Saturn...what it speaks to us about and what we can do to optimise the information

The symbol representing Saturn shows the cross of matter above the crescent of receptivity. Symbolically, this shows us how the world of matter can impose itself upon us and suppress our intuitive or receptive selves. It shows us how we limit our selves through attachment. This attachment can be to fear, to power, to preconceived self belief, to materialism, or whatever.

Astrologically Saturn is known as THE GREATER MALIFIC due to its very cold atmosphere and its dryness or lackof water. While it represents time, hard work, age and death, above all else it represents LIMITS. Factually it is the furthest planet in the solar system visible to the naked eye and symbolically this indicates both the limits of our vision and the deeper lessons we must sometimes blindly negotiate.

At its best Saturn brings strength through self-limitation, discipline and planning. At its worst it brings about inaction, depression and vulnerability through fear of the shadow or darker self.
How Saturn manifests its energy in the individual depends on the horoscope as a whole. The Zodiac Sign (and its Element), the House in which if falls, and the Aspects to the other planets will all have a bearing on its function.

Generally however, Saturn in the horoscope shows us where the greatest challenges will be found, and the most rewarding lessons learned. Saturn indicates the process by which fears may stop you from fulfilling your goals. Consciously working with Saturn is about transforming fears into action and gaining mastery over your shadow self.

The main objective in looking at Saturn in the birth chart is to assess the qualities of the shadow and find positive ways to transform any negative expression of this into a life enhancing expression.

So the premise with Saturn is that it represents the fears and blocks that limit the development of the higher self and/or the achieving of desired goals. By working with this and learning how to remove blocks and discover true self-understanding we can move beyond the shadow self and transform into the bright self! We can better achieve our life objectives and feel a sense of self-fulfilment.

I like to suggest creating something with the hands that is dedicated to the transforming of the Saturn block or fear. This takes individuals out of a purely mind driven space and earths the whole process. It can be almost anything, but the easiest and most enjoyable idea I have come up with is creating a scrapbook. Following is the scrapbook method I have used in my workshops.

The Saturn Game plan... Making a Scrap Book for Transforming your life

1.Centre yourselves and take a few deep breathes, in through the nose and out through the mouth

2.Now spend some time visualising the real goals and ambitions, objectives and achievements you desire for yourself. What are your life path wishes?
Write these down

3.Now spend some time thinking about what you are afraid of, what makes you uneasy, scared, and unable to move on? What blocks you? (Look at your Saturn placement here, and objectively review your blocks…are your inner desires sometimes a block in themselves?)
Write these down.

4.Now think about what activities you enjoy in your life, or have enjoyed in the past. What would you like to try or add to your daily routine?
Write these down.

5.Now write up a blue print for an average day but include in it three things. One that is self-nurturing and self-pleasuring only. One that is for enjoyment but also embraces the Saturn shadow you need to bring into balance and one that can help bring you closer to your desired goals.
Put this in the front of your scrapbook. Decorate and include in this anything that is inspiring for you etc.

6.Now turn to the end of the scrapbook and think again on your goals and hopes and wishes for your future. Write these down at the end of the book, this is where you are aiming to end up…decorate and expand on this as much as you can!

7.Now the pages in the middle will chart your year ahead, week-to-week or month to month as you prefer. Each week/month, spend some time making a page or two to represent your achievements, your joys and the things to be thankful for, concentrate on the positive as much as possible. If you need to show some sadness in your book it is ok but show also what you have learned or gained in insight/hindsight from the process- if this needs to be included at a later date when you are able to reflect it is ok too, leave space for it and go back to it when you can.

This process honours your Saturn and allows you to actively participate in your own journey. It brings awareness, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment to the daily process. And it provides a great memento of the journey.

You should find that by the time you reach the end of your book you will have achieved at least some of the goals you had in mind and you can tick these off the list!! Your final page can then be expanded on and added to!

It is a great idea to do this each year at around the time of the Winter solstice. It helps give direction to your process and uses the energy of the growing sun in an actively positive way.