daring high-wire acts need the Capricorn's strong, safe net when they miscalculate and tumble. The discipline and formality of jet black and navy blue-the solid practically of brown- the deep, honest dreams of dark green these are the quiet colors of his enduring rainbow. Walk slowly through his silent forest, carpeted in soft moss and climbing ivy-and seek the eight hidden treasures of Saturn. Rich, red rubies lie buried beneath the Capricorn weeping willow. Stay-and learn the eternal beauty of the pure, smooth onyx. Capricorn lead is solid and Capricorn coal builds lasting fires.

Famous Capricorn Personalities

Steve Allen, Henry Miller, Louis Pasteur, Barry Goldwater, Joan of Arc, Carl Sandburg, Richard Nixon, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Ava Gardner, Louis Pasteur, Carl Sandburg, Loretta young, Daniel Webster, Howard Hughes.