Our Decan Walk brings us now to the three Capricorn Decans! I can’t believe we’ve made it so far! Capricorn is the tenth Zodiac Sign. And as someone with their Sun and Mars in the Sign of Capricorn, I am quite excited to explore Astrology and the imagery and symbolism of the Tarot Cards.

Interestingly enough, as I am creating the video and blog post for the Capricorn Decans, we actually have the Sun, Mars, Mercury, and Venus in Capricorn. Jupiter is in Cancer, opposing the Sun, Mars, and Venus conjunction. I mean, talk about the magic of the moment! ✨

Without any further ado, let’s dive into the Decans of Capricorn. ♑️

Capricorn Decans: Jupiter in Capricorn + Mars in Capricorn + Sun in Capricorn

The three Capricorn Decans have the energies of three Fiery planets in the Earthy realm of Capricorn. Here, these fiery passions and desires materialize and find structure in their respective Capricorn Decans. The first Capricorn decan has Jupiter in Capricorn linked with the 2 of Pentacles, the second Capricorn decan has Mars in Capricorn linked with the 3 of Pentacles, and the third Capricorn decan has the Sun in Capricorn linked with the 4 of Pentacles.

Let’s begin by understanding the energy of the Zodiac sign of Capricorn.

Astrology: Capricorn ♑︎

Typically, Capricorn is shown as a Goat. However, it is half a goat and half a fish. Therefore, Capricorn is actually a Sea Goat or a Goat Fish.

Another interesting thing to note is that the Astrological glyph of Capricorn actually depicts the Sun slowly rising upwards from the Depths of Winter. The simple reason is that the Zodiac sign of Capricorn begins right after the Winter Solstice, when the Earth is farthest away from the Sun, causing the days to be short and the nights to be long. It is only after the Winter Solstice that the nights slowly start to become shorter.

Capricorn is an Earth sign ruled by Saturn. If we look at the Star Codes Astro Oracle, the keyword is Achieve. Accomplishing their goals matters a lot to Capricorns.

• The Superpowers: Capricorn energy is about patience, resilience, and persistence. They are focused on achievement. Capricorns love structure, law and order, duty, and responsibility. They are disciplined, strategic, and deeply loyal. They are precise, careful, and down-to-earth. While they have a very controlled sensuality, they are equally fierce about their boundaries.
• The Shadow Side: Because of that Saturnian pressure, there is a risk of becoming a workaholic. The internal narrative is often, “If I don’t get an A+++, I’m not good enough.” (Trust me, I know this feeling! 😅). Fearful of competition, they push themselves to perform. They can also be rigid, pessimistic, or prone to melancholy. They often cling to time-tested and traditional perspectives. Their approach towards using money effectively can also be perceived as stingy or miserly. Their cold and straightforward approach is also perceived as cynical and ruthless.

If Sagittarius is about building the philosophy, Capricorn is about creating the structure based on that philosophy.

Capricorn in the Tarot: The Devil

In the Tarot, Capricorn is linked with the Major Arcana card called The Devil.

Now, don’t let the name scare you! While the imagery components draw on the cosmic-level “bad guy” vibe, this card is deeply connected to the material world.

Remember, Capricorn is about giving material structure to our life’s journey, where we’ve learned much in each Sign. Capricorn energy helps organize and structure all the experiences and the wisdom one has gained through each of those Signs.

First and foremost, let’s address the elephant in the room. The card is named “The Devil” and typically depicts a creature that combines elements of various pre-Christian deities, including Pan and Baphomet. As Christianity gained momentum in different parts of the world, the local pagan deities would often be merged with the Devil, vilifying them in order to turn people away from worshipping those deities.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith and Tarot de Marseille imagery, we see the Pan/Satyr Figure, a half-man, half-goat creature with bat wings, sitting or standing on a stone block.

I feel that using that imagery and that specific title for the card was a deliberate move by the Deck creators. The simple reason is that the name would automatically prompt people to jump to the popular association. However, when they looked at the card image, they would see the Chained Figures—the man and woman from the Lovers card. Then they would also notice that those figures have changed drastically. They have grown horns and tails, and they are chained to the block.

