Saturn in Astrology

Learn about the the Lessons of the Lord of Many Rings

The Many Lessons of the Lord of (Many) Rings

In astrology, we can learn a lot about how a planet or house functions by taking a look at the astronomical metaphor at work / "the underlying rationale" for the doctrine, as my teacher, Chris Brennan, might say.

Saturn is the planet of limits, boundaries, and firm foundations. Associated with time itself, Saturn says no and leaves behind structure as their parting gift. If you want endurance and longevity, you need Saturn.

The Astrological Significations of Saturn's Astronomical Stats

Saturn, astronomically, is the planet with the most distant orbit which is regularly and easily visible with the naked eye. (Yes, it's true that you can see Uranus with the naked eye in good to ideal sky conditions if you know where to look during the right time of year.) But Saturn is clearly a planet – a 'wandering star' – one which moves very slowly across the sky.

No wonder then that Saturn is associated with boundaries, perseverance and patience, endurance, and those things which stand the test of time like stones, culture, and infrastructure.


The Signs of Saturn

The Cool Chthonic Qualities and Airy Aspects

Steward of the Signs of Capricorn and Aquarius

Saturn is the ruler, or domicile lord, of both Capricorn and Aquarius.

The two signs are associated with the coldest and darkest times of the year in the places where the ancestors of the tropical astrology of today's "west" emerged three millennia ago.

Learn about the Sign of Capricorn

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn. The sign of Capricorn is a tropical, nocturnal, and earthy sign. This is the manifestation of Saturn as the spirit of Nature – the frenzied and ecstatic fertility of the Earth – and the implacable forces of time.

Learn more about Saturn by learning about their nocturnal home.

Learn About Capricorn in Astrology
Solstice sign of the shrewd and sensual sea-goat.

Learn about the Sign of Aquarius

Aquarius is ruled by Saturn. The sign of Aquarius is solid, diurnal, and airy. This is the manifestation of Saturn as Big Brother, as the omnipotent and devouring sky elder.

Learn more about Saturn by learning about their diurnal home.

Learn About Aquarius in Astrology
Aquarius: the sign where Saturn knows how to make it rain.

Blog Posts about Saturn

You can read more about how Saturn has been showing up in the world over the last few years by reading the blog posts below.

[from the Archives] Musing: The Eroticism of Saturn
“Eroticism, it may be said, is assenting to life up to the point of death,” says Bataille. I immediately felt a resonance with the echoes of this “eroticism of Saturn” thought that’s been with me throughout the year.In the margin I wrote “Alex Honnold, Free Solo – ascent.”

Have a question for Bear?

There's plenty more to say about Saturn, but lots of other projects taking precedent early in 2023. If you've got a particular question about Saturn, feel free to ask it in the comments below.

If you'd like to start a discussion or pose a question to your fellow members (and/or Bear) feel free to post down below!

If you'd like to reach out to Bear directly you can reach him at: contact@bearryver.com


Bear Ryver is a professional astrologer helping his clients hone strategies for grounded growth and embodied empowerment by bringing them back to the BASICS. Winner of OPA’s Most Promising Astrologer in 2018, Bear has lectured at conferences like NORWAC and ISAR. He holds certifications in Hellenistic, Electional, and Horary astrology, and specializes in Intersectional Astrology. He was a teacher for the Portland School of Astrology, and has volunteered as a mentor for AFAN. When he’s not talking stars, or pulling cards, you can find him climbing rocks and playing guitar.