When Saturn shows up in astrology, either in a difficult aspect in a natal chart, or as a transit to a key element in our chart, fear is often the initial reaction.
It’s not uncommon for astrologers and people who understand some astrology to suffer from ‘Saturnophobia’. This is because Saturn transits do tend to bring big challenges, leading either to an ending or at the very least to significant changes to existing structures. Change is often feared, and we may relate to it as the Devil himself.
Given that the nature of life IS change, this mindset makes for a rather uncomfortable relationship with reality.
When we have a conjunction, opposition or square to Saturn in our natal chart it invariably indicates a significant challenge in our life – usually in the form of restriction, limitation, negativity or a great struggle to express the higher nature of the planet that it touches.
For example, Moon conjunct Saturn can show somebody who has fear or difficulty in feeling and/or expressing their emotions. Hence it’s common for this placement to indicate loneliness or depression in somebody’s life.
Archetypically speaking Saturn and Satan are indeed one and the same. But what is the deeper reality of this figure?
Astrology is a symbolic, archetypal language that describes, through the planets, signs and houses, all that we can experience on Earth.
Saturn symbolises everything that has to do with boundaries. Its physical nature reflects this: 1) it is the furthest planet that can be seen with the naked eye, hence the limit of direct human experience and 2) it has rings around it, suggestive of a boundary.
Anything that is indicative of a limit is said to be ‘ruled’ (i.e. symbolised) by Saturn – e.g. walls, skin, time, obstacles and endings.
Essentially anything that separates one thing from another.
Taken a step further, Saturn is the symbol for this physical world of form – since you cannot have an experience of distinct objects and people without them being separate from yourself and each other.
And herein also lies the true meaning of Satan… not evil or bad, but simply separation from God – the true root of all fear.
In our separate human existence we get to experience many challenges. You may have noticed that it is in the struggles, limitations and difficulties of life that we grow the most, eventually finding a way beyond perceived limits. Isn’t that the essence of what makes life beautiful and worthwhile?
We have Saturn/Satan to thank for that!
It is the necessary structure that allows for this play of form.
And ultimately, one day, even the feeling of separation must also come to an end.
“Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well.” ― Jack Kornfield, Buddha’s Little Instruction Book.
