Saturn in Scorpio
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 Scorpio
Scorpio is a fixed water sign also ruled by Mars, but unlike Aries, Saturn is more neutral in this cooler and slower moving sign. Scorpio is a sign about emotional depth and decay, focused on the dark parts of self, the shadow self, and the more uncomfortable dimensions of emotion. The Scorpio energy is about penetrating deep into the unknowns and unconscious to truly get to the heart of the matter, and Saturn here may create a feeling of emotional responsibility. Saturn can be beneficial in this sign by creating boundaries around certain issues or emotions, and being able to contain what tends to flood other’s nervous systems. They may be able to detach a bit from the harder emotions and compartmentalize, especially if they feel responsible to do so or if those structures will help them continue to move forward and take action.
Saturn in Scorpio will need to be mindful to not overly detach or dissociate from harder emotions, as this may happen especially if the native is younger and before the first Saturn return. Under the guise of protectionism, Saturn in Scorpio may shut out all uncomfortable feelings, resulting in the emotions not being addressed in a healthy way and can explode later on. Saturn in Scorpio can also go the other extreme, where they may lack boundaries when it comes to feeling experiences and having empathy for others. Taking responsibility for all emotions and feeling too much into another’s pain can result in burnt out and inner exhaustion.
When balanced, Saturn in Scorpio can be somewhat a healer or mirror for others, embracing the tough hardships and experiences of life, but also being able to contain the emotions and direct the energy to helpful solutions. They can be great at not living in a fantasy, and seeing reality for what it is, and not being afraid to address the darker parts of society or at least call them out. Folks will just have to be mindful that they are not responsible for every deep emotion, and can choose which ones to stay focused on and which ones to release for others to heal.
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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.
