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Mars Saturn Connections

To understand the concept of Mars Saturn connections we first have to go back into the past for a moment.

In the early 80s a "new" approach of assessing major themes in a natal chart saw the light by the "invention" of the so-called "ZIP Code."

It was a method invented by Dr. Zipporah Dobyns (hence the name "ZIP Code") and further propagated by her daughter Maritha Pottenger, that made use of the so-called astrological alphabet.

The concept of the astrological alphabet is that astrology deals with twelve basic ways of being, twelve human drives and modes of operation that are all needed in this world.

These twelve sides of life are mirrored in the natal chart by a planet, a house and a sign.

So it is in the astrological alphabet that Mars, the 1st house and Aries all share the same principles (though they are NOT the same!).

Venus, the 2nd house and Taurus also share the same principles and this goes on for the other planets, signs and houses.

What the theory of the ZIP Code or astrological alphabet presents is that certain groups of planet/house/sign combinations share similar themes.

For example: Mars in Libra or Mars in the 7th house share the same principles. The 7th house is in mundane astrology a Libra house (whatever zodiac sign is on the cusp of the 7th house in the natal chart).

This system has been enhanced by German astrologers who developed their own system based on the same principles but they converted the signs and houses to their respective planetary rulers.

For example: Mars in Libra becomes a Mars/Venus theme because Venus always rules Libra. Mars in the 7th house too becomes a Mars/Venus theme because the 7th house is associated with Libra, which is ruled by Venus in mundane astrology.

Also, the ruler of the 1st house (in mundane astrology ruled by Mars because Mars always rules Aries and Aries is always the 1st sign in the natural order of the zodiac) in the 2nd house (in mundane astrology ruled by Venus as the ruler of Taurus) is another Venus-Mars analogy.

The more you find such analogies, affinities, themes or connections between two planets, the more this planetary combination becomes an important part of the natal chart and the life of the native.

To find out the connections or analogies between planets, we take especially into account:

• planets in zodiac signs
• planets in houses
• the aspects between planets (the tighter the stronger)
• the rulerships
• solstice points

Planets in houses are more important and powerful than the planets in the zodiac signs because they work on a more personal and individual level (we use the Topocentric house system which gives almost the same results as the Placidus house system).

When do we have Mars Saturn connections, affinities, themes or analogies?

In most cases, the following configurations are used (there are more though (!) but this would lead us too far and make it more complicated than necessary):

• Saturn in the 1st house
• Mars in the 10th house
• the ruler of the 1st house in the 10th house
• the ruler of the 10th house in the 1st house
• Mars in a close conjunction, square or opposition with Saturn (a tight sextile or trine counts too but in a minor way)
• Saturn at the solstice point of Mars
• Mars in Capricorn
• Saturn in Aries

When at least three of the above listed analogies or connections can be found in the natal chart, we have a very powerful Mars Saturn connection that will be felt and noticed in the character and life of the native.

What do Mars Saturn connections signify?

Mars and Saturn are actually opposites because Mars represents the unrestricted primal instinctive urges and impulses while Saturn represents the restricting boundaries and higher consciousness that suggest a more cautious and strategic attitude.

Both planets combined together act like driving with the brakes on.

In essence, this combo is still forward-moving, pushing through albeit with difficulties, objections, oppression, restrictions, etc.

There is always some kind of resistance to tackle and people with powerful Mars Saturn connections can hardly ever reach anything without being criticized and held back either by others or by regulations or...

This connection is quite rigid, a bit harsh and lacks compassionate feeling now and then.

People who have strong Mars Saturn affinities have learned to persevere and continue tenaciously, which may be perceived as tough but it's just part of what makes them strong.

Because Saturn rules stones, it does not surprise that many health issues have to do with the bones, back, teeth, calcification and stone-building.

Powerful Mars Saturn connections, above all, suggest living in a competitive environment which results in a performance-oriented attitude.

Many "achievers" and workaholics have this connection in their natal chart.

Such natives have the impression that they always have to fight their way through anything and that the environment is more a burden that blocks their instinctive drives.

Such people have to learn to cope with and overcome obstacles, regulations, delays.

When this connection is very powerful, the outer environment may find such natives "difficult" or even disturbing because of the stress and tension they "radiate."

Relaxation is not easy for people with very powerful Mars Saturn affinities, but it is still critical to bring more balance to their life.

Otherwise, health issues will pop up.

According to the research conducted by Fred Opmeer, M.D., from the Netherlands, Mars Saturn connections are linked to people who:

• have an iron discipline
• prefer dogs (above other small or domestic animals)
• above average have a job/interest in the armed forces (the military or police) or a job where wearing a uniform is mandatory
• love marching music
• have issues with the bones, one way or the other (breaking some bones, for example)

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