Scientists have proved that astrology works…
Once you get educated about astrology, it becomes impossible not to view life and the world around us in the context of swirling planets and energetic influences.
Take Scientific ‘discoveries’ for example. They can be particularly adorable, if a little frustrating. Like the recent research that discovered that people age in two major ‘cliffs’ around ages 44 and 60. Well done Science - you’ve discovered the Saturn cycle!
Saturn is the furthest planet that we can see with the naked eye, and for thousands of years it was considered to be the ‘limit’ of the solar system. In the symbolic language of astrology, Saturn became the planet of limits, boundaries and restrictions. In our birth charts, Saturn becomes the ‘should’ planet - the force that describes discipline, work, commitment, maturing and tests of character. When transiting our chart, it enforces hardship, limitations and delays.
Since it moves in a regular, 29.5 year cycle, we all experience its influence at the same time in our lives. How much it impacts us, will depend on our individual natal charts and how well we incorporate Saturnian themes into our personalities.
THE SATURN RETURN
Many people are aware of the ‘Saturn Return’ that happens around age 29.5, when the planet returns to the same point in the Zodiac where it was when you were born. This is a reckoning and maturing point, when we are tested. How have you engaged with hard work, responsibility and commitments in your life so far? Have you been putting in the work? You may be rewarded! Been committed in a relationship? It might be time to marry. Working hard in your career? Then a promotion might be in order. But have you been fluffing about? Then impediments may eventuate. Didn’t finish uni? That new job won’t be yours. Failed to stay faithful in your 20s? There’s no long-term partner by your side.
This cause and effect quality of Saturn, gives it a reputation for being quite ‘karmic’.
SATURN OPPOSITIONS
Something less well known are the Saturn opposition points, that happen at the mid point of the cycle, when Saturn sits at the exact opposite side of the Zodiac to its birth position. This can bring a confrontation energy. Saturnian themes bounce back on us, perhaps via authority figures or important relationships. There can be a self awareness around maturing, and a chance to reflect on personal progress. The Saturn opposition provides aging ‘stepping stones’.
The first Saturn Opposition happens around age 14 - the exact time that we gain self awareness around growing up and puberty. It’s awkward. The Saturn restriction pops up materially with braces on our teeth, growth spurts and sexual awareness. We might fight with our parents, or teachers as we attempt to grow into our next stage of maturity.
After the Saturn Return at age 29.5, we go on to have another Saturn opposition around age 44-45. Note that this is the first ‘age cliff’ discovered by Science. It coincides with tricky midlife transits of Uranus and Neptune, which adds to its impact, but the underlying confrontation of aging is there. Our eyesight goes, our bones start to hurt, wrinkles become more pronounced. (Saturn rules skin & skeletons). Our partners and bosses can become the restrictive figure we fight against.
ENTERING OLD AGE
Around age 60 (the next aging cliff), we hit our 2nd Saturn Return. This is a major aging marker that shifts us from the prime of life into our elder years. We move from being ‘mother’ to ‘crone’. There’s nothing sexy about this shift - nothing that fits in with the weird Western obsession with youth. It can be a difficult time for people as they’re tested on how well they’ve ‘Saturned’ throughout their life. How’s their super fund balance? How’s their health? This is the time when you can be rewarded, or things can become undone. This can be a turning point when people mature into being either happy or crotchety old people.
THE TAKEAWAY
Like an esoteric conveyor belt, Saturn ensures that we move through life and the aging process in a steady rhythm. It offers up challenges, and rewards. Leaning into hard work, commitments and responsibilities brings enormous satisfaction for those who can ride their Saturn well. Or it becomes the restrictive task master for those who’ve refused to engage with life’s demands.
So a big thanks to the scientists (who are generally so uneducated yet critical of astrology) for providing yet another piece of scientific ‘proof’ that astrology actually works. Their age cliffs correlate exactly with the Saturn cycle. Let’s hope their research didn’t waste too much taxpayer money.