SATURN : LORD OF KARMA AND ITS FUNCTION IN A BIRTHCHART

Saturn: Lord of Karma and its Function in your Chart

Karma is therefore that which Man…has instituted, carried forward, endorsed, omitted to do, or has done right, through the ages until the present moment. Today the harvest is ripe and mankind is reaping what it has sown, preparatory to a fresh ploughing in the springtime of the New Age, with a fresh sowing of the seed which will (let us hope and pray) produce a better harvest. — Alice Bailey, Esoteric Psychology

Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion states: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. This statement can also be said to represent the Law of Karma. Symbolically speaking, we can say that the manifested universe is ruled by Libra: what you sow, you shall reap. This is as true from our moment to moment reality as it is from lifetime to lifetime. Karma is not limited to the affairs of the Twelfth House as many astrological writers and thinkers would have us believe. The entire natal horoscope is a synthesis of our karma, a portrait of what we have amassed energetically across the eons of our many incarnations.

In Soul-centered astrology, we view Saturn as the agent and administrator of Karmic Law. It is Saturn who stands at the Gates of Initiation, ready to put all who aspire to a higher state of consciousness to the test. In Christian theology, this function is represented by St. Peter for it is He who acts as the Guardian to the Doors of Heaven. As one approaches Paradise, one’s deeds are weighed on the Scales of Divine Justice. It is no wonder then, that Saturn is said to be in its position of exaltation when it is placed in the sign of Libra!

Saturn is the farthest planet visible from the Earth with the naked eye and its rings are certainly its most outstanding feature. The rings are symbolic of limitations and represent the parameters of the Law of Karma. It is impossible to enter the more advanced levels of consciousness represented by Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, without first passing through Saturn’s rings. Thus, a person cannot enter into the realms of the “higher heavens” without first having fulfilled the responsibilities of one’s personal karma. It is only when we have been able to live correctly in the more personal spheres of life that we earn the right (and are capable!) of moving into more collective and transpersonal spheres of activity.

There is another important term in the esoteric doctrine which characterizes the karmic nature and function of Saturn. This term is “The Dweller on the Threshold”. The “Dweller” represents those parts of our personality which have not been redeemed or transformed by the loving agencies of the Soul. This is a place of karmic debt and of crystallized energy that does not permit us to go beyond the “Threshold” of our limited consciousness. The position of Saturn is also one of opportunity. It is by understanding and working with Saturn that we may come to balance a great deal of past karma and may go forward consciously to a more refined way of self-expression. As we progress through life, we often find that it is through restrictions and the pain which comes from thwarted desires or aspirations, that we develop a greater understanding of the Laws of Life. The structure and administration of these Laws is also under the rulership of Saturn. The sign and house position of Saturn in your natal chart will reveal much about the nature of your personal “Dweller” and show the areas where successful work has been achieved (positive aspects to and from Saturn) or where work still has to be done (hard aspects or conjunctions with Saturn).

Saturn and the Earth have a very close relationship as they are both planets associated with the nature of the Third Ray of Active Intelligence. Mercury has a great deal to do with the movement of the mind and the communication of our thoughts, but it is Saturn which is the planet that governs the patterns and structures of those thoughts. Saturn is the crystallization of mental energy so that the action of the Active Intelligence of Divinity many manifest in the physical world on Earth. It is on our planet that the karma of our solar system consolidatesinto physical form. So does the opportunity for the purification of that karma and the eventual upliftment of both humanity and the planet upon which we live. As the Tibetan Master might say at this point, “Ponder on this”.

The position of Saturn in the signs is indicative of several major factors:

• The Ray of the sign will point to what qualities a person may be inhibiting or surpressing on the personality level. A well aspected Saturn however, will reveal that those same characteristics have been very well integrated into the personality nature. Saturn well positioned in Gemini (Ray II) for example, may indicate that the Second Ray principles of Love/Wisdom can be used very successfully to communicate thoughts that bring people into a greater sense of mutual understanding.
• The tests of Saturn (consolidation of karma) will be shown in the form of Saturn’s sign: financially (Taurus), emotionally (Cancer), mentally (Gemini), etc. in terms of the personality.
• On the Soul level, Saturn’s sign shows what the Soul is seeking to perfect in the present incarnation in order to stimulate the growth of consciousness (Love).

Saturn in Aries : Mercury, as the esoteric ruler of Aries, blends its energies with those of Saturn allowing the Third Ray of Active Intelligence to work well with Mercury’s urge to communicate. The Soul-centered purpose for this position is involved with the need to discipline and structure the mind for the birthing of new ideas. Problems can arise if there is a lack of responsibility in the proper use of mental energy. Another factor that may inhibit soul growth is the habit of dominating other people with one’s thoughts for the purpose of personal gain. When the right use of will is coupled with the right use of mind, this can be an excellent position.

