Saturn and the Power of Time, Part II

I recently got braces for the second time in my life. As was the case with many people I have talked to, the glued-in retainer on my bottom teeth was wrenched out while eating a Sugar Daddy, and my teenage delinquent self didn’t see any urgency in having it replaced.

I can’t think of any better metaphor for the influence of Saturn than orthodontia. Saturn rules Capricorn, which rules the skeletal and muscular systems of the body, including bones, teeth, and anything hard, mineral, or calcified. The realm of Saturn also includes constraining and restricting influences, as well as the passage of Time. Put all of these elements together and you get a restraining device put on the teeth for a period of time in order to achieve a certain result.

Because the constraints that Saturn brings are not for nothing. This is the planet of slow manifestation, and Saturn wants to built structures that will stand the test of time, whether they be relationships, fortunes, businesses, traditions, or buildings. Yes, Saturn is oppressive, depressive, demanding, serious, plodding, unforgiving, and unfun. The Saturn Return, at the twenty-ninth year of life, is an unwelcome wake up call that the carefree days of the twenties are over and it’s time to get serious about building the structures that will bring meaning and purpose to our lives.

But the older we get, the more we understand the benefits of patience and sacrificing short-term pleasure for long-term gain. We know that we will reap what we sow, and we are more willing to take the time to sow the seeds of the harvest we want to reap.

As I am writing this, Saturn is conjoining the North Node, making us aware that it’s time for humanity to get serious about the direction we are going in, and highlighting our collective karma and destiny. As the old order is crumbling, will we find the maturity to start to build new structures that will benefit future generations, or will we be focused only on short-term gain?

Saturn is also travelling close togther with Venus, highlighting the importance of using our resources wisely. A good strategy for Saturn and Venus is to invest in a 12 month CD earning 4% interest. We lose access to our money in the short-term in order to build earnings over time. The Saturn/Venus combination also highlights our obligations to others, and calls on us to live up to them.

I remember reading about a study involving eight year old kids. They were each offered two choices: one candy bar now or two candy bars next week. Choosing two candy bars next week was supposed to be a predictor of overall success in life.

If I had to sum up Saturn and the power of time in two words, it would be these: delayed gratification. Self control, patience, and the wilingness to work for long-term goals are the ways to make Saturn your friend.

The Power of Time

Saturn is the planet that represents the passage of time and the aging process, the consequences of our actions unfolding in time, and the strict accounting of karma. If we slack, if we have bad habits, if we are irresponsible, Saturn will eventually show us the results. And honestly, even if we are super responsible and diligent, the ravaging effects of time will eventually have their way. Depressing, right?

But what I am interested in uncovering here is the positive influence that time can have when we know how to use it correctly. This is the positive side of having patience, knowing when it is time to act, and building something step by step. This is the behind the scenes work, of waiting, that isn’t talked about. If you garden, you probably know the saying “Sleep, creep, leap.” A newly planted garden hardly grows at all the first year, shows some progress the second, and takes off the third. Knowing this, we can wait, understanding that we can’t force growth. We can follow the rhythm of Nature.

If we have a really good bottle of wine, we can store it until the fruits brighten and it reaches it drinking window.

Astrology can help us determine the best time to take action by tuning us in to the movement of the planets. Not every day, week, month, or even season in our lives is the best time to charge ahead. Some seasons require rest, reflection, review, and patience.

Timing can be the most important factor determining the success or failure of a project, initiative, or relationship. If we don’t understand the power of timing, we leap when we should lay low, play when we should work, and work when it would be better to relax. We can pick the tomato too soon, burn the cake, drink the wine too late, or not allow enough time for the handmade soap to saponify.

Having a good relationship with Saturn in your astrological chart means understanding its placement and relationships with other planets so Time can be on your side, not working against you.