SATURN OPPOSITION SATURN: VIEW TO REALITY

Edmond H. Wollmann

Expanded version, 3/20/99. (updated version) 6/13/1994

Original draft 8/86, Abbreviated version Copyright Dell Magazines 08/90

As astrologers we seek to corroborate human behavior and events to astrological patterns. As human beings experiencing developmental growth, we seek justification for anxiety and negative experience.

The conscious mind seeks to clarify and justify identity importance and validity. This conscious focus complicates awareness in understanding the developmental growth within time the higher self has chosen as a "hallway" of experience. The child does not consciously choose responsible action. Responsibility is the ability to respond to the environment (the oversoul's creation). This is learned (through conscious mind function). The child (conscious identity, Mars) seeks to prove it's ego importance and singularity.

The parental structure is the identity's first arena of reality testing (4/10). Ego projection (1st house) and separation instincts are checked or dominated (socialized) by the external control of the parents (usually the father, the 10th house).This is the basis for reality creation, i.e. the identity seeks to establish itself as an individual (1st house=belief) then meets with three dimensional controls (10th house) which in turn forms a perception about reality as a belief that structures the subconscious inner self (e-motional identity establishment=4th house, belief). This belief patterning is then reflected through attempts to be socially accepted, and possibly projection (7th house), in interaction through others meeting the self.(please see The Apex, The Pyramid and Foresight)

If the identity forms the belief about this projection; that reinforcement of the identity will be difficult, e.g. through perceived parental indifference, overcompensation must ensue. The parental model reflects the internalized schema of the world the identity holds. Overcompensation itself implies a defense against the self's perceived condition, and the need to establish trust in the personal definition. Whether developmental tension (opposition=awareness, square=fulfillment) is welcomed or resisted (please see, self-empowerment) determines the level of developmental resolution and /or fulfillment. The process continues to repeat (spiraling upward or downward) and is meant to accelerate to greater levels of self awareness as to how developmental experience has been created by the self's definitions and beliefs about reality.(review the overcompensational pendulum in "The Integrated Astrological Guide.")

Saturn, Capricorn, and the 10th house represent full externalization of the identity in three dimensional reality (the reflexive expression of the 1/7 axis). The identity's cumulative attempts to store belief systems that maintain security towards identity e-motional establishment culminate here (the reaction point of the 4th house). Saturn tests our ability to consciously perceive what our beliefs about reality actualize, concretize and create physically. Trines to Saturn reflect; the successful integration of long term attitudinal belief development and momentum in pragmatic terms. Squares; reflect a need to develop realism (since realism is relative, third density or dimension is what is meant here), and oppositions; a need to externalize and test the realism or physical manifestation of the archetypal belief system reflected in the planet opposed.

We must realize that parental conflict is a reflection of existing belief patterning and momentums chosen by the higher self, and carried into the current life. The horoscope exists as a set of momenta and probabilities before parental interaction at the physical level. The parents and the environment act as catalysts for belief system developmental tension. (please see the "hallway" analogy)

Saturn reflects the externalization of beliefs when entering into quadrature or conjunction to a planet, to itself, or into other developmental networks (T-square, Grand cross etc.). It does not inherently reflect "difficulty". That is a determination of energy application by the individual in question. The belief system in question is then challenged by three dimensional confrontation (the materialization of the archetype of the belief held). It is easy to construct or invent something mentally by imagining, however, when a model is physicalized, more often than not, gears do not mesh as imagined. In the belief system development described above (1^st, 4^th, 7^th and 10^th) the conscious mind may not perceive experiences as the effect of attempts at belief system reinforcement (to maintain sameness) that are created by the identity (in the 4th as schemata) and reflected through the environment. The only boundaries at any level of reality are the ones imposed by the self determined by limits of awareness. As counselors we must maintain the perspective that the horoscope only reflects identity, and the environment reflects the identity's adjustment through and in development of its own schemata (beliefs). "Losses" or "limitations" are the cumulative effects of negative belief system patterning and the conscious experience of same. We create our own reality-LITERALLY. Saturn, through its developmental placement, reflects that reality (belief system) back to us either as a positive strategic effectiveness of need fulfillment and identity actualization ("success"=trine) or as a lack of realistic appraisal (gears that don't mesh) of the strategy necessary for identity manifestation and externalization ("limitations"=square opposition) in this world.

Saturn by sign and house will indicate where overcompensation must occur as a response to the belief of incompetence in that realm (or fear, which is the same thing). Limitations are self-imposed through physical world strategic delinquency beliefs, or placing the power outside the self. This life function is so crystallized in belief patterning that client confirmation is rarely difficult (depending on aspects, modes etc.). In turn, the aspect networks will suggest how developmentally tense the individual believes the perceived reality is. However, Saturn in one house emphasis (Angular, Succeedant, Cadent) implies tension by reaction in the correlating mode. Saturn in 5 (difficulty giving love spontaneously) implies Saturn in 2 (low self worth, the belief in resource-fulness or esteem). Others opinions (9^th) affects thinking and logic (3^rd) and alters perspective (6^th and 12^th). Self projection confidence (1^st) is dependent upon feelings of emotional security (4^th), and vice-versa.

