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Signs

Astrology: Saturn in the Signs

by Veronica Childe
Hendrik Andriessen, “Still-life composition with human skull, globe, books, crown, miter, bubbles, mussel shell with bubble pipe, holly crown on skull, watch on table, candlestick (with reflection of artist’s portrait)“, Flemish, painting, 1650.

While every planet will always maintain its fundamental character and function no matter where located, how that character and function is expressed will be modified according to the sign in which they are housed. Saturn is the disciplinarian of the zodiac, and his purpose is to provide a sense of structure and maturity in the personality. As he is the Lord of Karma, working with Saturn’s occasionally oppressive energy becomes easier as time passes, as experience is gained through the various houses of life experience, and a greater sense of self-comprehension is achieved. Saturn’s energy is never easy, nor is it meant to be. Saturn always gives us a sense of insecurity, no matter where he is housed, and this negative effect is pronounced as the contacts to personal planets and points grown more and more complicated.

Consider him as a grandfather figure – older, wiser, stricter and more accomplished than you can ever be. It only makes sense to heed his lessons and warnings, as those who refuse to accept his limitations will often find themselves feeling like Sisyphus, forever pushing that stone up a hill, never achieving their goals, because they are not going about their tasks correctly. Working with Saturn takes a great degree of patience and respect, honoring the spirit of time, discipline and the virtue of hard work and focus.

Saturn in Aries: In Aries, Saturn is at his Fall. The Aries essence of Cardinal Fire is of no interest to dour, paternalistic Saturn. His energy is expressed fitfully, and a sense of suppression is constant, as the impulse to action and accomplishment feels stifled and squelched. Aries is impetuous, bold and courageous. With Saturn breathing down his back, he feels insecure about accomplishment and often second-guesses his actions. Not a comfortable energy. At its best, this energy can be found in the archetpye of the perfect soldier, ever ready to submit to authority, who will direct the individual’s energy as circumstances require. Self expression is subsumed in favor of supporting the Other.

Saturn in Taurus: In Fixed Earth Taurus, Saturn expresses himself comfortably, with a sense of solidity that borders on the stolid. Conservative and patient, insecurity and hindrance may be felt in approaching the topic of enjoyment and sensuality. These things can feel excessive and decadent. Saturn in Taurus wants to accumulate resources, comfort and security, but will never feel that it is quite enough, and frequently finds that however hard one tries, the material realm does not satisfy. At its best, this energy can be found in the well-established, dependable patron or matron of the arts, ever ready to lend a stabilizing force to the needy and underdeveloped, as the structure of acquisition is well understood.

Saturn in Gemini: In Gemini, Saturn expresses himself with careful consideration. At odds with the typical Gemini nature, as Mutable Air is rapidly moving and somewhat superficial in approach, Saturn here will become very focused on details, on accumulation of data, and acquisition of expertise. This Saturn is not satisfied with a superficial approach, and insecurity will center around not knowing enough, not being smart enough, and not feeling confident in self-expression, scholastic or intellectual capability. This basic insecurity can conversely result in complete expertise as the impetus is always to improve on what has already been achieved.

Saturn in Cancer: In Cardinal Water Cancer, Saturn is at his Detriment. The passive, feminine and tender nature of Cancer is at odds with the stern, cold and forbidding nature of Saturn. This is an uncomfortable situation, as the individual will live with a very basic emotional insecurity. Expressing emotion will often be suppressed, though the importance of being emotionally present and responsible in relationships will be given great importance. This individual can often feel a sense of hand-wringing when confronted with an emotional scene, as understanding of the underpinning is there, even if the capacity to participate fully is diminished.

Saturn in Leo: In Fixed Fire Leo, Saturn is at his Detriment. The warm, gregarious, proud and fun-loving nature of Leo is directly at odds with the proper, straight-laced and conservative Saturnian energy. The individual feels insecure about self-confidence, and any sense of pride in accomplishment is undermined by nagging self-doubt and inward self-recrimination. An uncomfortable interplay between the very human need to shine, and the basic essence of self-abnegation makes for a constant feeling of suppression. At its best, this can evolve into a stately sense of social accomplishment, of becoming a proud role-model of upright, socially valued behavior.

