Saturn in Cancer

Saturn is the last visible planet in the solar system, representing the outer limits of our reality and the literal barrier between the planets we can see with our naked eye and those of which we need a microscope for: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. 

Just like the unmistakable rings that mark Saturn in our sky, Saturn in astrology represents the boundaries of reality, the borders of one idea to the next. He is the traditionalist, the one who preserves the rituals of society and helps maintain the status quo, what is “socially acceptable.” Saturn teaches lessons through a series of shut doors or when you’re facing restriction and limitation in your life, showing you how you can do more with less.

Saturn takes 29.5 years to move through the twelve zodiac signs, so your Saturn Return around the ages of 28-31 is a very important astrological transit to note. This period of time, repeated again around 56-59, marks a moment where all your lessons about life reach a major culmination. You are finally integrating all parts of yourself from your prior years, officially reaching “maturity.” People may notice who they once were is no longer relevant or important for their future, resulting in breakups, career changes, or personal crises that question the meaning of their own reality. If you have been avoiding an important issue or matter in your life, you can expect it to be carried back around during your Saturn return. 

In Hellenistic astrology, Saturn is considered a malefic planet, meaning he brings challenges and other hardships when activated. He is a member of the Day team, so if you were born during the Day, Saturn is generally more constructive and can help you build long-term achievements. Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius, is exalted in Libra, fallen in Aries, and detriment in Cancer and Leo.

Let’s look in more detail at Saturn in Aries. Please note these write-ups are more generalized, and the way your Saturn placement manifests is unique within your birthchart. To learn more about your birthchart, request a reading here.

To read about Saturn in the other signs, go here.

Saturn in Cancer

Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the Moon, and is the place of Jupiter’s exaltation. Both Saturn and Mars tend to dislike this sign, because it encourages awareness of comfort, stability, and nurturing. Being a malefic planet, Saturn prefers to focus on hard work and responsibility, the harsh necessities and realities of life, and that’s generally avoided or disregarded in Cancer. Saturn in Cancer wishes to create and maintain boundaries around receiving comfort and assistance, meaning these folks tend to place restrictions on or limit themselves from the “feel-good” emotions or from receiving assistance. They may’ve lacked nurturing care from childhood, and this can result in them feeling uncomfortable when things are going well or are easy, like they are always waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

A younger or undeveloped Saturn in Cancer may also be someone who often feels the lack of protection and stability, and may constantly be seeking ways to soothe their nervous system and feel more at home. They may struggle with a home life or finding comfort, especially if that was neglected from them when they were children. As they grow, they can learn to parent themselves, and offer themselves the necessary boundaries when it comes to making sure their physical and mental needs are met before they provide for others. Sometimes Saturn here can be someone who is constantly mothering or caretaking those around them or their family, but not themselves.

Saturn can be very useful in Cancer, folks just need to use the Saturn significations differently. There should be an evaluation of healthy boundaries when it comes to home and family life, as well as the boundaries they have for taking care of their body and mind. They can be measured and able to implement healthy restrictions in diet and exercise, but be mindful of being too harsh on oneself. This can be a very protective placement, especially when it comes to family or those they value, just be mindful of being too overbearing or too lax in structures. A healthy balance can be found.

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There is so much more to look at when it comes to Saturn in your chart, including neighboring planets, the position of the sign ruler, and aspects to Saturn! To learn more about your birthchart, request a reading here.