Saturn is the principle of constriction. In Roman myth Saturn (Kronos to the Greeks), was the father so afraid of his children usurping his power, he swallowed them whole. In Shamanic Egyptian Astrology, Saturn is Sobek, the crocodile god of ancient Egypt. Sobek was a protector, associated with fertility and the power of the pharaoh and the military.
During transits of Saturn, we feel stuck in some area of our life. This is uncomfortable, and also part of the process of change. We must become aware of outworn patterns that are keeping us in a place we do not want to be. Saturn transits feel like we’re caught in a vise – we want to move this way, that way, anywhere but where we are. But the Old King will not let us. He holds on tight, forcing us to focus on what is not working, and thereby providing an opportunity to take the necessary steps toward change.
Saturn is strong right now. This Saturn Stationary period comes with the fourth and final Third Quarter square with Uranus. Uranus – Wadjet in the Egyptian pantheon – is the Great Awakener. The shattering energy of Uranus describes the birth of new life – life that Saturn is containing and protecting. Saturn/Sobek won’t let go – the new life must become strong enough to shatter his grip.
In Egyptian myth, Sobek is a crocodile - a reptile. In our brain the basal ganglia are also known as the “reptilian brain”, associated with behaviors concerned with self-preservation. This part of our egoic structure wants to survive and maintain the status quo. This is Saturn’s job in our psyche. And, if we are to grow and change, we must break free.
Saturn/Sobek turns direct on October 23 at 12:07 am EDT.
October 21, 2022, by Ruby Falconer. Available for chart readings.
