Thread by @aaolomi

For medieval Muslim astrologers, the goat-fish Capricorn would come to represent a sign of change and stability simultaneously. A mixed omen, it would become one of the more important Zodiac signs in history.

A thread on Capricorn in astrology from the Islamic world-

Those born under Capricorn or al Jadi are said to be serious with a hidden light-hearted side. They either tan quickly or develop a pallor.

They are amiable and forthright in speech, but tend to be restrained when speaking and are shy and cautious

They are social but solitary

Al Biruni in his usual pessimistic fashion says they are opinionated, schemers, do not forget slights easily, and are anxious about life.

They are a vengeful sign associated with a simmering wrath they hold to. The patience of Saturn and the anger of Mars =formidable opponents

Described as dual-natured, they have strong obsessions, tend to guard their heart, & good at keeping secrets

As a Saturnian sign they are said to look older than they are, or age quickly in appearance & demeanor. Many have dry skin

Reputedly some have a mark on their knees

Capricorn is described as feminine, nocturnal, cold, wintry, dry, and melancholic. Its season is winter.

Black and green colors are good for them to wear or variegated (patterns).

They find much of their fortune on Saturday and misfortune on Thursdays.

They have many children and like Scorpio their sexuality is described as lecherous or leaning dark. Again this is not to say all Capricorns are perverts, but rather speaks to the way the sign was interpreted differently in various types of horoscopes (natal vs interrogational)

Still they are seen as a lusty sign, where we get “horny goat” from

They have a mind for science, but as they are dual-natured they are usually equally creative. They are skilled in administrative work, plots, and as counselors and planners

Capricorn is said to be the home of Saturn & the kingdom of Mars. This relates Capricorn to both malefic planets, but its said to make a “companion” of them, meaning they tend to harness the force of both well.

You can see a depiction of Capricorn with its Lord from the 14th C Kitab al Bulhan above in the first tweet.

It is said Capricorn obeys Sagittarius and is friendly with Libra and Virgo. Indeed Virgo and Capricorn are said to share interests together. Taurus and Capricorn often have long friendships.

Capricorn is said to be very anxious in their youth, suffer unrequited love, and sorrows. This continues until later in life.

They are also said to find love later in life or have a partner with an age gap, or there is a timing delay in the relationship

The human body was divided up by the zodiac with Capricorn associated with the knees and it is said they develop knee problems

Muslim astrologers also designated parts of the world as governed by the Zodiac with Capricorn corresponding to the Ethiopia, India, Pakistan and Zanj

As a mixed sign, Capricorn was used in various elections, while avoided at other times. In matters of travel people were advised to stay home when the moon was in Capricorn. Ibn Rijal on the other hand advises to use the moon in the mansions found in Capricorn for business travel

Capricorn ascendant was elected to time plots and schemes.

The vizier of Al Qahir would meet in secret with conspirators when Capricorn was in the ascendant

Capricorn ascendant was used to negate the power of poisons. A prescription says to strip a pomegranate branch as Capricorn rises to ward off poison in goats and sheep

In magical work, a talisman made with Capricorn out of turquoise could grant you control of spirits of caverns and caves and reveal hidden treasure and guard agasint poisons

Some famous Capricorns from Islamic history include the 17th century Shah Jahan famed as the architectural emperor.

He commissioned the Taj Mahal for his beloved wife, Mumtaz.

They were engaged young, but had to wait five years before the court astrologer picked the most ideal day for their wedding (that Capricorn time delay when it comes to relationships)

When rumor arrived of Jesuits kidnapping peasants, Shah Jahan raised his imperial army and marched against the Portuguese.

Increasing the Mughal Empire to its largest extent, he oversaw a cultural and architectural renaissance

His chart additionally has a conjunction of Jupiter & Venus in Sagittarius, which i'll cover later

This harkens back to the Timurids who would use it to legitimize their rule. The infamous conqueror Timur would take the conjunction as a personal sign of his divine right to rule

Timur's astrologer would note he was born with Capricorn ascendant, interpreting it as an auspicious sign that he was to build a mighty empire, linking it to his 10th house.

He would say Capricorn made him steadfast, strong, & unbending. He would upend the world but bring order

Capricorn’s placement would also be used to be explain Timur’s disability as Capricorn governed the knees and Timur was injured in his leg.

Hence he became Timur i lang = Timur the Lame =Tamerlane

Capricorn was used in world astrology in moments of transition and messianism. A prediction falsely attributed to Ibn Sina predicted the coming of the Mongols based on the Saturn Mars conjunction in Capricorn on 1254.

Four years later they would sweep through the caliphate and destroy its heart, Baghdad

Reputedly a similar predication was made with Capricorn about the Battle of Ain Jalut in which the Mamluks finally halt the Mongol armies. It is less clear what placement was used

Capricorn would come to represent massive structural change but also restoration

In the 12th C, the conjunction of Saturn Jupiter in Capricorn would lead to growing messianic predictions among Jewish astrologers, believing the 1166 CE conjunction would bring an end to the Almohad rule and herald a messiah.

Maimonides records the predictions but indicates they did not come to pass.

But they illustrate the anxieties around growing persecution and networks of knowledge and exchange.

The authors of the prediction rely heavily on the writings of Al Kindi, Mashallah, and Abu Ma’shar.

Theories and concepts are translated into Hebrew. The conjunctionalism of the Islamicate world becomes “mithaberrim.”

Even the calendar is an Islamic one, noting the conjunction on Shawwal 561 (July 31st 1166 CE).

The interpretation too is drawn from Islamic sources, as Abu Ma’shar assigns Capricorn to Ethiopia and Zanj which Jewish astrologers expanded to include North Africans

When Europeans like Bonatti translated astrological treatises, Jewish astrologers like Ibn Ezra and his works were crucial to reviving astrology in Iberia.

The Spanish in turn would expand Capricorn’s associations to include New Spain and Mexico City

Capricorn also helps us trace the older Hellenic and Babylonian roots. Astrologers like Mashallah would remark on the concept of Cancer and Capricorn heralding Summer and Winter respectively and therefore marking the two crucial ends of the calendar.

They also date the flood of Noah to the conjunction in Capricorn

Al Biruni and Abu Ma’shar on account of Capricorn’s earthy nature disagreed and would settle on another sign

As Muslims engaged in Neoplatonic ideas, they would mark the sun’s entrance into Capricorn as the moment of the transmigration of souls.

Capricorn offers us interesting insight as a historical trace of how Muslim astrologers built on what came before, the networks of knowledge which transmitted & exchanged ideas, & gives us a glimpse of a theory of change: a balance between volatility & stability (Mars and Saturn)

Capricorn would come to represent determination, will-power, unstoppable change, but also stability and continuity.

I’ll cover the rest of the zodiac in future threads.