posted November 25, 2004 08:14 PM              

Saturn's importance in relationships should not be overlooked, yet for some odd reason his influence often is, particularly in computer analyzed synastry charts, which tend to focus primarily on Sun, Moon, Venus, and Mars contacts. Perhaps Saturn is quickly dismissed as an 'outer planet' and therefore not relevant to relationships. Perhaps Saturn is brushed aside because of the intense karmic implications apparent with Saturn contacts in synastry. Regardless, Saturn does not often get the attention he deserves.

Saturn is a builder, a solidifying influence that is pertinent to the formation of any long-lasting relationship. Relationships aren't meant to be all light and fluff--they are intended for the individual growth of the two partners. Significant growth is not easy or very fun and Saturn contacts can be rather painful at times. Saturn in our charts is often expressed in an unconscious manner. It is our repressed child-hood fears, our own personal inferiority complex that can hold us back if we don't learn to express Saturnian energy consciously. Many times we are only made aware of this part of ourselves through the mutual projection/reflection inherent in our relationships. The true strength of any building's structure is known only after it withstands the force of a hurricane, earthquake, or other disaster. The same is true of our personality. We don't know what we are capable of until we are involved in a relationship that tests us and strengthens our resolve and determination.

In synastry, Saturnian contacts are often viewed negatively if there is a square (90 degrees), opposition (180 degrees), or conjunction ( 0 degrees) involved. It is often stated that the Saturn person has a restricting or limiting influence on the other person's involved planet. This is true to an extent but it should be understood that Saturn is the vulnerable one in this situation. He is trying to hide his pain, his weaknesses from his partner and does this with a self-protecting mechanism of domination and 'parental' guidance. The very part of the other person Saturn is trying to restructure is simply an unconscious projection on his part--it is a part of the Saturnian personality that he recognizes but can't consciously associate with himself. Through this relationship, and the reflection of the unconscious need for growth, the Saturnian person becomes more conscious, more developed, in his own right. So how does this affect the other person? Well, it can be very difficult at times but if the person can understand this part of the relationship and work with it, they too will grow. The Saturnian contact will help strengthen the other person's planet and give it more conscious structure. The tension can swing back and forth between the partners as the fears and needs of each partner are put to the test by the contact.

A positive Saturnian contact such as the trine (120 degrees) and the sextile (60 degrees) is easier to work with in the relationship because Saturn and the other planet have more of an understanding between them. Although Saturn can still be unconscious in these circumstances, chances are the Saturnian person has had some prior experience with a Saturnian connection in another relationship and thus has a more conscious knowledge of his Saturnian placement and is working more successfully with the energy. In the new relationship with the positive Saturn connection, the Saturnian is helping build up the structural personality of the current partner. This is a situation of growth for both partners as the Saturnian is learning to share his prior experiences in a teaching position while the other partner is developing the planet in question.

Without the strength and support of a significant Saturn contact, it is fairly difficult to think in terms of long-term possibility in a relationship. This planet is a powerhouse that is often avoided in synastry because the implications are, on the surface, unpleasant. After all, we really don't like to hear the truth about our relationships or ourselves. It is less painful and easier to avoid the truth, at least at first. However, avoidance and ignorance will eventually backlash and can possibly destroy a relationship that could have been saved if the two people involved were willing to open themselves up to their fears and hostilities and had learned to integrate the energy in a more healthy fashion.

posted November 25, 2004 08:45 PM              

Saturn plays a HUGE role in my life, for better or worse, it's probably been the cruelest of all lessons.

My Moon in Cancer opposses my Jupiter & Saturn in Capricorn. They are both in my 9th House, which is why I immediately gravitate towards happy-go-lucky types. Plus shake on some of my Venus in Virgo for a tad more eccentricity. And a Uranus in Leo in the 4th, just for garnish. (Carried in by a hottie with my MC in their Aquarius).

posted November 25, 2004 09:13 PM              

Welcome back to Earth. Right?

That triptophane does some trippy things on Turkey Day to those who are not used to it.

Did you write that article?

If so, much kudo's...
If not much kudo's to whoever did.

Honestly, a really good read, even if I'd read it on day one. Now that I've sharpened my analytcal skills even more, I too would just look at Sun/Moon/Venus for "good times", and at strictly Saturn for longevity, which I've said before.

It's making me think now ...

Naw, just that my "longevity" is not appreciated enough ... still getting past some kinky thoughts.

posted November 25, 2004 09:33 PM              

I forgot how I connected the dots exactly, but having personal Planets like Sun/Moon/Venus in the same Sign as the other's Saturn is supposed to be good for marriage.

Which reminds me of a question I answered most recently about relationship "image", and I said, look to North Nodes and then, to the MC.

Midheaven (MC) was probably not that important in terms of relationship viability say, back in the 40's & 50's. Roles were STRICTLY defined, so there were none of these silly questions about where the next "burn the bra" (Yay, get to see sagging breasts) outdoor conference was to be.

And it's so funny how we tend to "conveniently" forget that all the while, we were still way sexual beings. Would we be punishing ourselves with more technology?

... or ... less?

Well, now the MC IS important as women's desire to be industrious has had wonderful results, even if just in increasing options alone. I believe that in Synastry, the North Node and MC are where one would find "success in longevity" --

posted November 26, 2004 01:57 AM              

I like that.

Sounds like your Venus & Pluto Conjunct in your 4th talking.

posted November 27, 2004 10:47 AM              

Saturn conjunct or opposite the Sun, Moon, or Venus: A relationship with this factor is going be a long-lasting, rather sober relationship (of course a wild Uranus aspect in the synastry chart can change this!). There is much to be learned from one another, and Saturn is not always the teacher. Saturn can be very fearful of the Sun, Moon, or Venus--perhaps feeling unworthy of the other's love, or scared the other will surely hurt them. Of course this can also work the other way, with the other planet feeling fearful of Saturn, but it is usually Saturn who fears the most. The Sun, Moon, or Venus must be very patient and learn that Saturn's restrictions are based on this subconcious fear. This aspect in the synastry has the potential to become the foundation on which a couple can build a permanent union.__This is a karmic aspect, and many times the two souls have been sexually intimate in a previous life.___

Interesting.