In short, calling this card “The Devil” and showing the Pan/Baphomet image on it was an attention-grabbing technique. We see that the man and the woman, who were once connected in The Lovers card through communication and mutual respect, are in this dark space, literally chained to their desires.

The message here isn’t necessarily about “evil,” but about attachment. The material world can create bonds that are difficult to break. This is a golden cage. These are the strings that were attached to the benefits and advantages that you received.

Saturn rules restrictions and bonds, and the Sign of Capricorn. The chains in The Devil card can represent the bonds and restrictions that keep you tied within their grasp. While Capricorn energy brings you many material benefits, they always come with strings attached. The Devil card often indicates that you will get the job of your dreams with a huge salary, but that job will keep you so busy that you won’t have any time to enjoy your life.

Ultimately, the imagery asks us to consider: What structures are you building, and are they supporting you or trapping you?

Another interpretation of this card is in the realm of relationships. We already see the couple from the Lovers card here, where the lady has grown a tail of grapes, and the man has grown a tail of fire. Grapes indicate luxury, while fire indicates passion. The couple is now indulging in their material desires. The Devil card could also indicate a wealthy partner, but they might be workaholics who are never around. Alternatively, this could indicate a relationship in which money and material benefits were the main attraction rather than mutual affection.

The Devil card can also speak about addictions—anything that holds you in its grasp. Additionally, the card can also indicate temptations for forbidden desires, bondage, trauma, and breaking of conventions.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith and Tarot de Marseille cards, the imagery is largely about being tied to materialistic benefits—money, assets, and desires. It portrays how the material world, while offering pleasures, can also trap and chain you, creating shadow aspects within your psyche.

Now, let’s look at the Thoth and Telos Tarot imagery, which offers a different perspective.

In the Thoth, we see a goat with spiral horns and a third eye, connecting to Pan. We see two circles, with what looks like people in them. Those are actually testicles, and the people represent sperm. Behind the goat, what looks like a tree trunk is actually an erect phallus. We see that this pierces a blue ring, which represents the womb of the Queen of Heaven.

Essentially, we are witnessing the actual act of procreation in process. It is a very graphic representation of how the material world is generated and brought into being. Reality requires creative energies to merge and procreate, so that it is born. And once Reality takes form, we are trapped in its material web. The spider-web in the background symbolizes the snares and traps of the underworld. It suggests that our desires—sexual or otherwise—are often the easiest way for the material world to trap us.

Another name for this card is the “Lord of the Gates of Matter.”  In the Telos Tarot, we see the gates behind the central character. As the controller of these Gates of Matter, he controls desires and causes births in the material world. This central character, who resembles Pan, has two serpents entwined by his feet, turning him into a living Caduceus of Mercury.

Interestingly, the positioning of the hands of the central character in the Devil card resembles that of The Magician. However, there is a big difference. In The Magician card, the Magus holds a Wand in his right hand and points upwards, whereas in The Devil card, the main character holds a flaming torch in his left hand and points it downwards. This is because the Magus is the Illumination of Divine Will, while The Devil Illuminates Shadows. 

In front of the main Pan character, we see an hourglass lying on its side. While the imagery of the hourglass links the card to Saturn or Cronos, the God of Time, the image also resembles the testicles. This also links to the other name of this card, “The Child of the Forces of Time“.

Within this hourglass, we see four shapes, called the Platonic Solids.

• • Hexahedron (6 faces): Represents Earth.
  • Octahedron (8 faces): Represents Air.
  • Icosahedron (20 faces): Represents Water.
  • Tetrahedron (4 faces): Represents Fire.

These four elements are the building blocks of reality. When read left to right, in the order that they are drawn on the card, we have Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Thus, they form the Tetragrammaton (YHVH), the name of God/Creation. This name also translates to: “to be“, or “to exist“, or “to cause to become“, or “to come to pass“. Within the hourglass, we also see galaxies of the Universe taking form. 

Below that hourglass is a smaller gate that displays the DNA helix, the building blocks of human birth. Ultimately, this card’s imagery details how the action of creation through sexuality actually births matter and the material reality within which we are all trapped.

