Saturn the Gatekeeper
in Esoteric Astrology
artwork by Jean-Luc Bozzoli
Esoteric ruler of Capricorn
Planet of the Third Ray
Saturn is representative of the Law of Economy on all levels of the personality. It is not an agent of deprivation, as much as it is a testing ground to prove a person’s level of maturity and responsibility in dealing with what he has learned or achieved. We can say that the relationship with Saturn and the Sun has a great deal to do with physical vitality, and thus we see the application of the Law of Economy to the physical level. When we examine Saturn in relationship to the Moon, this Law extends itself into the emotional area of the personality life. The relationship of Saturn to Mercury conditions the extent of the lower mental aspect of the lower self.
Saturn, is the Lord of Karma. He stands at the Gates of Initiation ready to put all who approach to the test. (much as the symbol of St Peter acting as the Guardian at the Gates of Heaven in terms of the Christian philosophy}.
From an astronomical point of perspective, Saturn is the furthest planet visible from the Earth with the naked eye. And its planetary rings are its most impressive feature. The rings are, of course, symbolic of the Laws of Karma. The position Saturn holds in space is indicative of the fact that a person cannot incorporate the energies of the furthest planets - Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, into his individualised consciousness without first passing the various tests of personal responsibility so that he proves himself capable of handling the energies of a more evolved state. We can note this particular ~guardianship of consciousness~ in Saturn’s rulership over the throat chakra. In order to awaken the potentials of the two highest vital centres, located at the brow and the crown, an individual first has to stimulate personal awareness from the level of the throat.
Another term for Saturn is ~Dweller on the Threshold~. This is another of Saturn’s many titles, duties and responsibilities in the unfolding of the Path. As such, Saturn represents the crystalisation of the past, so that ~debts~ may be paid and one may undertake present opportunities for the future.
~Opportunity~ is one of the most descriptive words that can be applied to Saturn, as he offers those crises and life situations that bestow conscious freedom of choice. It is through our restrictions, and the pain which often accompanies thwarted desires or aspirations, that we come to a greater comprehension of the Laws of Manifestation. The structure and administration of these Laws are also under the rulership of Saturn.
Eventually, through the opportunities Saturn gives us, we have balanced a great deal of past karma and have reached a place where conscious choices becomes an actual possibility. At this point the choices we have to make for our evolutionary advancement become clear to our wakening eyes. We know that if we accept the work and service in front of us, we shall be tested. Yet our vision encourages us to shoulder some of the collective burden for advancing humanity and the expression of Love/Wisdom in the world. Saturn’s house position will reveal where our dharma/duty lies in this respect and where we may expect tests of restriction and self discipline to arise.
Once these tests are taken and passed - once the Path of Discipleship has been achieved - the very advanced individual passes onto the Cardinal Cross where, it is said, ~Saturn cannot follow men~ Once human consciousness has reached this initiate state, the Laws of human Karma have been learned and incorporated into oneself and the ~gate~ which Saturn guards and protects has swung open.
Saturn and the Earth are very closely related, due to their dual connection with the Third Ray. Saturn controls the creation of structural patterns for mental energy. It is the ~form~ side of the term ~thought forms~, that is, the crystallization of mental energy so that the Active Intelligence of Divinity may manifest in the outer world and on the Earth. It is on our planet therefore, that the karma of out solar system consolidates into physical form. So does the opportunity for the purification of karma and the eventual upliftment and ~greater sacredness~ of both humanity and the planet upon which we live. As the planet of the "Law of Cause and Effect", Saturn also bestows positive reward. He is definitely the ~Grim Reaper~, but he is also the benevolent Father. The rewards and punishments we receive are especially true relative to the way we handle the Earth’s resources and the energies of the lesser kingdoms: mineral, vegetable and animal. The synthesis of these three other kingdoms has once more to do with our administration of the Law of Right Human Relations.
Saturn, as ruler of Capricorn is directly related to the process of Initiation. But Saturn on the exoteric level is also the co-ruler of Aquarius. It will be through the correct application of the Laws and Principles of the New Age, so very much influenced by this planetary ~Gatekeeper~, that we shall be able to co-create and fulfil our individual karma relative to humanity’s collective life in the Aquarian Era.
The position of Saturn in the signs is particularly indicative of several major characteristics.
1. The sign will point to which Ray qualities may be inhibited on the personality level, so that such energies are brought into much more objective manifestation by the individual.
2. Such tests and crises will be reflected by the forms of such restrictions in the personal life, that Is, some will be affected financiallys, others romantically, others physically, etc.
3. The sign position also reveals what the Soul is seeking to perfect in the present incarnation, in order to foster its own growth and aid in the externalization of the Plan for humanity.
4. The combination of sign and house placement will point to the urge for the fulfillment of a specific type of karma, and the kinds of circumstances which will bring about the necessary testing in one’s life.
