SR Saturn in SR House

Self-worth will be tested severely, and confidence often evaporates. Focus on practical matters, and accept responsibility when it comes along. Don't give away opportunities, because the failure to take action will haunt you.

Saturn in the 1st house is a self-imposed limitation and it is likely you will restrict yourself or your behavior for one reason or another during the coming year. It may be that you are trying to complete a long-term task or you may take on a major responsibility. You will tend to do all of the things you have to do and none of the things you want to do. This is a good time to push yourself to finish a master's thesis, doctoral dissertation or book, or to start your own business. Any piece of work requiring long hours, discipline, organization and perseverance can be completed while Saturn is in the 1st house of the solar return chart. The project is likely to take most of the year to finish and the earliest completion date is three months before your next birthday.

You want to assess the reality of your innate and developing abilities. To do this you can concentrate on a major project. Those who are not seriously involved with the completion of a specific body of work can instead assume extra responsibility which may or may not involve other people and can go beyond what is normally expected. For example, suppose you have a newborn baby (which is demanding enough by itself), and you also decide to be a nursing mother during the year. Anyone who has ever nursed a baby or been involved with a nursing mother knows how this can tie you down and seriously limit the amount of free time available. However, you are the person who is deciding to nurse the baby and therefore you are the one who imposes this limitation on yourself. This is also the case if you are involved in a major project. You are the one who limits your outside activities and social life in order to accomplish the task at hand.

The negative manifestation associated with Saturn in the 1st house is the ability to impose limitations because of an overriding fear. You might shy away from particular opportunities possessing great growth potential simply because you are afraid to repeat a situation reminiscent of the past. Events occurring during the year may mirror former events, allowing unresolved issues to surface once more. In the negative manifestation, self-imposed limitations have nothing to do with the successful completion of a task or progress towards the future, but they have everything to do with stagnation and avoidance behavior. You can restrict your activities simply because you are afraid to face your fears, grow beyond your limitations and take risks.

If you meet and conquer your fears during the year, the rewards can be great. You can free yourself from unnecessary restrictions and gain more control over your life and destiny. But if you avoid the fear within you and limit your behavior unnecessarily, you will not only maintain your present level of fear and limitation, you will also augment your conflict for the future.

In your quest to avoid a confrontation with your fear, you will also have to avoid certain people and certain situations. Isolationism in one form or another is associated with Saturn in the 1st house. In the negative manifestation, withdrawal is used to avoid that which you fear most. In the more positive manifestation, withdrawal is necessary if you are to complete a body of work or fulfill your responsibilities to others. You are capable of being self-sufficient during the year. You are the one who must take total responsibility for your own destiny and actions. You cannot depend on others to accomplish what you alone can do. Nor can you expect others to undo what you have done to yourself.

Minor illnesses are sometimes associated with Saturn in the 1st house but usually these illnesses are minor chronic inconveniences. Some examples are perpetual sore throats, numerous colds, problems with teeth and bones, and back problems. These illnesses are annoying, but generally they are not incapacitating. They reflect stress on the body and emphasize the need to limit activities to those experiences which are truly important. It is unlikely that you can sustain your new level of responsibility and productivity while still main¬taining your former commitments. It is essential that you take care of your body and reassess your level of activity. Minor illnesses are the body's way of telling you to slow down and lighten up.

If you ignore your body's needs, or refuse to direct your energy into meaningful and healthy experiences, it is possible that an illness can make it physically impossible for you to continue. This is especial¬ly true if you actively avoid certain situations and refuse to confront your own fear. Fear and tension patterns can directly coincide with patterns of illness. The stronger the fear and the avoidance behavior, the more likely you are to be ill during the year and the greater the possibility of that illness being serious. If you sensibly meet your responsibilities, realistically face your challenges, and get enough relaxation, you can maintain good health.yourself.

SR Saturn in the SR 2nd House

Saturn placed in the 2nd house is generally not a sign of financial success and monetary abundance. It usually means learning to live with less either because you have to or because you want to. Individ¬uals have experienced this transit differently. Some have experienced financial hardship because they have overspent in the past, but others have planned inadequately for the future and are now faced with a pending major expense. In either case, the reality of the financial situation becomes very evident and these individuals must suddenly take fiscal responsibility for their past and future actions and curb their material appetites.

Other individuals with this placement in their solar return charts are not so hindered by budgetary limitations because they have priorities stronger than money. To them, money is seen as only a means to an end and not an end in itself. Fiscal control is necessary for goal fulfillment, and there are priorities more important than money. Those individuals considering major changes in lifestyles will have this placement if the change involves a decrease in salary. Goals of returning to school, having a child, starting a business, working on a long-term project with little financial reward, retiring, or moving to another part of the country are consistent with Saturn in this house. Its placement here signals your ability to cope with financial belt-tightening.

Use this time to reassess your value system and establish prior¬ities consistent with your future goals and present earning power. Do not allow your options to be limited by inadequate funding. You may have to budget your income, save for a rainy day and cut your living expenses in order to realize your dream, but the adjustments can be made and you can live on less. This time can be used to save for a major expense (such as purchasing a house or car). It is also possible that this is the first year after a major purchase when finances are generally very tight.

The 2nd house is the house of self-worth, and during the year you can place yourself in a situation where you are either underpaid or not fully appreciated. If you have a poor self-image, you may need to experience deprivation to get in touch with your own real value. The fact mat your situation is not healthy encourages indignation and reassessment.

Those individuals with strong feelings of self-worth might stay in a low-paying job or difficult situation for different reasons. Moral values and ethics are extremely important and you may deliberately stay in a difficult or low-paying position because of your ethical priorities. A man working for a non-profit organization stuck with his job despite the financial hardship placed on him and his family. His belief in what he was doing was so strong that he could not in good conscience leave until his task was completed one year later.

The process of reassessing your value system and living by the financial priorities you set yourself is consistent with Saturn in the 2nd house. Money and material possessions should not matter, only your priorities for the present and your goals for the future. During this year, long-term goals and satisfaction are more important than short-term compensation.

