Print This Page

Sun Saturn Connections

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

In the early 1980s 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, 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 Sun Saturn connections, themes or analogies?

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

• Saturn in the 5th house
• the Sun in the 10th house
• the ruler of the 5th house in the 10th house
• the ruler of the 10th house in the 5th house
• the Sun in a close conjunction, square or opposition with Saturn (a very exact sextile or trine counts too but in a minor way)
• Saturn at the solstice point of the Sun
• the Sun in Capricorn
• Saturn in Leo

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

What do Sun Saturn connections signify?

The natal Sun above all represents our physical body and creative self-expression.

The Sun wants to shine, while Saturn sets boundaries, limits and, in that way, restrictions.

Hence, the Sun and Saturn are not too gentle a combo as the fiery radiating Sun gets blocked, even extinguished, by earthy and strict Saturn.

Forget about a spontaneous and playful nature here because what counts is responsibility (or better: taking responsibility).

Sun Saturn connections mark mature people who cannot live their creative self-expression to the full because of delays, interruptions, restrictions, work, duties, obligations and other "priorities."

Often, people with powerful Sun Saturn connections have it difficult to be themselves and they easily build a fence around them making them less accessible at first sight.

People with prominent Sun Saturn connections need to be busy, especially doing some dutiful work in society or a community.

They often have heart diseases because of the "blocked or held back heartfelt urges."

Not being able to follow one's heart may result in depression or some kind of melancholy also.

The behavior can be rigid at times and (physical and/or mental) over-strain is likely as well.

In matters of love and romance, this connection increases the odds of fertility issues and inhibitions to properly and naturally express "love and affection."

Desires and urges are often repressed behind a cool face and formalities.

Share