capricorn: venus vs. mars
venus
venus in capricorn is calmer. although they can seem a little less steady at times, they have less nervous energy and less fire in their belly than their martian cousin. there is a soothing aura around capricorn venus, like you know everything is going to be okay when they're here
they are less self-assured. that being said, they don't have the same confidence in themselves as they should. they are highly capable people, but have often suffered in the past, and don't always see themselves as good enough. they can sometimes define themselves and their skills by the people around them
they are more comfortable being kind and caring. capricorn isn't always the softest sign, but in venus, we get to see their sweet side. the native is a good listener, sensitive, kind and has a romantic streak you perhaps wouldn't expect from them
mars
mars in capricorn has sharper senses. this is both an external and internal process, with the native having a nose like a bloodhound and eyes like a hawk, and also having strong, logic-based deductive skills and street smarts. they don't miss a trick, and this makes them both awe-inspiring and intimidating
they are more comfortable in professional settings than personal ones. i think this can relate a little to the first point; their razor-sharp senses make it really hard for mars in capricorn to relax, or be vulnerable, and so it's easier for them to stay on guard, in "work mode". there is strength in being vulnerable, but it's a very difficult skill to master
they are more self-assured. perhaps because mars is exalted in capricorn, this placement can really shine, and bring out the best of both forces. and this leads to an individual that knows themselves, knows what they want, knows their purpose. and they are unafraid of their own power
both
they are both highly considerate. capricorn has a reputation for being business-like, cold, reserved, and these things aren't exactly false; but they miss another thread that makes up the tapestry when they don't include capricorn's sensitive, deeply attentive disposition. they aren't uncaring, but they have often been uncared for, and it can be hard to show something you haven't been shown
they have a complicated relationship with praise and attention. they are an ambitious sign, yet a demure one. they value criticism but take it to heart and let it haunt them like a restless spirit. they struggle to accept compliments, but bait their breath to hear them. i think capricorn can find it hard to feel they have earned praise, and so it is rarely a fair trade to them
they are more creative than they first appear. again, this is a side of capricorn that is somewhat overlooked, but they are creative; they are natural project managers, diligent workers and understand the importance of skill over talent. there is really nothing they can't do, should they put their mind to it, and this absolutely includes art, music, horticulture, or any other topic one wouldn't expect from such a "logical" sign
they are both capable of being ruthless when needed. capricorn often correlates with harsh conditions in life, and so the native can become somewhat weathered by their experiences. i've mentioned before that they have often experienced being uncared for, and they have had to grow up hard and fast to manage unmanageable situations. there is a dichotomy to capricorn, in that they are sensitive and discerning, but also hard and cold when they feel they need to be. it's hard to understand from without, and hard to carry within