Saturn in the 2nd denotes a desire to limit all excesses and overindulgences. If you are a smoker, heavy drinker or drug addict, you will be very aware of the connection between your behavior now and the possibility of present or future health problems. The urge to limit these indulgences will be especially strong early in the year and it is to your benefit to take action at mat time. (The desire to quit smoking is especially strong with this placement.) You will begin to see the negative consequences commonly associated with your behavior. These negative reactions will manifest both in your own body and in the health of others. The issue of control will surface again and again. You can go cold turkey with this placement, simply consider this option, or seek professional assistance.

SR Saturn in the SR 3rd House

Saturn in the 3rd house indicates a year of much study or mental work. You take your studies seriously and knowledge is probably crucial to what you hope to accomplish in the future. This is an excellent time to concentrate on difficult mental tasks or complex topics of interest. You can be involved in a major project or course requiring concentration, persistence, organization, and many hours of work. Typical commitments include taking a course, organizing community projects, formulating new ways of thinking for yourself and others, writing a book or paper, studying for qualifying examinations, or consulting with others on a regular basis in order to gather new information and insights.

You may finish your endeavor during the year, but if Saturn falls in the 1st house of the solar return chart next birthday (which is most likely to happen), your work will probably require another year's effort. (Saturn in the 1st house is commonly associated with the completion of a long-term project and is a good placement for those interested in focusing on a major achievement.) Your mind is constantly at work and it is best to choose a positive focus. If you are studying, learning or working on a major mental task, you will be less likely to feel depressed or anxious. You need a strong mental focus this year to use up excess mental energy.

Major decisions usually arise during the year when Saturn is placed in the 3rd house of the solar return chart. Responsibility to yourself and for another person is commonly a factor in the decision-making process. You may be making a decision for two and not just for yourself alone. Dilemmas are common since your needs may directly conflict with the needs of your counterpart. Reality assessment is crucial. You must realistically weigh and evaluate all the intricacies of your situation and actively search for options. Options are important, but unfortunately, looking for new possibilities is an insight most people tend to miss when dealing with tough issues and this Saturn placement. Rigidity of thought is a common flaw. Your accurate evaluation clears the way for the most successful resolution of your problem, even when there can be no clear-cut success. If you are mentally stressed by the problems you must solve or me decisions you must make, it might be in your best interest to discuss issues with someone who is impartial and not threatening. Seeing a counselor at this time can help you to do this. Your insight should be increased through the interchange.

Your inability to see positive solutions and options to your dilemma can lead to depression. Depression is sometimes associated with Saturn or Sun placements in the 3rd house of the solar return chart. (Severe depressions are more likely with the Sun.) Depression is the mind's way of calling attention to what needs to be corrected, decided and surmounted. Depression can lead to positive results when it is used as an early warning signal and learning tool. Life is a growth process and depression can indicate your inability to seek and find newer, more mature ways of handling situations. Depressed individuals need to begin to solve some of the problems they are faced with. They should do something - anything! They also need to get in touch with their feelings and learn to communicate those feelings effectively to others. Information blockages are likely and either you cannot or will not discuss things openly. Isolationism is commonly generated by the issue or problem you are facing. If you are unhappy with your present situation, it is time to face the problem and begin to make informed decisions. If you avoid issues and responsibility, your depression can grow deeper and become more obvious to others. You will seldom praise and often criticize; your speech will become caustic. Situations will seem hopeless. Your level of activity will slow down and eventually you will be perpetually tired. As you withdraw from others, effective communication will become extremely difficult, if not impossible, to maintain.

Everyday situations can become everyday hassles that get on your nerves. Common daily occurrences are more difficult to weather. It's the little things that bother you and seem more troublesome this year. What used to be simple is now more complex and day-to-day things that need to be done take longer. For example, if you move to a foreign country and you do not speak the language very well, handling common chores such as shopping for food, cashing a check or going to the post office are laborious until you get the system down. Similar situations are associated with new babies, living in a dormitory or alone for the first time, moving to a new location and various other common life experiences.

Problems with siblings are possible during the coming year. You may have a problem relating directly to a family member, but it is more common to have a brother or sister with a problem or issue he or she needs to handle. The encouraging side of this Saturn placement and interpretation is that the problem is being confronted. Usually this is the year your brother or sister begins to handle a situation in a responsible manner. For example, if your sister is an alcoholic, and has been for years, she could decide to enter a rehabilitation program at this time. Your contribution during the year is to support her decision and help her in any way possible. You may wish to join a program which will help you to better understand her situation and your role in her successful treatment.

If your sibling refuses to confront the issues, this can be a time when you feel forced to act on his or her behalf or completely alienate yourself from the situation. Problems need not be very difficult and can be relatively minor with this Saturn placement. Productive siblings will not suddenly have major problems or behave totally out of character. The best predictor for the future is past experience. Problems which may arise will be consistent with your sibling's normal personality, and may mark a turning point in life. This is a time when your encouragement can be very supportive at a crucial passage.

SR Saturn in the SR 4th House

Saturn in the 4th can be a sign of increasing commitment and responsibility within the home environment. Usually this newfound sense of responsibility involves the physical home itself, though the manifestation is not limited to the physical structure alone since emotional responsibility is also an issue. The condition of your home, apartment or dwelling is such that you need to make repairs or improvements. If you have let your house go in the past, this is the year you will feel forced to take corrective action. Chronic and longtime problem areas will suddenly become especially annoying. Re¬pairs can be major, though not always. If you are buying a home during the year, you may be drawn to older or rundown homes requiring much hard work and restoration. Physical discomfort in the home is common, especially before or during the repair and renovation process. If you have not neglected your house, time can be spent on routine maintenance or improvements geared towards making your house more comfortable.

External changes in your living environment tend to parallel inner emotional changes. This can be a year when you feel emotionally responsible for the well-being of certain family members, regardless of how well you get along with these people. The desire to accept responsibility for the physical state of your home is usually extended to a desire to assume responsibility for the emotional and physical state of others. If you feel you can help, you are likely to do so.

