Page:Star Lore Of All Ages, 1911.pdf/179

Rh Beard." The name refers directly to the widespread myth in which the sun, then at the height of his power in the southern hemisphere, is figured as Capra, "the bearded one." The beard seems to be the characteristic emphasised in connection with the constellation, and the participants in the ceremonial dances during the festival wore masks with long beards. The beard is one of the chief characteristics of the goat. Thus we find nations widely separated, and at a very remote time, with a common notion respecting an inconspicuous star group. Such a grotesque figure, recognised in common by different nations, is too great a coincidence to savour of individual creation.

It has been said that the tribe of Napthali adopted this sign as their banner emblem, although the sign Virgo has also been allotted to them. The Latin poets designated it as "Neptune's offspring," thus preserving its maritime significance. We also find it called by a Greek appellation signifying "Swordfish," while in the Aztec calendar it appeared with a figure like that of a narwhal. The Tamil name for it signified "Antelope."

Astrologically considered Capricornus was the House of Saturn, the mansion of kings; black russet or a swarthy brown was the colour assigned to it, and Proctor tells us that this sign gives to its natives a dry constitution, and slender build, with a long thin visage. It governs the knees and hams, and reigns over India, Macedonia, Thrace, Greece, Mexico, Saxony, Brandenburg, and Oxford. It is feminine and unfortunate, a conclusion totally at variance with the Romans exalted idea of the constellation. Those born between the dates Dec. 21st and Jan. 20th are born under this sign. Such persons are proud, self-reliant, and practical, fastidious, dignified, and sincere in affection. Their tendency to idealise brings suffering. March and November are the lucky months, and Saturday the auspicious day. The flower is the snowdrop, and the precious stone, chalcedony.