Past Articles

AR 52 As Above, So Below

AR 51 The Ancient Quest

AR 50 Astrology and Alchemy

AR 49 Star of Wonder

AR 48 Jupiter in Libra

AR 47 Once in a Blue Moon

AR 46 Sedna Enters the Arena

AR 45 Royal Stars of Persia

AR 44 Ancient Formulas for Immortality

AR 43 Twelve Gates of Heaven

AR 42 Jupiter in Virgo

AR 41 Geometry of the Spheres

AR 40 Saturn in Cancer, June, 2003 to July, 2005

AR 39 The Poles of the Zodiac

AR 38
Uranus In
Pisces
2003-2011

AR 37
Twelfth Planet, Plutinos or
Planet X

AR 36
Eclipses – Promise or Peril?

AR35
Solar Fire

AR34
The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology

AR 33
Children of the Gods

AR 32
Wheels Within Wheels

AR 31
Horoscopes of Destiny

AR 30
Zodicac of Dendera

AR 29
A Star Is Born

AR 28
Age of Aquarius

AR 27
Persia's Royal Stars of Ancients

AR 23
The Lore of a Shaman

“I hast wasted time, and now time doth waste me.” - Shakespeare, Richard II

Myth transmits archetypal knowledge through stories and symbolism, but archetypes are complex and sometimes these stories seem contradictory. Saturn’s myths are a good example. Saturn is an old Italian god who is identified with the earlier Greek Cronus, Chief of the Titans, one of the great figures of myth. One tradition portrays Cronus as a selfish and autocratic ruler, intending to maintain his reign at any cost. In an act which is a nasty abuse of power even by mythical standards Cronus swallowed his own children so that none of them would supplant him. His wife Rhea ultimately foiled this arrogant attempt by giving him a swaddled stone instead of his last-born Zeus (Jupiter.) Subsequently, Jupiter tricked Cronus into coughing up the rest of his siblings.

In Orphic cosmology however, which traces its roots to Egypt, Cronus was seen as a beneficent king, ruling over both heaven and earth. In this guise Cronus ruled during a halcyon golden age in antiquity. Cronus is also sometimes identified with Chronus, who is not depicted as a personified being, but rather as Time itself, which of course does swallow all of its children in due course. A deeper interpretation of this interwoven symbolism might be that attainment of the “stone of the wise,” shown by swallowing the stone which he thought was Jupiter (Wisdom), finally liberates our consciousness from the wheel of time.

Astrological symbolism

Astrologically Saturn is still seen as lord of time, and when he connects to points in our horoscopes we feel his heavy hand. In astrology Saturn’s influence is the embodiment of form, and the dramatic rings which surround the physical planet represent the idea of limitation. He is sometimes depicted as the Grim Reaper, wielding a scythe, and cutting a wide swath in human affairs.

The influence of Saturn by sign serves to limit or control circumstances in our lives and can also indicate how we will be limited, controlled, frustrated or delayed by what seems to be the cruel hand of fate, according to the sign Saturn transits. The ringed planet gives form to our life experiences and therefore provides our lessons. With the benefit of hindsight most of us give credit for our most profound lessons to our toughest teachers. We look back in gratitude to those who expected the most from us or held our feet to the proverbial fire. Saturn is at heart a wise teacher if seeming to be a stern taskmaster. When we are truly wise we understand that Saturn plays the role of tough-love teacher. If we accept his lessons we are invariably strengthened in character.

Leo, the Lion

Leo is the fifth zodiacal sign. Leo is ruled by the Sun and is the astrological arena in which issues of rulership and dominion are acted out on the astrological stage. Attributes of Leo include pride, dignity, altruism, magnanimity and a love of drama and display. Leo possesses a positive and outgoing energetic polarity. Leo rules the heart and spine and has to do with the faculty of will, important for a king. The lessons of Leo include the principles of dominion, sovereignty, authority, and rulership. It is said that the outstanding characteristic of a lion is bravery and the archetype of Leo includes courage. The higher side of Leo energy is honest, direct, courageous and filled with integrity. Conversely, the lower expression of the Lion can be arrogant, egotistical and dictatorial.

For the most part, true monarchies are part of past history. Rulers of today, and especially those in the impending Aquarian age, will embody a different concept of spiritual aristocracy, ruling from the enlightened and opened heart and not just from a position of situational power or authority. In a sense we are all rulers of some realm even if it is only our private thoughts and feelings. Brave or bombastic, we can choose to be wise or reckless within the kingdoms of our own hearts.

Saturn in Leo

As Saturn orbits the Sun in roughly thirty years he moves through each sign in sequence. As Saturn exits the sign of Cancer and moves into Leo the focus of attention shifts. With this combination of archetypal influences we are dealing with issues of fatherhood, kingship and rulership. The most important feast of Saturn, which was probably a precursor to modern Christmas or New Year’s Eve customs, was Saturnalia. Celebrated toward the end of December on this day schools and courts were closed, war was outlawed and people exchanged gifts. The balance of power between ruler and ruled over was altered as slaves gave orders while their masters waited at table. This idea presents an interesting exercise in shifting perspectives. If we open our minds Saturn in Leo might give us a taste of this.