5. It must be clearly understood that these tests and trials are invoked through the Soul-centred individual’s conscious choice. This is part of living on the Fixed Cross and indicative of one who is assuming the responsibility for co-creating the structure of his spiritual life and material destiny. The right use of the mind, and the tests of polarisation of the emotions and the personal life to the mental plane and the impersonal life, will be definitely encountered along the Way.
Saturn through the Signs
Saturn in Aries
From the soul-centred perspective this is an excellent place for Saturn yet not from the level of the personality where Saturn ~falls~ the farthest. We have to take the term ~fall~ from an occult point of view as the meaning is very collective in its orientation and refers to the fact that when the sons of Mind {humanity} ~fell~ into incarnation, the Lord of Karma ~fell~ right along with us. We all certainly know this is the case, and no mater how hard we try, it is impossible to escape the Law of Cause and Effect.
Mercury as esoteric ruler of Aries, blends its energies with Saturn, allowing the Third Ray energy full access to the Messenger’s entire range of communication. The Soul-centred purpose for this position is involved with the ability to properly discipline and structure the mind for the constant birthing of new ideas. If this does not occur, problems could arise from a lack of responsibility in the proper use of mental energy. Once the right use of will accompanies the right use of mind, Saturn in Aries is an excellent position.
Saturn in Taurus
There is a very strong connection between this most earthy sign and the Earth itself. From a practical perspective Saturn in Taurus can be extremely helpful in the structuring of those ideas that can precipitate material abundance into one’s life. Yet, if one is polarized in the desire nature (which is so much a part of personality centred Taurus energy), such manifestation of resources can be greatly inhibited. The soul-centred purpose has a great deal to do with harnessing material possessions and the treasures of the Earth for the service of the Soul and needs of humanity. Once the re-orientation of values is accomplished on the Fixed Cross, this position of Saturn is a very positive and powerful one. Look to Saturn in Vulcan’s sign to break through and destroy anything in the formative world that inhibits the movements of Active Intelligence from the place of the Soul.
Saturn in Gemini
The earlier part of the life can indicate certain difficulties in personal relationships, as Venus rules this Second Ray sign. In order to achieve right loving, one may have to go through many tests, disappointments, and restrictions. The individual may not be well understood or may choose partners with whom communication is very difficult. Yet this is a very potent position from the standpoint of the conscious and intelligent use of mind. The soul-centred purpose is for the individual to become an agent for the Law of Right Human Relations. The duality and crises in his own relationships are the training ground for a deeper understanding of the dynamics that exist between the personal and the transpersonal facets of his life. Once these lessons are learned, Venus’s rulership of Gemini and Saturn’s exaltation in Libra become the vehicles of great Joy.
Saturn in Cancer
The Lord of the ~Gate Out~ of incarnation finds himself in the sign of the ~Gate Into~ incarnation, and is thus in quite a restricted set of circumstances. The individual with his placement may find that as a soul, they are in conflict with the physical, emotional, and/or mental environment of the personality. They struggle against the restraints and restrictions that seem to limit their higher expression and deepest sensitivity. In order to bring about a transformation of their attachment to the earlier difficulties of their family life and surroundings (characteristics which often accompany this position) they have to undertake certain personal responsibilities. These require the offering up and detachment from their pains and emotional suffering. Thus pain is viewed objectively, and the associated suffering on the personal level is used as a vehicle for greater compassion and worldly understanding. What is required to bring about this transformation if the construction of a stronger mental body. The potent Third Ray contact which Saturn and Cancer hold is the key to success in this respect. ~Give up the personal pain and grow mentally~ is the message.
Saturn in Leo
On the personality level, a person with this position often has difficulty with the administration of personal power. The lesson here has to do with the alignment of the will in order that the mind may create the proper structures for the Will-to-Love. The boundless urge for power and the incredible frustrations of lost opportunities, so much a part of this combination when working through the Mutable Cross, work out quite differently from the perspective of the Fixed Cross. Here, the structures of personal power are directed toward the service of the group. From the point of view of the Ray energies, this transition is quite a natural one to make, as Leo and Aquarius are both on the Fifth Ray. Libra, ruled exoterically by Venus (also the Fifth Ray) and the sign of Saturn’s exaltation, helps to bring about proper judgment in the administration of the Will (Leo and Capricorn’s contact with the First Ray).
Saturn in Virgo
The Soul-centred purpose of this position is to build the correct structures in life (as always with Saturn, they are centred on the mental plane) for the unfolding of the Christ consciousness. The urge is to create those patterns of interchange that foster the process of synthesis, and thus serve a healing capacity. From the Soul level, this position gives an intuitive perception of what ~works~ in a given life situation. Its focus of practicality comes from knowing what will create an inclusive wholeness in life. Saturn joins with the Moon when it is placed in Virgo, and therefore the form nature becomes a very important tool in the exteriorization of those conceived patterns of Active Intelligence. Virgo (the Moon, the Fourth Ray) births these patterns into form where they may be put at the service of humanity (Second and Sixth Ray characteristics of Virgo).