Connecting belief systems and physical manifestation takes skilled corroboration from the astrologer to past Saturn quadratures and aspects, as well as a thorough knowledge of the corresponding rulerships of signs and planets to physical structures of the body. I. e., high blood pressure can be linked to Mars in Leo , Moon opposition Mars, and Mars opposition Uranus etc., where it apparent that temperament and a belief in powerlessness is high. But the resistance to developmental growth through energy approach (negative or positive beliefs) determines this effect profoundly. This is why astrology will never be a hard science, because the individual has free will choices of the physical self in this application of energies and integrity. Relating these insights to the client is usually not necessary, however, engaging in dialogue allows us to detect temperamental energies, and reflect this knowledge back to the client so that a recognition of the developmental nature of the energy can enhance self awareness. Not welcoming tension and the belief in separative (negative energy) is where all dis-ease and pain arises from. For most clients, physical events such as "accidents" are not as easily seen by the client as a creation of unconscious beliefs and attitudes, as are relationship difficulties. This is because of our strict training to believe that physical reality exists outside of us. And that attitudes matter in relating, but not with inanimate creations.

In philosophical terms, life is an awareness lesson for the conscious self in the meeting of itself (the whole oversoul self). When the student is ready, the developmental experience appears, reflected in planetary structure and signature throughout our development in time. The horoscope (the planets ,signs, galaxy) does not compel, impel, influence or energize. They reflect the movement and momentum of our will, beliefs, energy and development, just as we reflect them as a small part of the "All That Is" whole. The planets are within, and the transits of the planets reflect at what times these apparently external concepts are physically manifested. Christ said "The Kingdom of Heaven is within you". Our actions are just re-actions to the prescription by the inner self in the education of the conscious mind, of its role overcompensationally, in narrowness and focus that complicates the illusion of three dimensional reality. Learning the physical reality is not THE one and only parameter of reality, is the conscious mind's lesson. The self we are taught to believe is "all we are" is not all we are.

The following examples are of typical clientele from this writer's files. Analysis begins with psychodynamic interpretation, and ends with belief system physical confirmation. The outside wheel represents the transits of the planets at the first revolution of transiting Saturn Opposition natal Saturn. This is the first externalization of implied overcompensation inherent in the natal premise and sets the tone for future Saturn quadratures in the externalization of our beliefs about reality. These methods are used for every client. (Planets in red indicate Rx condition).

Horoscope #1 is the horoscope of a female, age 35, beautiful, and at the time of consultation, overweight.

Upon arrival she presented a very meek demeanor (Mars in Pisces rules 1, Saturn in Libra). Her presentation did not accurately reflect the remainder of the horoscope however. The Sun/Moon blend implies an especially strong conflict between the intellect and the emotions, giving love (creative extension Moon in 5 in Leo, Sun rules 5), the identity's sense of emotional security (Moon rules 4) and the alteration of perspective through deep emotional value exchange (Moon conjunct Pluto, Pluto rules 8). Self worth is under awareness tension in relationships and undermines emotional security (Venus opposition the Moon from 5 to 11. Venus rules 2 and 7, the Moon rules 4). A strong analytical discernment of belief structure, -all made at a glance.

Saturn is in Libra in the 6^th house and is retrograde. Overcompensatory cooperation and inferiority feelings about the life direction that relationships may take (Saturn rules the 10^th). Saturn in Libra implies a fear of not being socially accepted, a need to acquiesce, and power placed in the "other." The fears of not being accepted, allow the individual to vacillate between agreement and rejection. Alternating resentment for being controlled (allowing themselves to be), followed by acquiescence, resentment, acquiescence, etc.. Just understanding the Saturn placement allows us a very good understanding of a very powerful belief momentum. Aspects determine how developmentally tense the structure is. Saturn forms the base of a T-square between it and the Mercury/Uranus opposition in Cadent houses. An information (3^rd and 9^th)/perspective (6^th and 12^th)crisis,(Cadent, Mercury rules 6 and 3) about love received and hopes for the future (Uranus rules 11). The 5^th and 11^th emphasis implies sexual concerns. We know that self worth is under tension and giving love can be difficult, and yet in this case powerful creative and sexual drives are evident (Moon conjunct Pluto in Leo in 5). Through dialogue it was confirmed that orgasm was not experienced during intercourse, but only through fantasy during masturbation. The Pisces Mars ruling the ascendant complicates the Saturn in Libra by adding a need for sensitivity and lessens aggression to self fulfillment. Venus (the dispositor of Saturn) is in awareness tension with the Moon/Pluto conjunction. Temperamental thinking (Mercury opposition Uranus) works against practical application and communication, making fantasy (Venus trine Neptune) a less threatening solution. A self isolation pattern that lasted 19 years.