You may accept a family member into your home, or you may return to your parents' home to live or visit and lend assistance. Those who are mentally incapable of making important decisions look to you and other family members for guidance, support and possibly shelter. It is common for the health of one family member (usually a parent) to deteriorate during the year. If this is the case, you can nurse this individual yourself or provide for his or her daily needs. Elderly parents may be placed in a minimal-care retirement community or nursing home. If you have a grown child in the midst of a divorce, separation or family crisis, he or she may return home with small children in tow. Your strong sense of familial responsibility compels you to take up the slack and help out where needed. You willingly give up some measure of physical and emotional comfort in the home to help those you love.

If you are a much younger individual, you may choose this time to become a parent yourself. In its most positive manifestation, Saturn in the 4th is a tendency to respond in a helpful manner to family crises, problems and issues. Unfortunately the reverse is not always true. This may not be the best time to look for assistance and help for yourself. Even if you are in a difficult position, family members may be unable or unwilling to support you at this time. The tendency is for you to lend support rather than receive. Saturn in the 4th is not normally associated with the fulfillment of dependency needs. On the contrary, it is more closely akin to their denial. Pushing your own needs may be inappropriate under the present circumstances.

Some individuals lack the strong family ties necessary for such dedication to the needs of others. For them, no personal gratification, only frustration, can come from involvement in family issues and problems. During the year, events trigger memories of the past and old feelings of hurt and disappointment resurface. If this is your situation, you may wish to protect yourself by limiting family contacts or withdrawing completely. Saturn in the 4th can show a separation from family involvement, and if you have already exhausted all your options, including therapy, this might be in your best interest. Saturn indicates that you test your relationships and elimi¬nate or restrict those ties which are unfulfilling while strengthening those which are meaningful.

The process of reassessing relationships for their emotional reward is not limited to family involvements. All close relationships are subject to scrutiny. Usually family relationships are the ones tested the most, but any intimate relationship can be suspect. You may find it more difficult to trust others during the year, so you look for conspicuous proof of your loved one's affection and caring. If the relationship passes the intimacy test, commitment should follow, but if you are not satisfied or reassurances are not forthcoming, you can set emotional limits on those involvements which are unrewarding and nonsupporting. Saturn rules reality and this is a time for realistic appraisal of emotional situations. It no longer makes any difference what you are told or what you are led to believe. You know when you are unhappy and it makes sense to seek practical solutions to relationship problems. If you cannot work with your partner to make corrections, you will tend to live alone emotionally, if not physically.

It is common to have Saturn in the 4th when the native is trying to recover from, or deal with, an emotionally painful relationship and therefore feels the need to set emotional limits. Individuals can elect to withdraw from situations entirely or structure involvements in such a way as to protect themselves. Those who withdraw completely assume total responsibility for their own emotional well-being and refuse to be responsible for anyone else. They do not encourage nurturing attention from others and may shun all offers. Walls are built to allow a year's worth of time for healing and recovery, but in the meantime they feel lonely, withdrawn and neglected.

In the most negative manifestation, those who build walls exhibit contradictory emotions. They expect or even demand to be taken care of. They see total dependency on others as proof of another's love, but at the same time refuse to commit themselves emotionally to a relationship or accept any responsibility for the other person involved. The goal is a one-sided exchange, an improbable situation in which all their needs are fulfilled without any fear, risk, or effort. Those who are wise realize that this is a time to assess the mistakes of the past and set guidelines for future emotional involvements. Trust and mutual responsibility are needed for emotional security.

SR Saturn in the SR 5th House

Saturn in the 5th house of the solar return indicates mat normal self-expression is affected by present circumstances. For one reason or another, you feel very unsure of yourself and find it difficult to express who you are without fear of criticism from others. Most likely, your social milieu has changed. You may feel like a fish out of water and you no longer feel relaxed and comfortable with yourself.

This is especially true if you suspect that you are in an unfriendly environment and you are consciously trying to be inoffensive to those around you.

For example, a psychic who went to graduate school found that another psychic had attended the same school before him. The first psychic had verbally threatened various professors and alienated them to such an extent that the second student had to deal with the stigma of being a psychic. It was to his advantage to be very inoffen¬sive and nonthreatening until he was able to establish his own personality as separate and distinct from his predecessor's. He experienced a period of self-imposed personality limitation while he worked towards greater definition of who he was. When he succeeded he was able to show practical applications for his skills.

Another example of this uneasiness with self is the experience of an older woman dating a much younger man. She did not really fit in with his friends and he could not really relate to hers. The transition from one environment to another may involve some inhibition. The natural flow associated with self-expression seems more controlled and consciously directed. There will be situations where caution is warranted and even advantageous. The ability to "fit in" where you would not normally go can be beneficial to your own growth and to those you meet.

The need for greater discipline when working creatively is commonly seen with this Saturn placement. During the year, even the creative process itself will be subject to greater control. The natural creative flow needs to be channeled in a more organized and productive manner, while the final creation needs greater refinement. Some examples of these changes might include working within a scheduled time frame or having deadlines to meet. You may have a particular piece which is popular and can be reproduced for the mass market. You probably should review the creative process and make changes according to your future needs and ambitions.

During the year, you are likely to ask for constructive criticism of your work in the hopes of getting a clearer definition of what you are trying to get across. You may find that what you create is not exactly consistent with your intention. If this is true, the creative process will now be more labored and tedious as you work to refine your creation. You become less involved with Venusian creativity since you are now more involved with Satumian perfectionism. Major pieces of work and long-term difficult projects are also implied by Saturn in the 5th house.

In all of these instances, it can initially become more difficult to express yourself creatively. Blockages can occur, but the goal in the end is a better product which is a more accurate reflection of what you were trying to get across. You are willing to make the extra effort necessary to perfect the creative process and, ultimately, your creation. Those who are unable to make this kind of commitment and who lack the perseverance necessary will remain blocked throughout most of the year.

