Saturn in Leo
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 Leo
Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun, and opposite one of Saturn’s home signs, Aquarius. Similar to Cancer, Saturn here is asked to act differently to find a healthy role. Leo is a sign that is often about individuality and self, similar to Aries in some ways but without the heightened action and fight. Saturn tends to represent others, society, and the responsibilities one has with their contributions to the collective. Leo is about authenticity and self, being on the center stage with one's uniqueness, and shining the spotlight on their gifts. Saturn here can limit the ability of one to step out in the limelight, or make one feel more self-conscious about being in the center of attention, which can result in fear or a hindrance of finding one’s unique voice and presence.
Saturn in Leo people may have to work harder to be seen or recognized from their peers, or apply more effort when it comes to taking risks or putting themselves out there. This may manifest as fears or self-doubt that they have to work through to trust their authenticity and pursue their passions. This can also develop in the other extreme as well, where they are so far and deeply focused on their own self-interest and identity that they lack boundaries or societal awareness of how it can bulldoze others, especially in group situations.
A healthy Saturn in Leo can recognize the need to have their own beliefs, identities, and specialness and to be able to share that with others, while also being conscious of the group or general environment around them. They can be great at implementing personal restrictions or limitations around their ego, and be more strong in holding onto certain personal beliefs when challenged. Saturn in Leo folks may need to practice or give themselves space to have fun or let go, and not feel that every expression is to be tightly controlled. Or vice versa, they may need to practice boundaries about what they share about themselves to others, ensuring they can fully trust or that it’s indeed the right time and place for vulnerability.
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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.