This experience exists as a belief about reality in probability form at birth as reflected by our deductions thus far. The transits at the first Saturn opposed Saturn reflect this probability manifestation powerfully.

Transiting Saturn ruling the tenth (the father) completes a grand cross with the natal Saturn, Mercury, and Uranus. Transiting Venus squares the natal Sun; an identity conflict (1^st house) about the life direction (10^th house) of love given and creative extension (Sun rules 5). Transit Mars opposes transit Venus and squares natal Sun. Tremendous identity/relationship conflict. Venus rules 7, Mars rules 1! Transiting Moon in four opposes the natal Sun and completes a grand cross from the fourth house (emotional security). Transiting Neptune also squares the natal Pluto/Moon opposed Venus and rules 12. The law of momentum flow continues to reinforce initial deductions, the conclusions are not difficult.

Client confirmation; During this period this sixteen year old became pregnant (Sun rules 5, Saturn opposed Saturn from 6 to 12) by her high school sweetheart whom she admittedly was not in love with at the time. She decided to have the child (5^th) under feelings of guilt (Saturn in Libra, self worth concerns) and extreme pressure from the father (Saturn, the 10^th). This life of repressed identity and creativity endured until Saturn returned to the birth position 15 years later, when she divorced went back to her music and art interests, and concentrated on self-development. She lost a significant amount of weight on her new diet (the cessation of "weighting").

The tensions discussed in the natal analysis became physically externalized through this period of unfulfilling relationship. A harsh lesson in the manifestation of relationship fears (uz) verses individuality development (q,i-bg), within time (u).

Horoscope #2 is that of a male, age 49 at the time of consultation.

Saturn, the ruler of the 4^th house (the establishment of the identity) is in a T-square configuration, opposition Neptune and square Mercury from the 6^th in Pisces. Again Saturn in the 6^th implies overcompensatory discrimination in preparation for relationship (the 6^th is the 12^th of the 7^th). Saturn in Pisces reflects fears of self-introspection and a belief that the identity may be severely misunderstood and have to suffer to gain insight (self pity perhaps). Under developmental tension this self pity may be magnified. Saturn opposed Neptune (the dispositor of Saturn) and in square to Mercury in Sagittarius, reflects a dissolving, confusing, and impressionable (Neptune) rationalizing and blurry (Mercury in Sagittarius square Saturn) thinking and perspective (3^rd, 6^th, 9^th, 12^th houses, with Mercury ruling two of them). Jupiter, the Sun sign ruler and dispositor of Mercury opposes Pluto, the ruler of 2. Self worth concerns do not allow for clear thinking. Cooperation will be difficult. Saturn completes a grand trine with Pluto (10), and Venus (2) creating an emotional closed circuit defense against the perceived threat to value interaction (Pluto rules 2, and Venus rules 8). The early environment threatened the identity's emotional security and establishment (Saturn rules 4). A belief about reality that will be reflected through the early environment and parental structure. The Moon (mother) is in Scorpio. The reigning need for emotional self worth significance (2^nd), implies a severe deprivation of same. The Moon opposes Uranus and squares Mars, with Uranus disposing of Mars. The need for individuality recognition (Uranus) tries to prove this uniqueness by being different (Aquarius). Relationships (the 7^th, ruled by Mars) would need to be different and difficult to maintain (Uranus in 7), and giving love would threaten emotional security (Moon) and individuality (Uranus).

The impact and externalization crisis as shown by transiting Saturn opposed natal Saturn at age thirteen is the first of three oppositions.

Saturn retrograded and again opposed Saturn, turned direct, and opposed it a final time. This process occurs often and signifies a complex belief structure with accompanying issues, not easily resolved. Space limits a discourse on this subject, and we will deal with the most important for the purpose of this example, the initial opposition.

At first glance, we see Saturn opposed Saturn from the 12^th square transiting Mars in 3 conjunct natal Mercury. The informational perspective complex discussed in natal delineation, is being profoundly challenged through relationships (Mars ruling 7) possibly involving brothers and sisters (3^rd house). The natal Moon, Uranus, Mars T-square is being triggered by transit Venus, Sun, Mercury (self worth references, the mother). The transiting Pluto opposition transiting Jupiter from 11 to 5, completes a T-square with natal Venus (self worth, love given and received). The prudent question to the client about these issues of self worth with the mother at this time, prompted immediate discourse on the mother's alcoholism (Neptune) and violence (Mars) at this time. The beatings and unwarranted abuse stemmed from her favoritism of his brother and distaste for him (3^rd house references). He couldn't do anything right. This belief manifested in his relationships as a negative perception of women until one year before this consultation, during which all of his relationships were homosexual. His reason for consultation was tension over his first close female relationship (Saturn transiting Venus) during the past year and the probability of break up based on his tremendous fear of being taken advantage of (Moon in Scorpio, 2^nd house reference, Grand trine in Water signs) and not being valued over others in the relationship. His response was to go back to living alone with his own interests (Grand trine in Water, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn T-square) as women would just never be sensitive and understanding enough (Saturn in Pisces) and disrupt his security (Saturn ruling 4).