Self-criticism can be at an all-time high during this period while self-confidence may be shaken. These personality tendencies directly relate to the refinement process and the desire to handle very different or difficult situations. Moving closer to perfection means first seeing what is less than perfect. Do not let criticism, whether yours or someone else's, discourage you. You should actually welcome constructive criticism since it will help you see what must be done. You must go beyond your disappointment. The quality required for future tasks is much higher man that required in the past. You need to be more organized, disciplined, consistent and practical in the future. Sloppy habits, laziness, inconsistency and hypocrisy can limit your success and weaken your self-confidence, both this year and in years to come.

Relationships, especially love affairs (but generally not including marital relationships), can be more difficult with Saturn in the 5th house. Saturn is consistent with limitations of one form or another. These limitations may be specific to this particular relationship or they may be residual fears from a previous involvement. Common specific limitations include long-distance relationships, May-December romances, extramarital affairs, or relationships that involve a great deal of separation at least for the present year. You or your loved one may not have the available time necessary to carry on a wild romance. Practicality may be important.

The very worst manifestation is that you will be denied the relationship you want. This is most likely to be true if you are presently involved with a person who has previous commitments. Sometimes the relationship itself lacks affection and true caring. With very negative manifestations, Saturn may indicate sadomasochistic attractions or relationships that involve more pain than love.

If you have children, they may require closer supervision during the coming year. More of your time and energy can be taken up by their demands, and some individuals will find this frustrating and restricting. Situations will require you to be more actively involved with your children on a daily basis. New parents tend to have this placement (or a similar strong Saturn placement) because of the time and energy needed to care for an infant. The most common issues associated with school-aged children are either academic or behavioral goals or problems. For one reason or another, children may not be able to cope with everyday circumstances on their own and now need your guidance and support. This is especially true for children going through major life stages (infancy, terrible twos, puberty) or children trying to adjust to major life changes (relocation, new school, parents' separation or divorce, birth of a sibling). Increased discipline may or may not be appropriate, depending on the circumstances. Increased support and guidance is always appropriate. If your chil¬dren are now adults, it is still possible for them to be involved in life situations that concern you or require assistance.

SR Saturn in the SR 6th House

Saturn in the 6th house can indicate a health strain. However, depending upon your age and general body condition, you may or may not experience a health problem. Reassessing your health and work habits is a positive way to use this placement and may be crucial to continuing good health. Minor health problems such as colds and sore throats are likely if you overtax your body, but as a rule, most health problems will arise from long-term abuse, chronic problems, severe dietary deficiencies, or work-related stress. Immediate chang¬es can lead to improvements. For example, a long-time cigarette smoker stopped smoking after she experienced trouble breathing. She suddenly realized how precarious her health had become from the continuous abuse. Saturn rules reality and the reality of her situation became very clear to her. She needed to stop smoking immediately or run the risk of developing a serious health problem.

If you are having chronic health problems, these problems may be aggravated or initiated by your involvement in certain circum¬stances. A nurse with chronic back problems realized that lifting sick patients aggravated her condition, and as she got older, she could no longer afford to jeopardize her health for the sake of a paycheck. Other careers or even other assignments within the nursing profession could be just as profitable.

Severe deficiencies are associated with poor nutritional habits. Many people with this Saturn placement go on very strict diets which are not nutritionally sound. The tendency is to eliminate certain foods or meals from the menu entirely rather than cut down on intake. The goal is to lose weight (and this is commonly done during the year), but poor eating habits are often established in the process. The diet one tends to choose, by its very nature, seeks to distort your eating habits rather than focus on balanced nutrition. Examples of these kinds of diets are those which concentrate on eating one particular food or food group. It is true that you can lose weight by not eating certain foods, but you would be better off cutting out unnecessary food substances such as caffeine, sugar, fats, and red meats rather than those food substances which make good nutritional sense. Artificial restrictions which do not suit your body's needs can tax your health.

The best way to develop a personal diet is to become aware of your body's health from the inside out. Watch what you eat and how it makes you feel. Eat only those foods which make you feel good. Develop an exercise program that makes you feel more alive without taxing the system. Saturn represents a teacher and a taskmaster. You can teach yourself good health habits by realistically observing what makes you feel good and what makes you feel bad and making adjustments accordingly.

Stress-related health problems can also be traced to working conditions and co-worker relationships. Most commonly, the individual in poor health who does not fit into any of the three categories mentioned above hates his or her present job and/or is under too much pressure to perform. Responsibilities may be overwhelming and schedules too taxing. The job description itself may include tasks which are difficult, if not impossible, for the employee to accomplish without creating a health strain. Personal feelings about fellow co-workers, partners and bosses can also cause nervousness and/or physical stress. (For example, office love affairs and employee conflicts frequently lead to stress.)

Again, Saturn placed in the 6th house of health signals the need to deal realistically with job-related problems. If you hate your job, find another. You can start from scratch in a new position, new company or new career. If you prefer to stay with your present job, institute changes mat will make tasks easier to accomplish. If you are in a position of authority, delegate responsibilities to others. A good manager knows how to develop the employee potential under his/ her care. Use the talents of others wisely while reducing the amount of work you must handle personally.

Regardless of your level of authority, systematize and structure office procedures under your control to make daily routines easier to accomplish. Use the suggestion box to point out problem areas and possible solutions. If you feel restricted at work, realize that the restrictions are meant to make you aware of the problem areas. If you find your job tedious and boring, you may be wasting your talents and need to move on.

Promotions are likely if you have performed well in the past and can handle extra responsibility. A teenager with this placement may decide to enter the job market since he or she is now mature enough to behave in a professional manner. He or she may instead refuse to find a job at all. (Saturn can also be associated with unemployment in rare situations.) Regardless of the teenager's decision, the issue will arise. If you love your job and naturally work hard, you can become a workaholic during the year and spend many hours working overtime. Moderation is suggested. Remember, health is an issue. If you cannot regulate the amount of time you spend working, then your health will. For good health, structure your diet, habits, and work with a realistic respect for your body, its needs and limitations.