Essentially, this card is saying that creation is inescapable. Whether it’s the myth of Uranus and Gaia or the biological reality of procreation, the act of Creation is both the Universal requirement and the Universal drive. We are not just a part of this material reality; we are also its creators, while we are inevitably trapped within it. Without this material reality, we wouldn’t exist. And without us, this material reality would have no tangible form.

The “Devil,” then, is a monster because we’ve made a monster out of him. The dark aspect of this situation is that we cannot accept the fact that we create and maintain this reality through our desire, ambition, and lust for power. Both sides—the “good” and the “bad”—coexist within us, and each requires the other so it can exist in the first place. Such is the paradox of this material world, which we chose to demonize because we cannot bear to face this fact, even as we greedily embrace all the benefits that it offers. In this way, The Devil card is also a perfect representation of the Shadow aspects of the psyche.

My only complaint about the imagery choices is that, in depicting the trap-like nature of material reality, the positive aspects of Capricorn energy were completely sidelined. We don’t get to see the good qualities, such as patience, persistence, stubbornness, discipline, principles, diligence, and devotion, in this imagery. And as a Capricorn, it does bug me a bit. 🤔

Well, now that we’ve thoroughly explored the energy of Capricorn, let’s dive into the Capricorn Decans.

Capricorn Decans I: Jupiter in Capricorn: ♃ in ♑︎: Cycles of Expansion & Contraction + Structures of Growth

The first Capricorn Decan is ruled by Jupiter in Capricorn, and linked with the 2 of Pentacles in the Tarot.

The first Capricorn Decan spans 0° to 10° of Capricorn (from 22 Dec to 30 Dec). The Picatrix describes this decan energy as: “A man holding a cane or a javelin in his right hand, and a hoop or a lapwing in his left.” The decan stands for pleasure, activity, going back and forth, incapability, weakness, and humility.

The javelin represents the act of striving (when the javelin is thrown, it reaches a great distance), while the lapwing represents leaping and wavering (drawn from the meaning of the name of the bird). This perfectly encompasses the energies of Jupiter and Capricorn. Jupiter, the planet of expansion, brings growth. Whereas, Capricorn contracts that growth and gives it a structure, a form. This process of expansion and contraction creates a dynamic energy of activity, moving back and forth, seeking a balance.

We’ve encountered the energy of Jupiter in earlier cards. Jupiter is a fiery planet that rules Sagittarius and Pisces. Jupiter is a benefic planet and brings expansion — and that expansion is through education, study, law, philosophy, and travel. Jupiter brings abundance and represents everything that is grand, generous, and optimistic.

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  10 - The Wheel of Fortune

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In the Tarot, Jupiter is linked with The Wheel of Fortune card, which is often welcomed by people in their Readings. A wheel dominates the imagery of this card, emphasizing the cyclic nature of the Fortune it brings. The turning of the Wheel is powered by the forces of Cause and Effect. You will reap what you sow. Good things come to you because you did good deeds, and therefore, when bad things come to you, they are the result of the bad deeds you’ve done. So when the Wheel turns in your favor, be sure to seed more good deeds. This way, you won’t have to experience the unfavorable turn of the Wheel for long.

Astrology: Jupiter in Capricorn: ♃ in  ♑︎

We’ve already seen a glimpse of Jupiter in Capricorn when we looked at the decan energy. Jupiter expands, Capricorn constricts. These forces act against each other. Even from a mythological perspective, the deities of Jupiter and Saturn have cause to oppose each other.

Interestingly enough, Jupiter is considered to be “In Fall” when it is in Capricorn. This suggests that we likely end up seeing a very negative side of Jupiter in this Zodiac Sign.

When we look at the image of Jupiter in Capricorn from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, we see that the keyword is Control. In Capricorn, Jupiter ends up using its philosophies and its wisdom to fuel its ambitions and to establish control. Here, Jupiter’s ambition is to improve their life and status by taking on positions of responsibility. Jupiter wants not just to ascend the ladder of hierarchy, but to get to the top rung and stay there. Here, Jupiter’s ambition is stoked by the Capricorn structures, pushing it to achieve a higher position and gain more authority. This placement creates people who become pillars of society, business tycoons, and politicians.

