CAPRICORN

Vacation Guide for Capricorn

You are an earth sign, symbolized by the goat, so a beautiful resort perched high on a mountain, one that offers a breathtaking view, might just be a perfect setting for your next vacation, dear Capricorn.

Saturn, your ruling planet, teaches you to have an appreciation for tradition and history, so you might enjoy a vacation in a city of great historical significance. Consider such places as Pompeii, Rome, Crete, Athens, Easter Islands, The Pyramids, Mexico City or Prague.

Your love of history might lead you to visit various historical cities of the United States: Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston or Williamsburg. These cities would bring you lots of opportunity to explore life as it was in the Colonial era. Your sign also usually enjoys browsing for antiques, so consider a trip to flea markets and antiques shops in Bucks County and Lancaster Pennsylvania or on Portobello Road, London.

Some universities and travel agencies offer package tours to archeological digs‹some even accept volunteers. Capricorn rules bones and artifacts from the past, so such a trip‹one that digs for dinosaurs‹could be an once-in-a- lifetime experience. Alternatively, consider a trip to New York City or Chicago where you can SEE the collections of dinosaur bones in museums, up close and personal.

In terms of your travel accommodations, you often enjoy being a guest in an old hotel that has some great traditions. Try the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, the Breakers in Palm Beach, The Plaza in New York City and the Ritz, well, everywhere! Try hiking in a lush, wooded area or golfing at the prestigious Pebble Beach Country Club in California.

You are usually delighted if you combine a little business with pleasure. It only adds to the excitement of your vacation if you can make a good contact or cut a good deal. To Capricorn, work isn't work; it is the best kind of play‹that is why you do so well!

The Capricorn Man: December 22 - January 19
by Susan Miller

When Henry Kissinger said "Power is the greatest aphrodisiac" he sounded like a Capricorn, even though he isn't (he's Gemini). Your Capricorn lover is highly ambitious and very hardworking, so be prepared to endure some nights alone while he stays late at the office. All those long hours, however, will pay off, and your future lifestyle together is likely to be mighty interesting. Capricorns tend to achieve positions of power and surround themselves with highly successful friends and associates. Unlike Aries who needs to own his own business, Capricorn likes working as part of the team in large corporations and usually climbs up through the ranks there. The Capricorn man is excellent with finances so chances are money will never be a problem with him.

Your challenge:

Your man likes successful women, and will say to himself, "Can I introduce her to my boss?" You will have to reassure him he can, and further, that you'll actually improve his career prospects. (The higher he goes, the more his significant other will count.)

How To Handle Him

In love, your Capricorn man's most enduring quality is his unexpected, silly sense of humor. This is such a different side of his ambitious and driven personality that it will catch you off guard. Don't ever be afraid to laugh in bed, for you will endear yourself to Mr. Capricorn forever. Lovemaking does not have to be serious all the time.

Things To Do, Gifts To Buy

Capricorns are status conscious, so when choosing a gift, be sure to chose something from a fine retailer. Alternatively, Capricorn rules history, so an antique gold coin, rare letter autographed by an American president or a best seller on an historical subject would be terrific.

When taking him to dinner, suggest that you meet at his college club, country club or even the Republican Club (my apologies to Caps who are Democrats--I'm just trying to make a point). Or choose a fine, established restaurant that looks like a club, with wood paneling and a low-key, moneyed ambiance. Eating chicken and peas doesn't bother him--he is used to it from all the industry dinners he regularly attends.

Since he wants a Grace Kelly-type rich girl, beg, borrow or rent a luxurious mink coat (he has no qualms about you wearing fur like Aquarius does). Wear it securely closed with nothing on underneath but your finest jewelry, lacy bra, panties and garter belt with lace top black stockings. Of course you will want to apply your most elegant and sophisticated makeup. Carry a proper handbag, and wear your darkest and most glamorous sunglasses. Don't forget your stiletto heels, of course--this is no time for sensible shoes. Hail a cab to where he works (he is happy there and in his element) and, walking into his office unannounced, close the door purposefully (you've told his secretary to hold all calls). Whether you leave the blinds up or down is up to you, but be sure to play out his greatest fantasies. He will never forget this day!

The Capricorn Man: December 22 - January 19
by Susan Miller

The Capricorn woman is the one with the good gold jewelry, neutral tweed or classic Brooks Brothers suits and silk shirts. She always looks highly successful, or like she comes from old money (even if she doesn't.)

