Tite Kubo's hit manga series Bleach is an action-adventure shonen series that ran from 2001 to 2016, and it soon became one of the "big three" of its era. All of Bleach's success can be traced back to the first character Tite Kubo designed for it: Kuchiki Rukia, the Soul Reaper. Her design is what inspired Kubo to draw a story about black-robed Soul Reapers.
As Bleach's first character, Kuchiki Rukia became integral to the story's plot, especially early on, when she gave Kurosaki Ichigo her Soul Reaper powers in the early chapters and episodes. Kuchiki is famed not only for her remarkable ice-based zanpakuto, but also for her stellar personality and on-screen charisma, which is all rooted in her astrological sign -- Capricorn, the goat.
Kuchiki Rukia's Status As A Capricorn
Kuchiki Rukia was born on January 14th according to official Bleach character guides, which means she was born under the Capricorn astrological sign -- one of the three earth signs. Rukia does embody some traits in other signs, such as Cancer the crab, but she is ultimately a Capricorn, represented by a goat. As earth signs, Capricorns are diligent, stubborn and tough individuals, and Ichigo would quickly agree that this accurately describes his first Soul Reaper friend.
Capricorns are noted for their strong sense of responsibility and duty according to astrological lore, and they favor tradition and a strong sense of independence. This sets them aside from the carefree and whimsical air signs or the mystical and empathetic water signs. Being so pragmatic and sensible, Capricorns are reliable and efficient people who also make for fine leaders, from leading a group of friends to being a business executive or anything in between. On the downside, Capricorns can be rather stubborn and inflexible at times, which might close them off from new opportunities or fresh new ways of thinking. Capricorns must sometimes contend with their self-limiting nature and make the most of what they already have.
Notably, the goat that symbolizes Capricorn is no ordinary goat. It has the tail of a fish, representing Capricorn's willingness to face its fears and overcome any obstacle through sheer force of will. Capricorns are thus at peace with the concept of fear and adversity, and they face scary challenges head-on, although they might still suffer from internal fears and insecurities at times. Capricorns can drive away external threats easily enough, but their inner demons are another matter entirely.
Kuchiki Rukia As A Capricorn In Bleach
Kuchiki Rukia demonstrates many Capricorn values and traits during the story of Bleach, including her rough upbringing. Years ago, her big sister Hisana abandoned her and ran off to marry into the Kuchikis, so Rukia -- who was not yet a Kuchiki -- grew up alone on the streets of the Rukongai district. As a street urchin, she needed her natural toughness and wits to survive, and she soon became the unofficial leader of a group of young ruffians, including her friend Renji. Rukia took pride in her independent streak and self-sufficiency, and at first, she rejected the idea of training to become a Soul Reaper. She couldn't just abandon her duty to her fellow urchins, but eventually, she changed her mind, especially with Shiba Miyako, the wife of the popular Shiba Kaien, to inspire her.
Rukia was later adapted into the Kuchiki family by Byakuya, the young head, to become Kuchiki Rukia the Soul Reaper. She put duty first as a no-nonsense and self-sufficient officer, just like a true Capricorn. Kuchiki Rukia often operated alone in Karakura Town, and at first, she didn't want Ichigo to help her take down a Hollow until the battle forced her hand. Ever since then, Kuchiki served as Ichigo's informal coach and guide in the ways of spirits, until her capture led to the "Soul Society" arc.
Kuchiki Rukia's worst fears were realized during her time as a condemned prisoner in the Soul Society, and she also reflected on her terrible guilt for killing Shiba Kaien with her own hand, since Shiba had been possessed by a Hollow. This was one of Kuchiki's lowest Capricorn moments, struggling to overcome her inner demons. She continued battling these internal fears even after she apologized to Shiba Kukaku later, although her inner fears emerged once again during the "Hueco Mundo" arc as she faced the villainous Aaronerio Arurruerie. Finally, Kuchiki laid her inner demons to rest and slew Aaroniero, who had assumed Shiba Kaien's form, and moved on with both her life and her quest to rescue Inoue Orihime. Ever since then, Kuchiki Rukia has continued to serve as a stubborn, proud and confident Soul Reaper worthy of her sign.
