Saturn in Astrology

Saturn Overview:

In astrology, Saturn represents restriction and structure. Its influence is associated with hardship and adversity that can build our character and teach us important lessons needed to overcome life’s hurdles. Saturn is also about reality itself, and the burdens and responsibilities we must bear in order to succeed, complete our tasks or fulfill our destiny.

Moreover, Saturn is a malefic planet and although its presence often serves to make us stronger, wiser and better equipped to handle life, it can bring much suffering and misfortune in the process. Saturn is the planetary ruler of Capricorn, the sea goat. Saturn is exalted in the sign of Libra and in its detriment in Cancer. It is in its fall in the sign of Aries.

Saturn seeks after perfection and tries to slow us down and restrain us from foolhardy and reckless decisions. Saturn encourages patience and self discipline. The willingness and intestinal fortitude to dig your heels and keep moving forward despite the circumstances. Its positive expression includes humility, wisdom and respectfulness. But in its negative form, Saturn can manifest as prejudice, parsimony, and stubborn closed-mindedness.

Additionally, Saturn gives clarity, structure and definition. It is the antidote to chaos and disorder. It pertains to the concrete material world rather than the abstract ideals of Neptune. Where Jupiter expands, Saturn contracts. Saturn tries to conserve and use moderation in all things. Jupiter’s influence is prone to excess, exorbitance and waste. Saturn detests waste and overindulgence of all sorts.

Under Saturn’s influence, everything should be put in its proper place. Tasks must be carried out in a systematic manner. Important lessons can be drawn from our every experience. Saturn is the great teacher and as such is also associated with authority and those who wield power and influence over us. At the same time, Saturn can be cold and withdrawn. Silence and concentration are part of its character.

Saturn Rulership: Capricorn & Aquarius
Saturn Detriment: Cancer & Leo
Saturn Exaltation: Libra
Saturn Fall: Aries

Saturn Key Traits:

Adversity
Restriction
Limitation
Unconscious Fears
Law and Order
Defensiveness
Patience
Humility
Responsibility
Severity
Rigidity
Endurance

The Saturn Symbol ♄:

The symbol of Saturn is represented as a cross over the crescent moon. The crescent moon of course is the moon partially obscured in darkness and the cross represents the crucible of hardship and darkness with which Saturn forges our character.

Saturn conserves and focuses our energy. It puts limitations on us to keep us out of harm and danger. When we become too careless and commit foolish acts, Saturn makes sure that we pay a penalty. In doing so, Saturn is an enforcer of karma and justice.

Saturn in the Natal Chart:

In the birth chart, Saturn represents the ego and the forms and structures that shape it. We are all a product of our personal experiences accumulating over time. Saturn essentially represents the crystallization of the ego into a definable and rigid form. Wherever it is placed in the chart, Saturn serves as an inhibiting force. It can indicate areas in which we are highly self reliant or competent. It can also signify the way in which we limit ourselves or hold ourselves back in life due to fear and procrastination.

In the natal chart, the house in which Saturn resides indicates where we must start in life and where we can begin planting the seeds of self development and security. This is the starting point for where character can be developed and establish confidence in our ego identity. Our ambitions and drives for success are also indicated here. What we are willing to work hard for and persist until success is achieved. Saturn corresponds with the 10th house in astrology, also known as the house of career and reputation. When Saturn occupies this house, it can be very auspicious for this area of your life.

Saturn as a Transit:

As Saturn moves through your chart, its influence will be applied to new areas of your life that can be mastered. Saturn takes nearly 30 years to complete its trip around the sun and thus pass through each house and zodiac sign. Therefore, it spends about 2.5 years on average in each sign. That said, Saturn’s transit through each house can be seen as a significant period of growth similar to a 2 year stint at college. When in the 7th house, Saturn may teach us (through our shortcomings) how to be a better partner and how to be less self centered and more sharing. In the 12th house, Saturn may help us come to grips with our own selfishness and recognize a need to transcend the ego and recognize ourselves as part of a greater whole that connects humanity with the universe.

Saturn in Mythology:

In ancient Rome, Saturn was associated with Saturnus, a deity originally linked with corn, wealth and agriculture. It was the central figure of an annual celebration known as Saturnalia that was observed on the 17th of December in the Julian calendar. Saturn was later associated with the Greek god of time, Cronos, who became the ruler of the universe after successfully upheaving his father Uranus. With his sister Ops, Saturn fathered Jupiter, Neptune, Pluto, Juno, Ceres and Vesta. Saturday is also named after him.

Saturn in Astronomy:

Until the invention of the telescope, Saturn was the farthest known planet. It is the sixth planet from the sun and the second largest in our solar system after Jupiter. Saturn has at least 82 moons, the largest of which being Titan which is also the second largest moon in the solar system and is even larger than the planet Mercury. Saturn’s orbital period is approximately 29.5 earth years. It’s most remarkable and unique features include it’s majestic ring structure and also the swirling hexagonal cloud pattern on its North Pole.

Want to know your astrology placements? You can generate your astrology chart here with our free birth chart generator tool.

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Jetta Moon

Jetta Moon is an artist, writer and astrology blogger. This site gives him an excuse to explore, learn and write about the world of psychology, astrology and various personality type systems.

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