Planets in Style: The Clothes in Saturn's Wardrobe
Saturn's Style in Each of the Zodiac Signs
Planetary Permutations
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” goes the old proverb. The Chinese version translates as “Enter a village, follow the customs.” For the planets in astrology, the equivalent motto would be something like “When in Libra, act through Libran themes.”
The planets are always themselves and always do what they do, but they don’t always do it in the same style. As each planet transits through the Zodiac, it adapts its manner and focus to the ways of whatever sign it temporarily occupies. Whenever a planet changes signs, we might envision a figure reaching into its wardrobe and changing into a different outfit that’s appropriate to its new field of action.
While a planet occupies a sign, we may observe evidence of its influence in that field. There we may also encounter, or act personally as, agents of that planet. We always have a choice to channel or respond to the planet’s influence wisely or foolishly — that’s up to us.
In this series, we’ll look into each planet’s ‘wardrobe’ to see the style it adopts for each of its 12 regular Zodiacal visits.
What Saturn Does
Saturn is the planet of authority: the basis, the boundary, and the “bottom line” of our life on earth. Saturn represents the archetype of the powerful Family Matriarch, or The Boss. Whatever else we may do, Saturn’s legitimate function is to define what we must do, starting with satisfaction of our needs for survival. The possibility that those fundamental needs might not be met adds an element of fear to Saturn’s influence.
Empowered by the sum of all past practical experience, Saturn supports the structures, systems, rules, and traditions that are already established and officially recognized, along with what we know as “common sense”.
Saturn sees to it that we are forced by circumstances to:
· Come to grips with the harsh realities of physical manifestation
· Carry our own load
· Shoulder responsibility
· Learn that it takes time and hard work to bring an idea into practical reality
· Develop maturity & discipline, discrimination, willpower & patience
· Seek status & recognition
· Climb a hill to overcome & become
· Find Order & Security
Saturn also holds us accountable for our commitments, however incurred, and enforces fulfillment of them at some point, either by a conscious sense of duty or by Fate. When we live responsibly and do what we truly need to do, Saturn rewards us. When we don’t, Saturn makes sure we find out why we should have.
As is true for any planet, sometimes people use Saturn’s power in ways that are not legitimate. We all need to learn to recognize when that is happening.
See more about Saturn at Pantheon of Colors: Violet.
Saturn in Transit (cycle is about 29 years = 2 1/2 years in each sign)
Like a strict cop on the Zodiac beat, Saturn patrols the signs one by one, armed with a serious “to do” list. Yes, Saturn is keeping that list and “checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty and nice…” Saturn is responsible for law, order, karma, and common sense, and comes around periodically with tests to make sure we are carrying out our own responsibilities.
In the area where Saturn is, we are likely to be tested for mastery and endurance. Even if we aren’t tested, we tend to fear that we might be. We may encounter delays, barriers, additional burdens, or requirements to do without or do with less, which we need to endure with maturity and patience. Above all, whatever the challenges, we must not even think about shirking our responsibilities. If we’re handling things well, we find that Saturn strengthens our power.
If we aren’t managing our business in that area responsibly, someone more capable may take over our duties. If we’re dependent on someone else to be in charge, we reap the consequences of their behavior for good or ill. Discouragement and depression threaten if we are weak, especially if we are at the mercy of irresponsible or malicious “authorities”.
There is no easy way out from under Saturn’s pressures. Where we lack personal expertise, we need to know how to distinguish genuine authorities from “authorities”. But the real imperative is to develop our own personal sovereignty. Each of us has got to make the effort to understand our situation, choose our options wisely, and follow through on our commitments. It’s all Saturn’s natural “tough love” method of forcing us to “grow up”, out of childlike dependency and into our own legitimate power as adults.
Saturn in Aries:
The Resourcefulness Test.
Saturn goes pioneer. There’s no set precedent to follow. We have to act on our own, doing things in whatever way seems best, with neither supervision nor help. If we’re not sure what to do next, we must figure it out intuitively. The pace may be fast.
Saturn on the scene makes action more difficult while pushing for more speed. There may be extra procedural puzzles to be solved. Functions must be carried out somehow in spite of delays, barriers, breakdowns, or other frustrating problems.
We should avoid wasting our energy on defensive reactions or taking out our annoyances on other people.
Saturn in Taurus:
The Productivity Test.
Saturn goes producer. We have to grow, make, or build things, steadily increasing the amount and value of our resources.
Saturn often brings to this area either real decrease or worries about decrease. There may be damage, theft, or waste, loss of access to supplies, or some other threat to material security. There is pressure to be more productive, to preserve and save more, and to guard against loss of any kind.