This desire to achieve all comes with a cost. This placement can create situations where their home and family life suffer a lot. This ambitious nature could make them stubborn and rigid. They stick to the letter of the law, and not to the essence of the law. We even see this energy depicted in the card image, where Jupiter sits with his feet on top of the Earth. And Earth is surrounded by the Ouroboros serpent, the representative of the endless nature of Time.

The Number: 2

The energies of the number 2 are also a part of this story. This is the energy of duality. All the opposing energies are embodied in the number 2. We have cooperation and conflict, partnership and separation, balance and imbalance. The number 2 thus creates a space where choices and decisions play an important role. The side you choose will be the guiding energy for your journey.

Capricorn Decans I + Tarot: 2 of Pentacles: Jupiter in Capricorn: ♃ in ♑︎

All of these energies converge in the imagery of the Tarot card associated with the first Capricorn Decan, the 2 of Pentacles.

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  2 of Pentacles

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The first thing I noticed when I saw all these cards together was the lemniscate-shaped loop. This is the figure-eight shape that represents the endless movement of energy as it converges and separates, transforming from one form to the other. This perfectly encompasses the expansion of Jupiter that is constricted and contracted in the Sign of Capricorn.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith, the juggler seems to be endlessly juggling his material resources, even as the waves of emotions carry ships up and down the tides of life. He keeps juggling and dancing, trying to find his balance in life and with his resources. He looks unhappy that this loop keeps going on and on, seemingly forever. How much longer should he keep managing his money by moving it here and there?

In the Tarot de Marseille image, we see two beautiful Pentacles wrapped with a banner that contains the name of the Deck Maker and Printer. This harkens back to the days when the Ace of Spades in a playing card deck would often bear a stamp indicating it had paid the tax. This banner loop encircling the pentacles and adorned with leaves and flowers, is a perfect symbol of the card’s energies: collaboration, partnership, two projects, options, and yes, the winding road.

In the Thoth, we have a snake winding about two Yin-Yang disks, making a shape of the number 8. This snake is eating it’s own tail, and is also wearing a crown. Again, we see the snake imagery representing Time, and when it eats its own tail, we are told that time moves endlessly and in a circle. What begins must end, and what ends must begin. The snake also wears a crown — a nod to the fact that both Saturn and Jupiter are Kings in their own right.

Finally, in the Telos Tarot, we have the same looping snake wearing the crown, and we also have a ribbon encompassing two disks. In one, we have the face of Janus, and in the other, we have a ship on the waves. We already know that Capricorn begins right after the Winter Solstice, and that this is the first Decan of Capricorn. Janus is the two-headed god who looks at the Past and the Present simultaneously. The other disk contains the ship that goes up and down on the tide of emotions. And next to these two disks is the Javelin-throwing man holding the lapwing. As the book Scions of 777 states: The Devil (Capricorn) spins the Wheel (Jupiter) and increases our material prospects.

Ultimately, whether through the interaction of the Astrological elements (Jupiter and Capricorn) or through the imagery of the lemniscate loop, we see a push-and-pull dynamic unfold. Creation brings expansion, which is then organized, structured, and brought under control. This is the engine of change and progress.

Capricorn Decan II: Mars in Capricorn: ♂ in ♑︎: Ambitious Action + Constructive Creation

Now, let us look at the second Capricorn Decan. Mars rules this Decan, which spans 31 Dec to 9 Jan. This second Capricorn Decan with Mars in Capricorn is linked to the 3 of Pentacles in the Tarot.

In the Picatrix, this second Capricorn Decan is described as: “A man with a monkey (or an Ape) in front of him.” This decan is associated with the energy of seeking what is known but is unattainable.

The Monkey or the Ape is a creature of strength and intelligence. It stands for resourcefulness and evokes the idea of evolution. When the Ape goes before the Man, we are being shown the process of evolution. When the Ape started to become resourceful, it began to evolve, to ultimately become a Man. This decan energy is about evolution and growth.

Astrology: Mars ♂ + Tarot: The Tower

We’ve already studied the energy of Mars in earlier cards. Mars is the God of War and a fiery planet. Mars rules Aries and Scorpio. Mars represents a very masculine energy that is physical, aggressive, and sexual. It also stands for drive, temperament, passion, animal attraction, aggression, courage, bravery, impulsive actions, and dramatic events. Mars is competitive, ambitious, and confident. Mars can also become angry, aggressive, and insensitive.