Saturn in Libra
The true strength of this position can be seen in its fullness if we examine all the Ray relationships inherent to it. We then find that through Saturn and Capricorn we have the energies of the First, Third, and Seventh Rays, whilst Venus, exoteric ruler of Libra brings in the Firth Ray, and Uranus, esoteric ruler of the Scales, further emphasises the Seventh. The latter is the Ray for the externalization of the Laws of Manifestation (symbolised by Saturn in Libra) into the world of form. Thus, a Soul-centre individual with this position will function to administer right judgment in the economic use of energy, whether this be in terms of money, sex, or human justice. In effect, Saturn in Libra bestows the ~Mind of Solomon~ with an impartiality and attunement to what is right and fair in any given life situation. On the personality level, the individual will always be seeking out the answers to life’s apparent imbalances, especially in the interchanges in relationships.
Saturn in Scorpio
This is not the easiest position to handle, as it combines the influences of Saturn and Mars, and thus the Third and the Sixth Rays. Mental energy often clashes with the emotionally polarized focus of Mars. It is through the Fourth Ray of Scorpio that harmony will have to be established out of this very basic conflict. On the personality level, this position may give some very distinct difficulties in dealing with one’s sexual nature. The latter can either be used as a device for controlling others, or can be a great source of personal frustration because of restraints in its expression. Once one has mounted the Fixed Cross, Saturn in Scorpio helps in the transformation of personal desires. It works to break down the compulsive nature of non-regenerative emotional habit patterns, so that more refined mental structures may be built for the externalization of the Soul.
Saturn in Sagittarius
Both the planets of the Third Ray - Saturn (mental structure and patterns) and the Earth (the practical application of such patterns), blend their energies in this position. While the Archer gives access to the Purpose for walking the Path, the two planets involved in this combination reveal those pragmatic steps along the Way. On the personality level, Saturn in Sagittarius may produce a person who is so attached to his personal philosophy that he is restricted in developing a wider and more inclusive comprehension of the world, its creeds and religions. From the Soul level, the individual can take from all the ~noble pathways~ and develop those methods for sharing and teaching the Wisdom which transcends (and includes) all differences.
Saturn in Capricorn
As Saturn is the ruler of Capricorn both on the exoteric and esoteric levels, this position is especially powerful. It allows the individual the opportunity to build the ~spiritual Mountain~ which is the goal for human evolution of the Earth. When accompanies by love and wisdom, the Saturn-in-Capricorn person can serve to create those structures and steps that may lead them and others to this Mountain tip. Saturn in Capricorn is thus a ladder up from the material to the spiritual (the Seventh to the First Rays and planes of consciousness) as well as down from the heavens to the Earth, as the inner Will-to-Be unfolds and anchors itself and the outer Plant. The Third Ray is at its most potent and active when expressing itself through Saturn in Capricorn, endowing the soul-centred person with astute mental abilities and a very strong dynamic magnetism. One of the biggest pitfalls along the Way for the personality centred individual with this placement is the tendency to take the Law into their own hands. This is often expressed by the lesser self thinking that it is the Law and thus abusing power.
Saturn in Aquarius
From the esoteric level this is one of the most benevolent positions for the Gatekeeper. It combines the influence of Jupiter (exoteric ruler of Aquarius) and the Second Ray, plus Venus, ruler of the Fifth Ray, upon which we find the Water Bearer. Venus is also brought into play through Uranus’s rulership over Libra esoterically, and Aquarius exoterically. We thus find a Soul-centred individual who can be hard at work creating those social structures and networks that will anchor the new archetypal ideas of the Age into human consciousness. This position gives an inherent ability to blend those ideas from the past that have proven their usefulness with those unfolding concepts for the future. This differs markedly from Saturn in Aquarius on the personality level. Here, a person is totally circumscribed by his own ideologies and concepts which, for the most part, have been socially conditioned and inherited from the past. It is to these ideas that one tenaciously adheres, no matter what their more collective value in the wide field or human need or experience.
Saturn in Pisces
On the personality level, Saturn in Pisces is indicative of the creation of walls and barriers without logical reference to actual circumstances. It is a combination that, unless otherwise mitigated in the natal chart, is fraught with fears and foreboding. One feels continuously on the verge of being trapped or restricted, and yet doesn’t necessarily know by what or whom. Unless one displays a certain mental brilliance (in which case this position is excellent for the laboratory, scientist, engineer, etc} Saturn in Pisces on the personality level usually brings a great deal of confusion into the life. But on the Soul level, another perspective presents itself. Pluto joins with Saturn in a most powerful combination to pierce the veils of glamour and illusion which block and restrict the passage of Active Intelligence into the world. Thus the individual with this placement is able to uncover many of the hidden, subconscious problems and fears that plague humanity and, once uncovered, destroy, transmute and restructure them.
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