SR Saturn in the SR 7th House

Saturn in the 7th house indicates that close personal relationships are defined, limited or structured in order to establish a greater degree of safety and security. For those dating and not married, usually the relationship is defined as not ready for marriage during this solar return year. Although this can be a time of great commitment for those who are already married, there is generally a lack of commitment or a need for delay with those who have not yet tied the knot.

Relationship limitations can be either natural or artificial. Natural limitations are inherent in the situation while artificial restrictions are imposed by one partner or the other. Inherent limitations include living in different areas of the country, scheduling problems, and basic socio-economic or character differences. The time you spend together may be restricted by work, distance, parents or other circumstances. Aspects to the other houses may give you some clue as to the source of these restrictions. This is not the year of the free-flowing, easy-going relationship, since an important partnership will be reassessed and structured during this time.

The hallmark of this placement is realism. You must deal realistically with a relationship in order to develop a sense of security and safety. You must see your partner as a real person with human frailties and needs and then address those issues. Most significant relationships will have an issue which must be handled successfully if the relationship is to prosper and grow. For example, one extravagant young woman was dismayed at her boyfriend's present state of poverty. He had just graduated from law school, but had not yet become established in the world. She wanted to marry him, but did not want to be poor. (Those who are used to spending $200.00 on pantyhose rarely have a sense of monetary restraint.) She began to see realistically what life would be like married to a young lawyer and she subsequently sought options and changes within herself that would resolve this issue rather than destroy the relationship. It also became obvious to her that the young lawyer would need to put in extra hours during his first few years with the law firm and the woman would need to occupy her time alone with her own pursuits until they could be together in the evenings.

The need to realistically structure a relationship so that certain tasks can be accomplished is common with this placement. The overall goal of future safety and security is a motivating force behind this process. During the AIDS crisis, a homosexual male with this placement curtailed his barhopping and also began to limit and structure his continuing involvements in the interest of safety and security.

Basic personality differences between partners seem stronger during this year, and depression or pessimism can be a problem. This is one of the more negative manifestations of Saturn in the 7th. Generally, those who are depressed are me butt of much criticism. But by far the most negative manifestation is a blatant refusal to love and share. Artificial limitations can be set by one partner or the other; usually this occurs only in the less viable relationships. The inability to build a trusting and safe relationship leads to a denial of commitment and severe restrictions; eventually the relationship may dissolve. Limitations are walls meant to insure the security of one of the individuals while compromising the partner's needs and relationship goals.

Usually the lack of commitment is a two-way street, but you may not see it that way. In the beginning, you may compensate for the lack of commitment by deliberately lowering your expectations and lessening your demands. You may limit your own behavior in an attempt to comply with your partner's restrictions, thinking that if you acted in a certain way (either by saying or not saying, doing or not doing), the relationship would survive. You accept the limitations imposed. If the relationship is basically a good one, you will outlast the difficulty. But if you continue to support an abusive partnership, you only fool yourself into thinking half a relationship is better than none. Relationships that severely restrict your expression are not in your best interest. Use this time to reassess your involvements. Recognize restrictions and evaluate their source and necessity. Ask yourself, "Is the relationship worth this, or is there another way to handle the situation?"

Saturn in the 7th house indicates your awareness of humanity and the difficulties inherent in associations with others. Relation¬ships involve a certain amount of discipline, obligation and responsibility. Much of this will fall within the normal give-and-take of relating, as long as you do not stay in partnerships which are excessively difficult or detrimental to your psychological health.

SR Saturn in the SR 8th House

The most common interpretation for Saturn in the 8th house of the solar return relates to financial concerns caused by either debts or limited shared resources. Debts are an issue, and it is not uncommon to borrow a large sum of money during the year for an expensive purchase such as a car or house. But it is more likely that you will feel pressured to pay off your debts, both existing loans and any new ones you acquire. Some individuals force themselves to limit expenditures by refusing to spend any more money until they pay off all debts. Others, who have refused to face financial reality in the past (allowing their debts to reach the credit limits), are now forced by their circumstances to limit spending. They have exhausted all their options. Regardless of whether you are working hard to finish paying off your debts or just reaching your debt peak, you will probably feel pressured to pay your bills.

Saturn can imply limited shared resources; consequently, you may receive less money from others. If you normally share finances with someone else or receive money for other reasons, this can be a year when these other forms of income (outside of your own earning power) decrease. If you are married or have a roommate, he or she may not be fully employed for part or all of the year, thereby earning less income than usual. On the other hand, he or she may be fully employed but hesitate to share funds, instead spending whatever money is available on either worthy or unworthy causes, agreed upon or not. In any case, the amount of money shared or earned by your partner can decrease for one reason or another.

For example, a young housewife with this placement was having trouble stretching her husband's paycheck to meet the bills. They lived frugally but still there was not enough to go around. He was due for a raise and they hoped everything would work out but just as he received the raise, they were forced by circumstances to buy a new car. The new car payment took up the entire raise plus ten dollars extra a month, so there was even less money to go around that year.

If you normally depend on others (possibly your parents or some other relative) for financial gifts, you may receive less money this year than you have in years past. It is probably time you grew more financially independent and became responsible for your own debts. The restriction on shared resources also includes situations associated with wills, inheritances and occasionally even bank loans. Do not expect someone to give you money unless you expect year-long delays. Saturn in the 8th is not a reflection of the amount of money you yourself earn. That is a separate matter seen through the other houses, most notably the 2nd. Your earnings may be very good this year, but with Saturn in the 8th you would still tend to have some of the above mentioned problems with the money you receive from others.

Sexual issues are possible with this placement, but generally they are rare in comparison to the emphasis on financial considerations. Sexual limitations may include abstinence, impotence or frigidity in extreme cases, or a general lack of fulfillment. Critical judgments of self or others can inhibit sexual performance. Issues outside of the bedroom, such as power, dominance, and restriction, might affect sexual interchanges. Limitations occur for a variety of reasons, but the partner's absence, your or your partner's ill health, or an inability to function well are most notable. For example, if your wife is pregnant with twins, her desire may wane, assuming you could master the logistics to begin with.

