June 9, 2009

Working with Saturn: I received a question on the monthly astrology forecast video that Rick Levine and I post online about applying Saturn in one’s life. We talked about its current cycles but the viewer wanted some ideas about working with this planet. Saturn was called the “greater malefic” in astrological tradition, making it the toughest planet in the solar system. Until the discovery of Uranus in 1781, it was the furthest from the Sun, the last planet visible to the naked eye. Thus, Saturn came to represents boundaries and limits. Its Greek name Chronos reveals its origins as Father Time and the mortality that ends all our days. Saturn is also order, structure, rules, responsibility and consequences. It is karma that rewards us for our good deeds and punishes for our bad ones. Saturn is the planet of making things real.

Saturn takes about 29-years to pass around the Sun, giving rise to the “Saturn Return” that occurs between ages 29 and 30 and 58 and 59. These mark significant turning points in life, periods of accountability when we take stock of where we are in light of where we want to go. The negative notions of Saturn are associated with being held up to the harsh light of reality. Yet while it exposes shortcomings, it also shows strength where we have been diligent in our work. Too often when we are in Saturn periods (or negative moods) we focus on our failures. However, a fair application of Saturn’s principle is to recognize our accomplishments, as well.

Saturn is the planet that says “no” by setting boundaries, but means “yes” by presenting a clear picture of where we stand. Precise knowledge of our shortcomings, painful as that can be, provides a prescription for what can be done to make constructive changes. Saturn’s sense of structure is a framework in which we can feel imprisoned or upon which we can act constructively. The keys to making this planet work are patience and discipline. There are no short cuts in Saturn’s world, yet persistent intelligent effort almost always ensures a positive outcome.

Saturn is currently in Virgo, where it will remain until October 29. The sign that Saturn’s in will usually describe how we are blocked and what we need to do to overcome these barriers. Its position in a birth chart presents this in view of one’s entire life. (A person born with Saturn in Libra, for example, is learning how to find balance in relationships.) Its current position is what we all must deal with now. Virgo is practical and detail-oriented. It is a sign of work, service and utility that challenges us to find efficiency and purpose. However, the crystallizing effects of Saturn that bring things into form (as accomplishment or boundary) is not working well now since shattering Uranus aligned in an opposition with Saturn last fall. This pattern, continuing until July 2010, is the major astrological event that showed up with the financial meltdown last fall. Loss of status, as in a job, is one way Uranus has been breaking down Saturn’s structure. The possible collapse of our economic system is another. However, it is certainly not inevitable, especially if we each do our part.

The task is to find ways to operate more efficiently, either where we are or in developing new skills. Saturn in Virgo rewards us with tiny steps of improvement, so we needn’t make dramatic leaps to turn the tide. The flaws that Virgo spots so easily do not have to be fixed over night. Saturn is not in a hurry. And those supposed flaws that can’t be repaired should be ignored for now. We can’t waste time worrying about what we cannot improve. If it’s a critical issue, success elsewhere will bring us back to the issue with more confidence and skill to tackle it later. Lastly, futuristic Uranus’ opposition to Saturn suggests that we can’t build for the past. Putting up walls to keep out change will not be effective. Rather, reliable, patient and dutiful Saturn is working with Uranus to create tomorrow instead of restoring yesterday. New ideas, approaches and attitudes will challenge the traditions Saturn loves, but will provide the spark to transform us from survival to discovery and from struggle to the next brilliant step in the human journey of discovery.

Co-creating the Future

Rick Levine and I are presenting an exciting seminar on using astrology to live more effectively in these changing times. On March 7 – 13, 2010 we will be teaching in the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for a limited group of attendees. Whether you’re a serious student of astrology, total beginner or seasoned professional, Rick and I promise to enrich, enliven and educate with astrology’s magical language to help you create a brighter future. Go to Heaven and Earth Workshops for details.

As published here on my Tarot.com blog.

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