Saturn in Virgo: In Mutable Earth Virgo, Saturn expresses himself with precision, focusing on pursuits of the intellect, reason and rationality. Meticulousness in detail is heightened, as well as an increased interest in duty and performance of those duties which directly assist others. Attention to hygiene, diet, health and welfare of those less capable of managing matters independently is positively enhanced with this placement, as is scholarship, research and domesticity. Insecurities focus on the idea of not being perceived as correct, proper, fastidious, or “good” enough. Being caught in an error can prove immensely embarrassing, and the Saturn in Virgo native will go to great pains to avoid any such circumstances.

Saturn in Libra: In Cardinal Air Libra, Saturn is Exalted. The refined, airy nature of this sign is perfectly in tune with Saturn’s aridity and love of all that is cold and classical. Libra finds joy in the idea of perfection, whether it is aesthetic or ideological, and Saturn revels in assisting the quest for beauty, harmony and balance. The perfect architect, aesthetic or diplomat, Saturn in Libra knows how to actualize what otherwise might remain idealized and conceptual. Insecurity arises from erroneously perceived imperfection, from an inability to strike balance, and from any circumstances which threaten to destabilize the otherwise honed and balanced perspective. Ugliness and sordidness threaten the equilibrium, and all must be maintained just so for effective function to occur.

Saturn in Scorpio: In Fixed Water, Saturn expresses itself with an unsettling coldness. Deep waters are no concern for Saturn, as his natural domain is hidden and subterranean. He is comfortable with the watery depths, as they are merely an extension of his regular habitats, and issues of life and death, sexuality, and deep emotion, while seemingly at odds with Saturn’s nature, in fact have just enough gravitas to warrant respectability. Never one to shy from difficult or unsettling circumstances, Saturn in Scorpio is a natural physician, surgeon, psychotherapist or counselor. Insecurity stems from feeling an inability to connect on a deep level, or from being perceived as superficial or, conversely, from expressing depths with too much intensity or passion. Saturn in Scorpio understands these depths, but can feel shy about exposing them to others.

Saturn in Sagittarius: In Sagittarius, Mutable Fire, Saturn expresses himself by offering a steadying hand to an intellect that desires rapid pursuit of ideals and philosophy. Sagittarius is known to rush headlong on the journey of discovery; Saturn placed here offers the discipline and profundity that may otherwise be lacking by the notoriously inconstant Sagittarius. Once a sense of patience, and an understanding of how rewarding the fruits of sustained labor can be, a practical approach to higher learning, open-mindedness and a profoundly judicial perspective can emerge. Insecurity can be found in feeling threatened by ideas and philosophies that seem overly alien, imposing or which otherwise threaten the jovial camaraderie of the Sagittarius nature. At its best, this energy is used as a highly developed arbiter, one who is capable of sussing out truth and fairness in any situation. Law, justice, therapists, artists and writers can find this placement useful.

Saturn in Capricorn: In Cardinal Earth, Saturn is in his Domicile. He is at home, comfortable, perfectly expressing his modus operandi. Here, he is stern, practical, ambitious, executive and unemotional in dispensing authority and actualizing plans. Saturn in Capricorn is the master builder, the laborer who knows the design better than the architect, because not only was he taught by the architect, his grandfather was a master craftsman. His understanding of the material realm is profound. Pitfalls can arise when considering the less materialistic aspects of life, as it is difficult to separate the practical from that which is more tender and open to interpretation. Realms of emotion and spirit, while responsibly addressed, and faultless in execution, can be regarded with a rather chilly eye, as the ultimate consideration is always how to achieve, perfect and realize the goal. Insecurity comes in the form of feeling that nothing is ever good enough, rich enough, smart enough or well-heeled enough. Humble roots may be an embarrassment, even though “humble” may be defined from an entirely subjective perspective, having nothing to do with material want; it is the fact that any weakness, or tiny flaw is perceived as a vulnerability which cannot be tolerated or exposed.