For a few, sex will be less enjoyable this year, especially if it is rushed, occurring in inconvenient locations, or under stressful circumstances. This is especially true for those who are involved in an extramarital affair. If you cannot fully relate to your partner, you may view the act more as a responsibility than a pleasure. Moral dilemmas in which you feel pulled between sexual attractions and the criticisms of others are possible. If you are a closet homosexual, you may feel pulled between a strong (and obvious to others) attraction to some¬one you see routinely and the desire to keep your lifestyle and feelings private.

You are more aware of the dark side of human nature. You see evidence of it manifesting both in others and in your own personality. Normally you see individuals as a blend of both good and bad, black and white with variations of gray. But during this year, the separation seems more apparent and the grays tend to fade away. Black and white, good and evil, become all-or-nothing traits, different sides of one personality manifesting themselves at different times. The con¬trast tends to be stark. Situations you are involved in during the year, conflicts and stress cause the more negative traits to manifest. For example, if you are involved in a love-hate relationship, you will probably see both the best and the worst you and your lover have to offer. The stress of the situation, coupled with conflicting emotions, will tend to foster both strongly positive and strongly negative relating patterns. Disputes over a will or an inheritance can also magnify the split. You may think you know your relatives until either you or they contest a will. In the most extreme cases, you might be harassed by someone who is sadistic or at least has a sadistic side to his or her personality. Personal vendettas are rare but not unheard of.

Use this year to eliminate power structures which are controlling you. Develop psychological self-control. Gain insight into your own personal contributions to your situation. Work towards self-mastery.

SR Saturn in the SR 9th House

Saturn in the 9th house is associated with learning in one form or another. Commonly it can signify a formal education in an established university or college, but learning may instead involve an evening class or correspondence course. As a rule, the course of study is established rather than self-taught. Those who wish to continue their formal education on a high school, college or graduate level tend to experience some minor delays or impediments along the way.

For example, one man who was employed full-time in a newly established office felt he could not start his degree program until he had organized his daily work schedule. After six months, when the office routines became easier to handle, he was able to start school without feeling pressured by job demands.

Perfectionism is associated with the need to learn and individuals look forward to attending school when the time is right. They want to be able to devote their full attention to course work and are willing to wait until outside issues are handled. The delaying characteristic for this placement is especially true if Saturn is placed in the 9th house near the 10th house cusp, and it transits by direct motion out of the 9th during the solar return year. Those who do not wish to enter a degree program may take individual courses to suit their needs, but even these courses will tend to be very structured.

On the other hand, some individuals would rather teach than study with this placement. If this is your goal, you must organize your notes into lesson plans. You can experience some frustration until you have structured your thoughts into a well-defined body of knowledge. Those who have already taught in recent years need to reassess their ability to continue teaching, given certain newly developing situations and possible impediments.

The 9th house is also the house of our beliefs, whether philosophical, religious, or mundane. This is a time when you may realize a conflict between what you believe now or have been led to believe in the past, and what you are experiencing in the present. A relationship, activity or professional endeavor you are currently involved in may specifically contradict what you once thought to be true. This situa¬tion will continually test your beliefs until you come to conclusions which are more consistent with reality. This conflict can occur on a higher level of thought as readily as it might relate to more common beliefs. Most frequently, it will encompass and affect both. Inconsistencies which exemplify and fuel your awareness of the conflict constantly arise from everyday situations.

Insight can come from the simplest exchange. The extent to which these insights have ramifications on either higher or mundane thoughts is directly related to the individual's level of consciousness and ability to focus on multidimensional issues. For example, a nurse practitioner dealing with mostly low-income elderly patients in a clinic environment was surprised to learn that doctors who prescribed medicine for high blood pressure and heart disease frequently neglected to counsel these individuals about the positive effect of dietary control regarding these two illnesses. The nurse practitioner had a strong background and belief in the holistic field and found this lack of attention to the whole individual upsetting, counterproductive and not in keeping with the Hippocratic Oath.

In another example, a lay person who regularly participated as a church assistant doing charity work aimed at helping the poor began to question the pastor's allocation of funds to various projects. Money was being diverted to finance the pastor's need for comfort. This individual spent much of the year pondering his faith, his allegiance to his pastor, and his belief in what the church stood for.

Hypocrisy seems to keynote this Saturn placement. You are acutely aware of what others espouse and whether or not they practice what they preach. You are also acutely aware of those philosophies and beliefs which differ greatly from your own. These philosophical inconsistencies and differences are to help you discriminate what is real and true for your own life path. You must verify your current and developing beliefs within the context of daily experiences and immediate life situations.

Established beliefs form the backbone of the decision-making process. Normally they are meant to have helpful, practical applications to issues, conflicts and situations we face. Those beliefs which dangle in mid-air without any substantiation are useless. Remember, the 9th house is also the house of prejudices, intolerance, and beliefs not based on fact. You could be overly critical of others and their beliefs, setting standards too high for anyone to reach. Saturn indicates that the weeding-out process has begun and a realistic reassess¬ment of all beliefs is called for.

SR Saturn in the SR 10th House

Saturn in the 10th house is equated with career breaks and limitations, some of which are very positive. It is true you can either lose your job or give up your present position during the solar return year, but this turn of events may be desirable. For some individuals, especially for those who are older, this placement signals retirement or leaving the job market entirely. For career mothers, choices focus on quitting work to raise children or continuing work while juggling two demanding schedules. If you have clearly defined personal and professional goals, you need not have any trouble with this place¬ment.

