Saturn rules necessary boundaries of all types. External world has boundaries such as laws, policies and regulations. Internally we carry boundaries in the form of psychological limitations. Some of these limitations (usually good common sense) are absolutely necessary; others need to be discarded as we mature and develop as a person.
Regardless of the type of aspect (square, trine etc.), Saturn’s touch is especially visible on inner (a.k.a. personal) planets:
Saturn – Sun aspect will define boundaries regarding self image and life direction. There may be perceived limitations with regard to what’s possible in career, relationship and overall well being. One’s life expectations might be based on the father’s life, or be influenced by problematic relationship with him.
The positive manifestation of this aspect includes integrity (knowing my values) and a sense of positive ambition (recognizing my potentials to grow & achieve more). The negative manifestation includes the loss of authenticity (not knowing who I am), and underachievement.
With Saturn – Moon aspect, the limitations are placed on emotions. Guilt or anxiety can be felt whenever one oversteps the perceived internal boundaries. How did the parents (especially the father) define what emotions were acceptable and what’s not? What was the acceptable behavior in the early home? What happened when you deviated from it?
The positive expression of this aspect includes emotional maturity and reliability. The negative expression includes chronic guilt and anxiety.
Saturn – Mercury aspect defines mental outlook. As intellect thrives on clearly defined boundaries, this aspect is thought to suggest capacity for a deep study of any subject. If not positively encouraged, however, a lack of confidence with regard to one’s mental capacity could be felt.
The positive expression here could be deep thinking and a dedicated pursuit of an intellectual subject, which can make you an expert in the chosen area. The negative expression can include a tendency for depression and difficulty in focusing attention.
Saturn – Venus aspect defines relationship orientation. The boundaries defined here could include: Whom to trust? How much to give/receive? How lovable am I? Like other aspects, the good/not-so-good modeling provided by the parents are influential (how did they express affection? Anger? Disagreement?)
When positively expressed, this aspect suggests capacity to build trusted friendships and partnerships. Negatively expressed, it could suggest wrong choice in friendships, and consequently building psychological walls around oneself.
Saturn – Mars aspect places boundaries on how we apply our energy. Paternal encouragement/discouragement tends to influence how one deals with failure and anger.
The positive manifestation of the combination includes resourcefulness and indomitable will to succeed, regardless of how many setbacks you experience. Negative manifestation includes resignation due to fear of failure. In the former, the energy of frustration is directed at solving the problem no matter what. In the latter, the anger is directed unto oneself, leading to implosion and depression.
The outer planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) often work to destroy old boundaries that are no longer necessary, so that our hearts may learn to expand again, learning to hope & trust while still keeping the maturity and discernment you gained over the years.
If you have natal Saturn aspecting an inner planet, how did its boundaries serve you as you developed in the area represented by the inner planet? Are there old boundaries that seem to be outdated and no longer necessary? Feel free to share through emails or comments….