Happy 2020! Since December 21, 2019, the sun has been in the sign of Capricorn. This Earth sign starts off winter in the northern hemisphere, when all of nature seeks rest and retreat within the Earth in preparation for spring.
Capricorn Energetics
The key energetic patterns of the Capricorn sign are:
- Mode: Cardinal
- Element: Earth (cold and dry)
- Planet: Saturn (cold, dry, tense)
Saturn plays a large role in the energetics of Capricorn season. Of the seven inner planets (including the moon), Saturn is the furthest planet away from the sun, making it a very cold celestial body. Saturn also brings with it the forces of constriction and contraction, lending itself to states of tension and dryness. We can clearly see the energetics of Saturn in the winter season, as winter is a time of cold, icy weather and deep introspection; a season that is energetically opposed to the outward and expansive nature of the yang seasons of spring and summer.
Overall, the combination of these energetic archetypes lend themselves to the cold, dry, and tense tissue states that are associated with Capricorn season.
The following are characteristic of the cold tissue state:
- Low vitality
- Underfunctioning vital organs
- Poor circulation, resulting in cold extremities and poor delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells
Characteristics of the dry tissue state:
- Results from lack of fluids and oils and/or lack of proper nutrition
- Dry skin and hair
- Constipation
- Joint stiffness
Characteristics of the tense tissue state:
- Muscular pain and tension
- Anxiety and stress
- Irritability
Capricorn-Associated Organ Systems and Disease States
As a sign ruled by Saturn, Capricorn controls the bones, teeth, and connective tissues of the body. Broadly speaking, it rules the musculoskeletal system—the organ system that provides structure and form (Saturnian qualities) to the body—and it is specifically associated with the knees. As an Earthly sign, it also governs the gallbladder: the organ that stores, concentrates, and secretes bile, which is essential for fat digestion and absorption.
During Capricorn season or for anyone with a good deal of Capricorn influencing their charts, tension is bound to manifest in the musculoskeletal system, especially the knees. This can results in knee stiffness, injuries, arthritis, and other types of chronic pain and inflammation.
Tension in the digestive tract is fairly common as well, primarily affecting the autonomic nervous system and its input into the hepatobiliary (liver and gallbladder) system. As Capricorn is associated with the gallbladder, tension within the gallbladder leads to gallbladder spasms and sludge formation, resulting in improper emptying of bile and inadequate digestion and absorption of fats. If left unchecked, gallstones could potentially develop.
Capricorn’s characteristic dryness can also affect our organ systems, primarily our bones (a Saturnian organ). As stated previously, dryness typically results from a lack of cellular nutrition (due to nutrient deficiencies or poor circulation) and inadequate intake of fluids, essential fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins (which can’t be absorbed well without proper bile production and a healthy gallbladder!). Fat-soluble vitamins (most notably vitamins D and K) and various minerals play an extremely important role in the quality and health of our bones, with poor bone architecture resulting in brittle bones, the underlying pathology of osteoporosis.
With that being said, it’s important for Capricorn sun signs and anyone with a significant amount of Capricornian influence to focus on the health of these organ systems! Yet during the month of Capricorn, we could all benefit from giving our muscles, bones, and gallbladders a little extra love and attention.
Let’s dive into how we can support these organs with herbal medicine…
Plant Medicine for Capricorn Season
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Ahh, turmeric. It’s the prized herb of the natural health and wellness industry, the seeming cure-all for any ailment. While turmeric is indeed amazing and well-rounded and indicated for a host of diseases, it is often not applied correctly in terms of corresponding energetics. But during Capricorn season, it is the perfect plant to work with!
Turmeric is a warming herb, ideal for cold conditions such as rheumatic complaints and chronic low-level inflammation—which is perfect for Capricorn-associated conditions but not the best for active, acute inflammation and pain (indicative of the heat excitation tissue state).
Turmeric is a cholagogue, stimulating bile output from the gallbladder and promoting healthy fat digestion, and therefore preventing gallstone formation. Curcumin (a component of turmeric) has also been shown to prevent bone loss and improve the microarchitecture or structure of bones.
My favorite ways to ingest turmeric are either in curries or golden milk. Mmmm!
Mineral-Rich Plants
In order to promote healthy Capricornian structure in our bodies and in our lives, work with herbs that are high in minerals. Even with a healthy plant-based, whole-foods diet, our nutritional intake may be lacking in trace minerals due to widespread soil depletion. While a supplement like trace mineral drops can be helpful, herbs can be just as supportive of our mineral needs.
Plants that are rich in minerals:
- Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
- Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica)
- Raspberry leaf (Rubus spp.)
- Red clover flower and leaf (Trifolium pratense)
- Oat straw (Avena sativa)
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale)
- Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
The best way to ingest the minerals in these plants is to make a strong herbal tea or infusion. To do this, add about 4 tablespoons of the dried herb (more if using fresh) to a quart-sized Mason jar, add boiled water to fill the jar, and let it steep overnight or for at least 8 hours. Strain the herbs (or not, if you like to drink out of a bombilla) and drink the infusion throughout the day. Feel free to add other herbs to enhance the earthy flavors of these plants!
Happy Capricorn Season!
Even if Capricorn does not play a significant role in your astrological chart, we could all benefit from the zodiac sign’s plant medicine this month. Feel free to comment below and let me know what plant medicine you intend to work with this season!
Disclaimer: I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) for purchases made through Amazon links in this post. I only recommend products that I personally use and love!
Photo in featured image courtesy of FOODISM360 on Unsplash.