For most people, Saturn in the 10th shows an old career closing down and a job move to something new. Rather than a break in your career, there is a break in your professional momentum. You lose skills and experience while moving from one job, company, or profession to another. In your new position, you must start from scratch. You will be working with new techniques and concepts, and at first, minor duties will take longer and appear more difficult. It takes time to get back into the swing of things, and during your orientation period, you can feel underqualified or inept. Frustration comes from not knowing what to do and the tendency to make mistakes, which is common for newcomers.

If you quit your present job to become self-employed at this time, you may go down several dead ends before you develop, establish and maintain a routine and clientele. If you are creating a job from nothing, you are starting from scratch. The same is true if you are self-employed and must relocate. Success in a new position takes time and effort, but it can be done by those who work hard. The rewards will be clearer at the end of the year as the old chart fades away.

If you are comfortable with your present position and have always been a hard worker, you may be asked to take on more responsibility at this time. The natural tendency with this placement is to assume personal responsibility in the career area. A promotion to a managerial position or an increased workload are two ways to do this.

Serious problems associated with this position occur when you refuse to assume any responsibility in your career or for problems on the job. Suppose you do not like your job but refuse to contemplate any changes. Limiting your career options in this way creates a strong feeling of frustration, restriction and monotony. If your present job is unfulfilling and unrewarding, you will not be able to work to your potential. Perhaps you should quit rather than stagnate. Those who refuse to reassess career options and take responsibility for their own career decisions, or lack thereof, end up going nowhere while Saturn is in the house of destiny, career and long-term patterns of growth. Individuals who make changes and start from scratch learn to work with job frustrations to structure a new professional environment. This is the goal whether you stay in your present position or move on. You must reassess where you are and where you are headed profes-sionally. Map out the practical steps necessary for the journey.

SR Saturn in the SR 11th House

Saturn in the 11th house indicates a need to reassess goals for the future. The goals you presently hold are no longer practical in light of new situations you are moving into or new information you are receiving. They are outdated either because of external changes in your environment or internal changes in your personality. Perhaps they are now inconsistent with your present or future needs for fulfillment. A lack or loss of goals can be implied by Saturn in the 11th house, but generally as old goals prove unworkable, new ones will arise to take their place. It is only rarely that the individual decides to take a year's vacation. Working mothers who take a year's leave of absence from work to care for a child sometimes have this placement.

Now is the time to rethink your future and take corrective action where necessary. A new college graduate, also a new army wife, followed her husband to Germany where she discovered she was not allowed to work in her chosen profession despite her degree. She had to rethink her goals for the coming year while overseas. Those who are newly divorced must also rethink their goals in light of their single lifestyle. This can be a year of great accomplishment for those who settle on a direction quickly and move steadily towards achievement. The new goals you develop tend to suit you better than the old ones, but they need a great deal of work to become a reality. Saturn is the ruler of hard work, practical applications and realistic ventures.

Working with a group of people may give you a better sense of discipline and organization man you would have on your own since you are more likely to take on extra responsibility. You can work harder for the sake of group goals and the extra push might prove ultimately beneficial for all. One astrologer with this Saturn placement taught a group of other astrologers a particular astrological technique and eventually used his organized notes to publish a complete course. However, group dynamics can be cumbersome. You might feel that your individual opinions and identity are lost because of the democratic process and the need to conform. There will be times when you disagree with group leadership or direction. Even if you are the leader, your ideas and opinions can still be watered down by the need for agreement. But working with a group might help you to get off the ground and push you toward making your goals a reality.

Friendships can be lost during the year and there are several possible reasons why this might occur. Most commonly, either you or your friend move, relocating at a great distance away. If you and your husband, wife, lover or partner are splitting up, friends will tend to fall into either camp. They drop away if they were primarily connected to your mate or set on seeing the two of you as a couple. Serious or older friends are also indicated by this placement. Those friends who were mere playmates tend to be less prominent as the year wears on. Your focus is more on business relationships geared towards making connections than on casual friendships. Obligatory friendships (more commonly seen in the business world) are possible.

Since me 11th house is the 2nd from the 10th, money from your career may decrease this year, especially if you are pursuing a goal that cannot be financially lucrative, at least in less than one year's time. Long-term goals tend to be more consistent with this placement than short-term goals or immediate compensation. In this sense, you may work harder for the same amount of money or even less. Wage freezes are rare but possible; raises may be delayed during the year. For any promotion, you may have to assume extra responsibility to receive any monetary increase. Volunteer work can also be implied by this placement.

SR Saturn in the SR 12th House

Saturn in the 12th house implies the presence of unconscious blockages which must be overcome. Failure to overcome these inhibitions will lead to limitations in what would usually be considered normal activity. The emotions governing these limitations are fear and guilt, and breaking free generally involves much anxiety. You must face your own fears before you can go on with the maturation process, since presently they prevent you from branching out and taking risks when you should develop greater freedom of movement. Frequent fear issues include but are not limited to: fears of not being loved or being rejected; fears of inadequacy with a constant need for reassurance; fears concerning sexual performance or orientation; and fears of losing control or being overpowered. Many times the fear-producing issue is ill-defined and ill-founded but supported by self-defeating attitudes, free-floating anxiety and heightened vulnerability. For these reasons, fears associated with psychic impressions are not unheard of.

Guilt is the other most common unconscious restriction. There may be certain things you will do, or other things you will not do, simply because of the guilt you will feel one way or the other. If you are being controlled by guilt and do not investigate or understand these feelings, you will continue to feel forced to behave in certain ways. For example, a middle-aged woman who lived with and cared for her elderly mother found she was both tied down and drained by her mother's constant need for care and attention. But she repeatedly refused to seek out a part-time nurse or companion to stay with her mother while she pursued her own interests. Every time she left her mother with other family members, she would return to find the older woman somewhat disoriented and confused. She would interpret this disorientation as her own fault and feel guilty for leaving. Eventually, she became totally tied down by her mother's unconscious signals for attention.

Saturn in the 12th is the astrological equivalent of a responsibility vacuum cleaner. There is the tendency to feel responsible (and subsequently guilty) for everything that goes wrong. You will tend not to delegate authority easily and will try to do everything yourself, perfectly, all the time. In short, you overcompensate for real or imagined shortcomings. Only by facing your fears and confronting your feelings of guilt can you begin to live a more normal lifestyle.

