Symbolically, Saturn is about structure, authority, and the organization of our world. It’s the rule-maker, or task-master in astrology, sober and stern.
The Vulture Goddess Nekhbet is associated with this planet, so you can imagine it’s kind of heavy.
The World
In Tarot, Saturn is represented by #21, the World. At first glance, it might seem odd that this dancing girl is connected to such a serious planet.
But with another look, the wreath around her might remind us of the rings of Saturn, as well as the boundaries it’s so famous for enforcing.
And as might have been deduced by the Vulture Goddess reference, Saturn is symbolically connected to death, and to the changing of the old guard.
In mythology, Saturn overthrew his father Uranus, while his son Zeus (or Jupiter) overthrew him.
The World card in Tarot identifies the end of a long cycle as well, and the revolution into something brand new. It’s the card that ends the Major Arcana, and prepares us to become Fools once again.
storms on Saturn
I got to thinking about Saturn after reading reports about the massive storms that have been raging there for over 200 days, well beyond the previous record of 150 days back in 1903.
They’re gigantic storms – eight times the surface area of the Earth. NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has caught pictures of them, and from far away they’re beautiful.
But what I’m interested in is the metaphor of storms on Saturn, and what it might mean to the energies associated with that planet here on Earth.
If Saturn represents authority, stability, and structure, storms there might suggest disruption in all those areas.
And looking at the world these days, it kind of makes sense.
Since the storms began there’s been the Arab spring, rioting in Europe, mass demonstrations in Wisconsin, and the birth of the Occupy Wall Street Movement.
Rupert Murdoch and News International was shaken up, Wikileaks and Anonymous broke through cyber blockades, and faith in the nuclear industry was shattered with the devastation at Fukushima.
Not to mention Osama Bin Laden, Muammar Gaddafi, and Steve Jobs, have all passed. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was scrapped, female first-borns can now inherit the crown in Great Britain, and neutrinos might travel faster than the speed of light.
What once seemed like really solid structures are collapsing. It’s kind of like the storms on Saturn are identifying the chaos we’re experiencing in our Saturn energies here on Earth. Space weather synchronicity.
If there is any connection, even metaphorically, I hope the storms calm down soon.
Change is obviously in the air, and on many fronts I support it. But transitioning to new structures is hard for everyone. Saturn doesn’t like to be messed with.
The Moon moves into Capricorn today and will stay there until Tuesday.
If you were to describe this transit using the Tarot, you might say that the High Priestess is wearing the Devil’s clothing. The virginal goddess has gotten downright beastly.
The Moon in Capricorn, or High Priestess in the Devil’s clothing, is a period of potential internal conflict. The physical world might seem to draw you away from what you typically believe to be right.
You might feel driven or compelled by behaviours and attitudes that go against the grain of your morality. It could be liberating or disturbing, depending on your secrets.
Whatever’s going on though, don’t be too hard on yourself. Get obsessions out of your system, and learn what you can about yourself while you do so.
You should be ready to move on soon. There’s nothing wrong with a little focused physicality. Just don’t get stuck.
Venus moves into Capricorn today and will stay there until December 20th.
From a Tarot perspective, this transit would be like the Empress is dressed in the Devil’s clothing. Hairy and winged, she’s trying out a darker look.
The Empress is the universal mother of the Tarot. She gives birth to everything we see, feel, hear, taste, and touch. She is beauty and sensuality, but also unremitting strength.
Her power is in her ability to love fully and without restraint. Whether things are good or bad, she’s there to help celebrate, and/or to mourn.
The Empress sees the world clearly, but loves it anyway. It’s all part of her, and she does what she can to make it beautiful and full of joy.
The Devil is also sensual, but there’s little love attached to his experiences. He’s physicality without grace.
Coarse and occasionally brutal, he obsesses on what’s ‘real’ and gives little attention to airy-fairy ideas like love. But he gets a lot of work done, and plays wilder than most.
His biggest challenge is to let things go, and not to chain himself or others to material desires. They obscure the spirit and can never fully satisfy.
The Empress is a little uncomfortable in this position. She very much appreciates the physical, but without love attached, it can feel sort of vulgar.
Venus in Capricorn, or the Empress in the Devil’s clothing is a time of creative intensity and physical manifestation.
Focus on getting things done and making them real, but do so with compassion for yourself and others.
Pushing through a task without connecting to it on an emotional level, or with an eye to the beautiful, will only lessen the value of what you create.
Celebrate and love with passion, but try not to chain yourself to anything for too long.
The Moon moves into Sagittarius today and will be there until Sunday.
Looking at it through the eyes of the Tarot, you can describe this transit as being like the High Priestess wearing Temperance’s clothing. She’s dressed like an angel.
The Moon in Sagittarius, or High Priestess in Temperance’s clothing, indicates a time when intellect, practicality, emotions and passion can work together in relative ease.
