Why Did Historical Giants Like Su Shi, Wen Tianxiang, and Zeng Guofan All Criticize Capricorn?

The Curious Case of Capricorn: When Ancient Scholars Blamed the Stars

Throughout history, few figures command as much respect and fascination as the literary giants of ancient China. Among them, Su Shi (also known as Su Dongpo) stands out—not just for his poetry, but for his multifaceted identity as a traveler, wellness enthusiast, and gourmet. Surprisingly, this Renaissance man of the East was also an early adherent of astrology, particularly when it came to explaining life’s challenges through his Capricorn sign.

In his collected notes, Dongpo Zhilin, Su Shi made a remarkable observation: “Han Yu’s poetry says: ‘At the hour of my birth, the moon lodged directly in the Dou constellation.’ From this, I understand that Han Yu’s fate was ruled by Capricorn. And I too have Capricorn as my destiny. Throughout my life, I have faced both praise and slander—this shared misfortune must stem from our shared zodiac.”

This revelation is astonishing: even a titan like Su Shi attributed his turbulent life to the influence of Capricorn. He might well be considered the patriarch of zodiac believers in Chinese history. The next time someone scoffs at astrology, you can point to Su Shi and say, “Whether you believe it or not, Su Shi certainly did.”

From Babylon to Greece: The Origins of the Zodiac

Su Shi’s comments reveal that by the Song Dynasty, concepts of zodiac signs and astrological fate had already taken root in China. But how did these Western astrological ideas reach him?

The twelve zodiac signs we know today didn’t originate in Greece but in ancient Babylon. The Babylonians, thriving in the fertile crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, developed advanced astronomical systems alongside their agricultural civilization. They divided the ecliptic—the sun’s apparent path through the stars—into twelve equal parts, creating the zodiacal framework.

By 687 BCE, Babylonian cuneiform tablets already referenced all twelve constellations of the zodiac. They even practiced early forms of horoscopic astrology by 410 BCE, believing that planetary positions at birth influenced one’s character and destiny—much like modern astrology.

When Alexander the Great expanded eastward in the 4th century BCE, Babylonian astronomical knowledge reached Greece. The Greeks then reinvented these constellations using their rich mythology, giving us the zodiac stories we know today.

The Myth Behind Capricorn

Capricorn’s origin story is particularly fascinating. In Greek mythology, Pan—the god of the wild with the upper body of a man and the legs and horns of a goat—was known for his musical talent but often mocked for his appearance.

During a celestial banquet, Pan’s enchanting flute music attracted a hundred-headed monster, terrifying all the gods. In the chaos, Pan attempted to transform into a fish to escape but found himself stuck between forms—resulting in the sea-goat hybrid we now know as Capricorn. This mythical creature was then placed among the stars, forever symbolizing Capricorn’s dual nature of earthly pragmatism and deep emotional currents.

The Journey to China: How Astrology Traveled East

The zodiac’s path to China began through cultural exchange. The earliest Chinese artifacts referencing zodiac signs date to the Three Kingdoms period (229-280 CE), found in the territory of Eastern Wu. Bronze mirrors from this era feature images of crabs and vases—likely representing Cancer and Aquarius—suggesting early awareness of these concepts.

By the Sui Dynasty (581-619 CE), Buddhist scriptures translated by Indian monks contained explicit references to all twelve zodiac signs. The Mahāvaipulya Mahāsamnipāta Sūtra mentioned them in detail, demonstrating that Chinese scholars had access to complete astrological systems.

The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) saw further integration of zodiac astrology through texts like The Scripture of Constellations and Planets, which connected birth constellations to personal fate. Archaeological findings, including Sanskrit dharani prints discovered in Xi’an and Buddhist manuscripts from Turpan, confirm that zodiac knowledge entered China alongside Indian Buddhism.

Capricorn’s Reputation: Why the Criticism?

By the Song Dynasty, zodiac astrology had become thoroughly integrated into Chinese culture—even influencing Daoism, which created deities for each zodiac sign. This widespread acceptance explains how Su Shi became such an ardent believer.

But why did Capricorn specifically attract such criticism from historical figures? The answer lies in Capricorn’s astrological characteristics:

• Ambitious but burdened: Capricorns are known for their lofty goals but often feel the weight of responsibility excessively
• Pragmatic to a fault: Their grounded nature can sometimes be misinterpreted as coldness or excessive seriousness
• High self-expectations: Capricorns often set impossible standards for themselves, leading to frustration

These traits manifested in the lives of many historical Capricorns. Han Yu faced political exile and professional setbacks. Su Shi endured multiple banishments and professional frustrations. Their Capricorn determination helped them achieve greatness but also contributed to their struggles—leading them to blame their zodiac sign.

The tradition continued through the centuries. Zhou Bida (1126-1204) wrote: “I know that Capricorn rules my fate, but I bother not to consult astrologers. Why seek empty fame like Su Shi? Random criticism follows me as it did Han Yu.”

Even the patriot Wen Tianxiang (1236-1283) joined in: “At my birth, the moon lodged in the Dipper—why must praise and slander come from others’ mouths? The bright moon deserves clear eyes to behold it; why need I dip wine from the Dipper?”

The Qing Dynasty scholar Yuan Mei (1716-1797) offered perspective: “After losing my books, I had no copies left; when friends visit, we speak of rebirth. Don’t lament Capricorn’s heavy fate—when have the world’s winds and waves ever been calm?”

Even the formidable statesman Zeng Guofan (1811-1872) acknowledged the pattern: “All you gentlemen suffer Capricorn’s fate, pitifully stumbling with worried brows. Year after year we strive to conquer cities, yet cannot claim a single plot of noble land.”

Capricorn’s Modern Legacy

Today, we can appreciate these historical complaints with better understanding. Capricorn’s challenges often stem from their greatest strengths: their determination, responsibility, and high standards. While these qualities create obstacles, they also enable remarkable achievements.

Contemporary Capricorns can take pride in this distinguished lineage of historical figures who shared their sign. The very traits that frustrated Su Shi and others also fueled their incredible accomplishments in literature, leadership, and philosophy.

Rather than viewing Capricorn as a curse, we might see it as a challenging but ultimately rewarding astrological placement—one that produces individuals of substance, endurance, and profound impact. The next time you encounter a Capricorn struggling with their nature, remember: they’re in distinguished company that spans centuries and includes some of history’s most remarkable minds.