There is a lack of "reality presence" with the placement of Saturn in this house. Saturn rules reality, but here in the 12th house (normally ruled by Neptune) reality seems to lose some of its clarity. Truth is more elusive. The fears, guilt and unconscious inhibitions normally associated with this placement are partly caused by an inability to discern what is real and what is fantasy. Here there is no objective or even subjective reality, only vague impressions of what is presumed to be real. This makes the going tough. Without a clear base to work from, it becomes easier to worry about future possibilities and past mistakes. Consequently, fears and guilt tend to prosper and grow at this time.

The main goal of this house placement is to come in contact with the weaker, more irrational parts of your personality which inhibit your progress. This is easier to do if you are in the process of being thwarted or feeling afraid. Only by experiencing the frustration and fear inherent in the conflict, will you actively seek ways to overcome the blockages and resolve the associated issues or problems, so life can begin to return to normal. It is to your advantage to move towards the fear rather than retreat. Investigate the issues which seem to block your progress. Look for alternatives. The tendency is to miss the obvious or not understand what is normal under the given conditions. Only by discussing your situation with others and looking for new options can you alleviate the pressure. Unfortunately, you will be doing this while feeling your most vulnerable. But you must analyze your behavior and question those actions that you do not understand. Fear and guilt are sure signals that you need to investigate unconscious blockages and make adjustments in the way you are living and handling issues.

Saturn in the 12th can also show strong obligations that cannot be avoided, or the need to become responsible for someone less fortu¬nate. Couples with newborn babies and children with elderly parents to care for frequently have this placement. Family members in need must be cared for, but friends in trouble or those less fortunate can also be the object of your concern. The need to behave in a responsible manner includes the desire to care for someone who is unable to be responsible for him or herself or needs to be saved from a difficult situation. Occasionally, the person you are most concerned about is hospitalized during the year. The need to care and the need to face a fear are usually intertwined in some way. Sometimes, the person you care most for is the person you fear. If so, by giving, you receive; by protecting, you become less vulnerable; by reaching out, you cross the bridge from fear to understanding.

If Saturn is in the 12th house but close to the Ascendant, tasks and responsibilities will tend to become stronger and more visible as Saturn crosses the Ascendant by transit and moves into the 1st house.

Natal Saturn on the SR 1st House cusp

The 1st house (Ascendant) pertains to all of your efforts; the manner in which you come across to others; your immediate surroundings, and how you tend to conduct yourself, or present yourself to others. This deals with your health, your basic energy level, and in general, describes how you see your year - the "umbrella" of the year. It describes what you desire of yourself and for yourself this year.

This signifies the area in which you are likely to experience many obligations and commitments to others; areas of great responsibility, demands, and consequent seriousness. Much work, self-discipline and control are required in the matters in this area, and without proper attention, these matters could very well prove to be burdensome and the cause of both delays and personal disappointments. If handled properly, then you may establish the foundations of a long-term cycle. It can also represent the beginning of a long, beneficial relationship in this area of your life. But if patience, self-control and discipline are not exercised here, then much frustration may be encountered due to set backs and delays in the realization of your goals. Furthermore, friendships may prove to be burdensome rather than helpful in pursuits involving this area of life. It is also possible that matters from the past come back into your life here. Dealings with older people and those in positions of authority, and activities involving government or law enforcement agencies could also arise if they pertain to this area of life. Remember to be totally accountable in these areas. There are no magical qualities about the conditions ruled by this set up. This area is reality, and as such, may represent losses or setbacks if not handled responsibly. The qualities you tend to exhibit in this area are serious, studious, goal-oriented, responsible, but perhaps pessimistic, critical, and judgmental.

Natal Saturn on the SR 2nd House cusp

The 2nd house pertains to your money, income, savings, and new possessions.

Natal Saturn on the SR 3rd House cusp

The 3rd house pertains to your mental state and intellectual ideas; communications; automobiles and computers - or anything that assists in communications; neighbors, brothers and sisters; your writings and correspondences.

Natal Saturn on the SR 4th House cusp

The 4th house (I.C.) pertains to your home and your family; also your basic needs, your inner self, the "real you." This has to do with your domestic setting, the people you live with, and your parents.

Natal Saturn on the SR 5th House cusp

The 5th house pertains to your lovers, children, and people you socialize with (i.e. party with). It also has to do with speculative ventures and pursuits of fun and entertainment. It also rules creative pursuits, but mostly it has to do with your capacity for enjoyment of life and relationships with children.

Natal Saturn on the SR 6th House cusp

The 6th house pertains to your health and work setting. Regarding work, it deals with "how" you work and with whom you work, and who works for you or with you.

Natal Saturn on the SR 7th House cusp

The 7th house (Descendant) pertains to your marriage and partnerships (including business); it also pertains to others who represent or misrepresent you (lawyers, spokespersons, open enemies).

Natal Saturn on the SR 8th House cusp

The 8th house pertains to your dealings with taxes, insurance, estate and death matters, and also sexual issues. It may describe the nature of threats you encounter during the year, but if positive, may also describe gifts, loans, scholarships, grants, etc. It describes the nature of one's research or investigative pursuits. It may also indicate conflicts between obligations to others versus work which one wishes to pursue.

Natal Saturn on the SR 9th House cusp

The 9th house pertains to your long distance travels, legal decisions, publishing, and educational pursuits, as well as in-laws and second marriage, if it applies. It also deals with philosophical matters like religion and "the meaning life".

Natal Saturn on the SR 10th House cusp

Natal Saturn on the SR 11th House cusp

Natal Saturn on the SR 12th House cusp

The 12th house pertains to your dealings behind the scenes, or the behind-the-scenes-dealings which effect you; hospitals, prisons, jails, places of confinement; your "fantasy" world; places of reclusion; your secrets and private world.

SR Saturn in the SR 1st House