Saturn in Aquarius: In Fixed Earth, Saturn is in his Domicile. As traditional ruler of Aquarius, Saturn finds comfort in the chilly heights of the Aquarian realm. The spheres of high science, theory, utopianism, modernity and an arms-length love of humanity are worthy realms for Saturn to inhabit, as the technicality and diminished emphasis on emotion of the Aquarian is given structure and credence by Saturn’s love of structure and rules. Saturn is comfortable infusing Aquarius with strong parameters of development, as the sign benefits from a strong structure within to explore and experiment. Aquarius respects that which has longevity and stability, sometimes only for the fact that the bigger they come, the harder they fall, and a rebel loves a good fight. Insecurity can arise when feeling “too different”, or misconceived as weird, stubborn or cold.

Saturn in Pisces: In Mutable Water, Saturn flounders as Pisces attempt to dissolve and universalize all that it touches. Saturn here wants to provide boundaries, hard rock for the ocean to crash against, and it works to a certain degree, as Pisces benefits from some sense of containment. Disillusionment occurs when seeking mystical release within the confines of institutionalized thought, and what seems profound occasionally is realized as merely archaic and fancy. Saturn in Pisces can reach the heights of emotional and social communion, but it is best appreciated when grounded in a life that can benefit from, rather than be focused entirely on such pursuits. Insecurity arises when the individual feels unbounded, diffuse, lost or uncertain, as rising panic can mount and destabilize the personality.

“Time’s glory is to calm contending kings,

To unmask falsehood, and bring truth to light.”

William Shakespeare, The Rape of Lucrece, 1594, l. 939.
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Astrology: Saturn in the Houses

by Veronica ChildeLeave a Comment on Astrology: Saturn in the Houses
Pietro Bonato 1765-1827, Saturn seated in a chariot drawn by a winged serpent-like monster, date uncertain

“Let not the sound of shallow foppery enter my sober house.”

William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, England, 1596-1598, act 2, scene 5, line 35

As with any planet, Saturn’s energy will be modified according to the house in which he is tenanted. Every sphere of life will react to the placement of Saturn in a different way, with some houses being naturally more comfortable with the disciplinarian’s presence than others. The Northern Hemisphere of the zodiac wheel relates to matters more distinctly subjective, impacting the individual’s sense of his or her inner world and specifically individualized experiences, whereas the Southern Hemisphere encompasses those areas of life that are more public in character, impacting how the individual experiences himself vis a vis the outer world, society, friends and the collective in general. Houses on the Eastern half of the MC/IC axis are correlated with the concept of the Self, and on the Western half of this axis, the houses are predominantly related to how we experience and relate to others. The effects of Saturn will always need to be considered given his sign placement, as well as aspect to other planets and points.

Saturn in the First House: Especially if near the Ascendant, Saturn’s position here sets the tone for how the individual steps out into the world. With a definite sense of gravitas and seriousness surrounding, the individual is perceived as somber, reserved, and no-nonsense.  Insecurity can stem from a sense of not being “enough”, a basic feeling of being too small, too thin, too ugly, or otherwise just not bold enough to compete with the showier birds of the world. With Saturn in this house, the physical manifestation will be evident, with the native’s features often pronouncedly sharp or fine, typically either noticeably short, or very tall, thin, and frequently bearing the experience of having suffered some illness or hardship throughout early childhood. Depending on aspects to planets and points, can be a source of great strength or a chronic drain on personal power.  

Saturn in the Second House: The individual approaches his or her value structure with a definite sense of sobriety. “Penny wise and pound foolish” is a motto for Saturn in the second house, as the native is most comfortable living without the frivolities and trappings of materialism, preferring to invest their pennies in long-range acquisition and accumulations. Values are traditional and sound, this can often be the unsuspected “millionaire next door”, rarely ostentations or profligate. Often some insecurity surrounds the basic sense of self-worth, and the individual often suffers from a fundamental sense of personal insecurity, despite any financial or monetary developments. Approaches to investment are old-fashioned and time tested.

Saturn in the Third House: The individual can often be one who is economical with their communication. The master one-liner, low talker, or the type of person who picks and chooses his information and conversations carefully, Saturn in the Third house will always be spare with words and specific in intentions. Insecurity stems from a misperception that there is no value in personal opinion, self-expression, and mundane communication, that nobody will be interested or have the time to listen. Usually a good listener themselves, this person will attend to details, and take a firm sense of responsibility in their immediate home and community environment. Often scholastic and driven to appreciate organization and practicality, the individual is insistent ensuring that specifics are attended, as they firmly believe that brevity is the soul of wit.

