Saturn in Pisces

Judith’s reflections on this current transit

April 2023

Copyright © by Judith Hill, 2023

The recent March 7th ingress of Saturn into Pisces elucidates our interest. Let’s unpack how the peculiar nature of this “binding” planet influences the full human being when tenanting this notoriously diffusive sign.

Saturn’s cold and drying ray is “astringent.” This means that “he” - (my pronoun choice) - pulls energy inward, towards center. This forces out moisture. This manner of “drying” differs sharply from that of Saturn’s fellow drying planet Mars - who being hot, boils off moisture! Saturn’s nature resembles that of granite or rock. Therefore, in Saturn’s case, we exchange the old term “cold and drying” for “cold and astringent.” This later term is ideally descriptive of Saturn’s actions.

In the body, Saturn governs all tightening, limiting and hardening processes. Thus, he governs the bones (co-ruling the right ear, gall bladder, teeth). His function maintains physical homeostasis, while conferring stamina, constancy, and bodily strength upon his natives. 

He also focuses and sobers up the mind - being our primary planetary significator for scholars, scientists, judges, and architects. Saturn is a preeminently practical planet too – governing the Earth, farmers, and horticulture. 

Saturn - or Chronos - rules many additional body parts, vocations, and items. However, this article addresses primarily his cold and astringent properties.  So, how might “cold astringency” influence us, as Saturn tours the house of wet, cold, and sleepy Pisces?

Saturn in Pisces is an anomaly. This sign dissolves form, opposing physical and mental astringency. Think of an ocean! Ever changing, accepting, and dissolving all things, Pisces is the proverbial sign of “no boundaries”, and “universal feeling.”  Being notably porous to astral world influences, Pisces is not quite of this earthly plane. Conversely, Saturn is hard, stiff, demanding, realistic, and the maintainer of boundaries. We might say that Saturn is hard on Pisces, while Pisces’ loose nature confounds Saturn!

We can study these affects upon all levels of being, or globally: as upon the weather or human societies. Let us begin with Saturn’s possible physical, mental, and spiritual affects in our lives. Please note that these are only my personal thoughts construed from today’s brief contemplation. This tiny article is hardly inclusive of all possible interpretations. Veritably, the influence of Saturn-in-Pisces will be unique to each reader.

For starters, Pisces governs the lymphatic system, ECM, feet, and strongly influences the fascia. Physically, Saturn’s ray encourages a slowing, and hardening influence on these functions and parts. Hypothetically, this influence could signal increased lymphatic stagnation for those so prone. However, for those with excessively lax lymphatic function, Saturn might lend a hand by toning this function! As said, Pisces also governs the feet. Here we could see quite opposite affects in those prone. In some, Saturn might well increase tendencies for corns, calluses, cracked heels, brittle nails, and bone spurs.

Conversely, Pisces might produce a dissolving influence on Saturn’s mineralizing function - manifesting as weakening feet, bone shifting, spasm, and foot fatigue. It’s now an apt time to consider one’s footwear as contributive to problems higher up the skeletal chain!  We might also be alert to potential mineral leaching and bone loss.

Pisces deals Saturn a conundrum regarding minerals, calcium in particular! Do minerals wash away, failing to absorb? Or do they accrete into spurs, gallstones, or kidney gravel? It seems wise to remain alert for either mineral deficiencies or excesses. Saturn’s traditional metal is lead, so heavy metals should likewise be monitored, especially in the water, or ocean (Pisces is a water sign).

Saturn’s effect on the mind is demonstrable in Pisces. A cold, astringent planet in this cold, moist, winter sign is experienced by some as hopelessly depressive.  Some may temporarily feel that joy has abandoned them. Traditionally, one would use antipathetic treatment.

Saturn’s traditional cosmic color ray is violet, though he also governs the absence of all light (darkness). The signs Leo and Cancer are governed by “The Lights”, (Sun and Moon). These two signs stand opposite on the Zodiac wheel to Saturn’s two home signs Aquarius and Capricorn). This symbolism suggests the usefulness of sunlight for “Saturnian depression.”

Light therapy, warm colors, warming food and spices, exercise, and uplifting brass music might be “traditional” approaches. Edward Bach discovered that the intensely yellow Mustard flower essence was quite useful for states of intensive gloom.

Positively, Saturn-in-Pisces is excellent for research work of all kinds, intensive spiritual study, and solitude, though it can certainly exacerbate loneliness. Sleep suffers because Saturn’s nature is weighted in waking consciousness while Pisces governs sleep.   

However, his focus assists us with greater discipline over our mental vagaries while providing a deeper self-understanding. For instance, his influence in this sign may make it easier to finally quit smoking!

His effects on vocation, marriage, money, etc. are not discussed here, being the province of a personal chart assessment. For those interested in Saturn’s rulerships, I’ve included him and all planets and nodes in the new wall chart Planetary Rulerships & Correlations Chart, available at https://AstrologyWallCharts.com

Saturn-in-Pisces offers us an ideal time for spiritual and psychological self-knowledge. He strengthens boundaries where we normally can’t say “no.” 

The spiritual effect of this transit can be used in a positive or negative manner. Positively, Saturn’s ray in this sign assists spiritual realism and disciplined spiritual practice.  Some say that Pisces governs what we call “faith.” If so, Saturn will test our faith in this sign for approximately two and a half years. During his sojourn, we become more realistic about our hopes and beliefs. Once one’s inner spiritual knowledge passes Saturn’s tests, it will only deepen.

Research is perhaps one of the main interests that this cold planet and deep sign truly have in common! Both Saturn and Pisces are natural researchers. For those who enjoy research of any kind, this is your moment!

Pisces is an intensely “karmic” sign - often bringing back the currents of the past, involuntarily. The planet of karma, duty, and life’s realities knocks at the door of the sign that sometimes prefers to ignore earthly demands. Acceptance of one’s lot and working with what Saturn demands bring its good rewards! Work with Saturn in Pisces or he will force you to do so. Attempting to avoid and escape reality may only result in condensed pressures at this time. This is a fine time to work hard to clear the karmic ledger. Determine to partner with Saturn-in-Pisces and enjoy his stay in this spiritually oriented sign.

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