Saturn has always been considered a very negative influence in the astrological chart. Called “the greater malefic” by ancient astrologers, it has more recently been dubbed “the Celestial Taskmaster” — hardly a cheerful title. It tends to be linked with oppression, hardship, drudgery and burdensome duty.
Many of us seem to be trapped in a struggle to get ahead, or even catch up, in important areas of our lives. If this has been going on for years, even decades, we start to wonder if A) the game of life is rigged against us or B) perhaps there is a better way.
In a typical article one astrologer said, “Saturn’s message is that if you work your butt off, you will eventually get the rewards you seek.” That’s not very inspiring, is it? In my opinion, this is an over-simplified and largely erroneous interpretation of Saturn’s function in our lives. Saturn’s role can be a benevolent one. Read on to see how.
Astrologically, Saturn figures prominently in all issues related to work and material success. Most people believe that Saturn brings hard work, challenges and struggle into their lives, but this need not be the case. Saturn’s role can be that of “Celestial Coach” rather than “Celestial Taskmaster” if we learn to respond appropriately to its guiding influence.
Saturn is concerned with practical matters. It is the ruling planet of that most practical sign, Capricorn. While some find satisfaction in daily attention to practical tasks, many of us — particularly those with strong water influences in our charts — do not enjoy attending to the nitty-gritty details of life. Such mundane matters as keeping one’s living space clean, earning a living and paying the bills may seem quite burdensome at times.
Yet practical matters have a huge effect on our quality of life. Stop for a moment and reflect how much impact a greatly increased (or diminished) bank balance or level of physical health would have on your life. These factors play such a crucial role, yet many of us seem baffled about how to optimize them so that we may enjoy the highest quality of life.
Old-style thinking tells us that having plenty of money, great health, a well-toned physique and other material blessings entails a lot of hard work. And it is true that some have managed to attain these things while working very hard (notice that I said while working hard, not by working hard). But is this the only — or even the most reliable — way to attain material success?
How many people do you know who work long, hard hours yet barely make ends meet? How many of your acquaintances rush around trying to improve their circumstances, always anxious and stressed — yet experience one disappointment after another? How many people in your circle of friends are tired, depressed, and out of shape both physically and financially — even though they seem to put a great deal of sincere effort into trying to make their lives work?
Maybe our culture’s work-and-struggle formula for success isn’t as reliable as we’ve been led to believe. Maybe it is not only ineffective, but actually counterproductive to take a “knuckle down, nose to the grindstone” approach to accomplishing our goals. If you have given the old approach a reasonable effort and are not happy with the results (or with the quality of life you have while struggling and overworking), perhaps you are ready to find a better way.