Saturn in the Fourth House: Especially if conjunct the IC point, this can be a stern placement for Saturn, as the initial understand of home and family is often tinged with a deep sadness or seriousness. Frequently found in cases where the father was either absent emotionally or physically, there is a deep sense of lack and coldness in the home environment, which transfers over into the developed adult lifestyle. Insecurity stems from an inability to find comfort in the home, as pleasure and emotional warmth are lacking. Home is a place of practicality and seriousness, to be protected and cherished, served and maintained for perpetuity, but not necessarily enjoyed. A sense of austerity and practicality must be observed in the home environment at the risk of feeling out of control and weakened by emotional pressures imposed by others.

Saturn in the Fifth House: Housed in the fifth, Saturn regards the pursuit of creative self-expression with great seriousness. This is not a light-hearted position for Saturn, as here he will tend to put a damper on an area dedicated to self-expression and letting the essence of the personality shine. Saturn here tends to inhibit the basic function of enjoyment and pleasure, preferring to pursue interest that are more sober and conservative in temperament. Insecurity in allowing the ego to shine, this is not a person who can easily take center stage, as any self-adulation will feel like gratuitous self-glorification, overblown pride, and foolishness. Children (ones own and others) can be seen as a source of impediment or fundamental challenge, and love affairs are taken very seriously, with long-term commitments preferred.

Saturn in the Sixth House: Saturn found in the sixth feels a sense of comfort, as this is a house typically associated with work, austerity, ethics, precision, and daily function. Saturn’s sense of discipline and longevity give these practical issues support. Depending on sign placement and aspect, Saturn in the sixth can create a systematic, methodical approach to work and health matters, a love of routine and hygiene, as well as a commitment to long-range accomplishment and commitment to habitual approaches. Insecurities can lead to psychosomatic health issues, manifestations of chronic illness and a certain fretful watchfulness over issues of health, diet, and hygiene. Austerity and stringency can become obsessions, while at the same time offer a sense of structure and definition to the lifestyle which can be instructive for those around.

Saturn in the Seventh House: In the Seventh House, Saturn defines issues of relationships, partnerships, and marriage. Placed here, there will be a definite seriousness in how the individual approaches any matters of union, and a tendency to only enter into partnerships if there is a promise of longevity. Insecurity stems from feeling that relationships will simply never work, so there is a certain level of mistrust when approaching any long-term union. Not frivolous romantics by any stretch of the imagination, people with Seventh house Saturn like to know where they stand in relationships. As Libra gives Saturn exaltation, his natal house is a solid position for Saturn, and those in relationship with this native will not need to fear being unduly used or rudely pushed aside in search of light-hearted romance.

Saturn in the Eighth House: Saturn in the eighth house gives a definite sobriety to all things associated with taboo, death, money, and the values of others, matters of occult and deep places of personal mystery. Saturn here, while not uncomfortable, feels a sense of unease to these areas which are not clearly definable and yet have such profound impact. Insecurity stems from a constant feeling of mistrust in the processes of life, rebirth, and sexuality, as there is a sense that letting down one’s guard will result in wounding or loss. Traditionally ruled by Mars, the house of Scorpio is perhaps more amenable than the house of Aries, and yet there is a tendency to overdo it in terms of discipline and desire to concretize what is, for the most part, house of some mystery.

Saturn in the Ninth House: Saturn in the house of Sagittarius has the urge to bring high-flying philosophy and idealism down to earth, preferring to keep things conservative and limited in scope. Traditions must be upheld, and broadmindedness is not a Saturnian feature, so a certain sense of tension occurs with Saturn operating here. Insecurity comes from a sense of not being wise enough, not having enough capacity for understanding. Urges for self-expression are hindered by a tendency to be a stick-in-the-mud, preferring to stick to what is tried and true. There is some level of corn for ideas that are overly broad and general, as well as a serious approach to mastering higher education with Saturn here. Travel is something which is not taken lightly, and will be thoroughly planned and purposeful, usually for business or education, as pleasure is limited with this placement.