What’s normally only an idea might find its way to becoming real. Even-tempered inspiration and emotional playfulness can create what look like miracles.
Take this time to bring your emotions in line with your passions. And play with your most serious ideas. It’s in combining the unexpected that you’ll likely find gold.
The moon moves into Scorpio today and stays there until Friday.
If you translate this transit into the Tarot, you could say that the High Priestess is dressed as Death. She’s in the midst of a great transformation.
The Moon in Scorpio, or High Priestess in Death’s clothing, suggests a time when feelings run deep. The ability to end relationships that don’t work, or release stagnant emotions is accentuated.
If there’s a situation in your life that’s nearing its completion, especially if it’s emotional or relationship-oriented, this might be a good time to let it go. At least explore it with emotional clarity.
This isn’t a time to be afraid, but rather a time to face your fears with equanimity and intelligence.
You’ve got what it takes. Don’t back down from the scary stuff.
The Sun moves into Sagittarius today and will be there until December 22nd.
If we look at this transit from a Tarot perspective, it would be like the Sun is dressed as Temperance. He’s done up like an angel and is playing with water.
The Sun is bright, clear, and full of joy. He rides his horse carrying the flag of victory because he’s made it through the night and has won the day.
The shadows are gone while the Sun shines full. Nothing is hidden, it’s all on full view. And that’s how he likes it best.
There’s power in being open and willing to be seen. And the Sun is fully aware of his strength, though he’d rather play than fight.
His joy in living is what keeps him looking so young and sweet. But he’s really an old soul in a baby’s body, and the biggest star in the sky.
Temperance is an angel. He’s divine balance and a master of perfect flow.
His magic is in his command of the elements. He knows how to make water support his weight and flow in magical directions. And water, like emotions, aren’t always so easy to tame.
But Temperance isn’t just good with water, he’s able to connect all the elements with the higher dimensions. He blends them in a beautiful harmony and makes it seem easy.
The Sun likes being in this position. He’s normally shining on the horizon in the back. Now he has a chance to be up front, and he likes how his feather matches his wings.
The Sun in Sagittarius, or the Sun dressed as Temperance, is a time of energetic harmony and balanced enthusiasm.
Use it to expose any imbalances that might be tilting you off kilter and gently readjust as required.
Have fun with the world around you, and be open to connections beyond the five senses. Preconceived ideas of what’s possible will only hold you back.
We can’t always see divine energy at play. Then the Sun shines just right and a rainbow appears.
The Moon moved into Libra today, and will stay there until Wednesday.
Looking at this transit through the lens of the Tarot, it would be like the High Priestess is wearing Justice’s clothing. She takes on the mantle of the Karmic Decider.
With the High Priestess as Justice, or the Moon in Libra, we might be required to face up to something and decide.
Our emotions will demand respect. If we’ve leaned too far back or forward, we’ll probably find ourselves moving just as dramatically the other way.
It can be a slightly challenging period, perhaps a little manic. But by the time it’s done, something is likely to have been decided upon.
Don’t be alarmed by conflicting emotions. They’re there because you can see both sides. It’s not good enough though to just acknowledge them and walk away.
During this transit you’re being asked to take a stand one way or another. And you’ve got the wisdom and power to do so.
The Moon moves into Virgo today and will be there until Monday.
From a Tarot perspective, you might think of this transit as the High Priestess wearing the Hermit’s clothes. She’s putting on her cowl.
The Moon in Virgo, or High Priestess in the Hermit’s clothing, is a time for practical, quiet reflection. Seeking the advice of an expert, and listening carefully to what they have to say could be worthwhile.
Or maybe someone will be asking you for your advice.
Your home is more important now than the outside world. Start thinking how to make it more practical. You might not be ready to do the work just yet, but this is a great time to plan.
Emotionally, it’s a time of calm. Perfect for listening and reflecting rather than acting out in passion. Take your time. There’s no rush.
Study, organization, contemplation, solitude, emotional self-reflection. Don’t be afraid to be alone right now. There’s lot’s to do on your own.
The Moon moves into Leo today and stays there until Friday.
Translated into Tarot cards, this transit would be like the High Priestess is wearing Strength’s clothing. She’s thrown off her heavy cape and is spending some time outside with her lion.
The Moon in Leo, or High Priestess in Strength’s clothing is potentially a time of emotional power. Something beautiful that’s usually under wraps can finally be revealed.
The silence is broken. Quiet wisdom and passion can be united. During this time, it might be difficult to keep your ideas to yourself. But why should you?
Try finding an outlet for plans you’ve been sitting on? This is an opportunity to shine if you’re not over-burdened by self-consciousness.
It might feel a little uncomfortable at first, but letting your wilder side out right now could be positive. The sun isn’t always shining. Take advantage of it when it does.
