How To Recognize... Capricorn

CAPRICORN

They are the dark horse in the race. They might not look competent enough but they are sure to sweep off the trophy from in front of your eyes.

Capricorns 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.

There's always a faint aura of melancholy and seriousness surrounding the Saturn personality. None of them completely escape the saturnine influence of stem discipline and self-denial. Many Capricorns have strong feet and wear sensible shoes. Their hands are capable, their voices usually even and soothing-and you'll probably notice a gentleness that flatters and persuades. Capricorns can look and act as harmless as a feather quilt, but they're as tough as a keg of nails. Capricorns never deviate an inch to the left or right. They steadily follow the upward path, with inbred faith in the security of the well-traveled road, and contempt for the enticing short cuts they know are full of pitfalls.

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. 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 until his goal is reached.

There are Capricorns who are deliciously romantic but they won't let their emotions blind them to the facts. Public scenes and raw, naked, uncontrolled passions embarrass them. They won't often hand out unsolicited advice, but when you deliberately seek their practical wisdom, they won't hesitate to give it with stern overtones. They'll expect you to accept it, too. The Capricorn has learned to cope with duty and responsibility and to tolerate frustration.

In childhood, Capricorns are inclined to be weaker, and sicker 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. 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.

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.