The Legend of Capricorn and Zodiac Stones

People born between 22 December and 19 January belong to the zodiac sign of Capricorn, the history of which is thought to date back to Babylonian and Sumerian times when astrological charts and mythical creatures were documented.

Symbol for Capricorn in Princess-Cut Pyrope Garnet

The ancient Greek astronomer, Ptolemy identified a constellation in the Southern Hemisphere called Capricornus because its shape resembled a goat. In ancient Greece, the mythical goat creature that represents the zodiac sign of Capricorn was associated with Pan, the Greek god of nature, who was part human and part goat. Incidentally, the word "panic" comes from the loud sound Pan emitted and "panpipes" also take their name from a Greek myth concerning Pan's pursuit of a nymph. In another legend, Pan turns his lower body into a fish to hide in a river and escapes Typhon. Pan helped Zeus during his battle with Typhon and was rewarded by his image appearing in the sky as the Capricornus constellation.

In contemporary astrology, the zodiac refers to the celestial area divided into 12 constellations, each associated with a specific sign. Capricorn, an earth sign, is represented by a goat or a goat with a fish tail and is believed to be governed by Saturn. Individuals born under the Capricorn sign are commonly described as responsible, dependable, ambitious, self-disciplined, and determined. However, Capricorns are also occasionally characterized as stubborn, pessimistic, and arrogant. If you have a close relationship with a Capricorn, you may have the opportunity to either confirm or challenge these traits.

Epidote Goat Gemstone Carving

The lucky color for Capricorns is brown and the gemstone for Capricorn is ruby. Birthstones for Capricorns born in December are turquoise, blue topaz, tanzanite and blue zircon. These blue stones have a fantastic range of colors; from soft, robin egg blue to brilliant blue, violet-blue, greenish-blue and deep blue stones. Those Capricorns born in January have an even wider choice of colored stones, since gorgeous garnets are their birthstones. While red garnets are the best-known of this diverse gemstone group, there are actually many different garnet varieties and colors, including golden Mali garnet, pink-orange malaya garnet (also sometimes called "imperial garnet"), green demantoid and tsavorite garnet, orange spessartite and hessonite garnet, and even color-change garnet.

Whether you are a Capricorn or know one, we hope you liked learning about the legend, the zodiac sign and the constellation. According to astrology, Saturn will enter Capricorn on December 19; in astronomy, the sun will transit the goaty Capricornus star constellation from January 19 until February 15, 2017. Happy Holidays to all Capricorns, their family and friends!