Saturn in the First House: A very strong need to express the responsibility of one’s Soul Purpose. This is an incarnation in which a sense of personal limitation can be transformed into a sense of self-discipline so that the nature and structure of the personality may conform to the will of the Soul.

Saturn in Taurus: This position can be most helpful in structuring those ideas that bring (or inhibit) material prosperity into one’s life. If one is polarized in the desire nature of the personality, such a manifestation of resources will block the wealth of the Soul from exteriorizing in one’s life. The Soul-centered purpose has a great deal to do with harnessing material possessions and the treasures of the Earth for the service of the Soul and the benefit of humanity. Saturn in Vulcan’s sign (esoteric ruler of Taurus), will break up and destroy anything in the formative world that prevents the Higher Self from externalizing.

Saturn in the Second House: The test here is one of personal values. What do we value in ourself, in others, and in the world in general? How to we go about expressing these values? Do these values inhibit Soul awareness or give us the right sense of responsibility to live in our truth?

Saturn in Gemini: Venus is the esoteric ruler of The Twins and her energy blends with Saturn in this placement. The Soul-centered purpose is for the individual to become an agent for the Law of Right Human Relationships. There is a need to understand mutual responsibilities in relationship and to use the mind as a loving tool of communication. The achievement of harmonious relationships is very much the goal. In this respect, an individual with Saturn in Gemini (especially if afflicted to Venus in the natal chart) may experience a certain sense of restriction in his or her ability to communicate. The dualities and crises in one’s relationships are but the training ground for the wider communicative aspirations of the Soul.

Saturn in the Third House: This can be an excellent position for the right use of the mind for the purpose of the Higher Self and also bestows a tendency towards being self-disciplined towards the goals of intellectual development. If afflicted, it reveals a narrow perspective and the urge to limit and control all forms of communication.

Saturn in Cancer: This placement often reveals that the surrounding family or fundamental psychological circumstances of the personality life limit the expression of the Soul. What is required is the ability to detach from the emotional/astral dynamics of the earlier life and build a strong, conscious connection to the higher mind. Saturn is a planet of the Third Ray and Cancer is a Third Ray sign. Emotional restriction on the personality level has to be transformed into greater compassion and worldly understanding. The message here is: Give up the personal pain and grow mentally. Such growth will provide the detachment required for higher consciousness.

Saturn in the Fourth House: Take charge of yourself! The path towards a greater sense of personal fulfillment is totally connected to the construction of a strong inner foundation of mature responsibility. When well aspected and/or in a favorable sign, Saturn in the Fourth shows that such efforts have already been achieved and that the individual may now build upon such a solid foundation.

Saturn in Leo: As Leo is a First (Will/Power) and Fifth (Concrete Mind) Ray sign, and Saturn is the planetary ruler of the Third Ray (Intelligence), the lesson of this position is very clear.. “Creativity” is always the keyword in any planetary combination involving the Lion. The creative dynamics of the Soul will be inhibited in their release as long as conscious attachment to the needs of the personality predominate. People with Saturn in Leo often tend to use personal power to control the environment. From a Soul-centered perspective this tendency has to be transformed in such a way that personal creative power is directed towards service to the collective.

Saturn in the Fifth House: Discrimination is called for in order that the individual express only those creative activities which actualize and express the Higher Self. Limitations in one’s creative self-expression will dominate the life until the person finds the correct pathway for his or her talents and abilities.

Saturn in Virgo: Virgo is strongly connected to the Mother and is thus involved with birthing those forms which give rise to the opportunity to express the love of the Soul. Saturn in this position requires that the individual learn the necessary discrimination so that one’s mental efforts are not wasted on superfluous activities. When well aspected, Saturn in Virgo can reveal that an individual has already achieved the intuitive ability to know what “works” and what does not, thus saving time and energy for more important things. This focus of practicality comes from knowing what will create a more integrated sense of wholeness in a given life situation. Such inclusivity is a characteristic of Virgo’s connection to the Second Ray of Love/Wisdom.

Saturn in the Sixth House: The mastery of the right processes, techniques, methodologies, and tools for true service to others are characteristic of Saturn when well placed in this house. When afflicted, there is dis-ease, a lack of cohesion, and limitations caused by misplaced talents and abilities.