Your Capricorn woman realizes the value of a solid social network and will join organizations which will help her up the career ladder. Her lover will soon realize that he will need to share her with the world, and will be proud of her long list of accomplishments. She will come across as serious, conservative, shy, detailed, organized and self-disciplined. She delivers on her promises. She keeps her word and everything that bears her name is the best she can muster.

Your Challenge

Your Capricorn lover is practical--coming from a good background and having success potential is important to her. Some Capricorn women marry for social position, others are just concerned that their husband to be will be able to support her in the manner to which she is accustomed. You'll need to convince her of your earnest ambition and your solid future. If you're socially connected, by all means, don't hide it.

How To Handle Her

In love she is slow and careful. Never one to wander from one flirtation to another, the Capricorn woman has her feet well planted on the ground. If her man suggests something new to her and she isn't sure, he should give her time. Capricorn generally likes to mull things over and get used to ideas. She must never be forced or she will resist for sure.

Things To Do, Gifts To Buy

When getting her jewelry, think about buying an antique piece of estate jewelry, or give her something handed down from your grandmother. For a lovely dinner, take her to your club or to a restaurant that looks like a grand estate. Afterwards, give her a madly romantic experience, such as a carriage ride through the park in the snow, with warm blanket and brandy afterwards, or plan to meet her on top of a tall building, such as the Empire State building at 11:00 PM (š la An Affair to Remember, but in this version, both of you show up). Kiss her passionately, and promise her your true love.

Later, take her back to your apartment. Since this sign rules history, buy her a historical romance novel and read steamy portions of it to her in bed. Or, rent a romantic video, set in the days of knights and princes. Your lady is so used to making all the decisions at home and at work that she is tired of it all. She wants to be rescued now and then instead of having to rescue everyone else. Transfer all those feelings to you. Here is your chance to be her real life knight in shining armor and you will have her heart for life.

Capricorn Man

This man enjoys any kind of financial gift, such as stocks and savings bonds. If that's not your thing, buy him a coin bank that automatically sorts change into rolls (nickels, dimes and so forth). You could give him a little sack of gold coins, valuable stamps, or an antique ring. This sign is status conscious, so choose a good retailer at which to purchase his gifts and make them classic rather than trendy. He'd like a white silk scarf to wear with his tuxedo, a cashmere sweater, a pair of brown leather driving gloves, or a pair of sturdy, comfortable hiking boots (Capricorn rules mountains and earth).

Does he like history? Most Capricorns do, so if choosing a book, pick an historical theme or a non-fiction book on a subject that interests him. A chess set with ivory pieces would be a generous gesture. A fine, single malt scotch would be an elegant gesture. If the prize patrol comes to your door telling you you've hit the jackpot, buy him an 1957 Chevy in mint condition. Otherwise, If he plays golf, name, buy him a new golf putter, chocolates in a golf motif, or software on how to improve his game.

Get him tickets to the hottest comedy club in town or surprise him with the silly, wacky Monty Python's Complete Waste of Time, a strategy CD-ROM game that offers stupid songs, bizarre sounds and kooky screen savers. Or give him the Simpsons Screen Saver. The book, BOSSES AND OTHER REPTILES, which is a humorous but realistic look at corporate politics, would be something that would give your Capricorn man a kick.

Capricorn Woman

Capricorn is the pretty coed you knew in college, the one who looked like Grace Kelly and wore cashmere twin sweater sets. Buy her a set in butterscotch or a soft pastel color. For cold winter nights, get her lambskin slippers to keep her pretty pink toes warm. Since this sign rules things of value from the past, surprise her with a piece estate jewelry you purchased at auction, or a pair of your Grandmother's pearls or diamond earrings. She loves most antiques, so you might choose a beautiful old quilt for her bedroom along with some antique cotton lace pillows, or Oriental bowl for her mantle. Replicas are fine if well done, perhaps bought at a museum shop. Another great idea would be an authentic Schwinn bike, replicated from the 1950's that are all the rage among the status set. (They don't come cheap, so if you live in New York where bikes get ripped off daily, think twice.) An old radio, real or a replica of the 1920's could make a hit too. She is career-oriented, so buy her a fine attache case, portfolio or a filofax to keep her appointments. For fragrance, she prefers classic scents from France.