Saturn in the Tenth House: Saturn is at home here, in his natural habitat, and will give a very defined sense of purpose in the pursuit of ambition, success and social standing. This is not an area of life which will be taken lightly, and the native will feel a defined sense of responsibility and duty with Saturn placed here. The mother may be a source of discipline, conferring a strong need to achieve and prove oneself to the world. Insecurity stems from never feeling that one has achieved enough, that performance is always subpar and must be improved in order for success to be validated. This is not a light-hearted placement, and the native will always proceed with full knowledge that they must always abide by the rules, as whatever they do publicly will always be subject to scrutiny. Career ambitions will be onerous, though accomplishments can be of great scale.

Saturn in the Eleventh House: Saturn here lends gravitas to the native’s involvement in society, groups, clubs, or humanitarian movements. These things are of great seriousness for the native, and there is a strong urge to define one’s duties and responsibilities vis a vis their surrounding society, either as a leader or a moderator. Insecurities can stem from never feeling that one fits in with the group as desired, a sense of being an outsider or a wet towel when among friends. This is the individual who will follow through with duties once committed to a group, ensuring that goals are tracked and met, and that people responsible are followed and attended to. Friends tend to be older, more mature, and socially established, though not necessarily wealthy, and can include professionals of a more serious leaning – either public servants, government or bureaucratic workers, people involved in law, medicine, or otherwise responsible positions.

Saturn in the Twelfth House: Saturn in the Twelfth gives the individual a sense of nagging, subconscious insecurity, as there is forever the sense that something is missing or otherwise escaping the individual’s knowledge. Insecurity springs from fear of losing control, letting go, of abandonment and incapacity to connect with the greater spirit of the times. Issues can arise from an inability or lack of desire to process and integrate old emotional wounds, as these topics can be a source of great difficulty with this placement. With maturity, there is a greater willingness to open to and understand these universal issues, but there can be a tendency to escapism, dwelling on the past while not necessarily taking efforts to resolve issues, as there is an innate sense of incapacity to achieve any resolution. Watch aspects to natal planets and points, and if conjoining the Ascendant from the 12th, there is often some chronic illness, whether physical or mental in nature.

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Why Astrology?

by Veronica ChildeLeave a Comment on Why Astrology?
Leonardo da Vinci, “Vitruvian Man”, Italy, 1490. Man in perfect proportion.

Like many, my study of astrology began when I was a teenager. I found a paperback copy of an astrology book called “Astrology Interpreted”, by a woman named Charlotte Abell Walker. It was written in 1928. It was unusual in that it seemed to be a ladies’ parlor curiosity, and one could imagine it being read aloud at parties, to the general amusement of the crowd. It also had another anomaly, in that it began the astrological year with the sign of Capricorn, a detail which I would only understand as unique many years later, as most astrologers consider that Aries begins the astrological procession. Despite the strangeness of the volume, I was immediately fascinated. Who wouldn’t like a book that strives to describe the particulars of human personality, specifics of how we interact with the world, and with one another? Intrigued by what I had found, I was hooked.

I found myself looking for astrology books whenever I could, shyly scanning the small occult sections of the local bookstores, seldom finding anything beyond the popular yearly horoscope digests that most people are familiar with, and associate with astrology.  Eventually, I found “Chart Your Own Horoscope” by Ursula Lewis, a slim volume that put into my hands a tool that set me on a path of discovery which has only grown more complex and fascinating over the years.  I was excited about this system of thought, new to me, but apparently as old as the ages, and I was eager to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with people.  I found some who had similar interests, but quite frequently I ran into criticism and scorn, denial and fear, which only spurred me to delving deeper into the study. The appeal of the occult had set its power over me, and I was helpless to deny it. Once I hit university, I bought all the books I could afford, took classes with an experienced, published astrologer, and just kept studying. My degree in Comparative Religious Studies infused my astrology and occult studies with a depth and fullness which I don’t believe I could have achieved otherwise, particularly my studies of the Classics, the foundation of Western archetypes, and the breeding ground for all astrological thought.  A span of Jungian therapy helped too, so richly focused on symbolism and its role in decorating the labyrinths of the human psyche.