Saturn in Libra: We find Saturn in its exaltation when positioned in this sign. A Soul-centered individual with Saturn in Libra will function to administer a balanced judgment in the right use of energy, an impartiality expressed in all forms of human interchange. This planetary combination involves all of the Rays of Mind. The Third (Saturn and Libra), the Fifth (Venus as exoteric ruler of the Scales), the First (through Saturn’s rulership of Capricorn), and the Seventh (through Uranus, esoteric ruler of Libra). Thus we have a person with the potential to relate to others in ways that are proper and fair no matter what the circumstances may be.

Saturn in the Seventh House: This usually indicates the need to take on responsibility in relationships, the nature of which in a Soul-centered chart is to point to the path of orientation necessary for spiritual growth. Limitations and blockages in relationships on the personality level are likely until one learns to go beyond the urge to control others for purely personal reasons.

Saturn in Scorpio: Not the easiest position as it combines the energies of Ray Three (Saturn) with those of Ray Six (Mars, as ruler of Scorpio). There may thus be a very strong battle between the emotional and mental aspects within oneself. On the personality level, this often leads to some very distinct challenges in dealing with one’s sexual expression. It is through the Fourth Ray of Scorpio that harmony will have to be established out of this conflict. If achieved, Saturn in Scorpio gives the ability to release hidden strengths and resources. This position works to break down the compulsive nature of negative emotional habit patterns. In this way more refined mental structures may be built for the externalization of the Higher Self.

Saturn in the Eighth House: The desire nature of the personality has to be transformed. This position gives this opportunity but not often through the easiest tests or lessons. In effect certain sexual/emotional blockages arise that cause a person to recognize his or her patterns of Self-denial. This Self, the Soul, will manifest more directly once such frustrating inhibitions are transmuted.

Saturn in Sagittarius: Saturn and the Earth (esoteric ruler of Sagittarius) combine to bring a certain mental pragmatism to this combination. The Archer-Centaur gives direction and purpose to walking the Path. When Soul-centered, Saturn in Sagittarius provides the ability for an individual to take the inherent wisdom contained in all the world’s creeds and philosophies, and synthesize this information into a teaching that transcends all religious differences. On the personality level, this position may restrict a person from widening his perspective through a rigid adherence to one’s personal beliefs.

Saturn in the Ninth House: The potential to stabilize the higher mind in order to anchor a firm foothold on the spiritual Path. Saturn in this house may also block any further mental progress until one learns not to control or dominate others through a particular philosophy or orthodox teaching.

Saturn in Capricorn: When accompanied by love and wisdom, this potent position may serve to create those structures that lead the individual (and others) up the Mountain of Initiation. The Third Ray is at its most powerful here, endowing the Soul-centered individual with astute mental abilities and an especial talent for handling the economic considerations of life. On the personality level, there is the tendency to make up one’s own rules and regulations no matter what the reality of universal Law may be. An incarnation with abundant opportunities to put the Will-to-Good into material form and concrete actions.

Saturn in the Tenth House: The culmination of a very special purpose in life, giving the need to achieve. But on which level? The personality will seek to rule and govern based on personal opinions and emotional needs. The Soul will seek to administer the Law expressed through Love.

Saturn in Aquarius: A most benevolent position for Saturn from the level of the Soul. Jupiter (esoteric ruler of the Water Bearer) adds the energies of the Second Ray of Love Wisdom to this Venus-ruled Fifth Ray (Science and Technology) sign. This combination may contribute to a person hard at work creating those social institutions and networks that anchor group consciousness. A position which has the inherent ability to blend worthy ideas from the past with the unfolding concepts for the future. On the personality level, personal ideologies and concepts inhibit an individual from a more positive contribution to society.

Saturn in the Eleventh House: The orientation to take on social responsibilities for the sake of the group. It also gives the experience of consolidating spiritual visions and aspirations for the benefit of many people. If afflicted on the personality level, blocks occur to one’s social progress leading to frustration.

Saturn in Pisces: Pluto (esoteric ruler of Pisces) joins with Saturn on the Soul level to create a most powerful force that works to pierce the veils of glamour and illusion. Thus the individual with this planetary combination may be able to uncover the subconscious dynamics which give rise to our fears and their resulting miseries. On a more practical level, this can lead to wonderful discoveries in the laboratory which are used to heal illnesses and other human ills. When afflicted on the personality level, Saturn in Pisces gives the tendency to create artificial walls and barriers, thus fencing in one’s fears and adding to inner tensions.

Saturn in the Twelfth House: In terms of the personality, this position often results in fear of the direct use of personal will power. This leads one into conflict with people in authority and may gives rise to a manipulative nature. The Soul-centered meaning may indicate the need to take on the responsibility for redeeming some of the collective karma of humanity and the willpower to be able to accomplish this task.