The challenge is to build self worth and analytical insight through successful relationships with trust. We are not responsible for people-only responsible to them, to be as much as we can be with integrity.

Horoscope #3 is that of a female, 22 years of age at consultation.

Self worth issues (2^nd house) are obviously very problematic. The Sun, Mars and Pluto in 11 (love received, future speculation) are all squaring the Moon/Saturn conjunction. Saturn in 2 implies a feeling of low self worth and with the Moon and Saturn in Sagittarius (the greatest need and fear) a strong belief that the opinions and intellect will not be respected. The Moon and Saturn both rule the parental axis (4^th and 10^th)-a crisis in personal worth reflected through parental relationship. Saturn squares the Sun ruler of 11 (love received), Pluto ruler of the 2^nd (self worth), Mars ruler of the 7^th (relationship reflection), and is the ruler of the 4^th (identity establishment and emotional security). The Moon squares the same planets. Venus in 12 in Libra, indicates a very refined and isolated sense of beauty and relationship needs that perhaps seem denied in the physical world (Pisces implications). There are no oppositions, and all of the planets are grouped on the eastern hemisphere of the chart, to defend the sensitivity of the self projection and identity (the ascendant). Externalization would be difficult and believed easily misunderstood (12th references). Neptune in 1 confirms idealism and identity sacrifice. A loss of focus and direction. Mars square Saturn implies poor judgment (analytical discernment) in clarifying (Mars in Virgo) the kind of love needed for identity establishment and self worth reinforcement (Saturn in 2, ruler of 4) in relationships (Mars rules 7). Energy for acclaim and love, clashes with a feeling of being undeserving.

The transits at transit Saturn opposition Saturn at age 15, graphically illustrates the probability of belief manifestation promised in the natal chart.

Transiting Saturn, ruler of 4 is in 8 and squares the natal Sun and opposes natal Saturn. Self worth belief systems would be powerfully externalized (opposition=awareness) through love received by others (Sun in 11). Transiting Sun is opposed the natal Moon and square natal Pluto. How will this identity/worth tension be manifested into reality? Transit Uranus (the avant guard, and awakener, and illuminary of the recognition of choice) is exactly conjunct the private idealism and martyr-like Venus in 12, and rules 5. The refined, idealistic, and private sense of beauty (Venus) was shocked behind the scenes (Uranus and 12) triggering self worth/identity concerns through the parental structure (Saturn and Moon ruling the parental axis of 4/10). She was raped by her stepfather on this date. This incident was known only by her and the stepfather and now myself. She reported that intercourse continued for several years. There was great anxiety and self worth conflicts and feared that her mother knew (Moon aspects). She came for the consultation originally to get reinforcement for her decision to marry her fiancee, and left deciding that she probably wasn't ready.

The challenge is to develop a healthy sense of self worth through self directed fulfillment, and a recognition that every individual is as powerful as he or she needs to be to create whatever they desire to create in their reality, without having to hurt themselves or anyone else in order to create it.

It is very striking, the photograph of developmental challenge signified by transiting Saturn opposed natal Saturn. Not only can it indicate probable events connected to an individual's beliefs/perceptions about reality, but can confirm the call to fulfillment at the Saturn return. They are not always this dramatic. Many individuals choose not to remember them, so confirmation may be difficult.

It is obvious to this writer that restructuring the conscious and subconscious belief systems through an analytically discerning awareness of the beliefs held at all levels, is the path to restructuring externalized physical reality. The horoscope's best use is in the understanding of the beliefs held that allows us the power to then change.

The point of power is always in the present, no matter what versions we choose of the past and future. Mind and matter are the same thing manifesting in different ways! Plato said "The purpose of living, is to discover the purpose of living". When this level of perspective and awareness is reached, fate certainly becomes unrecognized choice.

"When the disciple knows Saturn is as the God who offers opportunity and does not feel him to be the deity who brings disaster, then he is on the path of discipleship in truth and in deed and not just theoretically." Alice Bailey, Esoteric Astrology

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Edmond H. Wollmann P.M.A.F.A.
Copyright © 1999 Altair Publications. All rights reserved.
Revised: October 01, 2006.