Sometimes, when consulting a horoscope, you come across a stirring piece of advice: “Master your Saturn! Now is the time to set your intentions and go after what you want.”
Yep. That’s what’s so fascinating about astrology — it has the capacity to unlock one’s destiny — an evolutionary path to growth through learning and transformation.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (May 1, 1881 – April 10, 1955), French philosopher, Jesuit priest, paleontologist and geologist wrote: “Our duty, as men and women, is to proceed as if limits to our ability did not exist. We are collaborators in creation.” Hmmm… We’re collaborators in creation… What does that really mean?
Nearly 15 years ago, in my quest for self-awareness, I came across Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and began to repeat her “there’s a divine plan of goodness for me” mantra religiously. At the time, it was a matter of faithfully relying on the power of conviction. Recently, as a student of astrology, I’ve learned to embody it by trusting that the universe is an integral part of me.
According to Steven Forrest, the symbols in the birth chart “represent a wide spectrum of possibilities, from utter self-destruction to enlightenment.” Our own choices make the difference. That’s why it’s really important to take the high road, even if it’s difficult, scary. We are here to stretch and evolve, not to be safe. It’s our responsibility to express the highest potential over a lifetime.
Without comprehending the physics of it, I adopt the idea of a birth chart as a symbolic model of the mind with all its aspirations, whole-heartedly embracing the premise that the ten planets of the Zodiac represent ten basic functions into which the mind is divided. For instance, Saturn, a metaphor for a part of the mind insisting on pain as a source of empowerment, always hungers for a challenge. Its objective is to achieve self-sufficiency by confronting limitations, facing defeat and uncertainty.
The obstacles vary, though. As Saturn persistently takes 30 years to work through the Zodiac wheel, it assumes the personality traits/character types of the twelve signs. The signs represent why and how of the process. And each sign has its own method of achieving the goals set by Saturn, endowing the planet with human qualities. Consult your birth chart to find out the sign of your Saturn:
- Saturn in Aries is brave, steadfast, and committed.
A magnet for stress, you have come into the world to strengthen the power of your will; don’t let the fear stand in your way.
- In Taurus, Saturn is focused on stability.
You strive for inner peace, not stagnation.
- In Gemini, it wants to be heard and taken seriously.
You search the world for the truth and your strategy is to never let the mind stop growing.
- In Cancer, it wants to touch lives.
You shed your self-protective instincts to probe deeply into the roots of consciousness. Trust — love is a gamble. Use the language of emotion without putting safety ahead of growth.
- Saturn in Leo affirms inner creativity.
By leaving the stamp of your own thoughts and values on the world, you give form to your imagination. Whatever inhibits your self-expression cannot be tolerated. Maintain spontaneity and don’t let pride stand in the way.
- In Virgo, it aims to master the work that really matters.
You strive for a sense of purpose while learning humility. You hunger for the ideal. As you assess your abilities with ruthless honesty — believe in yourself. Please, do not indulge in self-sacrifice while under constant pressure to grow and to be of use to other people.
- In Libra, Saturn’s motivation is to cultivate taste, partnerships, and serenity.
You have the capacity to tolerate paradox.
- In Scorpio, it is poised to uncover truth.
You know who you are and what you want. You feel through life and live every minute as if it were your last. Be careful: self-absorption is not the idea.
- In Sagittarius, Saturn values principles over practical concerns.
Your life is a perpetual adventure and a quest for meaning. Leap of faith.
- In Capricorn, it thrives on persistent effort. These two like each other.
Immune to applause, you must seek approval within yourself. You have to choose a public role that embraces your own personal values. You must be yourself.
- In Aquarius, it struggles for freedom. Saturn does well here.
You need to stubbornly resist the tribe. As an individual, you have the capacity to choose your own path. Do not conform!
- In Pisces, Saturn’s purpose is the exploration of spirituality.
Spend a few minutes each day focusing on the mind itself; empty it. Unleash your creative imagination. Self-transcendence.
When studying your chart, also take a look at the house Saturn is located in. Houses represent the tasks you must face in specific departments of life. Where Saturn lies on a chart is the area of activity where you need to act alone, to step out of your comfort zone in order to explore what is possible. Saturn teaches you to trust in your dreams and visions, to have faith in yourself.
Saturn is about putting yourself out there and finding the exhilarating liberation of self-knowledge as a reward.
John W. Gardner (October 8, 1912 – February 16, 2002), Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Lyndon Johnson, in a section of Self-Renewal: The Individual and the Innovative Society writes: “We pay a heavy price for our fear of failure. It is a powerful obstacle to growth. It assures the progressive narrowing of the personality and prevents exploration and experimentation. There is no learning without some difficulty and fumbling. If you want to keep on learning, you must keep on risking failure — all your life. It’s as simple as that.”
Thus, in the words of Marina Abramović (born November 30, 1946), the pioneer of performance art, “cast caution to the winds.”
Give in to openhearted curiosity. Push the boundaries. Wherever you are afraid to go is where it is at! Stop second-guessing yourself. Admit to your own strength and creative purpose; your birth chart is a testament to that.
Cover image courtesy of Dooz, all over images by Infinity Christo Makatita