We should refrain from allowing doubts or fears to drain our energy or drive us to extremes of miserliness or hoarding.
Saturn in Gemini
The Mental Discipline Test.
Saturn goes editor/traffic cop. We have to deal with obstacles to the normal free flow of communication and transportation.
When Saturn is on the scene, we can’t count on the flow of traffic to be so free. The ways in which it could be distorted, delayed or blocked are too many to count, yet it’s somehow important to absorb or impart certain information, get messages through, or get people or packages where they need to go. Frivolous traffic is restricted. Documents and records may be unusually significant; facts and other details must be accurate. Clear thinking and sound logic are imperative. Mental concentration may need to be sustained under pressure for extended periods of time.
We should not allow excessive doubt, suspicion, or shyness to inhibit our important communications or errands.
Saturn in Cancer
The Emotional Insecurity Test.
Saturn goes tribal. We have to guard and protect an area that is familiar to us, where we are normally safe, cozy and comfortable in our habitual routines among the members of our own family or tribe.
When Saturn is there for a visit, things aren’t so cozy and comfortable, and safety may be questionable. The atmosphere could be austere and cold because of financial strain or some other serious problem. We don’t get to indulge our feelings as we normally would. Personal fears or feelings of sadness may have to be endured for a time while family responsibilities, remedies, and dignity are prioritized.
We should beware of possible lasting damage to the family as a result of excessive emotional reactions to current strained conditions.
Saturn in Leo
The Ego Test.
Saturn goes critic. We have to perform in the spotlight on our ‘stage’ of experimental self-discovery. Normally this is a place where we have fun displaying our talents and hobbies for constructive and inconsequential feedback. Conditions aren’t normal now, but “the show must go on.”
When Saturn is there in the ‘audience’, performance is not so much fun because it’s not inconsequential. Saturn is a critical judge with no sense of humor. Now it’s somehow important to perform masterfully, to command attention, recognition, and respect. Recreation, romance, and children are all serious matters requiring control and discipline.
Some measure of discipline is normally necessary, but an approach that’s too rigidly structured can block the intuitive spontaneity that impresses and wins. It could be that the pressure of Saturn’s discipline now is just what is needed for a victory. But there is also the possibility that stage fright could lead to the disappointment and humiliation of rejection.
We need to refrain from taking ourselves too seriously to accept rejections and disappointments with grace, because they sometimes happen. To adopt a resentful, dictatorial attitude in defense of our ego would only be an invitation to more disappointment and loss.
Saturn in Virgo
The Proficiency Test.
Saturn goes efficiency expert. We have to perform a service in an area where skills, precision, and problem-solving abilities are prized. It involves work with details to maintain, repair, heal, or accomplish some other specialized purpose.
When Saturn is on this scene, the workload can be unusually heavy. Problems may be extra complex and difficult to solve, with exacerbating urgent pressures for both accuracy and efficiency. Tasks have to be done appropriately, methodically, flawlessly, and quickly. It takes as long as it takes to correct every error, while headaches or other occupational discomforts must be patiently endured.
We should accept the fact that absolute perfection is impossible. Attempts to impose it on ourselves or others can only overwhelm us with nervousness, worry, and depression. Our best efforts have to do.
Saturn in Libra
The Cooperation Test.
Saturn goes referee. We have to cooperate with another (or others) whether we want to or not. Peaceful, pleasant interaction with other people is normally a natural and casual process, but now it may not seem so natural.
Saturn’s presence makes an issue of cooperation and fairness, so that interactions with others and established relationships tend to be questioned and judged. Is there give and take on both sides? Are both parties contributing their fair share to relationship? Is either party taking unfair advantage of the other? Is there sincerity between partners, or are there ulterior motives? Have applicable commitments, rules, and laws been honored?
It’s time to view our interactions with others in a realistic light and consider how close they actually are to the ways we want to believe they are. Scrutiny might seem to be legal or actually be a legal matter. Depending on the ‘verdict’, a relationship of any kind may be either confirmed and deepened, or ended.
We should be willing to accept the whole truth about all of our relationships, including our own part in any injustice.
Saturn in Scorpio
The Investment Test.
Saturn goes auditor. Any stake we have in resources shared with others and not in our own hands carries responsibilities. We need to be prepared now to prove that we are responsible and honest wherever we borrow, lend, share, inherit, invest, or insure.
When Saturn checks the books, the facts determine our fate. There can be either fear of loss or actual loss. Debt could become a significant burden, with pursuit by persistent, unmerciful collectors and no loans available. It’s clear that business affairs must be taken seriously and managed prudently. If we’ve managed ours properly, we should have no real trouble now. But dishonesty is not tolerated, and those responsible for the losses of others must accept the consequences.
