On December 21st, the Winter Solstice the Sun moves into earthy Capricorn, ruled by Saturn and its symbol the tenacious Mountain Goat. The Sun in Capricorn picks up where the visionary Sun in Sagittarius left off where our ideals took center stage. In Capricorn, the Sun takes what's been envisioned and finds a way to make it happen, to make the commitment, devise the plan, do the work, etc. While the Sun is in Capricorn, we are reminded that each of us have a purpose in life.
Assigned to The Devil card of the tarot, numbered 15, Capricorn's connection with the devil has its roots in the symbolism of the mythology of the Greek God Pan, the half-man, half-goat nature god. The Devil is one of the most misunderstood cards of the Tarot deck. If you look a little closer, the figure in the card is not a representation of Satan -- but rather, the card depicts Pan. In many myths, the goat was considered an unclean and lustful animal. However, the goat also symbolizes the scapegoat, the person or thing upon which people project their inferior side in order to feel better about themselves. The Devil has the wings of a vampire bat and is symbolic of what happens when we give full reign to the realm of our raw desires. We lose our vitality and life energy. At the foot of the Devil stands a man and woman, both naked and chained by their necks to the podium on which the Devil sits. They appear to be held against their will, but closer observation will reveal that their chains are loose and could be easily removed. Their bondage to the Devil is ultimately voluntary which consciousness can release. The dark cave implies that the Devil dwells in the most inaccessible realm of the unconscious and only crisis can break through the walls. The number 15 in numerology equals 6, the number that corresponds to the Lovers, and here the lovers are shown chained, in bondage to the material, sensual side of their nature.
Tarot Meditations while the Sun is in Capricorn
This period of time when the Sun transits through Capricorn is an excellent time to meditate on the tarot’s Devil card. Have we been tempted and tested to prove our faith in human goodness by facing what we fear the most? Perhaps we have been too greedy or overly obsessed with money, sex or power at the expense of what makes us truly human. Have we created our own chains of bondage by our negative attitudes and unwise desires?
To prepare for mediation, sit or lie in a comfortable place and allow your body to be free of tension and distractions. Pay attention to your breathing. Feel your breath go in and out as you inhale and exhale. If distracting thoughts enter your mind, simply observe them and allow them to float by as you gently return your attention to your breathing. When you have established a steady, comfortable rhythm of breathing rhythmically in and out, turn your focus to the tarot card. Observe the card and contemplate its images. Let your mind be open to the messages you receive from it. When you have completed your meditation, you may wish to record your observations in a notebook for review later on.