Saturn as a symbol and its meaning in astrology are multifaceted. First and foremost, it represents time and the fact-based level of life. It is associated with both earth and bone. Learning and the experiences we gain, maturity and ageing are also in the realm of Saturn. Necessary boundaries, limitations and controls are an essential part of these experiences.
Client 19, NÖ
Astrological consultation with Viennese astrologer Tanja Ristovski. Online consultations are available.
Schedule appointmentSaturn in the birth chart can stand for fears, defences and protective mechanisms, but also for the determination to move forward and to consolidate one's own position in a worldly sense.
The transits of Saturn and the Saturn return
When transiting Saturn moves around the natal chart, it marks important developments and stations in life. Saturn's squares or oppositions to its natal position always mark such periods. But the most profound of all is the Saturn Return. Saturn takes 28 to 30 years to move through the Zodiac and return to its initial position, completing the first Saturn cycle, which is mainly associated with growing and learning. Although in our Western society young people reach legal adulthood at the age of 18 to 21, the transition to adulthood is reached around the age of 28 to 30, exactly at the time of the first Saturn Return.
Events that occur at or before the time of the exact Saturn Return pave the way for the next Saturn cycle, which corresponds roughly to what is known in psychology as "middle adulthood". In many people's lives, it is starting their own family or making an important career decision that marks this transition.
Lady - Gaga and Sagittarius-Saturn in the 6th house
The latest news about glam-pop singer Lady Gaga's engagement and forthcoming wedding prompted me to look at the astrological weather for her chart. Simultaneously, with the astrological measurements suggesting a love relationship, Saturn's first return is approaching, which means that Saturn is taking the same position in the skies as it was when she was born. Astrologically, that is a very significant dimension in personal development. She engaged in February 2015 and is reportedly making wedding plans. We can see in the chart below that Saturn is approaching in conjunction with its natal position and will reach it in December 2015. That suggests the forthcoming marriage is laying a foundation for years to come. Because her natal Saturn is positioned in Sagittarius in the 6th house, the maturity will unfold mainly through the adjustments within the work area, habits, and health. This adjustment will be initiated by marriage and her wish to start the family, and will likely thematize her overly strong work ethic that can lead to health deterioration, which is suggested by this Saturn position. Lady Gaga reportedly had a health issue in early 2013 after she performed despite the hip injury and was forced to cancel her tour.
Lady-Gaga, born March 28, 1986 at 9:53 AM, Manhattan, NY ; Source: Astrodatabank
Horoscope analysis of Patrizia Reggiani Gucci, who spent 18 years behind bars, and the crucial Saturn influences in her natal chart.
Astrological influences in Johnny Depp's horoscope that contributed to the defamation trial an dhis second Saturn return.
About the Saturn cycle and how it marks the phases of life.
The significance of Saturn in the parent-child relationship.
The complex influence of Saturn in the horoscope of Britney Spears.
Angelina Jolie and Saturn in Cancer in the 12th house
An interesting example is Angelina Jolie's horoscope. The first Saturn Return for her took place precisely in July 2004, with one hit only. At that time, she met Brad Pitt on the film set. After more than 10 years, we see now that this love affair set the foundation for her large family with many children. And that's not all. The natal Saturn of Jolie's chart is in the 12th house in the sign of Cancer. This position suggests that her maturity will unfold through dealing with her own family, as well as through dealing with fears and experiences from her childhood, particularly with issues of belongingness, emotional insecurity, and comfort - all the areas of Cancer and the 12th house.
Private case with Scorpio-Saturn in the 2nd house
One example from my astrological practice follows. A young man's horoscope showed great intellectual capacity and leadership potential. Right after high school, he started to work in a low-profile job. Because he was appreciated and promoted at work and driven by inner potential, he began considering further professional education. Not surprisingly, he started vocational training while maintaining a part-time job at the time of his first Saturn return. That vital step laid a foundation for his personal development by expanding his career possibilities. In his chart, Saturn is found in the second house in Scorpio, which suggests strong ambition driven by the need to prove him valuable and, at the same time, suggests some self-worth issues related to early home dynamics. The maturing process introduced by the first Saturn return will unfold through dealing with self-worth issues and adjusting his ambitions to his potential and psychological needs.
John Lennon and Taurus-Saturn in the 1st house
Another example of the first Saturn return related to making career descisions is the horoscope and the life of John Lennon. In March 1970, Saturn crossed its natal position with one hit. That is the year when the Beatles officially split and when Lennon debuted with his first solo album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. In 1969, the year that preceded the first Saturn return, John Lennon married Yoko Ono and already stepped out of the band. Located in the 1st house in the sign of Taurus, this Saturn Return suggests that John Lennon's maturity went along the lines of personal emancipation and the definition of values, both in an emotional and artistic sense. Anyone who has listened to that solo album will immediately recognize that those issues are already reflected in biographical and emotional lyrics and the music.
This Saturnian road into maturity may not always be so clear, but it will always follow developmental concerns of the sign and the house Saturn is positioned in.
If you are in your forties or above, look back at when you were between 27 and 30 years old. What was going on then? What area of life was in the focus? How did that time influence the course of your development and life? I am sure that you will discover an interesting relationship.
You may also find this interesting:
The Sun-Moon modification and planetary aspects
The European Crisis and Jupiter-Saturn Cycle: Review 2020
Historic horary astrology: Which side to take in a conflict? by William Lilly