Saturn is the Guardian of the Threshold between the Material and the Spiritual worlds, the gateway between eternity and the realm of time and space. The most distant and slowest moving of the visible planets, Saturn is where the Descent into Matter begins. It is the planet of Restriction and Inhibition. As the Lord of Order, Self-Knowledge, and Discipline, Saturn can be a Severe Taskmaster. It governs all Condensing, Crystalizing, and Hardening Processes, ruling the Skeleton and Aging.
*Symbolism*
In conventional symbolism, Saturn is presented as the Skeletal figure of Daath or Old Father Time with his Scythe, mercilessly cutting down the old, useless, or unworthy.
Alchemically, Saturn represents the process of calcination, when all impurities are burned off in the purifying fire.
The terrifying Kali aspect of Saturn can precipitate the initiation of the Nadir, the terrible turmoil that ends only when we abandon vanity and falseness and commit ourselves to the Path of Return.
The payoff for the person who survives this ordeal is the energizing of the base Chakra, Muladhara, and the awakening of Kundalini, the serpent power coiled around the base of the spine.
The person then becomes as initiate through accomplishing this first stage of the Great Work.
*Correspondances*
Principles: inhibition, concentration
Element: Earth
Colors: iridescent black, purple
Day: Saturday
Polarity: yin
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Numbers: 3, 32
Tarot Cards: the World, the Threes
Sephirah: Binah (understanding)
Chakra: Muladhara (feet)
Metal: Lead
Alchemical Process: calcination
Deities: Cronos, Ceridwen, Kali
Archangel: Cassiel
Angel: Oriphiel
Planetary Intelligence: Agiel
Planetary Spirit: Zazel
Creatures: tortoise, beaver, vole, crow, ant, termite
Stones: onyx, jet, diamond, obsidian, black coral
Incense: myrrh, spikenard, harmal, copal, aloe
Trees: beech, holly, poplar, Scotch pine, yew
Healing plants: equisetum, comfrey, heartsease, red root, uva ursi
Body parts: bone structure, teeth, tendons, joints, spleen
Body Functions: all hardening and aging processes
Mental Function: long-term memory
Malfunctions: rheumatism, depression, lethargy, aging
Virtues: descipline, sincerity, humilty, perseverance, acceptance, wisdom
Vices: melancholy, crankiness, distrust, isolation, inflexibilty, meanness
Keyword: Saturnine
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