“Moon Rising Over Mt. Shasta.” chalk pastel by Maria Theresa Maggi
The moon is full at 11 degrees Capricorn in the tropical zodiac on July 3, 2023 at 4:39 AM PDT.
Capricorn is the last of the earth signs (Taurus and Virgo precede it), and the last of the cardinal signs (preceded by Aries, Cancer and Libra, each which usher in an equinox or a solstice that initiates a new season). In Capricorn in the northern hemisphere, we usher in Winter with the Winter Solstice point, which is 0 degrees Capricorn. It is the opposite point from the Summer Solstice point, which we just experienced, which is at 0 degrees of Cancer. Cancer is home to the moon, so when the moon is in Capricorn it is in an opposite environment to its native season and sensibility.
The moon is considered to be in what astrologers call “detriment” in Capricorn, which means its energy struggles in this sign. While some would say this is a placement that is emotionally limiting, I tend to agree with the folks who instead say the moon in Capricorn needs to find unique or unusual ways to express itself.
The two people dear to my heart with Capricorn moons are anything but emotionally stunted or humorless. But one thing they do have in common is that they devote an enormous amount of emotional investment into an institution of their career, often working long hours and sacrificing their own emotional restoration for this greater cause. It doesn’t seem to matter whether the institution itself treats them well; often it doesn’t. But both are motivated by the highest sense of compassion for those they are serving, whether it is employees or students. Their dedication comes from being willing to work long hours in difficult situations so that others can have their needs met. And they seem to find emotional security in the financial structure of having an employer that provides health insurance and paid vacation and sick leave, no matter how demanding the day-to-day job might be.
Capricorn rules the structures of the world so it is no surprise that Capricorn moon people stick it out to work within institutional structures that some of us would find constraining or even hypocritical or dangerous. (Or, like Dr. King, who was born with sun in Capricorn, become a passionate warrior for change that reflects the highest ideals of such institutions.) While Capricorn lunar energy is aware of these flaws, it still seeks to resolve them from within the structure. So it’s safe to say that this Capricorn moon our emotional instincts may find structured environments –conventional or unconventional--useful for airing or even simply recognizing emotional needs and desires.