In the Tarot, the energy of Mars is linked with The Tower card. As we can see in the images of The Tower card across all four decks, we see a tall structure (a Tower) struck by lightning (Divine Will / Wrath), and crumbling and collapsing. The Tower represents the structures that have become an inescapable part of our lives. These are structures that we’ve created for ourselves. These can be habits, rules, principles, ethics, and perceptions. And on a macro level, these can be organizations, administrations, governments, beliefs, and even religion.

Everything that we’ve made and structured to make our lives better soon ends up trapping us within it. If we don’t break out or walk out of that trap, then the Universe will step in and do it for us.

This Mars energy then manifests as sudden and devastating events such as collapse, destruction, war, upheaval, and chaos. All of the structures will be broken apart and crumble, turning to dust.

Astrology: Mars in Capricorn: ♂ in ♑︎

When this Martian energy lands in the Sign of Capricorn, it is welcomed and appreciated. Mars is “Exalted” in Capricorn, where its energy and drive are channelled into very Capricornian ventures.

In the imagery of the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, we see a ruler holding an orb (representing the Globe) with an equal-armed cross (representing the material world’s power challenging the spiritual world’s power). The keyword on this card is “Authority“, which is a common feature of both Mars and Capricorn.

Mars, with its energetic and active energy, is just what Capricorn is looking for! Capricorn wants to build structures. This energy fuels the Capricornian purpose, pushing it to accomplish its goals. Mars in Capricorn also indicates ambition and a strong desire for recognition and status. Capricorn stabilizes the energy of Mars, creating well-considered and decisive actions. Mars’ impulses are controlled, and actions become responsible. This energy creates people who show initiative and have the executive ability to make practical achievements possible. Here is a constructive and energetic leader who also seeks to assert his authority.

On the negative side, this can also represent someone who wants power at all costs. Here, ambition goes too far. This could create people who don’t care who they push aside in their ambitious drive for achievement.

The Number: 3

The number 3 represents the energy of creation, growth, and expansion. This is the number for abundance, for developing and manifesting things into reality. The number 3 can also represent loss or gain. Ultimately, everything becomes more tangible with the energy of the 3.

Capricorn Decans II + Tarot: 3 of Pentacles: Mars in Capricorn: ♂ in ♑︎

We see all of these energies come together in the imagery of the 3 of Pentacles card in the Tarot.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith image, we see a beautiful image of teamwork, planning, action, and construction. The Priest stands for the authority and the financier, the power and the supplier of the resources needed for this action. The Architect, with his plan, represents the ideas and creativity necessary for this process. And the Sculptor, with his tools, represents the necessary actions taken in accordance with the resources and ideas he has been supplied with. Ultimately, we witness the creation of the structure of a Church building, the final output of their combined efforts.

In the Tarot de Marseille, we see the output of what happened when the 2 Pentacles from the previous Decan came together and cooperated. We see the third pentacle, manifested because of this collaboration. Surrounded by red vines and flower buds, we see the powerful potential that has manifested into form.

In the Thoth Tarot image, we see three red disks representing body, mind, and soul. Upon those wheels stands a pyramid, the crystallization of the creative force generated by the coming together of the body, mind, and soul. Behind them, the vast ocean of inexhaustible primary potential ripples in waves, supplying them with unending energy for their endeavor. Ideas are translated into reality and become manifest in the world.

In the Telos Tarot image, we see a Mason building a wall. On his dress is the symbol of Malkuth, the final sephirot of the Tree of Life, which is the representation of the Material World. We’ve already seen how the Ape represents resourcefulness and evolution. Here, the Ape holds a coin with an Hourglass, a representation of Time. Saturn or Cronos, the ruler of Capricorn, also rules Time. In the second coin, we see the alchemical triad of sulfur, mercury, and salt, which are considered to be the building blocks of the Universe. Finally, the third coin shows the architectural tools of a Master Mason: the Plumb (Life), the Level (Death), and the Square (Creative Wisdom). Behind them is a five-stepped pyramid, which represents Mars. Here, we see the highly structured, organized process and effort of the combined energies of Mars and Capricorn. They create and build, their energies engaged in constructive and creative activities, manifesting their imagination into the structures of reality. This truly connects with the Picatrix description of “seeking what is unobtainable” because nothing ever feels fully “done”. There’s a constant desire to improve and do better.