Before the discovery of Uranus Saturn was considered to be the ruler of the sign Aquarius. The ringed planet still maintains this joint relationship with Uranus. Therefore Saturn is said to be in “detriment,” a position of weakness, in Leo as the Lion is the opposite sign to Aquarius. Leo can sometimes be prideful and doesn’t appreciate the limits and structure that Saturn dictates. The sun-ruled sign likes to be at the center of things, and therefore this can be an uncomfortable combination of archetypal energies. There can be a perception that power is limited and freedom is curtailed. The sense of creative expression is stifled. The innate ability of the Lion to enjoy life does not come as easily. In personal relationships resentment can build as we look for someone else to blame for our discomfort.

Expressed in a positive way Saturn in Leo infuses consciousness with a heightened sense of responsibility which can motivate appropriate authoritative behavior. A cool efficiency combines with a no-nonsense approach to issues. Moore and Douglas, in their book Astrology, The Divine Science, give an image for Saturn in Leo as “a knight fastening on a weighty suit of armor.” Here we see the idea of girding for battle to defend the realm as an apt description of a strongly felt sense of duty combined with an impulse to take action.

The highest expression of this combination is a truly wise leader, ruling from a compassionate heart. The same energy directed unconsciously can result in heavy-handed and overbearing autocracy due to a misdirected sense of pride and drive for power. The extreme result of Saturn in Leo is a selfish and autocratic dictator.

In pragmatic terms Saturn in Leo may cause areas which may have been sources of pleasure and amusement to become burdensome. A vacation home may be struck by lightening or a prized sailboat is ruined by a tropical storm. Saturn in Leo is somber and conservative and tends to use discipline and tightening of the belt as techniques to solve problems and deal with people. Because of the serious quality of Saturn Leo’s natural gaiety can be stifled and the energy can seem aloof and detached. This is not an endearing or warm energy.

Saturn in the sign of the heart constricts the feelings, projecting a calculating nature or outer persona. Therefore, matters of the heart don’t flow freely. But this cool projection may not really be as cold as it seems as it can mask an inner sensitivity which is cloaked because of fear of rejection. Saturn in Leo may cause a withdrawal from relationships. Saturn in Leo can instill a sense of isolation, causing withdrawal from the very responsibility that is felt so keenly. It is certainly an inhibiting influence but sometimes a serious look is called for in certain areas of our lives.

Economically Saturn in Leo casts a dim view of risk and speculation so this does not bode well for a robust economy or stock market or an overall sense of economic optimism. Austerity is a word which describes Saturn in Leo and such measures may be taken. This is akin to the Pied Piper finally presenting the invoice. More will be gained from hard work and a disciplined approach to financial matters rather than hoping for a lucky investment tip. The potential strength of this transit is in a willingness to work and sacrifice.

Cabbages and Kings

We might gain some insight into these principles from a look at two well-known British kings who expressed the archetype of Saturn in Leo in different ways. Both kings illustrate an aspect of Saturn in Leo either positively or negatively. Henry II, about whom the story Lion in Winter was written, ruled from 1154-1189. As a ruler this kingly lion was described as energetic, strong and imaginative. He attained much of his empire through marriage, the lands stretching from the Scottish border to the Pyrenees, and he traveled the length and breadth of his realm. His legal reforms credit him with the founding of English Common Law. His unfortunate disagreements with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the king’s former adviser, led to the murder of Thomas ‘a Becket in 1170, resulting in a papal interdict on England. Despite this he is looked upon positively through the lens of history and regarded as a great Medieval monarch.

Richard II on the other hand, the subject of the Shakespearian tragedy quoted at the beginning of the article, is not recalled so kindly. Richard II ruled from 1377-1399, ascending the throne at the tender age of ten. Economic hardship followed the Black Death and Parliament worsened the problem by limiting wages but failing to control prices. A peasant revolt followed and Richard’s unwise and autocratic manner of handling events caused him to be deposed and murdered while in prison.

These two contrasting monarchs demonstrate that while external circumstances and political forces may be beyond our control, and what looks like fate or luck may intervene, at the end of the day it is still our character and choices which determine how we will respond. In both cases circumstances aided and hindered these kings. How they responded to the challenges and trials presented to them, and how history recalls their reigns, was based on their characters.

This same principle holds true in our individual lives. We are all stewards of something and the astrological principles of Saturn in Leo will test us all during the transit as we respond with grace or arrogance within our own domains. We can look to the place where Saturn moves in our own horoscopes to learn in what area of life our personal lessons will come. If we are willing to exercise discipline, make some sacrifices, and forego the ego’s need for drama, we just might benefit from the lessons Saturn presents us. Otherwise, we will stay in school until we learn our lessons.