Astrologically speaking, Saturn is defined by an awareness of limits and boundaries. In this sense, it is the binary opposite of its planetary neighbour Jupiter, choosing to limit rather than grow.
With this in mind then, it’s fair to say that the concept of rules and structure is set by Saturn, defining the boundaries of our lives, giving us the limitations within which we can flourish.
Saturn Astrological Associations:
- Ruler of the Capricorn zodiac sign;
- Exalted in Libra, weakened in Aries, in detriment in Cancer;
- Governs the tenth astrological house;
- Characteristic keyword: Spirituality;
- Associated with the color black;
- Linked to Saturdays;
- Representative gemstone: Onyx;
- Representative materials: Lead and wood;
- Linked to life period from 49 to 56 years.
In terms of the family structure, Saturn can often be thought of as being a paternal figure. When we are children, our rules and boundaries are set by our parents and other figures of authority in our lives such as tutors and teachers.
Whilst we didn’t always enjoy these experiences during our youth, as adults we find that these lessons actually aided us to learn about the world and our place in it. The lessons offered by Saturn work in a similar way, in that there is a longer-term gain to be had here.
Second only to Jupiter in size, Saturn was named by the Romans after their god Saturnus. After the Roman conquest of Greece, the mythology of Saturnus was combined with that of Kronos – himself being the father of the infamous Zeus.
The symbol used to denote Saturn is that of a sickle belonging to god himself. It has also famously been interpreted as “the crescent below the cross”.
Taking a rather leisurely trip around the Sun, a single orbit takes approximately 29 and a half years. What is lacks in speed here, it more than makes up for in the length of its day, spinning around its axis in just 10 hours and 40 minutes.
Similarly to its planetary neighbour Jupiter, Saturn also has moons in abundance – 62 of them to be precise. It enters its retrograde phase annually and spends approximately 135 days in this state.
A single journey through the entirety of the Zodiacal belt takes almost 30 years, with its time with each sign lasting in the region of 2 and a half years.
Saturn’s place within the chart shows us our own personal boundaries, doubts and responsibilities. When a planet comes under Saturn’s influence, it finds itself with a renewed sense of definition and limitation.
People under Saturn’s rule are no different, experiencing a relentless drive to attain their goals and dreams.
Their heightened sense of responsibility gives them a strong morals and duty towards others, and they rarely indulge in things or distractions that take away from their end goals. It’s fair to think of them as disciplined and strict.
With this comes incredible organisation – an ability to complete things and tasks in an orderly and timely manner. It’s the deadline for our work and the finite amount of space and time in which we live our lives, making every second count and ensuring maximum efficiency.
It’s our sense of completion and resourcefulness, making use of everything we have at our disposal whether it is broken, slow, or simply incomplete.
Think of Saturn as a tired old monk living in isolation in the wilderness of Tibet – wise to know when we should push, but equally wise to know when we reach the edge of the cliff.
Despite all this, Saturn’s main influence in our day-to-day lives is actually to ensure we get adequate rest. It soon becomes clear to those who ponder this juxtaposition that in order for us to do anything right or with maximum efficiency, an equal amount of rest is also required.
It makes complete sense then why so many utilise relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga to combat the difficulties thrown up by Saturn.
In the event that one finds themselves overworked and exhausted from the various endeavours; Saturn then finds ways to make one rest no matter at what cost.
Taking a slightly zealous nature towards our activities to the point where we overstep our limitations, will undoubtedly lead to one becoming ill – where there is little choice but to take some well needed rest.
This may be an alien concept to some but this is the fundamental make up of the planet Saturn – a need for there to be limits with consequences, should we make the choice to break through these boundaries.
There must exist a force that lets us know that pushing too close to the limits is counterproductive to our physical and spiritual needs – and luckily for us, Saturn is just that force.
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