Capricorn Decans III: Sun in Capricorn: ☉ in ♑︎: Power Consolidation + Structural Stagnation

This is the third and final Capricorn Decan. Ruled by the Sun, this decan spans 10 Jan to 19 Jan. This third Capricorn Decan with the Sun in Capricorn is linked with the 4 of Pentacles in the Tarot.

The Picatrix describes the third Capricorn Decan as: “a man opening and closing a book (or a Quran) with the tail of a fish before him.” This decan is connected with the energies of Intensity, Desire, Monopoly, Accumulation, and Greed.

Since the original Picatrix book, called the Ghayat Al-Hakim, was written in Persia, the presence of the Quran makes sense. However, this could just as well be an Accounts ledger. The tail of the fish could refer to either the Age of Pisces, which preceded the Age of Aquarius, or to the fish as a symbol of wealth, or to the fact that the Sea-Goat or the Goat-Fish is the symbol of Capricorn.

We’ve also seen the energies of The Sun in earlier cards. The Sun rules Leo, and is the center of the Solar System. It represents the ego, the Father, and individuality. The Sun is the power of expression, the identity, and the personality. It is self-worth and pride. The Sun is also about growth, spirit, and radiance.

Astrology: The Sun ☉ + Tarot: The Sun

In the Tarot, the Sun is linked with the Major Arcana card titled The Sun.

Here, we see a big, bright Sun dominating the images of all the cards. While the Rider-Waite-Smith image depicts a young child riding carefree on a horse, the Tarot de Marseille, the Thoth, and the Telos Tarot cards feature two children playing together. These could represent the dual nature of reality, or the Gemini twins, or Apollo and Athena, or even a boy and a girl.  There’s always a boundary of some sort (the walls in the Rider-Waite-Smith and Tarot de Marseille), which could very well tell us that everything remains within the realm of the Sun. The Sun is the center of the Solar System, and its rays enable us to see the world and cause plants to grow on Earth.

Here, the Sun card represents the pure child-like joy that comes from the clarity of realization. This is the bright energy of pure light, creativity, and success. This is also the heat of the Sun, blazing and burning with intensity and passion.

Astrology: Sun in Capricorn: ☉ in ♑︎

When the Sun shows up in the Sign of Capricorn, we see the merging of their energies. The card from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun shows a fortified city, dominated by a huge palace, and a large disk of the Sun in the sky. The keyword on the card is “Achievement“, which makes complete sense, given how both The Sun and Capricorn have the energy of ambition and accomplishment.

This placement manifests as an ambitious organizer. A person with this placement uses their intuition to achieve their aims in life. While Capricorn has a slow and steady vibe, The Sun loves to advance to the top of the ladder. Here is someone who has the patience to work hard and earn honor and recognition for his accomplishments. This combination can create a person who feels obliged to set a good example for others and has a powerful moral sense. We see people take on and commit to projects and responsibilities. They also receive help from influential or famous people.

On the negative side, this placement can lead to people who might resort to unscrupulous means to get what they want and exploit others to achieve their goals. When their ambition grows unchecked, this shadow aspect of their ego can truly take over.

The Number: 4

The number 4 stands for stability, structure, organization, and order. It can also represent rigidity and stagnation.

Capricorn Decans III + Tarot: 3 of Pentacles: Sun in Capricorn: ☉ in ♑︎

In the Tarot, the third Capricorn Decan, Sun in Capricorn, is linked with the 4 of Pentacles.

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  4 of Pentacles

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Interestingly, each of the Tarot cards we’re studying shows different aspects of the Sun in Capricorn energy, and an interesting thread of similarity runs through all of them.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith image, we see a man holding on to a Pentacle. He is obsessed with his money and resources. The keyword “Miser” is often attached to this card image. However, now that we look closer at the image with our new understanding, we can see that he is holding and protecting his material security. With the coin on his head, we can see he has money on his mind, and the two coins below his feet depict his control over the money. This is someone who is ambitious and wants to accumulate and control his resources.

