Su Dongpo’s Astrological Belief: Blaming His Misfortunes on Being a Capricorn!

The Unconventional Side of a Literary Giant

Beyond his legendary status as a poet, calligrapher, and gourmet, Su Dongpo—the celebrated Song Dynasty polymath—harbored a rather modern fascination: he deeply believed in astrology and attributed his lifelong misfortunes to being born under the sign of Capricorn.

Astrology’s Historical Roots in China

Contrary to popular belief, zodiac signs aren’t a recent trend among the youth. The concept of the twelve constellations originated in ancient Babylon, evolved through Greek civilization, and was later introduced to China around 1,400 years ago by Indian monk Nālānda during the late Northern and Southern Dynasties. Along with Buddhist scriptures, he brought the system of Western astrology, which gradually integrated into traditional Chinese astronomical culture. Historical records show that scholars of past eras were just as familiar with zodiac signs as people are today.

Why Su Dongpo Blamed Capricorn

Despite his immense talent and popularity, Su Dongpo’s life was marked by political exile, professional setbacks, and personal struggles. He was too progressive for conservatives and too traditional for reformers—a man caught between conflicting ideologies. Although known for his unshakable optimism and ability to find joy in hardship, he often privately wondered why misfortune seemed to follow him.

Born on January 8, 1037, Su Dongpo was, by modern reckoning, a Capricorn. In his essay Dongpo’s Records: The Life of Han Yu, he pointed out that the Tang Dynasty scholar Han Yu was also a Capricorn and had similarly suffered a life full of slander and hardship. Dongpo wrote: “I see now that we share the same fate—born under the same sign, destined for the same struggles.”

A Recurring Theme: Capricorn Misfortune

This wasn’t a one-off remark. In another essay, Record of the Lantern Festival Night, he reflected: “Throughout my life, I have been met with endless criticism—much like Han Yu. Our stars are aligned in battle and hardship.” He even humorously noted that those who shared his birth month seemed destined for poverty rather than prosperity.

Not Even His Friends Were Spared

Su Dongpo’s astrological humor extended to his inner circle. His friend Ma Mengde, who helped him secure land to farm during his exile in Huangzhou, was also born in the same month. With classic Capricorn dry wit, Dongpo wrote: “Of all those born in this season, not one achieved wealth. But between Mengde and me, he is undoubtedly the champion of poverty.”

The Deeper Truth: Resilience Beyond the Stars

What’s truly remarkable is that despite his superstitions, Su Dongpo never surrendered to despair. His belief in astrological fate didn’t diminish his spirit—it almost seemed to fuel his resilience. His famous line, “A straw cloak in the rain—what is there to fear? I’ll face this life as it comes,” embodies a philosophy that transcends zodiac determinism.

Perhaps it is this very tension—between believing in a destined struggle and nevertheless choosing joy—that makes his legacy so compelling. For all his complaints about being a Capricorn, he remains one of history’s most inspiring figures: relentless, creative, and profoundly human.

So the next time you read your horoscope, remember Su Dongpo—a man who laughed at the stars, even as he wrote under them.