Saturn, the Bogey Man: Page 1 | 2 | 3 Saturn (Kronus), The Astrological Bogey Man with affinities to Capricorn and the 10th house Yep! In traditional astrology, Saturn was the "bogey man" of the planets. And everything that Saturn touched was sure to be soured... in mythology, Kronus (known to the Romans as Saturn) was the nasty, ruthless father of the 12 Olympian gods. Kronus heartlessly swallowed all his children whole, due to having heard a rumor that one of his children would someday overthrow him (That would be Zeus....). Here are a couple of classic images of Kronus swallowing his children. They're both a bit bloody, so they're definitely not for the faint of heart. Rubens \ Goya Well now... that was more than a wee bit gross, wasn't it? Even in these "modern times" of astrology, where just about everything else has undergone a "face-lift"... Satan, err... I mean, Saturn still (rightfully so) strikes fear in the hearts of even the most "progressive," positive minded astrologers. This is likely because Saturn still enjoys swallowing his children out of fear. Growth Saturn still symbolizes the growth process and lessons learned through painful or difficult experiences. Saturn is much more concerned with the growth of our soul, than he is with our personal comfort or ease. And so even with a "face-lift" Saturn still reflects where we find our greatest self-imposed fears and weaknesses. Sore Spots Archetypal Saturn points to all the open sores and cherished old wounds where we feel the most vulnerable to attack. And when other people step (accidentally or purposely) on our "sore spots" - we instinctively react like the proverbial "wounded animal caught in a bear trap." Even if someone nice were to come along, wanting to release us from our trap - then, purely out of blind instinct, pain (panic) and fear, we'd end up biting and attacking our compassionate, well-meaning benefactor. (After all, I did say they were "cherished" old wounds.) And all the while, we thought we were simply defending ourselves. (Nah! I've never done that, he smiles sheepishly.)   Saturn's Shadow  In another section of this site (Eagle's Nest/8th house) - I refer to the Shadow of the Psyche. In that section, I relate the Shadow to the 8th house, Pluto and Scorpio issues. But Saturn is another prominent place where the Shadow can often be found casting his/her image in the natal (birth) chart. And just so we're clear on things - all of the planets and zodiac signs have their own "shadow" sides. I often wonder why Saturn and Pluto seem to catch most of the flack. But I figure over the years, they've both gotten used to being treated as ''scapegoats" and as "uninvited gods." The Uninvited god "Called or not call, the god will be there!" Oracle of Delphi - the answer the Oracle gave the Lacedemonians when planning war. "The only bad planet is the planet that isn't honored..." Richard Idemon What does it mean to treat Saturn as an "uninvited god?" An "uninvited god" planet can be any planet that we fail to show honor and expression in our lives. When we attempt to sweep Saturn under the rug, then (as is true with all the planets), Saturn shows us his harsher face... Saturn, then, reflects a Shadow aspect of the Psyche that loves to point out our many, manifold weaknesses and sins. Saturn becomes our angry internal (infernal) father intent on eating up all of our potential and creativity. We experience Saturn as an angry, judgmental parent that's only more than glad to "eat our lunch" by pointing out and reminding us of all our many flaws and shortcomings. Saturn easily becomes that nastier side of Santa Claus that only rewards those good children that can display superlative, perfect behavior - and so he leaves the rest of us a "sorry old miserable lump of coal" in our Christmas stocking, because we've been very, very bad this year. You'd better watch out You'd better not cry You'd better not pout and I'm telling you why! 'Saturn' Claus is coming to town! (I realize this image of Santa is a difficult pill to swallow, since our society's image of Jolly Saint Nick has been seriously "Jupiterized" over the years.) That Angry Voice We've all heard our internal Saturn's angry, condemning voice - reminding us of just how __________________ we are. (You fill in the blank.) Final Page > The lighter side of Saturn.... Saturn, the Bogey Man: Page 1 | 2 | 3 << Nope, this is way too depressing! Take me back to the Astrology Menu