In the Tarot de Marseille, we see four pentacles in the four corners of the card, denoting material stability and security. In the center of the card is the shield of the French Royal House of Bourbon, decorated with three fleurs-de-lys. Here we see royalty, stability, and institutional power.

In the Thoth card image, we see a top-down view of a castle with four towers, each depicting the glyph of an element (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth). This castle is surrounded by a moat and high walls. This is a fortress of law and order, and it stands for boundaries. This represents structure, stability, security, and the balance between the four elements.

Finally, the image of the Telos Tarot shows the Sun King sitting on a throne on a raised dias of four steps. He is opening and closing a book, constantly checking his accounts. He wears a vest of coins covering his heart and his stomach, showing us that wealth is his passion and his hunger. He also has a crown that looks like a fortress, with the symbol of Malkuth inscribed on the coin within it. On the throne are two more coins, each with one face of Janus, looking in either direction. And the final coin bears the image of a crown, which this King has underfoot, showing us how far and how high his control extends. Behind him is a solar halo formed by clenched fists that corresponds to the Hebrew word Kaph, meaning “hand“. Here, we see authority and control that can transform into greed and power consolidation. The desire to protect can also become an exercise of authoritarian power.

The crown shaped like a castle and the four pentacles in the corners, which resemble castle towers, are the powerful thread running through these images. Ultimately, this explains the keyword “Power” on the Thoth and Telos cards. However, when the energies of the Sun and the structures of Capricorn (ruled by Saturn) come together, we can see how easily this ambitious energy would want to rule and control everything within its grasp. However, with this level of power, you must remain vigilant at all times. There’s no rest, and there’s no letting up. While the crown may weigh heavily on the head of this King, he may very well use its power and authority for both good and evil.

Capricorn Decans + Tarot: The Supporting Cards

Starting with Capricorn, we are going to see a new set of Aces and Pages. This triad of Zodiac Signs, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces, has an Air Sign (Aquarius) in the center. Thus, we have the Ace of Swords and the Page of Swords as our supporting base energy for all the Decans within these three Zodiac Signs.

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  Ace of Swords

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The Ace of Swords represents the Root of the Powers of Air. In each image, we see a sword reaching up to pierce the center of a crown. Swords represent intellect, rational thought, and logic. And the Crown is the head, or ego. When the Sword of Logic pierces the Crown of Ego, we get the blinding truth that is sharp and cuts deep. In the Rider-Waite-Smith, the Tarot de Marseille, and the Telos, the crown has two branches: the Palm on the right, and the Bay Laurel on the left. Both are representations of victory. The Thoth card shows a Crown with 22 rays of the Major Arcana. Ultimately, we see the purest form of truth and perception, which can be painful and extremely logical.

The Page of Swords supports this energy. Here we see a young person wielding the Sword of Truth and Logic. He may not have the full capability to do so, but he certainly tries hard. He uses this Sword to generate ideas — which are plentiful and occasionally all over the place. They can make mistakes, but they have a freshness of thought that can often break patterns because they are unafraid of the consequences.

Supporting the first two Capricorn Decans, Jupiter in Capricorn (2 of Pentacles) and Mars in Capricorn (3 of Pentacles), we also have the Queen of Pentacles. Here, the compassionate Queen nourishes the energies of growth and restriction of Jupiter in Capricorn. She also provides practical guidance for the focused ambition of Mars in Capricorn.

The final Capricorn Decan, Sun in Capricorn linked with the 4 of Pentacles, is supported by the Knight of Swords. Here, the lively energy of the quick-thinking and quick-acting Knight of Swords keeps the energy of the Sun in Capricorn on the edge of his seat. His problem-solving ability helps the Sun King resolve the issues within the walls of his fortified castle.

