The astrological sign of Capricorn is symbolized by the goat (December 22 - January 19). Capricorns are powerful philosophical signs and highly intelligent. They apply their knowledge to practical matters and strive to maintain stability and order. They are good organizers, and they achieve their goals by purposeful, systematic means. They are very intuitive, although they dont share this trait with others freely. They do not deal well with opposition or criticism but a healthy Capricorn will often shrug off negative comments towards their character. They are patient and persevering; they know they can accomplish any task as long as they follow their plan step-by-step. Capricorns have broad shoulders and typically take on others problems with aplomb. Ironically, they rarely share their own problems and tend to go through bouts of inner gloom after a spell of dwelling on these problems. See more about astrological meanings here. Perhaps the most poignant lesson of the goat is about sacrifice. In countless ceremonies throughout untold religions and times, the steadfast goat has suffered greatly at the hands of man. Consider the term scapegoat. This is originally a Hebrew word used when the people would attempt to cast their sins upon the animal, who was then turned out into the wilderness. Often the goat has been wrongly symbolized with the wicked, when truly the treatment of the animal represents the guilt and cruelty of ignorant civilizations. The goat has been subject to a great deal of maligning in myth and lore. This is due to several reasons. The goat has offered infinite gestures of generosity to mankind. Food, agricultural assistance, drink, warmth, clothing...there is no end to all the goat provides. The flip-side to that generosity often comes in the form of scape-goating as mentioned earlier. The goat is so versatile, it even serves as a vessel for sacredness as well as a vessel for sin. Either way, the goat is often a target in ancient history - serving as a stand in for so-called sin, or an offering to appease the panel of gods/goddesses of any given era. This symbolic-dynamic of the goat asks us to investigate (just as the goat explores its own world with curiosity and intelligence) our ideals about wrong-doing, judgment, blame and responsibility. Because the goat is fiercely independent, it prompts us to take a look within (rather than externally) for error or wrong-doing. Rather than cast aspersions upon our fellow humans (or worse, pin our wrong-doings on a goat and sacrifice it, ACK!), the goat gently asks us to intelligently consider our role of responsibility in our behaviors and actions. This noble creature also asks us to summon alternative methods for finding forgiveness, healing and encourages us to modify our behavior rather than continue on the path of errant actions. In summary, the goat is an endearing, life affirming animal totem. This animal is also a great reminder of the generosity of the Mother (Nature), as well as all lifes interconnectivity within Nature. It is said the goat loves the earth so much it is said he runs from the rain so as not to lose the taste of the dirt. The goat reminds us to honor ourselves, honor our loftiest ideals and keep exploring our vistas until we achieve our highest vision. With great risks come great rewards. Launch out into unchartered territory as the goat does, and odds are, provision will be granted to you every step of the way.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 19:42:34 +0000
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