Capricorn: Refocusing Your Intensity

Capricorn is one sign that enjoys working, and when faced with stress, their instincts tell them to work harder, longer and with more focused intensity. Your ruler, Saturn, causes you to take responsibility to heart. You value practical and realistic solutions, and having a cardinal quality, you like to get on with things. Certainly, you are action-oriented. Yet while tap-dancing faster can make you feel better, the danger is that you can get so lost in busywork that you lose sight of the bigger picture. Just be sure what you are working on so intently is worthy of that amazing Capricorn output! Also, if your spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend keeps complaining that you're never around anymore--that's a sign to rethink your schedule.

Capricorn is an earth sign, so you would probably enjoy taking a breather in the mountains more than at a seaside setting. A day of hiking, mountain climbing or exploring caves would make a new person out of you. Play a game of touch football or start a softball team with your pals (Capricorn rules teamwork), but be sure to bandage that trick knee of yours, the part of the body that gives Capricorns physical stress.

You are quite a social animal (which is why you eventually rise to the top of your field) but you don't like hanging out in rundown or cheap places. So when you book a lunch with an friend choose a restaurant in a club, or has a club-type aura, complete with wood paneling and fireplaces. The goat also likes heights, so a restaurant with a view is just your speed, but be sure it has a calm atmosphere. Be determined to talk about general things--not all lunches have to be major negotiations! Sports with social twist are good too, so you might think about taking up tennis or golf.

Most Capricorns like to play the stock market and make investing a hobby. Give yourself some time off to hear a lecture by an expert, surf the net for interesting financial sites, check out cable stations for good shows which tackle investments in depth. Other Capricorns might like collecting rare coins or stamps (or start a collection of new ones).

Since Capricorn likes history, you can relax in front of the Discovery Channel, check out the natural history museum or visit the historical society museum of your city. Many Capricorns enjoy browsing antiques. Auctions are another good bet, and even if you don't bid, you'll have fun fingering the valuable objects and documents--objects that are usually under glass in museums! Don't expect to chill out immediately. It may take weeks of vigorous fun to loosen you up!

Most Capricorns are close to one parent (while Gemini rules siblings, Capricorn rules parents). If this is true for you, tying flies with Dad in the workshop, or keeping Mom company in the kitchen as she makes an apple pie for you could be so wonderful. After all, they know you very well. You may be amazed how they say something which "hits home" and helps you out of a current jam.

Finally, renting a funny movie--either a new release or a golden oldie--could also be the best medicine. Other ways to tickle your funny bone would be to check out funny sites on the web like cartoon Dilbert (www.dilbert.com) or click into Comedy Central on cable. Tell a few jokes to your friends (if you can't remember any good ones, go to a comedy club and crib a few for friends and family.) Hang out with a witty, funny friend--or a dimwitted friend (you'll be the star).

Fitness for Capricorn

Your Ruling Planet: Saturn, the planet of longevity and permanence.

The Part Of The Body Your Sign Rules: Bones, teeth and especially the knees.

Your Metabolism: Steady to high.

Your Health Profile:

A Capricorn is very ambitious and likes to get ahead. However, the Goat tends to work long hours and forget about how late it's getting. Too often, you're stuck with having a fatty, salty late-night pizza by time you get home. No matter how tight your deadlines, try to eat a little bit better. Plan ahead. Enlist help from your roommate or family members to help you do bigger, and therefore fewer, shopping expeditions. Either freeze two dozen nutritious frozen dinners or find a better, less greasy place to order up food.

Keep in mind that Capricorns, the Spartans of the zodiac, are very self-critical and hard on themselves, especially when they think they've been "lazy." They want to look their best, and feel that maintaining a positive self-image will help in their business life. And so it will. But don't take this as a license to torture yourself.

In terms of exercise, your sign is an earth sign, preferring leisurely sports such as hiking or jogging, where you can set your own rhythm. Golf, even miniature golf, would be fun for you, or rock climbing, for Goats like to feel the earth beneath their feet.

Stiffness in joints could be a problem even when Capricorns are young, so keep exercising to stay limber. Knees could be your weak body part, so don't overstrain them. Weight training might be good, but check with your doctor if you have knee trouble.

Your Biggest Asset: Your competitive drive and self-discipline.

What Drives You Crazy: Being stuck in long, unproductive meetings when you could be working out.

Health Risks:

Being too competitive and getting yourself depressed if you don't meet your expectations, and worrying about what others think of your performance. Please yourself, Capricorn. Repeat after me: "It's only a game."