Capricorn Decans: The Material Structures of Desire

We see through the energies and images of these three Capricorn Decans how each Decan ruler brings its own flavor to Capricorn. Capricorn wants to organize and structure everything within its realm. Saturn, the ruler of the Zodiac Sign, enforces authority and rules in his Sign. The desire to create is the impulse that powers the process of manifestation. In Capricorn, this manifest and material reality takes shape and form in an orderly manner, following the cosmic rules and laws.  In the first Capricorn Decan, Jupiter brings wisdom and philosophy, striving to expand the manifestation. Capricorn holds this energy within its structure, changing it from concept to reality. In the second Capricorn Decan, Mars brings drive and passion, giving this process a boost of energy that will sustain the creation and manifestation process for a long time. Finally, in the third Capricorn Decan, the Sun brings the bright radiance of clarity, fully embracing the structures of Capricorn, helping to consolidate and control the material reality of this creation. Thus, through these three Capricorn Decans, the energies and impulses of creation find solid ground and build the reality that they desire to experience and indulge.

📸 The Infographic + ⬇️ The Download

Capricorn Decan I: Jupiter in Capricorn: ♃ in ♑︎: Cycles of Expansion & Contraction + Structures of Growth

Capricorn Decan II: Mars in Capricorn: ♂ in ♑︎: Ambitious Action + Constructive Creation

Capricorn Decan III: Sun in Capricorn: ☉ in ♑︎: Power Consolidation + Structural Stagnation

🎞️ The Video

Here’s the video I made exploring the imagery of the three Capricorn Decans. Enjoy!

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📣 Shoutout

Here are the links to Valerie’s Posts:

• Capricorn I: This Is The Mediocre I Swords I Wouldn’t Write
• Capricorn II: The Guild of Capricornship: Three of Pentacles

Additionally, I would also like to give a huge Shoutout to the Telos Tarot Book, Scions of 777 by M.M. Meleen. This book has 583 pages, and is 1 ⅜ inches or 3.5 centimeters thick. All this to say that it has A LOT of information. For starters, it sheds light on the Picatrix Decans imagery, their meanings, and their connections to the Astrological interpretations. Secondly, it helps one understand the nuances of the Telos Tarot card deck imagery.

Additionally, the book has much more to offer — stuff I honestly haven’t even come close to studying — so I won’t be commenting on it. If you truly want to embrace the Decan walk and its insights, the Telos Tarot deck is a perfect blend of the Decan, the Astrology, and the Tarot information in one beautiful image.

📚 Homework

📓 Things to Think (or Journal) about the Capricorn Decans

Here are some questions to help you work with this heavy, ambitious energy right now. Grab your journal and be honest with yourself!

Confronting Your Chains (The Devil)

“What structures are you building, and are they supporting you or trapping you?” Look at your current commitments—your job, your relationships, your habits. Which ones feel like a supportive ladder, and which ones feel like “golden handcuffs”? What are you attached to just because it looks good on paper?

🤹 The Balancing Act (2 of Pentacles)

“Jupiter’s expansion is continually challenged by Saturn’s contractions.” Where in your life are you trying to expand right now, and where are you feeling restricted? How can you find a rhythm between these two opposing forces instead of fighting them? Alternatively, are you enjoying the juggling act? Or are you terrified that you’ll drop the ball?

🏗️ The Work of Evolution (3 of Pentacles)

“Nothing ever feels completed… nothing will ever feel like it’s done.” Reflect on a project or goal you are working on. Are you striving for excellence, or are you stuck in a loop of perfectionism? How can you acknowledge the progress you have already made (the ape before the man) instead of just obsessing over what’s left to build? Are you using your energy efficiently, or are you getting lost in busywork?

🏰 Guarding Your Fortress (4 of Pentacles)

“Power requires constant vigilance.” What assets (physical, emotional, or spiritual) are you most protective of right now? Is your “fortress” keeping you safe, or is it isolating you from others? Has your need for security blocked your growth?

🏢 Let’s Build on This…

I would love to hear how this Capricorn energy is showing up for you! Are you feeling the ambitious drive of Mars, or are you in “protection mode” like the Sun in Capricorn? Or maybe you are just trying to keep all your Pentacles in the air without dropping them! How have the energies of the three Capricorn Decans shown up in your life? What structures have you desired and built by leveraging the energies of these Capricorn Decans?