Despite these studies, somehow I just wasn’t convinced. Something rankled me. I would later find this to be a fairly common occurrence among astrologers. I felt I had no choice but to turn away from astrology completely. I couldn’t rightly believe, and yet I couldn’t disbelieve either, and I was at a standstill. Life had bounded beyond my theoretical understanding, and though I had accumulated years of knowledge, I felt unschooled and confused. It worked, but why? I had read so many different theories, and found to my chagrin, that akin to any orthodox religion, a lot of it boils down to simple faith.  It works because you believe in it, you believe in it because it works.  Nothing more, and nothing less. This was not satisfactory to my mind, and I let the practice lie for ten years. I immersed myself in yoga and Vedanta, letting study of the body and spirit take central focus, and I carried on. Eventually growing older, with the ensuing changes one encounters, mostly in the appearance of Death as a real factor to contend with, I felt that old love rekindling, and I dove into the study again with a renewed sense of direction. I decided to approach the practice as if a total beginner, relearning what I already knew, with different perspectives emerging, the concepts reformulating with a new spin.  The decade and ensuing distance that had passed were necessary to give me the experience that comes with age and informs our view on the world. 

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines understanding thus: “ the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories”.  The key word there is “experience”. It is one thing to read about the potential harshness of heavy Pluto transits, sitting isolated with 20 years of life behind us, knees quaking as we review words that include “transformation” “destruction”, “ending”, and other such concepts that weigh so heavily with import.  What will happen to me?  Will I lose everything?  Will I die?  So much fear, so much worry. It is only with time and experience that we can really appreciate these heavy topics for what they really are, and realize meanings that we may have romanticized or obfuscated in haste. It is an old saying that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.  When we are only partially informed, we don’t have the capacity to face situations with full strength, or as any given situation actually requires. We may not have the structural integrity of thought required to correctly inform our choices and actions.  But with time, we have an increased capacity to address circumstances productively, peacefully and in stability. A new way of applying our variously accumulated concepts and categories is achieved, allowing us to comprehend the weakness of our previous foundation.  Is this ageism?  Perhaps. But astrology is after all an occult pursuit, and so by its very definition is the study of that which is hidden from view. It stands to reason, then, that our perceptions of nuance only improve with time and age. And besides, maybe it’s a good idea to practice a little conservative ageism every now and then.  There is a view that youth is the vehicle and source of true passion, achievement and intelligence, and behind that often stands the assumption, also characteristic of youth, that one can freely careen through life, trucking along, picking up, messing up, and dumping whatever and however we choose fit, and that we can sort it all out “later”. As I am Saturn ruled, I refute this, and would prefer to see people approach astrology with a healthy dose of trepidation. Frankly, as a study of life, astrology should scare you a bit, because the fact is – life is frequently quite terrifying. This factor of caution and a healthy “fear of God” seems to be largely missing in our society today, and if the study of astrology can bring it back, then I’m all for it. And, given the current divisions in the astrological world, it would be very fine to see a sense of cohesion and respect rise from the factionalism, born of careful Saturnian consideration. There is currently much attention being paid to labeling, a misuse of “concepts and categories” which ignorantly cuts away truly useful insights in favor of popularity. None of what we know is gospel, yet taken as a whole, the field is an astonishing boon to a society deeply in need of philosophical guardianship.

So then, why astrology? Because it works. Because it is fascinating. Because it is humbling. Because it is fun. And because it’s all about you. Astrology can help you explore that often quoted, rarely enacted Delphic maxim: “Know thyself”. Astrology can help you investigate your idiosyncrasy, your behavioral patterns, capacities, foibles, strengths and weaknesses. Astrology is a great and fine tool. Use it as you will, but use it with caution and respect, for as most great tools, it can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Don’t be greedy, but if you just can’t help yourself, be bloody sure you know it, and why, because ultimately life has a funny way of biting you in the ass when you least expect it – so expect it. Prepare yourself wisely. Drop your facades and open up. Allow yourself to listen, and learn. Shit happens – to you, to me, to us all. So then, use the study of astrology as a map to guide you through this intricate, beautiful life, and may the Light forever illuminate your journey.