To be free of a vicious cycle of trouble, we should deal calmly and efficiently with any burdens or losses, whether material or emotional, resisting any urges to take revenge for injustice.
Saturn in Sagittarius
The Quest Test.
Saturn goes seeker. We have to learn more about our world, its cultures, and the beliefs worthy of our commitment.
Saturn here in the “Big Picture” brings a test of persistence and faith. We may be seriously dismayed at our lack of perspective on life, or disturbed by beliefs or philosophies imposed on us by authorities. There is somehow a pressing need to experience more of the real world and take charge of our own beliefs about life and truth. We ignore it at the risk of our access to spiritual inspiration becoming narrowed or blocked.
Higher education may be necessary but difficult to attain. Great efforts may be made to travel and experience foreign cultures firsthand. Ambitious and challenging studies of philosophy, religion, or other advanced subjects may be undertaken. When enough understanding has eventually been developed, the result is a clear set of constructive beliefs to be strictly lived by.
However much we may come to understand, we can never know everything. We should beware of intellectual pride or self-righteousness, and keep an open mind. That means never fearing disapproval or censure for our sincere beliefs, and never imposing our beliefs on others.
Saturn in Capricorn:
The Authority Test.
Saturn goes commander. This is the sign Saturn rules. It’s the Master testing the mastery of masters (or potential masters). We have to prove that we’re worthy to assume authority or truly entitled to the authority we claim.
Everyone is, or can be, an expert at something, but what are we doing about that? We should be living up to our potential, and we should not be claiming expertise and authority that we haven’t really earned. We have here a system with rules to be respected. Saturn’s here to test us for the truth and reward us with the consequences.
We may be questioned: Do we have the serious worldly ambition required to become an authority in our field? Are we responsible and persistent enough to follow through with our efforts? Do our achievements genuinely entitle us to whatever authority we claim? Do we accept orders from those in authority over us, and require obedience of those over whom we have authority? Do we protect our own security and that of those who depend on us? Do we uphold the pride and honor of the family (company, office, etc.)? We’d better be worthy of whatever authority we wield, because Saturn promotes and demotes according to merit.
We should beware of desire for status as an end in itself, materialism, rigidity, lack of sensitivity, use of unscrupulous means to achieve wealth and power, or use of the latter to control others. All of those lead to failure and disgrace.
Saturn in Aquarius
The Relevancy Test.
Saturn goes populist. Conventional influence needs to be extended into a social area where free experimentation with nearly everything is happening among people of any and every description.
As the planetary energy of control, Saturn generally distrusts and disapproves of this area precisely because it can’t be controlled. By what criteria can a lot of creative inventors, artists and other nonconformists even be tested? Well, they may be crazy, but they’re on the edge of sanity and haven’t gone all the way overboard into fantasyland. Maybe they’d respond to some common sense. Maybe they have something that’s relevant and truly needed in the conventional world.
So Saturn ventures cautiously into the land of creative magic, and normal people experience a need to investigate new technology or try other original experiments in hopes of improving their lives. But as Saturn insists that innovations be purposeful and practical, frivolous craziness is strictly frowned on now, and creators of useless novelties meet with disappointment.
While considering how creativity can bring practical benefits to society, we should beware of intellectual pride, imposing our thinking on others, and emotional insensitivity.
Saturn in Pisces:
The Isolation Test.
Saturn goes incognito. Somehow we may need to hide or go into isolation. We have to find our way through ‘foggy’ conditions, where we can’t see what’s really going on. We have to use our imagination. We are subject to deception, so that things may not be as they seem. Our imagination projects our hopes or fears into the areas that are dark or veiled, and we may wonder who or where the real authority is.
There are quite a few ways in which these influences could play out. Some of them are peaceful and pleasant. We might seek quiet, solitude, and inner vision deliberately, for purposes such as meditation or concentration on a writing or art project. We might need to withdraw from society for a spiritual retreat, or to work in some institution where others are isolated, such as a hospital or prison.
Though we needn’t anticipate them, there are also unpleasant possibilities. Examples would include such situations as quarantine or hospitalization for an illness or injury, or drug-induced confusion and hallucination. Another would be a need to hide for safety in a secret place or behind a disguise that conceals identity. Alienation from others by social conditions or fears is possible, or literal isolation from the world as a result of danger, natural disaster, or incarceration.
Circumstances now could test for patience, distress tolerance, sanity, or simply compassion for those less fortunate than ourselves.
During isolation we should beware of self-pity, fears, and negative memory loops, which can create nonexistent problems, and allow our imagination to focus on healing and positive, constructive visions.
